Your Voice is Needed THIS WEEK on Key Land Conservation Budget Issues

March 16, 2010–The Maryland General Assembly is in the process of reviewing Governor O’Malley’s budget, including a proposed recommendation from the Dept. of Legislative Services (an arm of the General Assembly) that would delete funding for Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) and repeal the statue that created MET.

The threat to eliminate MET will impact permanent protection of scenic open space, agricultural and forestlands for future generations across the State. We hope that your commitment to preserving the rural character of Montgomery County shows you the benefits provided by conservation easements. As you know, given the recession and resulting declining state revenue, this is a very difficult budget year.

Your representatives in the General Assembly need to hear from you about the importance of MET.

We need your help! The Legislature’s Budget Committees will be meeting this week to make decisions.

Please contact your representative immediately! To identify your state representatives, click here, or contact one of the key legislators below. Representatives will only know your views if you tell them.

MET is a cost effective program that complements other land conservation programs like Rural legacy and Program Open Space.

Without MET, the State may not meet its legal obligation to Maryland’s citizens to be a responsible steward of 1000 properties protected in perpetuity.

Landowners who might shy away from donating an easement to the state government have found MET an attractive option.

MET provides critical technical support and guidance to ensure sound land conservation for Maryland’s citizens.

The Department of Natural Resources has expressed their support of MET programs and has strongly opposed this recommendation. Secretary Griffin has formally presented this position at the recent subcommittee hearings, urging members not to approve this recommended action.

The Subcommittees that will act on the proposed recommendations are as follows:

SENATE

Senate Budget and Taxation Committee: Senate Public Safety, Transportation & Environment Subcommittee

James E. DeGrange, Sr., Chair (410) 841-3593, (301) 858-3593

Verna L. Jones, Vice-Chair (410) 841-3612, (301) 858-3612

HOUSE

House Appropriations Committee: House Transportation & the Environment Subcommittee

Tawanna P. Gaines, Chair (410) 841-3058, (301) 858-3058

Murray D. Levy, Vice-Chair (410) 841-3325, (301) 858-3325

Your input is crucial! Thanks for your support!

Beki Howey

Land Trust Assistance Coordinator

Maryland Environmental Trust

ph: 410-514-7915

rhowey@dnr.state.md.us