Forestry Economics and Taxation

The Maryland forest industry and many partners have come together over the last few years to develop an Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS) for countering the economic impact of recent forest industry closures and for securing the future of Maryland’s forest industry.

In order to help the forest industry to revitalize from the 2008 economic recession, this research studied the market potential of firewood and wood pellets as a home heating source. Specifically, this study seeks to identify the price at which Maryland residents would switch to wood fiber for home heating.

This Economic Adjustment Strategy assesses the impacts on community and industry caused by negative consequences of the sector’s decline and make recommendations for both industry and community-level economic recovery. 

For centuries, Maryland's forests have provided wood, wildlife habitat, clean water and air, aesthetic and recreational enjoyment, and many other benefits. This fact sheet briefly describes Maryland's past, present, and future forests and demonstrates that the forest is a renewable natural resource whose future can be ensured by sound forest stewardship.

In this issue, read about the challenges facing the Maryland forestry industry, and about Marylanders being nominated for Outstanding Tree Farmers of the year. Our regular features include the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," as well as the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge. 

There are a number of federal and state programs available that will help defray a significant portion of the cost to implement forest practices. This section provides an overview of the different types of cost-share programs available as well as how they are implemented.

Enrollment in a forest management program is one way private forest owners in Maryland can reduce their property tax burden.

Woodland owners have many questions when it comes to taxes related to timber harvests. Listed are some of the most common ones we receive.

Making decisions about the future of your land may seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to initiate conversations with your family, to sort out the different professionals involved in estate planning, and to know how to take the first step. This publication can help get you started, and discusses the types of professionals who will help make it happen.