Learning about the different types of property designations will inform what types of management strategies are allowed to occur on public lands. In your planning process, learn the history of the site and what its previous use was. Assess its current and intended uses to ensure all stakeholder (public, natural resources, staff, etc.) interests are incorporated in the planning process. Follow this link to learn more about land acquisition and planning at the Department of Natural Resources. 

Natural resources include the flora and fauna of a site, in addition to the ecosystem services provided by natural systems in place. When analyzing natural resources it is essential to identify rare, threatened and endangered species, in addition to invasive species on site. The plants and wildlife of Maryland can be found here. 

To be publicly accessible, our public lands often have roads, bridges, parking lots, public restrooms, and walkways to ensure an enjoyable experience. Many of this infrastructure can be vulnerable to climate change impacts, especially sea level rise and increasing high tide flooding, at lower elevations. Understanding what types of infrastructure exist on site help to not only categorize what is vulnerable, but prioritize adaptation opportunities for the future.