What does ecologically valuable mean?
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology) defines Ecology as a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments. The key is organisms and environment. What is implied is place: the organisms and environment are linked to a location or place on the ground. In the real estate market, the value of property is often described as location, location, location. From an ecological perspective the same is true. Only in this case the land (made up of portions of one or many properties) performs functions that are valuable from a landscape or ecological perspective. In many cases, the citizens of Maryland are the direct beneficiaries of these functions. Forests provide wildlife habitat, soak up nutrients, filter stormwater, shade streams, convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and other benefits such as recreation. Wetlands filter stormwater, soak up nutrients, recharge aquifers, provide habitat and offer places
