During a recent meeting of the Caroline County Burial Sites Preservation Board, members discussed ongoing concerns regarding a local cemetery that has faced significant neglect and potential violations of preservation laws. The meeting, held on July 21, 2025, highlighted the board's efforts to address the situation surrounding a burial site on Cedar Lane, where a headstone was discovered and subsequently seized by the sheriff's department.

The board members expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the property owner, who allegedly cut down trees covering the gravesite, raising concerns about the preservation of the cemetery. The discussions revealed that while the sheriff's department had taken action to protect the headstone, there were no charges filed against the property owner due to insufficient evidence of intentional wrongdoing.

Key to the board's efforts is the need for the property owner to formally notify the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) about the burial site, as required by state law. The board emphasized the importance of restoring the cemetery to a respectful condition and discussed the possibility of recommending that the sheriff's department be allowed to return the headstone to its rightful place.

As the meeting progressed, members acknowledged the limitations of their authority, noting that they could only make recommendations rather than enforce actions. They agreed to revisit the matter in a future meeting, where they could formally discuss and vote on the next steps, including the potential for further communication with the property owner.

The board's commitment to preserving the cemetery reflects a broader goal of safeguarding local heritage and ensuring that burial sites are treated with the dignity they deserve. As discussions continue, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that honors the memory of those laid to rest in the cemetery.