Environmentally Sensitive Area

Maryland’s Critical Area Act designates the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Coastal Bays, and tributaries as areas that need to be protected from adverse impacts related to human activities. This act establishes the Resource Protection Program, a collaborative effort between local and state entities that aims to reduce developmental impacts to sensitive areas (§8-1801 et seq.). Additionally, it creates the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Commission and discusses protective measures such as creating a buffer around critical areas.