Section 5-1503 - Acquisition of conservation easements(a) The Department may acquire a conservation easement or a fee simple or other interest in any land described under § 5-1502 of this subtitle.(b) The Department shall establish criteria for acquisition of conservation easements and of fee simple and other interests in lands, including a priority system that considers: (1) The ecological uniqueness of the land;(2) The presence of rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals or diverse communities of plants or animals;(3) The threat to the land by development;(4) Whether the land is in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area;(5) Whether development of the land will adversely impact water quality or unique natural habitat;(6) Whether a natural area has been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as an area of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and(7) Whether the land is forestland, nontidal wetlands, or tidal wetlands.(c) The Department annually shall consult with the counties of the State: (1) For suggested acquisition of lands; and(2) To coordinate the acquisition projects under this subtitle.