(a) (1) There is a Maryland Environmental Trust established to conserve, improve, stimulate, and perpetuate the aesthetic, natural, health and welfare, scenic, and cultural qualities of the environment, including, but not limited to land, water, air, wildlife, scenic qualities, open spaces, buildings or any interest therein, and other appurtenances pertaining in any way to the State. (2) Through educational and other means, the Trust shall encourage and motivate the populace of the State and others to do so and shall promote continuing interest in and the study of these matters. (3) The purpose of the Trust is of general benefit to the citizens of the State, and it is charitable in nature. (b) The Trust has perpetual existence subject to modification or termination by the General Assembly if necessary to effectuate its purpose or when and if its substantial purpose ceases. (c) (1) In this subsection, "ecosystem services" includes: (i) Climate resilience; (ii) Carbon sequestration; (iii) The provision of wildlife habitat; (iv) Contributions to forest health; and (v) The protection or restoration of wetlands. (2) An easement approved by the Trust may allow for the potential of economic return from the protection, management, maintenance, or improvement of ecosystem services provided by the property, so long as the Trust determines those uses do not impair or interfere with the conservation values and purposes of the easement and are otherwise consistent with the Trust's policies related to ecosystem services.
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