NASA Transfers Maryland Woodland to US Fish and Wildlife Service

NASA has completed the ceremonial handover of a piece of land called Area 400, located adjacent to its Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The area is now part of the Patuxent Research Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The 103-acre plot was previously used by NASA for propellant research. As those research activities were moved to other facilities and partners, the land was slated for sale. However, due to its proximity to the refuge, the Fish and Wildlife Service began discussions with NASA about a possible transfer in 2021. Concerns about the fate of this land had been voiced as early as 2022 by environmental advocates and some government agencies, who feared the consequences of selling it to a developer. The Patuxent Research Refuge was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936 and spans 13,000 acres. It is the only U.S. wildlife refuge created specifically for scientific study. The refuge supports wildlife conservation and also offers recreational opportunities for visitors. Jamie Dunn, director of NASA's Goddard Center, expressed satisfaction in handing over the land to the Fish and Wildlife Service, noting that their conservation and research efforts are vital for preserving the planet for future generations.