Environmental Conservation Plan Revealed In Anne Arundel

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel leaders want to conserve the county's green space. On Thursday, County Executive Steuart Pittman released his plan to protect 5,000 acres by 2030.

"The Green Infrastructure Master Plan is how we ensure that future generations are able to experience the health and wellness that nature provides," Pittman said in a press release. "It lays out a bold, equitable and comprehensive vision for the future of conservation in Anne Arundel County."

Pittman's proposal identifies natural, recreational, historical and cultural areas worth saving. Some of the targeted regions include streams, wetlands, floodplains and forests. The initiative also aims to add green spaces to urban centers.

"We need to conserve our forests, wetlands and farms right alongside our homes, ice cream shops and movie theaters," stated Sarah Knebel, executive director of Scenic Rivers Land Trust. "We need enough of both the natural and built environments to have truly thriving communities. I look forward to working with the County to review this plan and achieve its goals because the health of our communities depends upon it."

The blueprint is posted at aacounty.org/greeninfrastructure. Residents can comment on the strategy for 45 days.

"I am glad that we are practicing equity," added Apostle Larry Lee Thomas, president of the United Black Clergy and the Empowerment and Believers Church. "The sustainability of the environment and the plan that we have must be inclusive of all people. We all need to be at the table."

The Anne Arundel County Planning Advisory Board and the county council will review the draft at several meetings this fall and winter. The council will then decide whether to adopt the plan.

"When we talk about our environment, this is a cause worth fighting for," Thomas concluded. "Those of us who have not been able to be in the plan need to open up their mouth and be there."

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