MARYLAND CONNECTIVITY COALITION

Chair: William N. Pines, State Highway Administrator

Appointed by Senate President: one vacancy

Appointed by House Speaker: one vacancy

Ex officio: Joshua E. Kurtz, Secretary of Natural Resources

[photo, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, Maryland] Staff:

c/o Office of Secretary, Department of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 - 2397
(410) 260-8101
e-mail: josh.kurtz@maryland.gov


Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, August 2009. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

In July 2025, the General Assembly authorized the Maryland Connectivity Coalition (Chapter 549, Acts of 2025).

Criteria for prioritizing wildlife connectivity projects will be developed by the Coalition. Wildlife connectivity refers to the ability of wildlife to move freely between habitats in order to access resources, maintain healthy populations, and adapt to environmental changes. This may be achieved by securing wildlife crossings: improvements to roads, bridges, or highways designed to improve wildlife connectivity or reduce motor vehicle collisions with wildlife.

To facilitate the sharing of resources, data, and expertise relating to wildlife habitat connectivity among State and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and others, the Coalition fosters collaboration. Together, joint efforts strive to protect threatened and endangered species from habitat fragmentation that reduces wildlife access to resources, such as food or potential mates.

Meeting quarterly, the Coalition will develop performance metrics to evaluate the success of funded projects, including measurable outcomes, such as reductions in motor vehicle collisions with wildlife, and enhancements to habitat connectivity.

At least four members make up the Coalition. The Senate President and House Speaker each appoint one member, and two members serve ex officio. The Secretary of Natural Resources and the State Highway Administrator may select additional members as well. The State Highway Administrator serves as Chair (Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 10–2A–06.2).

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