Maryland Forestry Programs & Initiatives for Landowners & Communities

Each section is organized by a specific type of forestry-related need or goal. Click on the program title to be directed to its host site for more details.

Planning & Technical Assistance

Programs that help landowners understand and manage their forest resources.

Forest Stewardship Plan

Prepared by Maryland Forest Service personnel, this long-range management plan assesses the current condition of a forest and provides recommendations based on landowner goals. Plans may include forestry, wildlife, recreation, soil, and water management recommendations. A Forest Stewardship Plan is often required for participation in cost-share and tax incentive programs.

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Financial Assistance for Forest Management & Conservation

Programs that help offset the cost of forestry, conservation, and habitat improvement practices.

Mel Noland Woodland Incentive Program (WIP)

State cost-share program providing funding assistance for forestry practices on private forestland ownerships of 5–1,000 acres.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Federal program providing cost-share assistance for eligible forestry and conservation practices.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Provides annual payments to landowners who maintain and enhance existing conservation practices through a five-year contract.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) & Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

Provide financial incentives to establish forest buffers, plant trees, and protect environmentally sensitive land.

Conservation Buffer Initiative (CBI)

Offers incentive payments to farmers who establish streamside forest buffers to improve water quality and Chesapeake Bay health.

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Tree Planting & Reforestation Programs

Programs that provide trees, planting assistance, or support for establishing new forest cover.

Healthy Forests, Healthy Waters (HFHW)

Provides tree planting projects, supplies, and technical assistance for reforesting one acre or more.

Western Maryland Native Tree Planting Program

Offers free native tree plantings in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties through a partnership between the Western Maryland RC&D Council and Maryland Forest Service.

Backyard Buffer Program

Supports homeowners in planting native trees and shrubs along streams and waterways.

Marylanders Plant Trees

Provides coupons to residents and organizations for purchasing trees from participating nurseries.

Tree-Mendous Maryland

Supports tree planting projects on public lands across Maryland.

Trees for Sacred Places

Provides tree planting assistance for faith-owned properties, including congregational grounds, retreat centers, camps, and retirement communities.

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Grants for Communities, Municipalities & Nonprofits

Funding opportunities for local governments, community groups, and organizations working to expand tree canopy and urban forests.

Chesapeake Bay Trust – Urban Trees Award Program

Supports larger tree planting projects in urban and underserved communities.

Chesapeake Bay Trust – Urban Trees Mini Grant

Provides funding for smaller community tree planting projects.

Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee (MUCFC) Grant

Supports community forestry, education, and tree planting projects.

MDOT Urban Tree Programs Grant

Funds tree planting efforts in communities impacted by transportation projects.

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Tax Incentives for Woodland Owners

Programs that reduce tax burdens for landowners who actively manage and conserve forestland.

Forest Conservation and Management Agreement (FCMA)

Provides a reduced property tax assessment for qualifying woodland enrolled in a long-term management agreement.

Woodland Assessment Program

Allows qualifying woodland to receive a reduced tax assessment based on active forest management.

Maryland Income Tax Modification

Allows eligible woodland owners to deduct qualifying reforestation and timber stand improvement expenses.

Federal Reforestation Tax Incentives (Public Law 96-451)

Provides federal tax benefits for qualifying reforestation investments.

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Quick Guide: Which Programs Might Be Right for You?