Title 5. Forests and Parks — Subtitle 15. Heritage Conservation Fund

Forestlands;

Unique ecological areas of the State;

Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;

Tidal or nontidal wetlands;

Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8–1807 of this article;

Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;

Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;

Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;

Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;

Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat;

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

Lands that can be used by the general public for hunting.

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

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:

The Department annually shall consult with the counties of the State:

The Department shall manage land or interests in land acquired under this subtitle to ensure:

To the extent compatible with the management requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the Department may permit recreational opportunities, including access to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries:

Appropriations for the Heritage Conservation Fund may be provided from:

Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.