GOVERNOR O’MALLEY LAUNCHES GREENPRINT, PROPOSES HISTORIC LAND CONSERVATION ACREAGE

Governor announces Rural Legacy Grants and proposes over 9,200 acres of conserved landscape

GreenPrint, Maryland’s new, interactive mapping tool designed to help the State, local governments, conservation organizations, and individual citizens guide land conservation and growth is now on-line.  First conceived under the Governor’s BayStat Initiative, GreenPrint is an innovative, first of its kind planning tool, and centerpiece of Maryland: Smart, Green & Growing, a multi-agency, statewide initiative to create a more sustainable future for Marylanders by linking community revitalization, transportation improvements, economic development, smart growth and natural resources restoration.

“We live in times of great possibility and progress,” said Governor O’Malley. “Using the latest technology and harnessing the achievable hope of our great State’s potential for a more sustainable, healthy environment and economy, we’ve designed GreenPrint to help escalate smart growth and maximize our resources.”

“GreenPrint will revolutionize the way we make our land use decisions by allowing us to work together as One Maryland, using our resources more efficiently and assessing our landscape on parcel, block, neighborhood, watershed and ecosystem levels,” continued the Governor.  “Accessible by every citizen, GreenPrint will help Marylanders take control of planning their communities’ and our State’s future.”

GreenPrint combines cutting edge technology with proven effective management principles Governor O’Malley implemented via StateStat and BayStat to achieve progress by setting goals and measuring success in addressing Maryland’s challenges – in this case, the challenges presented by the tremendous population growth projected for our State in the years ahead. Towson University‘s Center for Geographic Information Sciences played a pivotal role in developing GreenPrint with the State.

“GreenPrint is a strong, science-based tool for identifying the most important places to conserve in Maryland.  This tool ensures that state resources are wisely spent on our most important natural areas,” said Nat Williams, Director of The Nature Conservancy of Maryland/DC.

More than 150 conservation leaders and elected officials, including House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, joined Governor O’Malley for today’s historic announcements that included a proposal to acquire 9,242 acres of some of the most ecologically and historically significant forest, farm and shorelines in the State through Program Open Space, as well as the 2009 Rural Legacy grants.  Together, more than eighty percent of these lands lie within a high priority conservation or targeted ecological focus areas and exemplify the benefit of GreenPrint.  If approved by the Board of Public Works, these proposed acquisitions, will more than double the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s land conservation progress.

“Nothing less than a concerted conservation effort is needed to preserve valued state lands and ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment that benefits our communities,” stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. “Maryland has long been a leader in these efforts and today’s announcements mark important steps toward ensuring that future generations may experience and cherish the wonderful landscapes with which we have been blessed.  I particularly want to commend Governor O’Malley, Secretary Griffin, and the Conservation Fund, for their efforts to conserve nearly 3,500 acres of environmentally sensitive and historic lands along the Potomac River in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties and look forward to partnering on these and other efforts in the future.”

Under the program, the State Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hope to preserve the largest privately-owned forest parcel in the state. Located in the Nassawango Creek and Pocomoke River watersheds, the 4,769-acre Foster property borders the state’s certified sustainably-managed Pocomoke and Chesapeake State Forests, and received one of the highest ecological rankings to date under the Governor’s new Program Open Space targeting system.

“The Foster property is just such a priority, and its protection by the State, together with The Nature Conservancy’s holdings at our Nassawango Creek Preserve, will create an expansive natural gem that future generations of Marylanders will be able to enjoy for years to come,” added Williams.

The second acquisition, brokered by The Conservation Fund, will protect 4,473+ acres known as the Maryland Province properties in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Cecil Counties.  With 19+ miles of Potomac River waterfront and a majority of the land in continuous ownership since the early 1600s, the opportunity to safeguard wildlife habitat, forestland and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay on these ecologically and culturally significant properties may never arise again.  Captain John Smith, as well as Native American communities and early Catholic leaders, traveled or lived on these lands and waters. Conservation of the Province properties would increase public access to the Chesapeake Bay as well as offer unique historical and environmental education opportunities as three of the parcels will serve as integral parts of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

“The Conservation Fund is pleased to assist the State with the purchase of more than 4,000 acres of irreplaceable land — land rich in history that becomes a legacy for Maryland’s citizens,” said Bill Crouch, Maryland representative of The Conservation Fund. “This project illustrates the value of GreenPrint and the wisdom of protecting historically and ecologically significant land for Marylanders to experience and enjoy. We commend the Governor’s commitment to protecting our heritage, even in times when budgets are tight. He knows that opportunities like this one come along only once in forever.”

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin, who chairs the Rural Legacy Advisory Board, announced that 20 counties will receive a combined total of $13,460,700 in Rural Legacy grants to help preserve agricultural, forestry, natural and cultural resources.  (See chart linked below).  Under Gov. O’Malley’s BayStat Initiative, land conservation investments are targeted to protect the most ecologically valuable properties that most directly impact Chesapeake Bay and local waterway health.

“These Rural Legacy grants help local governments and land trusts preserve Maryland’s scenic working landscapes, support sustainable, natural-resourced based local businesses, protect greenways, and maintain the fabric of rural life,” said Secretary Griffin.

Enacted by the General Assembly in 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided more than $174.6 million to protect 60,882 acres of valuable farmland, forests, and natural areas. The 11-member Rural Legacy Advisory Committee and the Rural Legacy Board, which is comprised of Maryland’s Agriculture, Natural Resources and Planning Secretaries, reviews competitive grant applications annually.

Since taking office in January 2007, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made steady progress to restore the health of the Bay including the creation of BayStat, an innovative tracking and targeting tool, creation of the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund, passage landmark Clean Cars legislation, stringent power plant emission controls regulations, passage of new stormwater legislation, full funding of Program Open Space, update of the State’s Critical Areas Laws, creation of the Maryland Climate Change Commission; restoration of the Office of Smart Growth; and a leadership role in the creation of the first auction of greenhouse gas emission credits in America.

To access GreenPrint, visit http://www.greenprint.maryland.gov. Visit http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/download/greenprint/ for a fact sheet on the proposed Program Open Space acquisitions; resolution photos, maps, and aerial b-roll footage of the Province properties; and a county by county list of the FY 2009 Rural Legacy grants.

OVER 1,072 ACRES OF FOREST LAND ON EASTERN SHORE PRESERVED

Governor Martin O’Malley recently announced  Board of Public Works approval of preservation of over 1,072 acres of forest land on the Eastern Shore through stateside Program Open Space, including three sites that dramatically improve public access to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, a 3,000 mile waterway tracing the 17^th Century explorer’s travels through the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

“The conservation of these properties on the Eastern Shore will safeguard wildlife habitat, protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, and provide for sustainable forestry,” Governor O’Malley said. “In addition, they offer remarkable opportunities for our citizens to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of one of the region’s most important natural resources.”

The 11 properties in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties are high priority conservation acquisitions under Maryland’s new Program Open Space Stateside Targeting System. The ecologically based targeting approach was developed last year under Governor O’Malley’s BayStat I, nitiative to ensure the state is protecting the most strategically important landscapes to provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

The state will be purchasing the properties at below fair market value for $2.5 million, thanks to a $695,000 gift from The Conservation Fund.

“Preserving these properties safeguards wildlife habitat, protects the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, provides for sustainable forestry and allows water access for public recreation,” said Bill Crouch, Maryland Representative for The Conservation Fund.  “We are proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on this remarkable conservation opportunity that will benefit the people ─ and wildlife ─ of Maryland.”

“Conserving land and improving public access to the bay are high priorities of the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail,” said Charles Stek, chairman of the nonprofit group. “I commend the members and staff of the Board of Public Works and Department of Natural Resources for taking this important step to achieve those goals.”

The three properties adjacent to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail are:

McMichael Tract in Wicomico County; including more than 64 acres bordering Quantico Creek, which drains into the Quantico River. This section of Quantico Creek is fairly broad and deep and would be able to accommodate a variety of small crafts. Quantico is considered one of the prettiest creeks in Maryland. Furthermore, broad uplands in portions of the tract make this site suitable for primitive camping.

Evans Tract in Somerset County; more than 50 acres bordering Monie Creek, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay and has existing access for boats and kayaks and is suitable for primitive camping.

Lee-Jones Tract in Dorchester County; more than 57 acres straddling Corsey Creek, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay and is best suited for kayak and canoeing and primitive camping.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 8,807 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.  Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation areas.  The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

Pelican Census Finds Largest Number of Nesting Pairs in Bay’s History

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Holland Island, Md. — The recent colonial shorebird census compiled by the ryland Department of Natural Resources found 1,042 nesting brown pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis) pairs in the Chesapeake Bay, the largest number in recorded history.

“Pelicans are relatively new to the bay ecosystem, and not something that Captain John Smith would have seen during his historic explorations,” explained DNR biologist Dave Brinker. “Climate change – warmer weather and milder, shorter winters – may be encouraging pelicans to expand their northernmost Atlantic Coast habitat into the Chesapeake Bay.”

DNR biologist Dave Brinker discovered Maryland’s first-ever recorded nesting pair of brown pelicans 1987. Every summer since then, Brinker has lead teams of biologists and volunteers to band 95 percent (more than 18,000) of the pelican chicks raised in the bay’s isolated islands. From just five known nesting pairs in 1987, the number of brown pelican pairs in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay grew to 141 in 1999 and 1,042 in 2008.

Weighing just 8 to 10 pounds, a brown pelican’s 6 ½ foot to 7 ½ foot wingspan enables it to travel hundreds of miles every year. Brown pelicans from the mid-Atlantic population are believed to be the most migratory of the species, with Maryland as the northernmost state with successful nesting pairs. Brown pelicans arrive in the Chesapeake Bay to nest and breed beginning in mid-March. After spending the summer feeding on menhaden, shad and other fish, the migratory birds leave the Chesapeake for warmer winter weather in Florida and northern Central America.

“If you see pelicans, do not feed them,” urged Brinker. “Feeding pelicans and other migratory birds distracts them from their natural migration behavior, which can be deadly for pelicans.”

Last month, the Maryland Commission on Climate Change appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley released a Climate Action Plan that detailed the effects of global warming facing our state and recommended actions to protect Maryland’s people, land, and investments from rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. Under the O’Malley/Brown Administration, Maryland is reducing global warming pollution through: the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; the Clean Cars Act; EMPOWER Maryland; increasing Renewable Portfolio Standards; enacting living shorelines requirements; strengthening the Critical Areas Act to protect sensitive shorelines; adopting new green building standards for public buildings and investing in green technology for schools; transitioning the state’s fleet to hybrid buses; fully funding land conservation programs; improving mass transit options; and encouraging smart growth in BRAC development zones. For more information visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrnews/infocus/climatechange.html.