The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:

(1) Forestlands;

(2) Unique ecological areas of the State;

(3) Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty;

(4) Tidal or nontidal wetlands;

(5) Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8-1807 of this article;

(6) Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural Heritage Program in the Department;

(7) Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human encroachment;

(8) Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;

(9) Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;

(10) Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect water quality or unique natural habitat; and

(11) Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5-611 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.