Maryland Natural Resources Section 5-1502

      The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:

            (1)      Forestlands;

            (2)      Unique ecological areas of the State;

            (3)      Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;

            (4)      Tidal or nontidal wetlands;

            (5)      Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8-1807 of this article;

            (6)      Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;

            (7)      Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;

            (8)      Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;

            (9)      Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;

            (10)      Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat; and

            (11)      Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.