Chesapeake Conservancy supports Governor’s parks, open space budget

The Chesapeake Conservancy commended Governor Martin O'Malley for his commitment to fully fund Program Open Space, the state's main program for keeping Maryland's working lands working and creating public access to outdoor recreation, and his plan to invest nearly $23 million in the state's parks.

The Governor's 2013 Capital Budget includes $115.3 million for programs that will conserve approximately 12,200 acres of farms and forests through the Rural Legacy, Program Open Space, and agricultural conservation programs and provide local governments funding to conserve land and develop outdoor recreation facilities.

The budget also includes $22.7 million for capital improvements in the state's parks. The improvements will improve facilities for visitors, make parks greener, and reduce energy use. They are expected to support nearly 300 jobs.

"These are sound investments in Maryland's future that also provide jobs at a time when our economy needs them," said Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy.

Dunn noted that "open spaces provide ecosystem services and often possesses intangible values that are far beyond any calculation of monetary values. The beauty they add, the history they hold, the sense of place they convey are all invaluable. They also provide places to play, habitat for wildlife, ground water storage, climate moderation, flood control, storm damage prevention, and air and water pollution abatement. They attract people to sports and recreational pursuits that add millions to our economy - think of hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, paddling, hiking. And working landscapes-farms and forests-are the resource base for major industry for Maryland and directly and indirectly support thousands of people and add many millions to our economy. "
The state has estimated that the state's parks have a $650 million economic impact and are a major draw for tourists visiting the state.

In December, 2010, the Chesapeake Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Commission produced a report entitled "Conserving Chesapeake Landscapes" which highlighted Maryland's Program Open Space and the continued critical need for its dedicated land conservation funds. It also noted the economic and water quality benefits of land conservation and how "in these difficult fiscal times, political leaders may be tempted to reduce or redirect conservation funding for other purposes." The report noted that diverting funds would be short sighted, given that studies show a 10 to 1 return on investment in conservation spending.

"We commend the Governor for including in his budget these important investments in our future and encourage the legislature to approve them," Dunn said.

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