MD HB717

Establishes a Land and Property Management Program within the Department of Natural Resources to process real property transactions, lease agreements, easements, and employee housing leases

Authorizes the Department to establish affiliated foundations to solicit donations, fund improvements to state parks and forests, enhance recreational programming, and support law enforcement activities of the Natural Resources Police

Requires the Department to request funding for at least one new permanent position per 400 acres of newly acquired fee simple property to manage and administer acquired lands

Allows the Governor to transfer Program Open Space State Land Acquisition funds exceeding $80 million to the Department for operations, maintenance, and Natural Resources Police expenses when special fund sources are insufficient

Increases the limit for local government land preservation planning funds from $25,000 per fiscal year to $125,000 per 5-year plan update cycle, and allows jurisdictions meeting acquisition goals to use 100% of apportionments for development projects