This is a historical record of the unsuccessful 2018 campaign.
Protecting Maryland’s Forests
In 2018, the Maryland General Assembly will consider legislation to significantly strengthen the state’s Forest Conservation Act (FCA). Passing this bill is one of the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter’s top priorities.
Why is action needed now?
Forests are a crucial part of our state’s ecosystem – they promote clean air and water, combat climate change, provide wildlife habitat, and enhance community health and well-being. They are key to the ongoing efforts to restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
The FCA was enacted in 1991 to address the loss of forests to development in Maryland. Its main feature is to require certain levels of tree planting in connection with development, or payment of an alternative fee into a forest conservation fund. In 2013, the FCA was amended to adopt a statewide goal of “no net loss” of trees, after required replanting.
Despite the FCA, Maryland continues to lose significant amounts of forested areas. For example, an expert analysis showed that, as of 2014, there were over 24,000 fewer acres of trees in our state than in 2008.
Recent research from the University of Maryland indicates that, in particular, the FCA is not working as intended on parcels with substantial existing tree cover. These typically are parcels with intact contiguous forests which provide the greatest ecological benefits.
On 1/23/18 we hosted a webinar to explain the issue. Click here to watch the webinar! or download our slideshow presentation.
How you can help:
- Contact your state legislators to urge them to support this legislation.
- Please consider volunteering. You can make a difference by supporting our legislative efforts.