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Maryland Coastal Bays

Sub-watershed Buffers Analysis Using Topography, Land-Uses, Zoning, Habitat, Sensitive Resources, Sea Level Rise, and Soil & Shoreline Characteristics

Category: Wetland, Intertidal, and Upland

Cost: $50,000/watershed

Description: All of Maryland, except the Coastal Bays watershed, has a critical area buffer law requiring a 1,000 ft. buffer. Therefore, the CCMP called for an analysis of each sub-watershed to find an appropriate buffer length based on the parameters listed under "Must Approach." Developers had refused to agree to a comprehensive 100 ft. buffer for the listed areas.

Outcome: The results from the project are pending, but it is recommended as a good compromise with business. The constraints for the project were costs and time. (Also see "Visionary/Alternative Futures.")

Contact: Sandy Coyman, (410) 632-5651, scoyman@co.worcester.md.us

Citation: Information not provided.