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Maryland’s forests are vital to the state’s environmental health, economic well-being, and quality of life. They clean our water, stabilize soil, store carbon, provide habitat for countless species, and offer spaces for recreation and reflection. As Maryland grows, so does the need to thoughtfully balance development with conservation.
The Forest Conservation Act (FCA), enacted in 1991, was created to meet that need. Its purpose is to integrate forest protection into the earliest stages of land planning and development—ensuring that trees and sensitive natural areas are not an afterthought, but a foundation for sustainable growth.
A Vision for Land Stewardship
In early 1990, then-Governor William Donald Schaefer created a statewide taskforce to assess the challenges and opportunities facing Maryland’s forests. The group’s recommendations laid the groundwork for the Forest Conservation Act—recognizing the need for a strong law that would conserve forests and encourage reforestation as part of responsible land development.
Working with state agencies, stakeholders, and conservation partners, the Maryland Forest Service developed the Forest Conservation Act and its implementing regulations. Today, the FCA stands as one of Maryland’s most effective tools for protecting forests in the face of expanding development.
How the Forest Conservation Act Works
The FCA applies to any project that involves 40,000 square feet (approximately one acre) or more and requires a subdivision, grading, or sediment control permit. These projects must submit a Forest Stand Delineation and a Forest Conservation Plan for approval before proceeding—unless they meet specific exemption criteria, determined by the State or local Forest Conservation Program Coordinator.
The process includes:
- Assessment of Existing Forests: Identifying valuable forest areas and environmentally sensitive features early in the design process.
- Conservation Priorities: Giving priority to forests adjacent to streams and wetlands, steep or erodible slopes, and large blocks of contiguous forest or wildlife corridors.
- Plan Development: Recommending how forests can be preserved or replaced, including long-term protection strategies.
- Reforestation and Afforestation: When clearing is unavoidable, replanting trees on-site or at approved off-site locations ensures that forest cover is maintained.
The FCA is administered by the Maryland Forest Service, but implemented at the local level by counties and municipalities with approved forest conservation programs. This local oversight ensures that forest protection is tailored to meet the needs of each community, while statewide standards ensure consistency and accountability.
How Are Trees Protected During Construction?
One of the most important ways the FCA supports conservation is by protecting forests during construction—when trees are most vulnerable to damage or removal.
By requiring early identification of forested and sensitive areas, the FCA enables developers and planners to design projects that retain priority forest features. This includes:
- Forests adjacent to streams, wetlands, or other water bodies
- Areas on steep or highly erodible soils
- Forest blocks that are part of wildlife corridors or large, contiguous habitat areas
Once identified, these areas can be designated for long-term protection—either preserved on-site or replaced through off-site planting. Forest Conservation Plans may also include construction-phase protections such as tree save fencing, root zone protection, and erosion control measures to prevent damage to retained trees.
FCA Qualified Professionals: Experts in Forest Conservation
A core part of the FCA’s success is the role of Qualified Professionals (QPs)—individuals trained and certified to prepare or review Forest Stand Delineations and Forest Conservation Plans. These professionals are typically:
- Licensed foresters
- Licensed landscape architects
- Environmental consultants
- Engineers or planners with natural resource expertise
To become a QP, individuals must complete specialized training through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and pass a certification exam. QPs ensure that plans comply with FCA regulations and reflect sound ecological practices, helping landowners and developers navigate the review process efficiently and responsibly. Click here to learn more about becoming a QP.
Contact Us
Dan Coy
Program Manager, Urban & Community Forestry
Maryland Forest Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Avenue, E-1
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 260-8510
daniel.coy@maryland.gov
