Maryland Forest Conservation Act Statewide Standards

Codified at Natural Resources Article Sections 5-1601 through 5-1613, the Forest Conservation Act requires that subdivision applicants, grading permit applicants, or sediment control permit applicants on tracts of 40,000 square feet or larger submit a forest stand delineation and forest conservation plan. Counties and municipalities must adopt programs that meet or exceed state minimums; the Maryland Forest Service approves and oversees local programs. The Act establishes priority retention areas, replanting ratios, and fee-in-lieu options. Local governments may impose stricter requirements but cannot fall below the statewide floor.

Unauthorized clearing or failure to follow an approved forest conservation plan can trigger stop-work orders, civil penalties, mandatory reforestation at higher ratios, and enforcement actions by local agencies.