summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requiring the Department of Natural Resources to study the biological carrying capacity and cultural carrying capacity of elk in Western Maryland; and requiring the Department to report to the Governor and the General Assembly by October 1, 2026, the findings and recommendations of the study on whether elk should be reintroduced in Western Maryland.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential reintroduction of elk in Western Maryland, specifically focusing on Allegany and Garrett Counties. The study will examine two key aspects of elk population sustainability: biological carrying capacity (the number of elk the ecosystem can support based on environmental factors like food, water, and habitat) and cultural carrying capacity (how the local human population might perceive and interact with an elk population). By October 1, 2026, the DNR must submit a detailed report to the Governor and the General Assembly, presenting their findings and making a recommendation on whether elk should be reestablished in the region. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving the DNR approximately one year to complete the study and prepare their report.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Environment and Transportation Hearing (13:00:00 3/5/2025 ) (on 03/05/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1299?ys=2025RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/hb/hb1299f.pdf |
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