Prince George's County Cemetery Ownership Study

Abstract

Through their work with the National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland (UMD), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) commissioned this report from the University’s Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS). PALS works with local jurisdictions throughout Maryland to identify projects and problems that can be taught through university courses where students focus on developing innovative, research-based solutions. Historic Preservation graduate students conducted a research study for Prince George’s County, Planning Department. The purpose of this project involved providing Prince George’s County Planning Department with best practices and recommendations on how to establish ownership for unmaintained cemeteries and develop a plan for maintenance and perpetual care of these cemeteries. The project goal includes two phases; the first phase encompasses a case study and policy analysis of local and state government practices for establishing ownership and preservation plans for unmaintained cemeteries while the second phase builds recommendations and a plan of action for selected cemeteries in Prince George’s County.