All from DNR’s Website
http://dnr2.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Vision
In a sustainable Maryland, we recognize that the health of our society and our economy are
dependent on the health of our environment. Therefore, we choose to act both collectively and
individually to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance our environment for this and future
generations.
Mission Statement
The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our
environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s
natural resources.
DNR-Wide Objectives
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Sustainable Populations of Living Resources and Aquatic Habitat
Healthy Maryland Watershed Lands, Streams and Non-Tidal Rivers
Natural Resources Stewardship Opportunities for Maryland’s Urban and Rural Citizens
Conserved and Managed Statewide Network of Ecologically Valuable Private and Public
Lands
Diverse Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for Maryland Citizens and Visitors
Diverse Workforce and Efficient Operations
POS Stateside Targeting
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Established in 1969, Program Open Space (POS) symbolizes Maryland’s long-term commitment to
conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. The Stateside
of POS acquires parklands, forests, wildlife habitat, natural, scenic and cultural resources for public use.
The Department of Natural Resources will maximize available funding by being more strategic in setting
priorities for which lands are to be conserved. DNR has implemented a new “POS Targeting” land
conservation system based first on ecological priorities. The creation of a more transparent process is
based on scientific data, management priorities and public needs (recreational, historic, and cultural
access; and resource-based economies).
The “POS Targeting System” begins with an ecological screen that uses an ecological baseline to select
“Targeted Ecological Areas”. From the collection of selected areas, a programmatic screen will use
implementation criteria to identify “Annual Focus Areas”. Finally, a parcel screen will be used to assess,
score, and prioritize parcels within the focus areas. A smaller portion of State POS funds will still be used
to acquire high priority recreational, cultural, and historic sites, providing key Chesapeake Bay access
points, trails connections, and state park in-holdings.
By using a more refined analysis of updated ecological data, DNR has created a more transparent process
where decisions are supported by science.
Targeting and Ranking Land Conservation –
How Land is Evaluated
DNR’s Objectives in creating the new Targeting Process were:
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To be more strategic since conservation opportunities exceed available funding
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To target land conservation based first on ecological priorities and
To create a more transparent process supported by science
DNR evaluates all potential land acquisitions by using the following three-step process.
First there is an Ecological Screen
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DNR uses an ecological baseline to select “Targeted Ecological Areas”
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Land is reviewed using the Original Green Infrastructure (1995 – 2000) which has now been updated to
include
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new resource assessments highlighting Rare Species Habitat, Aquatic Life Hotspots and Water Quality
Protection.
The second screening step is the Programmatic Screen
Each year, after the budget for the Stateside of POS is determined the Department will review the select
“Annual Focus Areas” using the following implementation criteria.
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Geographic balance
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Evaluation of different conservation strategies
(other land protection programs, private stewardship programs)
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Available funding
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Degree of existing protection (protected lands and protective zoning) and potential for success in areas
threatened by development
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Consultation with local governments, land trusts, and other partners
(Priority Funding Areas and areas they are already working on protecting)
Evidence of willing sellers
What is GreenPrint?
Greenprint Maryland is a first in the nation web-enabled map showing the relative ecological
importance of every parcel of land in the State.
Combining color-coded maps, information layers, and ariel photography with public openness and
transparency, Greenprint Maryland applies the best environmental science and geographic
information systems to the urgent work of preserving and protecting environmentally critical lands.
A valuable new tool not only for making land conservation decisions today, but for building a broader
and better informed public consensus for sustainable growth and land preservation decisions into
the future.
What does strategically target mean?
Targeting means identifying a goal and directing action to achieve it. Using the example of a dart
board, your target may be a bulls-eye and you take careful aim to achieve that mark. In the world of
land conservation, targets are mapped land areas that provide certain benefits to the public.
Strategic targeting means that only the most important lands are selected as the “bulls-eyes”.
Program Open Space Stateside has selected ecologically valuable lands (Targeted Ecological
Areas) as its strategic targets.
What are “Targeted Ecological Areas”?
Targeted Ecological Areas are lands and watersheds of high ecological value that have been
identified as conservation priorities by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These
areas represent the most ecologically valuable areas in the State: they are the “best of the best”.
These lands include large blocks of forests and wetlands, rare species habitats, aquatic biodiversity
hotspots and areas important for protecting water quality. DNR mapped where these high priority
lands are using a variety of methods developed by agency ecologists. These ecologically important
areas have been designated as conservation targets for Program Open Space Stateside.
Why are portions of some Targeted Ecological Areas developed?
By examining the satellite imagery that can be viewed underneath the Targeted Ecological Areas
map layer, you will see that some areas are developed. You may find houses, residential
communities, or commercial and industrial areas. There are several reasons for this. These areas
are intentionally broad because of the need to protect entire ecosystems and watersheds. People,
communities and businesses are a part of the environment. Society and the environment can coexist
to mutually benefit each other. However, in other instances, recent development and the loss of
natural habitats may not be reflected in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
ecological assessments because of the time lag in updating several databases. Before any land is
purchased for ecological reasons, DNR’s field staff surveys the land and its surrounding to
determine whether it is still ecologically valuable and worth the investment of our limited
conservation funding.
What does ecologically valuable mean?
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines Ecology as “a branch of science concerned with the
interrelationship of organisms and their environments.” The key is organisms and environment. What
is implied is place: the organisms and environment are linked to a location or place on the ground. In
the real estate market, the value of property is often described as “location, location, location.” From
an ecological perspective the same is true. Only in this case the land (made up of portions of one or
many properties) performs functions that are valuable from a landscape or ecological perspective. In
many cases, the citizens of Maryland are the direct beneficiaries of these functions. Forests provide
wildlife habitat, soak up nutrients, filter stormwater, shade streams, convert carbon dioxide into
oxygen and other benefits such as recreation. Wetlands filter stormwater, soak up nutrients,
recharge aquifers, provide habitat and offer places to explore. In some locations, the plant and
animal species exist only due to the specific location and conditions afforded by the ecological
resources available to them. Taken in total, these lands mapped by DNR represent the best-of-thebest lands Maryland has from an environmental or ecological perspective.