The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is updating its Land Preservation and Recreation Plan and launching the first State Parks Strategic Plan.
According to a news release, these plans will help conserve land, protect ecosystems and enhance recreational amenities for residents.
DNR is collecting input through an online survey conducted by ETC Institute, a third-party market research firm.
A randomized group of Maryland residents was selected to participate, ensuring a representative sample across the state.
“People who receive this survey can be assured that ETC is authorized by the department to gather this information securely,” said a DNR spokesperson.
In addition to the survey, Maryland residents can share their views at a public workshop series in March.
This series will consist of four identical sessions held in various locations statewide.
The workshops will focus on residents’ priorities for land preservation, recreation and state parks in Maryland.
More information will be available on DNR’s website later in January.
The perspectives gathered from the community, along with an analysis of DNR’s current land interests, will inform future land acquisition, recreation development and environmental stewardship in Maryland.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland DNR seeks public input on state parks, recreation