MARYLAND ISSUES
The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. (MRPA) would like to assist you and represent your interest in the preservation of open space, parks and recreational opportunities in Maryland. Supporting full funding of Maryland's Program Open Space means the rededication of the State Real Estate Transfer Tax to land conservation and the provision of recreational facilities.

What is Program Open Space?
Program Open Space is a nationally recognized program administered through the Department of Natural Resources that provides funding for Maryland's state and local parks and conservation areas. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. In Maryland, when a person buys a house or land, the state real estate transfer tax of one-half of one percent of the consideration paid goes into a special fund for Program Open Space and other land conservation programs. In this way, home buyers help improve the quality of their neighborhoods and the entire state by contributing funds for the acquisition of parks and the development of recreation facilities. Click here for additional information.

Join MRPA's Fight to Save Program Open Space!
Maryland's beautiful natural areas, farms and parks are valuable assets treasured and admired. But these assets are now under threat. The ability to build more areas for our children to play, keep and protect Maryland's valuable farmland from poorly planned development, and maintain vital wildlife habitat has been seriously undermined. The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association is an active partner of The Partners for Program Open Space - a group made up of various Maryland organizations who are concerned about our parks, our wildlife and our state's future. We are committed to saving Program Open Space in our state! Click here for the Program Open Space website.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Tom Ross, MRPA Executive Director, at tom@mrpanet.org

"The use of the world is finally a personal matter, and the world can be preserved in health only by the forbearance and care of a multitude of persons". -Wendell Berry, "The Unsettling of America."

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NRPA ALERTS


Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program Closer to Termination

Advocacy Urgently Needed to Save Program
In May the House of Representatives practically embraced the President's proposal to terminate funding for the LWCF state assistance program in 2007 by approving the FY 2007 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill, which did not include funding for LWCF stateside. This development was not entirely unexpected since the House provided no funds last year for LWCF stateside. The fight to save this program now turns to the Senate where advocates and supporters hope to find a more receptive point of view. Though advocates were able to leverage $30 million for the ogram in the Senate last year (which ended up being the FY 2006 funding level), the fight this year will be more harder due to additional cuts in domestic spending and other factors.

Your support and action are needed now if we are to save on this valuable and important program. NRPA, through a generous grant with the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers, has roduced a series of state-specific advocacy materials designed to inform members of Congress of the true value of hits program.

It is critical to contact your member of the U.S. Senate and their Interior Appropriations staffer or other key staff, requesting for the Senate to restore an appropriate level of funding for LWCF for 2007. You may get connected with Senate offices via the capital switchboard 202-224-3121. NRPA and all coalition partners are requesting that LWCF be funded at $100 million in 2007, the average funding level of the last five years. Additionally, these materials can be dropped off, or used in a meeting at a Senator's in-state office.

For Maryland, go to the NRPA web site.

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