Maryland Forest Stewardship Disalignment Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate web of public and private incentives affecting forest management decisions by private landowners in Maryland. Despite concerted state efforts, the health of Maryland’s forests is deteriorating due to issues such as fragmentation and invasive species. The current landscape of government programs can be confusing and lacks coordination, sometimes conflicting with emerging market opportunities in ecosystem services and traditional commodities such as timber.

The current drivers of forest management are inventoried and their disalignments are explained. The report concludes by offering future areas for research and a path for developing legislation.