Lothian farm preserved

If the two pending settlements go through, the county will have secured five properties since last July totaling 592 acres, said Frank Marzucco, the county's director of recreation and parks.

"That's pretty impressive from where I'm sitting," Marzucco said.

The new deals would bring a total of 12,674 acres under protection in Anne Arundel County through various state and local programs. Over half of that total was locked up during the administration of Leopold's predecessor, Janet S. Owens.

George Perry, president of the Lothian Civic Association, said the county's efforts prevented what could have potentially been a 12-home development that would have stressed the already overburdened infrastructure in the area.

"We strongly support the energy the administration has been putting in with this and past efforts," Perry said. "I'm pleased to see [Leopold] is keeping his campaign promises."

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