Environment (Public Lands)

SB 667 establishes Maryland’s Edible Forests and Foraging Program within the Department of Natural Resources. It requires individuals to obtain a permit for foraging (harvesting noncommercial plants/mushrooms) in designated state-owned areas, with fee waivers available for those demonstrating financial need. The program mandates the department to create and maintain edible forests on state land (subject to funding), where foraging is permit-free. A dedicated fund, financed by permit fees and interest earnings, will support program costs like establishing foraging areas and edible forests.

SB 164 amends Maryland's Pamela J. Kelly Tree-Mendous Maryland Program to explicitly prioritize advancing forest health and resilience through the promotion and maintenance of native trees and shrubs. The bill directly affects the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (which administers the program), public land managers, community spaces, school grounds, and rights-of-way where tree planting occurs. Key provisions change the program's stated purpose in state law to require native species for all planting and maintenance efforts on public lands. This policy shift focuses on using locally adapted plants to strengthen ecosystems rather than non-native species. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, pending final legislative approval.

HB 609 repeals a requirement that $25 million of State Transfer Tax revenue be allocated to the General Fund for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. Instead, the bill redirects this funding to remain in the Land Preservation Special Fund, increasing resources for conservation programs. The fund's revenue is allocated as follows: 75.15% for Program Open Space land acquisition, 17.05% for Agricultural Land Preservation, 5% for Rural Legacy, and 1.8% for Heritage Conservation. This change directly affects state land conservation efforts by ensuring more funds stay dedicated to these programs during the specified years.

HB 255 updates the purpose of Maryland's Pamela J. Kelly Tree-Mendous Maryland Program to explicitly advance forest health and resilience by promoting and maintaining native trees and shrubs on public lands, community spaces, school grounds, and rights-of-way. The bill amends the existing law (Section 5-435 of the Natural Resources article) to clarify that the program’s core focus is on native species, rather than general tree planting. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources, which administers the program, and ensures future efforts align with this specific goal. The change is procedural, updating the program’s stated purpose without creating new funding or requirements. The bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.