{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-1502","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Natural Resources § 5–1502","heading":"","body":"The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:\n(1) Forestlands;\n(2) Unique ecological areas of the State;\n(3) Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;\n(4) Tidal or nontidal wetlands;\n(5) Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8–1807 of this article;\n(6) Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;\n(7) Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;\n(8) Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;\n(9) Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;\n(10) Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat;\n(11) 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\n(12) Lands that can be used by the general public for hunting.","path":["Article - Natural Resources"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr\u0026section=5-1502","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T20:00:08Z","sha256":"77b3574211b2a52466b2d5f15d9c041bcb1d5437acf06e747a6a4021e5ef064d","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-1501","next":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-1503"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}