Without a doubt, Maryland’s woodlands face an increasing number of challenges. The newer threats, such as spotted lanternfly and beech leaf disease, join a long list of plants and insects that require managerial vigilance. But it is also important to recognize the good news among the less-
than-good.
At the heart of the good news is the increasing understanding of the roles played by native trees and shrubs. Native plants have co-evolved with local wildlife, such as birds, insects, and pollinators, providing food and shelter tailored to their needs. Reforestation with native species helps filter stormwater, stabilize soils, and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed from nutrient and sediment runoff. Additionally, native woodlands better resist pests, diseases, and extreme weather.
These are the woodlands that planners and managers intend to create across Maryland. For example, in 2025, the state’s forests received a significant boost through several notable programs and achievements. Earlier issues of this newsletter have noted the work related to the “5 Million Trees” initiative; this spring, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources surpassed its seasonal tree planting goals in Howard County. Program participants planted 46,800 new trees across 107 acres. This accomplishment moves the state even closer to the 5MT target by 2031 and supports Howard County’s specific objective of reaching 50% tree canopy cover by 2030.
Meanwhile, Montgomery County introduced Bill 18-25 to reinforce forest conservation, incentivizing landowners to preserve trees and codifying the county's goal of no net loss of forests. Statewide, revisions to the Forest Conservation Act require stream buffers, regular measurement of tree canopy, and strengthened replanting obligations following forest loss, all of which provide added protection to Maryland’s rich natural heritage.
The revisions to the FCA continue the commitment shown at the state level, such as 2022’s Conservation Finance Act. This legislation, the first of its kind nationwide, continues to foster private sector participation by allowing traditional infrastructure financing methods to be applied to green and blue infrastructure projects, such as forest conservation and restoration initiatives. It introduces a pay-for-success model where the state only pays when ecological projects deliver the desired environmental outcomes, significantly reducing financial risk for private investors.
In addition to the Conservation Finance Act, Maryland’s cost-share programs further incentivize private landowners by offering reimbursement for approved forestry management practices such as tree planting, thinning, and site preparation, covering up to 65% of costs.
Collectively, these 2025 milestones signal a greener, more resilient future for Maryland’s forests, delivering environmental, recreational, and climate benefits to communities across the state.