Black Bear Task Force - 
Black Bear Conservation Program Stamp & Decal

Black Bear Task Force Report and Recommendations
To The Maryland Department of Natural Resources 
March 28, 2003

Black Bear Conservation Program Stamp & Decal 

During the 1995 session of the General Assembly the Maryland Legislature established a "Black Bear Conservation Fund" as a special fund within the budget of the Department of Natural Resources. Revenue for this fund is generated by the sale of a $5.00 Bear Conservation Stamp or Decal and other related merchandise (lucite blocks, T-shirts, etc.), and any gifts, grants, or contributions to the state that are designated for inclusion in the fund. Annual contributions to the fund are used to reimburse farmers for agricultural damage caused by black bears. In 1996 the DNR put $10,000 seed money into the program. 

Eligible damage for compensation includes damage to beehives, fruit, crops, livestock, and poultry. Subject to available funding, a person may be reimbursed for damage of not less than $200 and no more than $3,000. If there is not enough money in the fund to completely reimburse all of the claims, then an equal percent will be awarded to each claim. During the period 1996 to 2001 annual damage claims have fluctuated from $10,389 to $41,445. During the period 1996 to 2001 the percent of claims paid has fluctuated from 41.4% to 70.0%. For additional information regarding this program see Appendix D (Black Bear Conservation Stamp Program). 

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