Reason 3: To preserve our natural, historical and cultural resources

(Click on the map for larger view)

There are nearly 1.4 million acres of protected lands in Maryland including parks, agricultural easements, and historic preservation easements. These protections exist through the actions, efforts and/or investments of Federal, State and local government or private organizations and landowners. But they, too, can be compromised or threatened by sprawl development. Septic systems, incompatible land uses, and fragmentation of surrounding areas are among the negative impacts on preserved areas associated with sprawl development.