Maryland establishes first in the nation policy
Governor Martin O’Malley today signed into law first-of-its-kind legislation that amends Maryland’s forest conservation policy to maintain the State’s current 40 percent tree canopy ? a no-net-loss. The bill establishes new and expanded reforestation incentives and tools to help landowners and local governments meet and surpass the statewide goal.
“Healthy forests support our economy, our communities, human health and our natural world,” said Governor O’Malley. “This landmark legislation will ensure we are using the most efficient and sustainable practices, to not only maintain our forests, but strengthen and expand them. It is vital we take the steps today that will ensure a smarter, greener, more sustainable Maryland for the generations of tomorrow.”
In addition to the no-net-loss requirements, Maryland’s Forest Preservation Act of 2013 (House Bill 706) adds a dual sustainability certification of State Forests requirement, and extends tax benefits to more Marylanders who work to increase tree cover on their property.
“Protecting Maryland’s forests with a no-net-loss of forests policy is crucial to the health of local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Alison Prost, Maryland executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “We applaud Governor O’Malley and Maryland’s legislators for recognizing how important forests are for water quality, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat and recreation.”
Until now, landowners could deduct between 10 and 500 acres worth of forestry expenses from their income tax liability. This legislation expands that amount to 3 to 1,000 acres, making more private property owners eligible for tax credits. By including smaller land areas, more Marylanders will have incentive to convert residential turf to trees, and increase, retain and manage forest cover on these properties. Forest stewardship activities include tree plantings, creating and maintaining forested stream buffers, controlling invasive species, and other best management practices that improve forest health.
“Nothing yet devised keeps residents as healthy and supports as many State goals as forestland,” said Eric Sprague, director of Chesapeake Forest Programs at Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “Governor O’Malley has again recognized this and continued Maryland’s national leadership on forest conservation issues.”
Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, Maryland has become a national pioneer in forest sustainability practices. Over the past four years, citizens have planted more than 100,000 trees through his Marylanders Plant Trees program, and Maryland inmates have planted more than one million
