Bill > HB257

This bill establishes a new Food Forests and Foraging Program in Maryland, which creates a structured approach for people to harvest plant materials on state-owned lands. The program requires individuals to obtain an annual foraging permit from the Maryland Department's Natural Resources Department to collect non-commercial personal food items like seeds, nuts, mushrooms, roots, tubers, and berries within designated "food forests". Permits will have an application fee, but the department will waive this fee for individuals who demonstrate financial need. A dedicated special fund will be created to support the program, which will receive money from permit fees, state budget appropriations, interest earnings, and other sources. The fund can only be used for designating, planting, and maintaining food forests, as well as related administrative expenses. Importantly, the bill specifically excludes harvesting of threatened or endangered plant species. The program aims to provide public access to food-gathering opportunities on state lands while maintaining regulatory oversight. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving the state time to develop the necessary regulations and infrastructure for implementing the program.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0257?ys=2025RS