PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (Dec. 14, 2011)—Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has appointed Calvert County Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark to an interim position on the state Critical Area Commission. Clark’s membership becomes official upon confirmation by the Maryland Senate during the upcoming General Assembly session.
Clark represents Calvert County on the commission and fills a position that had been vacant since June 30. Clark’s four-year term begins retroactively to July 1 and he may serve up to two terms.
“It is an honor to be nominated as one of Southern Maryland’s representatives on the Critical Area Commission,” said Clark. “As a peninsula, Calvert County is deeply invested in the health of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The work of the Critical Area Commission directly impacts our residents living and working on our waterways. I hope to make a positive contribution to this important body.”
The Critical Area Commission, comprised of 29 voting members, was created by the 1984 Critical Area Act. The commission reviews and approves all changes to the Critical Area programs of local jurisdictions. It also reviews and approves all development projects in the Critical Area on state land.
The Critical Area Act identified the "Critical Area" as all land within 1,000 feet of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The goals of the law include minimizing the adverse impacts on water quality that result from runoff pollutants; conserving wildlife and plant habitat in the Critical Area; and establishing Critical Area land use policies that accommodate growth while protecting natural resources. Local governments have adopted Critical Area programs based on criteria developed by the commission.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Maryland Critical Area program
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/criticalarea/
Source: Calvert County Government