Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants
Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act Key Terms & Definitions
Affected Landowner: A landowner whose property contains or is adjacent to habitat of a state-listed threatened or endangered species, as determined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Affected landowners have certain rights and obligations under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act.
Candidate Species: A species that the Maryland DNR has determined may warrant listing as threatened or endangered, but for which sufficient data is not yet available to support a formal listing. Candidate species do not receive the full protections afforded to listed species under the Act.
Conservation Plan: A document that outlines specific measures to minimize and mitigate the impact of a proposed activity on a state-listed threatened or endangered species or its habitat. Conservation plans are required for activities that may result in the taking of a listed species and must be approved by the Maryland DNR.
Critical Habitat: Specific geographic areas that contain features essential to the conservation of a state-listed threatened or endangered species and that may require special management considerations or protection. Critical habitat is designated by the Maryland DNR through a formal rulemaking process.
Endangered Species: A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range in Maryland, as determined by the Maryland DNR based on the best available scientific evidence. Endangered species receive the highest level of protection under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act.
Incidental Take: The unintentional taking of a state-listed threatened or endangered species that results from, but is not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. Incidental take may be authorized by the Maryland DNR through an incidental take permit, subject to certain conditions and requirements.
Incidental Take Permit: A permit issued by the Maryland DNR that authorizes the incidental take of a state-listed threatened or endangered species in connection with an otherwise lawful activity. To obtain an incidental take permit, an applicant must develop and submit a conservation plan that meets certain criteria and is approved by the DNR.
Listed Species: A species that has been formally designated as threatened or endangered under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act through a rulemaking process by the Maryland DNR. Listed species receive various protections and conservation measures under the Act.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): The state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, including listing and delisting species, designating critical habitat, issuing incidental take permits, and overseeing conservation and recovery efforts for listed species.
Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act: A state law that provides for the conservation, protection, restoration, and propagation of threatened and endangered species of wildlife and plants native to Maryland. The Act is the primary legal framework for protecting and managing listed species in the state.
Mitigation: Actions taken to offset or compensate for the adverse impacts of a proposed activity on a state-listed threatened or endangered species or its habitat. Mitigation measures may include habitat restoration, enhancement, or preservation and are typically required as a condition of an incidental take permit.
Nongame Species: Any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other wild animal not ordinarily taken for sport, fur, food, or other commercial use. Nongame species are protected under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, even if they are not listed as threatened or endangered.
Recovery Plan: A document that outlines the goals, objectives, and specific actions needed to improve the status of a state-listed threatened or endangered species to the point where it can be removed from the list. Recovery plans are developed by the Maryland DNR in consultation with other agencies, organizations, and stakeholders.
Scientific Collection Permit: A permit issued by the Maryland DNR that authorizes the collection of state-listed threatened or endangered species for scientific purposes, such as research, education, or conservation. Scientific collection permits are subject to certain conditions and reporting requirements to ensure that the collection does not jeopardize the survival of the species.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need: A species that is rare, declining, or vulnerable in Maryland, but not yet listed as threatened or endangered under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Species of greatest conservation need are identified in the state's Wildlife Action Plan and may receive targeted conservation attention and resources.
State Wildlife Action Plan: A comprehensive plan developed by the Maryland DNR that assesses the health of the state's wildlife and habitats, identifies species and habitats of greatest conservation need, and outlines strategies and actions to conserve them. The State Wildlife Action Plan is required for the state to receive certain federal wildlife conservation funding.
Take: To harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect a state-listed threatened or endangered species, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Take also includes significant habitat modification or degradation that actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
Threatened Species: A species that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future in Maryland, as determined by the Maryland DNR based on the best available scientific evidence. Threatened species receive various protections and conservation measures under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, but generally to a lesser degree than endangered species.
Wildlife Diversity Conservation Program: A program within the Maryland DNR that is responsible for the conservation and management of nongame wildlife species, including threatened and endangered species. The program conducts research, monitoring, and conservation planning and implements actions to protect and restore wildlife diversity in the state.
A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.