Target: The region will identify, conserve and enhance a network of protected open spaces, parks, and green infrastructure to provide ecological benefits, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty

A green infrastructure network provides a natural foundation to filter water and air, support diverse animal and plant habitats, and provide agricultural products and recreational opportunities for residents. As the region expands and grows over the next 40 years, it will be important to grow in a manner that doesn’t fragment our remaining natural and working lands and obstruct efforts to improve the Chesapeake Bay and protect local rivers and streams. Directing a majority of new growth in Regional Activity Centers will help the region grow in a more compact manner that makes preserving green infrastructure and open space easier. Improving green infrastructure parks and open space will require the region to prioritize these natural lands in manner that identifies gaps and works with land owners and conservation groups to protect our most important natural lands, as well as adopt and approve local green infrastructure plans.

Achieving this goal will require a number of broad-based approaches by residents, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, businesses, and government. Such approaches to land conservation might include the use of transferable development rights programs, the purchase of development rights, conservation easements, zoning and tax benefits or other incentives that reflect the ecological and social value these natural lands provide. In the face of population growth, these natural or ecosystem services must be afforded greater consideration and priority in the decades ahead. Further fragmentation of our ecosystem will impede the livability and sustainability advantages that this region enjoys.