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The Technical Work Group identified parkland acquisition as
a critical component of long-term protection for the Paint Branch. While parkland
provides the highest level of protection, it is also the most expensive form of
protection. Consequently, parkland acquisition was reserved for only the most
critical areas needing protection.
In 1995 the Montgomery County Council approved a Limited Master Plan Amendment
significantly expanding parkland in the Good Hope and Gum Springs
sub-watersheds, the most important spawning and nursery tributaries for the
wild brown trout population. This new parkland provides riparian buffers,
protects groundwater recharge areas and other natural features, and preserves
natural habitat.
Since January 1996, over 372 acres of new parkland have been purchased or put under
contract by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, at a
cost of $14.5 million. Approximately half of this funding is from the State of
Maryland, with the remainder from local government. The Technical Work Group
also recommended similar parkland acquisitions in the Left Fork, Right Fork,
and Main Stem sub-watersheds for the purpose of environmental protection.
While significant parkland acquisition has been made in the Good Hope and Gum Springs
sub-watersheds, only a fraction of the recommended parkland acquisitions in the
Left and Right Fork sub-watersheds have been made.
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