Maryland Department of Legislative Services' Recommendation Would Eliminate 100% of Funding for Land Preservation through 2029

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Annapolis, MD – Chesapeake Conservancy Interim President and CEO and Chief Operating Officer EJ Amyot issued this statement regarding a recommendation by Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services (DLS) to eliminate 100% of funding for land preservation programs through 2029.

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“As Maryland faces a projected $2.9 billion deficit, tough budget decisions lie ahead. In his 2025 State of the State Address, Governor Moore emphasized that 'investing in conservation, environmental protection, and the Great Maryland Outdoors isn’t just the responsible thing to do – it will also help grow our economy.’ His proposed budget reflected this commitment.

“However, this week, the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS) recommended eliminating 100% of funding for land preservation programs through 2029—a decision that would devastate Maryland’s land conservation, parks and greenspaces, heritage areas, public health, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.

“A real estate transfer tax of 0.5% provides dedicated revenue for these programs through Maryland's Program Open Space. This nationally acclaimed conservation program was created to ensure that, as Maryland developed more land, it would also set aside a portion for all the benefits of green space.

“Chesapeake Conservancy calls on the Maryland General Assembly to support Governor Moore’s budget for conservation and outdoor spaces, oppose the DLS recommendation to cut funding for these essential programs, and ensure that Program Open Space funds are used for their intended purpose—protecting Maryland’s natural resources.”

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