Natural Environment Area (Maryland)
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A Natural Environment Area (NEA) is a unit of the Park Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. These public lands are generally 1,000 acres (4 km2) or more in extent and are judged to constitute a "significant natural attraction or unique geological feature". Development within an NEA is generally confined to trails, interpretive facilities and limited support facilities.[1]
In contradistinction to Maryland Wildlands, which may only be established or removed by an act of the Maryland General Assembly, NEAs are designated by the DNR. (The more restrictive and protective designation of a Maryland Wildland, however, is sometimes established within an NEA.)
As of 2016[update], the state of Maryland managed seven NEAs covering 12,698 acres (51.39 km2) of land.[2]
| NEA name[2] | County[2] | Area[2] |
|---|---|---|
| Belt Woods Natural Environment Area | Prince George's | 625 acres (2.53 km2) |
| Mattawoman Natural Environment Area | Charles | 1,727 acres (6.99 km2) |
| Morgan Run Natural Environment Area | Carroll | 1,930 acres (7.8 km2) |
| Severn Run Natural Environment Area | Anne Arundel | 1,759 acres (7.12 km2) |
| Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area | Baltimore | 2,078 acres (8.41 km2) |
| Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environment Area | Garrett | 4,129 acres (16.71 km2) |
| Zekiah Swamp Natural Environment Area | Charles | 450 acres (1.8 km2) |