At a recent regional meeting, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot Counties showed great leadership in passing a resolution of support for Eastern Shore 2010-an intercounty land use agreement that sets regional goals to protect the Eastern Shore.

Eastern Shore 2010 was launched the Summer of 2002 by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC), under the guidance of Gov. Harry Hughes and Representative Wayne Gilchrest and a Futures Committee of Eastern Shore leaders.

This regional agreement helps to set the highest expectations for the care of our landscape, and the people and natural resources of that landscape. With their signature, the Counties have agreed to work cooperatively toward four (4) important goals:

• Strive to protect from development through the use of voluntary preservation programs 50% of Eastern Shore land outside of locally-designated growth areas by 2010.
• Recognize our resource-based economy as a key part of the Eastern Shore heritage and future by integrating agriculture, fisheries, and forestry into each county's economic development plan by 2005.
• Work with existing communities to guide at least 50% of new annual development into locally-designated growth areas by 2005.
• Develop a regional transportation plan that integrates the use of public transportation and alternative modes of transport within and among communities by 2010.

County leaders should be heartily congratulated for their careful review of and revision to the Eastern Shore 2010 proposal and thorough efforts to gather input from their citizens. Eastern Shore 2010 is recognition that County leadership is reaching beyond traditional means of managing growth and working together to preserve the vital landscape of the Eastern Shore. Eastern Shore Land Conservancy looks forward to supporting the region in working toward these goals that will protect and enhance our beloved region.

Throughout the launching of Eastern Shore 2010, public reaction to the proposal has been a crucial part of the success. We continue to ask that you show your help! Please show your County that you support their efforts to strive toward the goals of Eastern Shore 2010.