Maryland's GreenPrint Program signifies a bold new direction in land conservation. The purpose of the program is threefold:
Identify, using state-of-the-art computer mapping techniques, the most important unprotected natural lands in the state;
Link, or connect, these lands through a system of corridors or connectors; and
Save those lands through targeted acquisitions and easements.
As Maryland continues to grow we must prevent the shrinking and fragmentation of undeveloped open space. By fortifying and restoring the green infrastructure, the state can maximize the ecological potential of Maryland's landscape. In Green Hubs, our distinctive wildlife will have access to a full range of habitat enabling animals to flourish amidst vast stretches of protected lands. Green Hubs also reduce the stress placed on our forests, helping to renew woodlands and preventing their collapse into isolated pockets of trees.
Strings of Green Links will form Habitat Highways, natural routes bridging Green Hub to Green Hub. Maryland's Habitat Highways will allow wildlife safe passage through their natural domain; facilitate seed and pollen transport helping plant life thrive across the state; and keep streams and wetlands healthy by protecting adjacent vegetation. Preserving linkages between the remaining large habitat areas will ensure the long term survival and continued diversity of Maryland's natural resources and environment.
The GreenPrint Program will build upon existing conservation programs by:
Providing urgently needed additional funding to act immediately;
Conserving and connecting large contiguous land areas with multiple important natural resource features;
Providing a focal point to coordinate existing conservation programs with one another and increase their overall effectiveness; and
Guiding and coordinating land conservation and preservation efforts, just as Priority Funding Areas guide Smart Growth development.
Developers, private landowners, and others will benefit from having a clear understanding of where the most ecologically valuable lands are located, and where targeted conservation activities will be directed. Citizens interested in increased stewardship activities will know where their efforts are most needed. Land planners and developers can use the green infrastructure maps as a reference in the development of site plans and management objectives.