ACLT’s Executive Director Receives 2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award

ACLT is very pleased to announce that Executive Director Greg Bowen has been awarded the 2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award in the Leadership Category from the Maryland Department of Planning! Watch this short video documenting Greg’s achievements in advocating for land preservation and sustainable growth throughout his lifetime.

According to a Md. Dept. of Planning press release: “The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives throughout the state.

“These awards recognize people and projects from across Maryland that bring creativity, innovation, and passion to our communities,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our administration is proud to honor and celebrate their commitment to helping change Maryland for the better.”

The 10 winners are individuals and organizations that demonstrate their commitment to sustainable growth – development or redevelopment that is compact, walkable, and takes advantage of existing infrastructure while preserving the rural landscape – in Maryland.

“Resourcefulness, innovation, and creativity are all part of what makes Maryland a leader in cultural preservation, community and economic development, and environmental stewardship,” said Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Robert McCord. “I congratulate all of the winners for their efforts that not only demonstrate how we should look at the built and the natural environment, they help to revitalize and improve the quality of life in their communities.”

The 2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards in Leadership:

These awards are for activities or accomplishments that advance public appreciation, understanding or involvement in promoting smart growth and sustainable communities at the state, regional, or local level.

Greg Bowen – Greg Bowen’s dedication to his home and his community, the practice of planning, and to land preservation in southern Maryland and throughout the state, defines a 40-plus-year career that continues not far from where it started. He has been a steadfast advocate for land use, preservation, and sustainability, leading the way for many projects and ideas that have benefitted Maryland’s agriculture and forestry community.

In accepting the award, Greg thanks ACLT Charter Member Randi Vogt, currently an ACLT Board member, for coming up with the idea of using Transferrable Development Rights to direct growth away from valuable farm and forestland, and credits the leadership of the late Senator Bernie Fowler and Delegate Tom Rymer for shepherding Calvert County’s land preservation program through to adoption by the State. Randi’s idea blossomed into one of the nation’s first Agricultural Preservation Programs, permanently preserving thousands of acres of land since its inception in the early 1970’s.

“I am thrilled to have had the chance to see an idea form,

to help imagine how it would work,

and then to work with many others to turn it into success

over my lifetime.” – Greg Bowen

Greg is also grateful to the many farmers who participated in the Ag Preservation Program, County Commissioners who supported sustainable growth, and Planning and Zoning staff who implemented the programs. Finally, Greg thanks the ACLT Board of Directors for giving him his “dream job” and to staff and volunteers “who make miracles happen regularly”.