Due its location within an easy commute to major metropolitan areas, forested tracts in the Greenway are under intense development pressure. Seventy-five percent of the undeveloped forests have highly erodible soils, meaning small disturbances to the land result in large impacts to streams that transport sediment to the South River and eventually Chesapeake Bay. Despite the extensive forest buffers, 21 miles of streams are listed as in poor condition as a result of land use changes (roads and subdivisions).  Development incursions also drive out the native wildlife.

The Greenway has great potential to be turned into a natural area park for citizens of the county and state. The Greenway is located in the center of Anne Arundel County, ten minutes from the state capital. A network of trails could be developed connecting Annapolis, Crownsville, Crofton, Gambrills, Millersville, Edgewater, Severna Park, the Navy Dairy Farm, and beyond - portions of this trail system already exists.  Over 2,500 acres of this land is owned by local, state or city government. Many more acres are precluded from development due to Forest Conservation Act and other conservation easements, as well as building restrictions on wetlands and steep slopes. With key land acquisitions and/or easements, the Greenway can be preserved.

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