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Conservation groups, neighbor space and parks advocates push for steady open‑space funding and parks staff support
Summary
Land trusts, NeighborSpace and park advocates asked the county to dedicate capital or recurring funding for land preservation, open space acquisition, and operational support for parks and recreation programs and reimagining initiatives.
Speakers representing land preservation organizations, park stewards and the nonprofit NeighborSpace asked the county to provide predictable funding for open space acquisition and stewardship and to support parks and recreation staffing for reimagining and maintenance efforts.
Rob DeFord, speaking for the Baltimore County Land Trust Coalition, asked the county to dedicate at least 1% of the annual capital budget to agricultural and open‑space preservation, to increase bond authorizations for preservation to $7,000,000 in 2026 and $8,000,000 in 2028, and to fund the county rural legacy program at a minimum of $500,000 annually. DeFord argued conserved land provides public benefits including recreation, local food production and wildlife habitat, and cited prior bond referenda that the speaker said received strong voter support.
Michael McCann, a board member of NeighborSpace, described the nonprofit's stewardship of 21 open spaces and asked the county to maintain a $100,000 backup when developer open‑space fees fluctuate or are waived so NeighborSpace can continue stewardship. Vicky Collins of the Land Preservation Trust and others urged continued support for rural and watershed protection and cautioned about changes to the urban‑rural demarcation line (IRDLE).
Parks advocates and community volunteers asked for funding and human capital for the Department of Recreation and Parks' reimagining initiative and for proactive debris and flood prevention work by DPWT (Department of Public Works and Transportation) to reduce community flooding. Speakers also requested open space funding be used to acquire specific parcels recommended in community plans, such as a parcel near Lake Roland Park.
Speakers framed these requests as investments that protect water quality, support agriculture and recreational access and leverage voter support for preservation programs.
