Forever Maryland

04/15/2026

Maryland land trust leaders from The Land Preservation Trust Inc., NeighborSpace of Baltimore County, Scenic Rivers Land Trust, and Baltimore County Land Trust Coalition joined Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days this week in Washington, DC.

LPT joins with other Baltimore County land trusts to advocate with the Land Trust Alliance in DC. Great to catch up with Congressman Olszewski.

04/03/2026

"Last year, in an effort to balance the state’s budget and fill a deficit of over $1 billion, Maryland lawmakers passed legislation that will put $25 million of state land preservation money for each of the next four years toward other needs, such as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a 10-year education reform plan."...

"Kristin Kirkwood, the executive director of the land-use nonprofit the Harford Land Trust, called the funding cuts a “huge blow” for parkland acquisition. She said the state funding lent a stability to preservation efforts and the reduction creates even more uncertainty amid a volatile real estate market.

“I think there is a sense of public trust to have some funding that is predictable because if it’s just a crystal ball for when there is funding coming, that’s not very helpful,” Kirkwood said."

Due to an annual $25 million cut in state funding, Harford County land preservation projects may lag, officials say.

03/09/2026

"The governor’s budget for the coming fiscal year includes $25 million in cuts in POS state land acquisition and easement purchases. Another $72 million is cut from POS but must be restored by issuing bonds in the next fiscal year. Another $12.6 million is diverted to the state Park Service operational budget. This leaves half of the $220 million in POS revenue for existing programs.

Given the continuing loss of forests and open space in Maryland and the demand for outdoor experiences causing park closures and the need for reservations, Maryland needs to ramp up land acquisition, not choke it.

In January 1973, Gov. Marvin Mandel’s State of the State Address noted: “One of the great issues facing Maryland today is the proper and wisest use of our rapidly diminishing land reserves. Orderly and balanced growth … are essential requirements if Maryland is to remain fit for human habitation … We must counter those who would pave over our state, those who would overdevelop and bury us under rows of drive-in restaurants and service stations at the sacrifice of openness and beauty.”

Fifty-three years later, he and the originators of POS could not have imagined the destruction of our natural heritage that has and is still occurring."

One of the most important Maryland environmental initiatives is facing major cuts in this year’s budget, writes Gerald Winegrad.

02/11/2026

Great coverage of Maryland land trusts efforts to defend state land conservation funding with The Howard County Conservancy, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and Partners for Open Space. Thanks Chesapeake Bay Journal!

Before Maryland lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session in January, the state’s land conservation programs were already facing a $75 million shortfall over the next three years.

01/27/2026

Summit is now virtual! Forever Maryland's board chair and Harford Land Trust Executive Director, Kristin Kirkwood, will speak about the importance of fully funding the transfer tax for land preservation programs.

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

Maryland's land trusts and other land conservation partners are working towards the goal of protecting 40% of the state by 2040. And Forever Maryland is mobilizing to keep Program Open Space fully funded this legislative session. No funding = no land preservation.

01/23/2026

Well done Eastern Shore Land Conservancy!

01/23/2026

Thank you, Hal, for a powerful legacy of conservation—and welcome, Hugh!

A new chapter begins at the Conservancy for Charles County! 🌿

After 16 years of leadership by President Hal Delaplane, we’re excited to welcome Hugh Williams as our new President. Together with Vice President Barry Gebler, our board continues the mission to protect the lands that make Charles County special.
Thank you, Hal, for a powerful legacy of conservation—and welcome, Hugh! 💚

🔗 ConserveCharles.org

Full story in comments.

01/23/2026

Exciting news indeed!

Exciting News!