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Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 1-406

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Old-growth forest” means a forest:

(i) At least 5 acres in size with a preponderance of old trees, of which the oldest exceed at least half the projected maximum attainable age for the species; and

(ii) That exhibits several of the following characteristics:

1. Shade-tolerant species are present in all age and size classes;

2. Randomly distributed canopy gaps are present;

3. A high degree of structural diversity characterized by multiple growth layers reflecting a broad spectrum of ages is present;

4. An accumulation of dead wood of varying sizes and stages of decomposition accompanied by decadence in live dominant trees is present; and

5. Pit and mound topography can be observed.

(3) “State conservation land” means:

(i) State parks;

(ii) Wildlife management areas; and

(iii) Natural resources management areas.

(b) Whenever the Department identifies an old-growth forest on State conservation land, the land shall be managed in a manner that prohibits logging.

(c) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to prohibit the Department from taking actions to protect old-growth forest from fire, animals, insects, disease, and erosion in a manner that has minimal adverse effects on the ecosystem and subject to conditions the Secretary considers necessary.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 1-406 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/natural-resources/md-code-nat-res-sect-1-406/

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