The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a bi-county agency chartered by the State of Maryland. It has authority over Montgomery County and Prince George's County, the two Maryland counties surrounding Washington, DC, and serves more than 2 million residents. The Commission plans the physical growth of the region, protects natural, cultural and historic resources, and provides a system of parks and recreational experiences. Its work is carried out by seven departments, including parks and planning departments in each county and shared bi-county management functions. M-NCPPC was founded in 1927 and stewards more than 52,000 acres of parkland, trails and open space. It is governed by ten Commissioners, five on each county's Planning Board.