​​​Encouraging stewardship of Maryland’s natural landscapes.

​​Maryland is a nationwide leader in land conservation and preservation, with statewide programs such as Program Open Space and Rural Legacy (Department of Natural Resources), and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (Department of Agriculture) ensuring adequate and appropriate lands are preserved for resource conservation and the production of food and fiber. At the local level, transfer or the purchase of development rights programs and joint land use efforts with Maryland’s military installations preserve land, advance smart growth and ensure the sustainability of economic engines. With so many strong and enduring programs already in place at the state and local level, A Better Maryland does not aim to reinvent the wheel, but rather support and build upon existing assets. The following strategies allocate resources to better connect state level funding and assistance to local decision makers. They also provide the data needed for jurisdictions to successfully advocate for maintained and/or increased levels of preservation in their communities.​