# Natural Resources (GNR)

## Title 5. Forests and Parks

### Subtitle 9D. Greenspace Equity Program

#### Section 5-9D-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Board" means the Greenspace Equity Advisory Board.

(c)

  (1) "Community greenspace" means a community space that enhances the public health and livability of an overburdened community or an underserved community.

  (2) "Community greenspace" includes:

    (i) A community garden;

    (ii) A community gathering open space area;

    (iii) A community woodland;

    (iv) A green network;

    (v) A park;

    (vi) A trail; and

    (vii) An urban farm.

(d) "Eligible applicant" means:

  (1) A land trust or nongovernmental organization located or working in an overburdened community or an underserved community where a project is proposed to be implemented; or

  (2) A county or municipality.

(e) "Green network" means a system of greenspaces that are interconnected by linear corridors that facilitate the movement of people and wildlife.

(f) "Land acquisition" means:

  (1) The fee simple acquisition of real property; or

  (2) The acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement.

(g) "Land trust" means an organization that:

  (1) Is a qualified organization under Sec. 170(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and any regulations adopted under that section;

  (2) Has executed a cooperative agreement with the Maryland Environmental Trust; or

  (3) Is an affordable housing land trust as defined in Sec. 14-501 of the Real Property Article.

(h) "Overburdened community" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article.

(i) "Program" means the Greenspace Equity Program.

(j)

  (1) "Stewardship" means activities undertaken on a project to:

    (i) Develop a property for public use; and

    (ii) Improve the conservation value of the property.

  (2) "Stewardship" does not include the operating expenses of a recipient of a grant under the Program.

(k) "Underserved community" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article.

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