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; (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; and (12) Lands that can be used by the general public for hunting.
Maryland Legal Code