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DNR seeks foundation authority and flexibility to use state open-space funds for operations
Summary
The Department of Natural Resources told lawmakers House Bill 717 would authorize affiliated foundations to raise private money, allow limited transfer of state-side program open space balances for operations when reserves exceed a threshold, and increase local flexibility for park development.
Josh Kurtz, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, told the Environment and Transportation Committee that House Bill 717 would expand tools to sustain and operate Maryland's public lands. The department said the bill builds on the Great Maryland Outdoors Act by creating a mechanism for affiliated foundations, clarifying staffing and pin allocations for newly acquired lands, and allowing local governments greater flexibility to use program open space funds for park development.
Nut graf: DNR proposed three core changes: authorization for affiliated foundations to solicit philanthropic support and corporate sponsorships; authority to transfer excess state-side acquisition funds (above a defined $80 million threshold) into operating reserves or to the Forest and Park Reserve Fund when necessary; and an increase in the percent that local governments can use for development from 75% to 100% when local acquisition goals are met, retroactive up to seven years for unencumbered funds.
Supporters including Preservation Maryland, the Maryland Association of Counties and local officials said the changes address rising land costs and chronic operations/staffing shortfalls. Nicholas Redding of Preservation Maryland said foundations could unlock private philanthropy for parks and historic resources. Don Butchko for the Maryland Association of Counties called the bill "common-sense" and praised DNR cooperation.
Some conservation advocates asked for safeguards. Forever Maryland recommended a sunset or inflation indexing for the $80 million transfer threshold so the provision does not gradually erode purchasing power; Potomac Conservancy and Partners for Open Space urged caution about permanently diverting acquisition funds given volatile receipts to program open space.
Ending: DNR told lawmakers the threshold reflects a 25-year pipeline analysis and is intended to provide short-term flexibility to cover operational shortfalls without impairing land acquisition. The committee received multiple supportive and technical written amendments and no formal vote was taken at the hearing.
