# Natural Resources (GNR)

## Title 1. Department of Natural Resources

### Subtitle 4. General Provisions

#### Section 1-408

(a) In this section, "community participation" includes:

  (1) Facilitating, hosting, or attending community meetings;

  (2) Providing community perspectives throughout project planning and development; and

  (3) Serving as a dedicated project partner or community liaison.

(b) The Department shall facilitate community participation in project planning and development to ensure:

  (1) Equitable participation; and

  (2) That community perspectives, goals, and needs are meaningfully informing project development.

(c)

  (1) The Department may enter into contractual agreements with other State agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to promote and enhance community participation in project planning and development.

  (2) A contractual agreement entered into under paragraph (1) of this subsection:

    (i) May allow for other State agencies, local governments, or nonprofit organizations to provide compensation to individuals for community participation in project planning and development; and

    (ii) Shall specify the terms of any grant or payment to be received.

---

Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)