Frequently Asked Questions - Proposal to establish Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR Final

The Service proposes to create a new Refuge to be named the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge would consist of four watershed-based units in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties: the Lower Patuxent - Calvert Unit, Nanjemoy - Mattawoman Unit, Zekiah – Wicomico Unit, and McIntosh Run - St. Mary’s Unit.  The total area encompassed by the proposed Refuge acquisition boundary is approximately 577,420 acres, of which the Service could acquire a maximum of 40,000 in fee-title acquisitions or conservation easements from willing sellers. Within the remaining acreage, or Conservation Partnership Area, the Service will make a concerted effort to apply Coastal Program and Partners for Fish and Wildlife funding and staffing resources, and coordinate and pool funds and other resources with the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance and other partners to implement on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects.