HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3877

golf course and/or a convention or conference center within the
designated area. As finally passed the bill further provides
that if any portions of the wildland are not used for these
purposes on or before July 1, 1986, the portions should be
redesignated as Type II wildlands.

While the apparent purpose of the House amendments was to
preserve flexibility for a proposed Western Maryland conference
or convention facility, which I strongly support, they are
totally inconsistent with the philosophy behind, and the
framework of, a State wildlands system. Designation of an area
as a wildland should be premised on its ecology and value as a
natural resource rather than the feasibility of development
proposals. Based on the Secretary of Natural Resources'
recommendation, I will support legislation next Session to
designate the 586-acre tract as a Type II wildland.

Proposals are under consideration for the development of a
conference center in Western Maryland. While a site has not been
selected, a potential location under consideration is Rocky Gap
State Park. It appears that both a convention center and the
designation of certain areas as wildland can be accomplished in a
compatible manner at Rocky Gap. However, because Senate Bill 290
authorizes extensive development in the wildlands area itself, I
have decided to veto Senate Bill 290.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

Senate Bill No. 290

AN ACT concerning

Natural Resources - Wildland and Open Areas

FOR the purpose of designating 586 acres as the "Rocky Gap
Wildland", a Type II III wildland, in Allegany County;
permitting certain development outside the described "Rocky
Gap Wildland"; providing that the designation of the "Rocky
Gap Wildland" does not preclude or preempt the creation of
certain facilities or activities; providing for designation
of certain portions of the Rocky Gap Wildland as a Type II
wildland after a certain date; and generally relating to
describing certain wildland to be included as a Type II III
wildland area in the State.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,

Article - Natural Resources
Section 5-1203(a)