Maryland Focal Areas Targeted Ecological Areas

Abstract: Targeted Ecological Areas are a limited number of areas that rank exceptionally high for ecological criteria and that have a practical potential for preservation. The first step was to create an ecological baseline composed of several ecological datasets. The first component is the original Green Infrastructure Assessment (1995 – 2000) which identifies large, contiguous blocks of significant forests and wetlands that contain Maryland’s most ecologically important remaining lands. The Green Infrastructure’s hub and corridor network of habitat allows plant and animal migration, reduces forest fragmentation if protected, and provides important ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, cleaning air and water, storing nutrients, and protecting areas against storm and flood damage. The rare species habitat component identifies areas where biodiversity conservation is needed to protect and restore Maryland's rare, threatened and endangered species, declining wildlife of greatest conservation need, and the key habitats and natural communities required to support them. The aquatic life hotspots component identifies a network of lands leading to aquatic areas where conservation is needed to protect and restore areas of high aquatic biodiversity. Freshwater hotspots have been identified, and estuarine and marine areas will be identified. The water quality protection component identifies sensitive lands such as forests, wetlands, and steep slopes where preservation is important for water quality. From the ecological baseline, areas that scored in the top 10 percent for each of the components were merged to create the Targeted Ecological Areas. Purpose: The purpose of the Targeted Ecological Areas is to: (1) systematically identify and protect ecologically important lands; (2) address problems of forest fragmentation, habitat degradation and water quality; (3) maximize the influence and effectiveness of public and private conservation investments; (4) promote shared responsibilities for land conservation between public and private sectors; and, (5) guide and encourage compatible uses and land management practices.