In a move to expand outdoor recreational opportunities in Western Maryland, the Board of Public Works approved the purchase of the Savage River Lodge property, a 42-acre parcel nestled within Garrett County’s Savage River State Forest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been given the green light to acquire the property from Russell-Dreisbach LLC for nearly $9 million.
“Bringing the Savage River Lodge property into public ownership will bolster Maryland’s leadership in conservation and provide better access to the great outdoors for all Marylanders,” Governor Wes Moore said in a press release. “This is an opportunity to invite more people to visit one of our state’s truly beautiful regions and protect this land for generations to come.”
This purchase also aligns with the DNR’s land acquisition strategy, which focuses on preserving “large open spaces and smaller parcels adjacent to existing public lands.”
Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz highlighted the acquisition as a response to the demand for overnight accommodations in Mountain Maryland. He stated, “We’re always looking for new opportunities to expand access to scenic natural areas in Maryland for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.”
“Savage River Lodge and the surrounding property enables us to address the significant public demand for cabins, yurts, and camping locations in beautiful Mountain Maryland as well as acquire a property that is surrounded by existing state forest land,” Kurtz added.
The addition of the lodge property is expected to enhance the state’s existing outdoor recreation amenities. Paul Peditto, assistant secretary for Land Resources at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, emphasized the dual benefits of this acquisition.
He said, “This beautiful, forested property will complement and expand our western region outdoor recreation portfolio and increase the availability of overnight accommodations in an area where they are frequently in high demand.”
The purchase will be funded through Program Open Space-Stateside special funds, which are derived from a portion of the state’s transfer tax.