08/28/2026
ESLC joined county leaders, state officials, planners, and other partners at this year’s Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in Ocean City. For the first time, ESLC staffed a booth at the conference to share more about our work to protect Maryland’s farms, forests, waterways, and communities and to connect with partners about the future of conservation and land use in Maryland.
With “Build What’s Next” as this year’s theme, data centers, AI, and other emerging technologies were prominent throughout the conference, with conversations focused on how Maryland will accommodate new development and infrastructure. For ESLC, the conference was also a reminder that what we choose to protect and how we plan for growth will be just as important as the technology we use to get there. Counties play a critical role in shaping and implementing the land use decisions that matter to ESLC—from comprehensive planning and zoning to development, infrastructure, parks, and conservation.
Land conservation is an important part of maintaining the Eastern Shore’s rural character while supporting the economic and ecological systems that make the region distinctive. Protecting working farms, forests, wetlands, and open space helps sustain the agricultural and natural-resource economies that remain central to the Shore, while preserving the landscape and sense of place that attract residents, businesses, and visitors. As Maryland looks forward toward growth and new investment, ensuring that conservation remains an integral part of that vision will be essential to maintaining what makes the Eastern Shore such a special place.
