Waterfront Park in the Critical Area

Waterfront Park in the Critical Area. Leonardtown Wharf. , All lands within 1,000 feet of tidal waters or adjacent to tidal wetlands are in the "Critical Area” that impacts the Chesapeake Bay., The transition zone between land and water is home to many species of fish, turtles, shorebirds, and other important aquatic organisms. Recognizing that the land immediately surrounding the Bays and their tributaries has the greatest potential to affect water quality and preserve wildlife habitat, the 2002 Critical Area Act of the Maryland General Assembly established a land use and resource management program to mitigate damage and guide development., Our waterfront park demonstrates that land can be developed wisely to both respond to community needs and to meet the requirements of Critical Areas legislation. Because the waterfront had been a commercial site centuries before the legislation was enacted, the park was granted designation as a Modified Buffered Area, which permits inclusion of some credits for nearby mitigation programs, such as off site tree planting and landscaping, along with the onsite efforts noted here on the plan., For more information about recommendations and restrictions on waterfront development, call the planning and zoning department of your local government.