Branching Out Winter 2024 News and Notes

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service released its new 2023 tax tips for private forest landowners in January. Although private forest landowners may think about timber-related federal income taxes only after having a timber sale, it’s important to remember that each forest activity conducted can have tax implications. Generally, all income received is taxable unless excluded by tax law, and nothing is deductible unless a provision allows it. Understanding the forest-related provisions and integrating tax planning into forest management can help lower taxes. The article breaks down the classification use of the land, timber sale, tax deductions, and other forest-related considerations. Each section thoroughly describes each factor and provides examples to help landowners identify what is relevant to them. Read the article on the National Timber Tax Website.

With the start of 2024, the Maryland Department of the Environment shared news on the state’s progress towards the ambitious goal of planting five million trees on private and public lands by 2031.

More than 180,000 trees were planted in 2023, bringing the total during the first two years of the initiative to 471,890 so far.

“It’s exciting to already be at nearly 10 percent of the state’s goal after just the first two years of the initiative,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “A massive tree planting effort like this one requires coordination between tree nurseries, volunteers, and dozens of partner organizations. We believe the infrastructure and partner development is now in place to begin accelerating our planting efforts and make sure Maryland reaches its 5 million tree planting goal by 2031.” Read more from the Department of Natural Resources here.

A recent project in Anne Arundel County resulted in 1,800 native trees being planted on ten acres in Crownsville, MD. The county partnered with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay at the County-owned field through the Alliance's "Healthy Forests, Healthy Waters" Program. Crews planted 15 different native species across the site, along with the installation of temporary protection shelters while the trees take root. The Alliance contracted Habitat Enhancers for site preparation and Shenandoah Habitats to plant the trees. Shenandoah Habitats completed the planting in one day and will continue to provide maintenance for five years while the trees mature.

Read more about the project here.

Recently, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources conducted a prescribed burn in the Frederick Watershed. The burn crew comprised DNR staff from the Maryland Forest Service, Maryland Park Service, and Wildlife and Heritage Service, as well as partners from the National Park Service and Frederick City, and environmental science students from Juniata College in Pennsylvania. The plan was to conduct the burn in a 93-acre stretch of the watershed known as the “Turkey Pens.” The fire, a result of meticulous planning and coordination, aimed to restore pitch pine and oak trees in the forest.

 Read the full story here.