Land within 1,000 feet of tidal waters or adjacent to tidal wetlands is part of the Critical Area that affects the Chesapeake Bay. This transition zone between land and water supports many species of fish, turtles, shorebirds, and other aquatic organisms. Because land immediately surrounding the Bay and its tributaries has great potential to affect water quality and preserve wildlife habitat, the 2002 Critical Area Act of the Maryland General Assembly established a land use and resource management program to mitigate damage and guide development. The waterfront park shows that land can be developed to respond to community needs while meeting Critical Area requirements. Because the waterfront had been a commercial site centuries before the legislation was enacted, the park received designation as a Modified Buffered Area, permitting some credits for nearby mitigation programs such as offsite tree planting and landscaping along with onsite efforts.