Preservation Maryland has collaborated with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for several years on projects focused on restoring vital historic assets under the department’s care, and we understand the challenges the agency faces. In 2021 we advocated for the passage of the Great Maryland Outdoors Act, and are now in full supportive of HB717 being introduced this session by the Moore-Miller Administration.
What Would This Legislation Accomplish?
The legislation would address several challenges which the Department of Natural Resources is currently confronting, including:
- ACTIVATE & CARE FOR PUBLIC LANDS: Providing unused, existing funds on an annual basis to support stewardship, maintenance, and operation of state public lands and parks. Specifically, if the department finishes a fiscal year with over $80M in unspent program open space stateside acquisition funding, the amount exceeding $80M would be transferred to support stewardship & operations.
- INCREASE PRIVATE SUPPORT: The legislation enables the department to enter into agreements with foundations for the various public land units with a focus on increasing private support for state lands, stewardship, operation, and enhancements.
- FLEXIBILITY WITH LOCAL PARK DOLLARS: Just like the state, counties and municipalities need to make local parks accessible. Once a county hits its land protection goals, this legislation allows for local side Program Open Space to be used on park improvements, care, and maintenance.
- PLAN FOR FUTURE WORKFORCE NEEDS: Instead of buying land and worrying about how to staff it later, this bill will require the department and DBM to determine necessary staffing levels at the outset – so Marylanders enjoy the benefit of a well-maintained and appropriately staffed park – from rangers to lifeguards.
Why is this Bill Necessary Now?
- The Great Maryland Outdoors Act (GMOA) was a down payment on the needs of our public lands and parks. This legislation takes the next step – and makes certain DNR can care for parks operations, improvements, and lands well into the next decade.
- Lack of park stewardship and maintenance dollars is threatening historic resources throughout the system. From stone forts to enslaved quarters, the need is significant and growing more costly as projects are deferred.
- This bill keeps Program Open Space dollars investing in open space without continually expanding the landholdings of the system. During difficult economic times, we must care for what we own in equal proportion to what we acquire.
- Park foundations are a proven method of increasing private support. The National Park Foundation has raised over $1B for national parks in its latest capital campaign.