What land merits conservation? What land can be developed? These fundamental questions confront every local government. In Cecil County, Md., officials now have new data to make some decisions. The Conservation Fund’s Strategic Conservation Program recently completed the Cecil County Green Infrastructure Plan, identifying and offering guidance on the essential green infrastructure needed to support the county’s present and future growth. DOWNLOAD the Cecil County Green Infrastructure Plan.
The Conservation Fund
In its review, the Fund found that a network of interconnected natural areas and open space—representing roughly one-third of the county—could protect 94% of its wetlands and 75% of its forests. Based on the green network’s contribution to the county’s clean air and water, flood protection and similar criteria, these natural lands provide an estimated $1.7 billion in ecosystem services each year to Cecil County. Despite their value, less than one fourth of the identified network lands are currently protected, leaving much of the 63,000 remaining acres in previously designated growth areas. The Fund suggested a menu of tools that the County could use to protect more of its vital green infrastructure network, including land conservation and reforestation opportunities, reduction of nutrients entering the nearby Chesapeake Bay, and funding strategies.
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