Maryland Code, Land Use § 25-602

(1) implement the policies of the county's general plan and the Green Infrastructure Plan to preserve, protect, and enhance agricultural properties, particularly those in the Rural Tier;

(2) preserve ecologically fragile and aesthetically valuable environments of the county, including streams, stream valleys, floodplains, wetlands, groundwater, steep slopes, woodlands, habitats, scenic vistas, and scenic corridors;

(3) retain agricultural land and augment other local and State programs certified in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations for the preservation of agricultural land;

(4) recognize the public value in protecting agriculture and agricultural viewsheds, vistas, rural culture and character, and longstanding agricultural enterprises;

(5) limit nonagricultural uses;

(6) conserve and protect biodiversity and wildlife and aquatic habitats;

(7) promote interest in and the study of agriculture and agricultural preservation; and

(8) promote tourism through the preservation of scenic resources.