Bill > SB467

This bill extends the requirement for the Governor to include a $250,000 annual appropriation to the Maryland Forestry Education Fund through fiscal year 2031. The Fund, administered by the Maryland Forestry Foundation, is designed to support forest education and sustainability efforts in Maryland. Specifically, the Fund can be used for providing training and education to forest landowners, district forestry boards, and local governments on topics such as forest management, ecological services, climate science, forest conservation, and emerging forestry threats. The Fund's purposes include holding forest sustainability conferences, implementing peer-to-peer learning exchanges, developing conservation programs, providing small grants to test innovative forestry practices, and recognizing efforts toward sustainable forest management. The bill modifies the existing law by removing the previous fiscal year limitation (which previously covered fiscal years 2025 and 2026) and extending the mandatory funding requirement through fiscal year 2031. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring continued financial support for forestry education and sustainability initiatives in Maryland.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0467?ys=2025RS