NASA on Tuesday ceremonially transferred ownership of about 105 acres of forested land on the Greenbelt, Maryland, campus of the Goddard Space Flight Center to the adjacent Patuxent Research Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The property, formerly known as NASA Goddard Area 400, is now part of the largest block of
NASA on Tuesday ceremonially transferred ownership of about 105 acres of forested land on the Greenbelt, Maryland, campus of the Goddard Space Flight Center to the adjacent Patuxent Research Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The property, formerly known as NASA Goddard Area 400, is now part of the largest block of unfragmented forest between Washington and Baltimore. The nearly 13,000-acre forest is the only refuge in the country specifically established to support wildlife research. The refuge also supports recreational uses such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and hunting.
“For more than six decades, NASA Goddard has helped shape humanity’s understanding of Earth,” said Jamie Dunn, director of NASA’s Goddard center. “We are pleased to present this land to our colleagues at the Fish and Wildlife Service, whose conservation and research helps do the real legwork to preserve our Blue Marble for future generations.”
NASA’s Goddard had used Area 400 for propellant research beginning in the 1960s. That work has since largely moved to NASA facilities in other states or to commercial suppliers, and the property had long been a candidate for divestiture. NASA and the Service began discussing a possible transfer in 2021.
Before the transfer, Area 400 was still almost entirely forested, aside from a two-and-a-half-acre clearing with 11 small structures. The interagency transfer took effect on February 23 and NASA recently completed its final closure activities on the property, deconstructing the buildings, road and utilities.
“By working with partners to achieve the best use of land, as exemplified by this land transfer, we can continue to conserve America’s natural beauty and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations,” said Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Media Contacts:
Robert Garner
Head of News, Communications Office
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Keith Shannon
Regional Communications Leader – US Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region
US Department of the Interior
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