Maryland Environmental Restriction Easement (ERE) is a legal tool aimed at conserving and protecting natural resources, open spaces, and wildlife habitats in Maryland. This easement serves as a permanent safeguard against potential detrimental development activities that may harm the environment. Maryland recognizes various types of Environmental Restriction Easements, each tailored to specific conservation objectives. These types include: 1. Agricultural Easements: These easements primarily focus on preserving farmland and its associated agricultural resources. Farmers can voluntarily enter into this type of easement to ensure their land remains protected from non-agricultural development, allowing sustainable farming practices continuing. 2. Forest Conservation Easements: Forested areas hold immense ecological value, and the Forest Conservation Easement aims to maintain and protect these habitats. By limiting future development on forested lands, this easement helps safeguard wildlife habitats, maintain water quality, and promote the sustainable management of Maryland's forest resources. 3. Wetland Easements: Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, controlling floods, and providing habitats for numerous species. Wetland Easements preserve these valuable ecosystems by restricting activities that may alter or destroy wetland areas, thereby ensuring their long-term preservation and ecological function. 4. Scenic Easements: Maryland's breathtaking scenic landscapes are an integral part of its natural heritage. Scenic Easements protect visually significant properties, such as historic sites, iconic views, and culturally important areas, from incompatible development. This type of easement aims to safeguard the state's scenic beauty for future generations to enjoy. 5. Preservation Easements: Preservation Easements focus on protecting historic properties and structures built before 1950, preserving their cultural and historical significance. By placing restrictions on alterations and demolitions, these easements help keep Maryland's rich architectural heritage intact, maintaining the state's unique sense of place. All Maryland Environmental Restriction Easements share a common goal of conserving natural resources and ensuring sustainable land use practices. Landowners who enter into these easements contribute significantly to the long-term preservation and protection of Maryland's environment, fostering a healthier ecosystem and enhancing quality of life for current and future residents.