Congratulations to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on his inauguration. Mr. Hogan ran a terrific campaign, and we all look forward to his leadership on one of the most important roles, safeguarding the lands and waters of this beautiful state.
The most critical tool to fulfilling this role is full funding for Maryland's farmland and open space protection programs (Program Open Space and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation). These programs provide the funding to preserve a critical mass of farmland needed to sustain Maryland's agricultural sector, protect the Chesapeake Bay's most endangered habitats and provide parks and playgrounds essential for healthy communities.
This past summer, the incoming governor said the past raiding of $1.226 billion from environmental trust funds was "unconscionable." We certainly agree and look forward to working with the Hogan administration to make sure this funding is used as it was intended and in the most efficient means possible.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is a regional nonprofit organization working to protect our rural working lands and support prosperity and vibrancy in our small towns. Since 1990, we have permanently preserved 57,000 acres, and we have created numerous parks, trails and revitalization projects in our small towns.
We are tremendously grateful for the governor's strong and consistent campaign pledges to protect and restore these funds. While there are difficult challenges ahead, we at ESLC look forward to supporting Governor Hogan's commitment, hand-in-hand with our entire Eastern Shore Delegation.
Rob Etgen, Queenstown
The writer is executive director of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.