The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:
(1) Forestlands;
(2) Unique ecological areas of the State;
(3) Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;
(4) Tidal or nontidal wetlands;
(5) Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8-1807 of this article;
(6) Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;
(7) Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;
(8) Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;
(9) Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;
(10) Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat;
(11) Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and
(12) Lands that can be used by the general public for hunting.
Credits
Added by Acts 1986, c. 847, § 1, eff. July 1, 1986. Amended by Acts 2023, c. 543, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 544, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.
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.
