Home Table of Contents

§ 5-1503. Acquisition of conservation easements

West's Annotated Code of MarylandNatural Resources

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Natural Resources
Title 5. Forests and Parks (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 15. Heritage Conservation Fund (Refs & Annos)
MD Code, Natural Resources, § 5-1503
§ 5-1503. Acquisition of conservation easements
Currentness
In general
(a) The Department may acquire a conservation easement or a fee simple or other interest in any land described under § 5-1502 of this subtitle.
Criteria for acquisition
(b) The Department shall establish criteria for acquisition of conservation easements and of fee simple and other interests in lands, including a priority system that considers:
(1) The ecological uniqueness of the land;
(2) The presence of rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals or diverse communities of plants or animals;
(3) The threat to the land by development;
(4) Whether the land is in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area;
(5) Whether development of the land will adversely impact water quality or unique natural habitat;
(6) Whether a natural area has been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as an area of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and
(7) Whether the land is forestland, nontidal wetlands, or tidal wetlands.
Consultation with counties of the State
(c) The Department annually shall consult with the counties of the State:
(1) For suggested acquisition of lands; and
(2) To coordinate the acquisition projects under this subtitle.

Credits

Added by Acts 1986, c. 847, § 1, eff. July 1, 1986.
MD Code, Natural Resources, § 5-1503, MD NAT RES § 5-1503
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
End of Document