{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-1503","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Natural Resources § 5–1503","heading":"","body":"(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.\n(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:\n(1) The ecological uniqueness of the land;\n(2) The presence of rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals or diverse communities of plants or animals;\n(3) The threat to the land by development;\n(4) Whether the land is in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area;\n(5) Whether development of the land will adversely impact water quality or unique natural habitat;\n(6) Whether a natural area has been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as an area of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and\n(7) Whether the land is forestland, nontidal wetlands, or tidal wetlands.\n(c) The Department annually shall consult with the counties of the State:\n(1) For suggested acquisition of lands; and\n(2) To coordinate the acquisition projects under this subtitle.","path":["Article - Natural Resources"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr\u0026section=5-1503","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T20:00:08Z","sha256":"6f2913068fac250ea5ab5820610b3bb1fedcbf828583789841a9b5848aa8c8dc","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-1502","next":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-1504"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}