Caroline Asher

This work plan for Fishing and Boating Services outlines strategic objectives and focus areas for 2026. Key pillars include applying data-driven management for fishery resources, implementing scientifically accepted methods for data collection and analysis, pursuing large-scale aquatic habitat restoration, maintaining engaged public and partners through effective outreach, ensuring fiscal stability and transparent reporting, promoting safety and accessibility in Maryland's waterways, and developing a competent and diverse workforce. The plan emphasizes balancing economic opportunity with sustainability, adapting to environmental changes, and fostering collaboration across agencies and with stakeholders.

This Strategic Plan outlines the direction for Fishing and Boating Services (FABS) to ensure the sustainable and safe use of Maryland's aquatic natural resources and waterways for present and future generations. The plan is organized around seven strategic goals: effective and equitable management of fishery resources, consistent implementation of scientific data collection and analysis, visionary ecosystem assessment and restoration, comprehensive stakeholder outreach, rigorous fiscal responsibility, enhancement of safety and accessibility for boating, and the cultivation of a diverse and professional workforce.

The meeting addressed the nomination and subsequent approval of David Satterfield to serve on the MET Advisory Council, where he will represent Forever Maryland on the Land Trust Outreach Committee. An upcoming Board Meeting outing to Royce Hanson Conservation Park was announced. The Director provided an update indicating a record year for easement monitoring reports, with a review of the FY25 Managing For Results report scheduled for September. The Lands Committee reported on the approval of new conservation easements, including properties in Baltimore County, and the approval of a modification to an existing easement. Progress on easement projects, including a large property in Montgomery County, was detailed. The Stewardship staff reported on monitoring visits and the status of active violations. A specific request regarding planting a buffer along a waterway on Easement 0458BLA98.KENT was approved. A significant discussion occurred regarding the Irvine Nature Center stewardship matter concerning wedding/event rentals and construction plans, leading to a closed session with counsel. Following the closed session, the Board delegated authority to the Executive Director and staff to work with Irvine Nature Center and Caves Valley Trust to attempt to reach an agreement on the potential easement violation, with a review scheduled for the September meeting. The Land Trust Outreach Committee provided an update on end-of-year projects, processing co-held reports, and a recent roundtable discussion. The Governance Committee secured approval for the fiscal year 2026 Board Roster and the addition of Alice Ewen to the recommended Trustees list. The Finance Committee reviewed the Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2025, approved the FY 26 budget for Board-managed funds, and approved submitting a letter to the Governor regarding Maryland the Beautiful Act funding.

The meeting commenced with the Director's Report, noting the successful conversion of a temporary contractual position in the Stewardship program to a full-time permanent role, dedicated to easement stewardship. The Director also shared insights from the Forever Maryland Policy Summit regarding Program Open Space funding and data center growth, and provided an update on the Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants program. A significant portion of the meeting included a closed session consultation with counsel regarding the stewardship matter concerning Irvine Nature Center and potential litigation related to third-party event rentals. In committee reports, the Lands Committee approved actions affecting existing MET easements, including the McGavisk Property, and discussed a stewardship matter for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), ultimately approving the proposed research project contingent upon meeting staff conditions and requiring a funded pre- and post-project evaluation to verify mitigation and restoration. The status of conservation easement projects was also reviewed, showing projections for acreage protection across calendar and fiscal years. The Finance Committee reported on budget utilization and asset levels, leading to the unanimous approval of the budget and balance sheet statements through the end of September. The Governance Committee raised concerns regarding future Board vacancies and the necessity of maintaining a quorum.

The meeting included a Director's Report noting an expected record year for easement monitoring reports completed and the upcoming launch of the Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants program, with funding contributions expected from the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. A closed session was held to consult with counsel and discuss pending litigation regarding the Irvine Nature Center easement stewardship matter. Committee reports covered the nomination of a new chair for the Land Trust Outreach committee, and the Lands Committee approved a Consent Agenda which included approving four proposed new conservation easements totaling approximately 275.7 acres and an action affecting an existing easement. The Lands Committee also provided an update on easement protection progress and the implementation of DocuSign. The Governance Committee recommended adding a new candidate to the list of recommended Trustees. The Finance Committee received approval for the financial statements, including Budget vs. Actuals and the FY26 Budget, and held an open discussion on MET funds and investments.