Action Alert: Protect Program Open Space Funding
Maryland's Program Open Space (POS) is in danger of being zeroed out in the next four years, and we need you to speak up against proposed cuts.
Contact your state delegates now
The Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS), which provides analyses and recommendations on budget and policy to the State General Assembly, issued a report on the proposed budget for the Department of Natural Resources. The report recommends diverting funding “for land preservation programs–POS State, POS Local, Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, and Rural Legacy Program–to the General Fund.”
What is Program Open Space?
Program Open Space preserves natural areas for public recreation and environmental protection. This is done through land acquisition and financial and technical assistance for the development of recreation or open space areas.
Since 1969, POS has protected approximately 400,000 acres of land, providing massive public benefit in the form of parks, trails, nature centers, and more. The program has funded over 7,500 conservation and outdoor recreation projects and provided public open space within 15 minutes of most Maryland residents.
How does elimination of POS funding affect mountain bikers?
Every locality in Maryland benefits from Program Open Space. Our land managers and partners at the state and municipal levels rely on POS funding for trails. Funding cuts will affect numerous trail projects already in the works including those in Patapsco, Patuxent, Little Gunpowder, Rosaryville, and Susquehanna, to name a few.
Contact your representative and urge them to reject the DLS recommendation to eliminate Program Open Space funding. We've made the process quick and easy with a message template you can personalize and send with just a few clicks!