Section 5-1501 – Established
There is a Heritage Conservation Fund in the Department.
Section 5-1502 – Purposes of Fund
The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in: (1) Forestlands; (2) Unique ecological areas of the State; (3) Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty; (4) Tidal or nontidal wetlands; (5) Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8-1807 of […]
Section 5-1503 – Acquisition of Conservation Easements
(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; […]
Section 5-1504 – Management of Land or Interest in Land Acquired
(a) The Department shall manage land or interests in land acquired under this subtitle to ensure: (1) The continued existence of any unique ecological features; (2) The continued survival of any rare, threatened, or endangered plant or animal; (3) The protection of forestlands and wetlands, although timber harvesting may be allowed under an approved forest conservation plan; and (4) The […]
Section 5-1505 – Sources of Appropriations for Fund; Use of Money
(a) Appropriations for the Heritage Conservation Fund may be provided from: (1) Special bond authorization; (2) General funds of the State; and (3) Other sources. (b) Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.
Section 5-1506 – Approval of Acquisition by Board of Public Works
The Board of Public Works shall approve each acquisition of a conservation easement or a fee simple or other interest in property proposed by the Department under this subtitle.