Section 5-1503 - Acquisition of conservation easements. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-1503. Acquisition of conservation easements.
 

(a)  Authority of Department.- The Department may acquire a conservation easement or a fee simple or other interest in any land described under § 5-1502 of this subtitle. 

(b)  Establishment of criteria.- 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. 

(c)  Consultation with counties.- 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. 
 

[1986, ch. 847.]