§5–1502.

    The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:

        (1)    Forestlands;

        (2)    Unique ecological areas of the State;

        (3)    Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;

        (4)    Tidal or nontidal wetlands;

        (5)    Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8–1807 of this article;

        (6)    Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;

        (7)    Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;

        (8)    Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;

        (9)    Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;

        (10)    Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat;

        (11)    Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5–611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and

        (12)    Lands that can be used by the general public for hunting.