Program Open Space if a self-funding vehicle that places a small tax on real
estate transactions and is used to fund purchases of open space, parks, etc.
It is has been in existence for 40 years, but if often regarded as a cookie
jar for raiding. You can ping the MD Senate Budget and Taxation Committee
at
http://friendsofmd.e-actionmax.com/editalert-ckbox.asp?aaid=6978
MOS has consistently advocated for full funding of Program Open Space.
1,000 Friends of Maryland is leading the charge at the above link, which
will permit you to e-mail the Senators in question. Please consider taking
action.
Kurt R. Schwarz
Conservation Chair
Maryland Ornithological Society
Some more background from 1,000 Friends of Maryland
Maryland's land conservation programs ‹ Program Open Space, Rural Legacy,
the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund, and Maryland Environmental
Trust ‹ are a solid investment in our natural resource, tourism and
recreation sectors.
Department of Legislative Services proposals to permanently divert transfer
tax funds from Program Open Space to unrelated purposes or to the general
fund is a wholesale departure from legislative intent and the well-tailored,
successful financing of this 40-year landmark program. The direct
correlation between housing and property sales to generate the revenue
needed to meet recreational and open space needs in our communities is an
exemplary model of finance.
The lands conserved with this program encompass state, county, and municipal
parks, natural resource and conservation areas, trails, and vital farmland.
These investments generate valuable returns in the form of public benefits,
including jobs in tourism, agriculture and forestry, as well as the
protection of drinking water, agricultural land, recreational opportunities,
fisheries and wildlife habitat. These programs benefit all of Maryland¹s 23
counties and Baltimore City.
These natural and cultural resources are local economic drivers attracting
over 10 million visitors annually who support area retailers. For example,
Maryland State Parks have a $650 million estimated annual economic benefit
to our local economies, support more than 10,000 full-time jobs and generate
more than $39 million in state and local retail, hotel, gas and income
taxes. Conserved lands also benefit Chesapeake Bay restoration and
conservation efforts because they filter water and trap nitrogen,
phosphorous and silt.
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