| |
In a
recent story in the Washington Post (May 1), Maryland Senate
President Mike Miller was quoted describing land conservation as "a
luxury that we'd like to be able to afford," while he hints that
possible budget cuts to land conservation may be inevitable to
alleviate Maryland’s structural budget deficit.
I respectfully disagree with Senator Miller’s contention that land
conservation is a luxury. On the contrary, land conservation is a
vital necessity that benefits the health and well-being of all
Marylanders.
Is it a luxury to protect Marylanders from poor air quality, poor
drinking water quality, and dwindling water supplies by protecting
forestlands and natural areas that clean our air and filter our
water?
Is it a luxury to preserve working farms that provide locally grown
fresh produce and keep our farmers farming? Would Senator Miller
rather have those farms grow houses and parking lots instead?
Is it a luxury to protect Maryland’s critical wildlife habitat and
conserve lands that protect the Chesapeake Bay?
Is it a luxury to provide parks and recreation areas that offer all
Marylanders an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful natural areas? I
think not. Land conservation, and all the benefits that it provides,
are not just luxuries that add to our quality of life here in
Maryland. They are a necessity and a basic right that allows all of
us to breathe clean air and drink clean and plentiful water.
With two thirds of Maryland neither developed nor preserved, what
will Maryland look like in the future if we can no longer afford the
“luxury” of preserving our critically important open spaces and
resource lands?
Marcia Verploegen Lewis, Campaign Director
Partners for Open Space
|
|
|
