DNR Meets With Local Partners To Strengthen Program Open Space

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UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Nearly 100 local planners, parks and recreation staff, and non-profit representatives from across the state gathered at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro last week to discuss strengthening Program Open Space with senior Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials.

“Our goal is to implement Program Open Space in the way that makes the best use of the limited dollars available considering the current challenges facing our State,” said Eric Schwaab, DNR Deputy Secretary.

During the day-long summit, participants learned more about the new environmental targeting criteria for state-side POS fund allocations and gave feed back on a variety of issues including: integrating targeting criteria into non-profit and local governments’ land preservation priorities; improving the targeting criteria; and leveraging resources with partners.

Based on feedback received from various stakeholders, DNR expects to finalize the new targeting criteria before the end of the year. Click here to view "Targeting and Ranking Land Conservation".

"The Summit provided an excellent opportunity for organizations and individuals who care deeply about Program Open Space to have an open dialogue with DNR officials and staff," said Tom Ross, Executive Director of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association. "It underscores how important Program Open Space is to a wide network of those involved in land conservation including park and recreation agencies, land trusts, agricultural preservationists, wildlife preservation, environmental organizations all of whom care about the future of Maryland."

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November 5, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov