SALISBURY, MD — Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano is issuing a public statement to clarify recent developments surrounding the State of Maryland’s acquisition of land for the future Wetipquin Creek State Park and to address misinformation circulating within the community.
The establishment of Wetipquin Creek State Park marks a historic milestone for Wicomico County. Upon completion, it will become the county’s first state park, offering new opportunities for recreation, conservation, and community enrichment.
“This project is entirely a State of Maryland initiative,” said County Executive Giordano. “It has no affiliation with Wicomico County Government or with my office.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently approved the $3.3 million purchase of approximately 445 acres from Mr. Donald Graham, including the historic Long Hill estate, as part of the state’s ongoing strategic investment in public lands.
County Executive Giordano attended the Maryland Board of Public Works meeting virtually, but emphasized that this meeting served only as a procedural formality. “The deal between the state and Mr. Graham had already been finalized. Wicomico County played no role in the negotiation, approval, or funding of this transaction,” she stated.
The property, long held by the Graham family, holds deep historical value. Upon inheriting the land, Mr. Graham personally invested thousands of dollars to restore the plantation house and construct additional buildings in authentic Revolutionary-era style, preserving the site’s cultural legacy. As a matter of principle, private property owners maintain full rights over their land, including the right to sell or develop it. “The county has absolutely no say in such private decisions,” said Giordano.
The future state park will include:
The historic Long Hill house
Diverse and ecologically unique landscapes
A mission to preserve natural resources, celebrate local heritage, and promote outdoor recreation
Recent posts on social media and local blogs have spread inaccurate claims regarding the county’s involvement in the project. “Let me be clear: the funding and oversight for this acquisition are entirely under the jurisdiction of the State of Maryland,” said Giordano.
Residents are encouraged to seek out reliable sources and official communications for accurate information on this and other public initiatives.
PUBLISHERS NOTES: I find it interesting how we delivered evidence, documented official information from concerned taxpayers and now we are just a blog. Then let me ask, what is Earl Campbell, a reliable source?
Sure, the financial end of this involved the state. However, the County Executive made claim she knew nothing about the project and she lied, again. Even the County Council stated very clearly they knew NOTHING about this project including the lack of any heads up from the Executives Office.
Twist it all you like with words, the public is on to the BS. One has to wonder, is she a Republican or another party that lies ALL THE TKIME and twists words enough to completely mislead the public till many actually believe the lies. Sounds a lot like the lying party out there. Remember, what we put out there was documented.