An Update on Maryland's Forest Conservation Act
/We’re facing an important moment in the history of Maryland’s forest protections
On March 1 and 2, the Maryland State legislature is hearing community testimonies in support of an updated Forest Conservation Act, and our Sr. Director of Policy Anna Mudd is there to advocate for it.
Breaking down an updated Forest Conservation Act
Senator Sarah K. Elfreth is sponsoring the proposed bill in the State Senate, and Delegate Sara Love is sponsoring the bill in the State House. These bills, collectively known as the Forest Conservation Act, will accomplish three things that are crucial for the health of our local community and environment. They will:
💧 Tree-t our water: Our Potomac River (the water we drink!) relies on healthy forests to prevent water and air pollution and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. To protect the forests that play a crucial role in the health of our community, we have been working non-stop with elected officials to improve Maryland's forest protections.
⚠️ Address urgent needs: The current laws are over thirty years old and have not kept up with today's climate and clean water needs. Because of these outdated laws, Maryland is losing forests at an unsustainable rate and is also seeing an alarming increase in polluted runoff – the only growing source of pollution to the Potomac River.
🌳 Protect forest ecosystems: Ensuring contiguous forests is imperative to sustaining stream health and improving wildlife habitat. Trees do their best work together (tree work makes the dream work)!
⚖️ Commit to equity: Tree canopy protection is vital in urban and low-income areas where there might be less access to large forested areas. The new bill includes multiple environmental equity commitments.
Did you know?
46% of forest loss in Maryland in the past 10 years has occurred in Montgomery and Prince George's counties alone.
Let’s make a difference
Potomac Conservancy fully supports the new statewide bill SB 526/HB 723 which will update Maryland's Forest Conservation Act (FCA). On March 1 and 2, Anna Mudd will be testifying on behalf of our clean water movement during the public hearings in Annapolis. We want to show our local elected officials a tree-mendous outpouring of support from you and our local community before and after these hearings.
This is where you come in! Sign our petition today to let your state legislators know you support the new bill to protect Maryland's forests. The time to act is NOW.
We all deserve a healthy environment, and our representatives must be held accountable for their environmental commitments.
