Md. Code Regs. 27.02.05.06

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 27.02.05.06 - [Effective until 1/20/2025] Forest and Woodland Protection

A. Definitions.

(1) "Developed woodlands" means those areas of 1 acre or more in size which predominantly contain trees and natural vegetation and which also include residential, commercial, or industrial structures and uses.

(2) "Forests" means biological communities dominated by trees and other woody plants covering a land area of 1 acre or more.

B. Criteria. The agency administering State-owned lands on which timber harvesting is planned shall use the following criteria:

(1) A forest management plan shall be required for all timber harvesting occurring within any 1-year interval and affecting 1 acre or more in forests and developed woodland in the Critical Area. The plans shall be prepared by a registered professional forester and be reviewed and approved by the Forestry Programs and Fish, Heritage and Wildlife Administration of the Department of Natural Resources. Plans shall include measures to protect surface and ground water quality, identify whether the activities will disturb or affect habitat protection areas as identified in Regulations .09--.13 of this chapter, and incorporate protection measures for these areas. To provide for the continuity of habitat, the plans shall address mitigation through forest management techniques which include scheduling size, timing and intensity of harvest cuts, afforestation, and reforestation.

(2) A sediment control plan shall be required for all harvests of 5,000 square feet or more of disturbed area in the Critical Area, including harvesting on agricultural lands. This plan shall be developed according to the guidelines established by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The operations shall be implemented in accordance with specifications set out by the local soil conservation district and the Forestry Programs and Fish, Heritage and Wildlife Administration of the Department of Natural Resources.

(3) The cutting or clearing of trees within the 100-foot Buffer, as described in Regulation .09 of this chapter, shall be in accordance with that regulation.

Md. Code Regs. 27.02.05.06