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§ 5-1503. Acquisition of conservation easements

MD Nat Res Code § 5-1503 (2019) (N/A)
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(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.

(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.

(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.

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§ 5-1502. Purposes of Fund
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§ 5-1504. Management of land or interest in land acquired