Save Program Open Space
Editor:
Farmers and other landowners are profoundly disappointed to see that Maryland’s proposed 2015 budget eliminates any new funding for Program Open Space. Since 1969, this program has created state and local parks, preserved irreplaceable rare species, and protected farmland and historic sites.
We have significant need to protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Eastern Shore and Maryland’s coastal bays behind Ocean City and Assateague for both present and future generations. The state’s tourism trade rests squarely on the back of clean water. And few things protect water quality better than undeveloped land.
Residents of Maryland pay a half a percent real estate transfer tax specifically to allow landowners to voluntarily protect their land from future development. This year that transfer tax generated approximately $156 million dollars, but none of these funds will be applied to their intended purpose of land conservation. This violates the public trust.
Ironically, these draconian cuts to land conservation come after a Maryland State Parks Economic Impact and Visitor Study found that State Parks have a $650 million estimated annual economic benefit to local economies and the State. For every dollar the State invests, visitors spend $25.56 locally during their State Park visits.
These resources, both the parks and tourism revenues, are vital to our region. Likewise with every development right sold, the state is relieved of the future tax burden of cleaning up pollution caused by septic systems, impervious surfaces, and toxins.
While the proposed budget includes some bonds to pay back funds removed in previous years, funding for this program should be restored.
We think that giving farmers and other property owners the option of voluntarily selling development rights is a better way of protecting the environment than regulating them into oblivion. We hope that Members of the General Assembly can find a way to restore these funds in this year’s budget.
Dave Wilson
Berlin
(The writer is the executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.)
Donations Appreciated
Editor:
The Noel Community thanks everyone for the gloves, hats, and socks donated at our 12th Annual gLOVEs drive over the Valentine Day season. The gifts are appreciated by those who received your donations. The items will be distributed by local food pantries, low income day care facilities and other groups that provide social services to individuals and families in our area.
We are especially grateful to St. Luke’s and Holy Savior Catholic Churches, the Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, and to the Worcester County Library in Ocean Pines for hosting the collections. Together, we were able to warm the hearts and hands of our friends in need.
The Noel Community.