reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-204 - Sustainable Forestry Council

    (a)    (1)    There is a Sustainable Forestry Council in the Department.        (2)    The purpose of the Council is to advise the Department on all matters related to:            (i)    Sustainable forestry management in the State;            (ii)    The expenditure of funds from the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives Fund under § 5–307 of this title;            (iii)    Existing regulatory and statutory policies that are perceived as economic barriers to a viable forest products industry;            (iv)    New markets to enhance forest health, including renewable energy development through biomass energy, to offset fossil fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;            (v)    Creative strategies to help privately owned forest lands better compete with real estate market values that are driving forest conversion and fragmentation;            (vi)    The means to promote forest–based economies and processing capability that contribute to economic and employment growth; and            (vii)    Assigning a nutrient efficiency benefit to forest stewardship plans and other forest conservation management plans that can be measurably tracked and reported by the number of forested acres covered by the plans.    (b)    There is a Park Advisory Commission in the Department.    (c)    (1)    The Sustainable Forestry Council shall have 9 members.        (2)    Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.    (d)    (1)    The Park Advisory Commission shall have 12 members.        (2)    Members of the Park Advisory Commission shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-208 - Eminent Domain

    (a)    The Department may condemn land, earth, gravel, stone, timber, material, or any improvements in the name of the State when action is necessary to carry out the purpose of any legislative act or advance the aims of forestry, parks, or recreation, and the work of the Department. The Department may pay any cost and expense incurred out of any surplus money standing to the credit of the Forest Reserve or Park Reserve Funds, not otherwise appropriated. This section does not apply to land located within Baltimore City.    (b)    After a complaint for condemnation has been filed in accordance with Maryland Rule 12-205, and upon payment into the court of an amount equal to the higher of two appraisals, the court, at the request of the Department, may, following a prompt hearing, issue an injunction prohibiting any physical change or improvement to the property which would adversely affect the public purpose for which the Department is seeking to condemn the property. However, if the complaint for condemnation and payment into the court is accompanied or followed by an affidavit or affidavits from the Department alleging a reasonable belief that the property owner intends to cause imminent and irreparable physical change to the property, the court may issue an ex parte injunction prohibiting any physical change or improvement to the property until a prompt hearing can be held, after which hearing the terms of the ex parte injunction may be continued or modified as justice may require until the condemnation proceedings are concluded. The court may, as a part of the hearing, release all or part of the funds to prevent economic injury to the landowner.    (c)    If the Department abandons the condemnation suit, the court may award the defendants compensation for any economic injury that they may have incurred due to the injunction prohibiting any change or improvement to the property.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-210 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-210 - Park, Recreation, and Natural Area Planning; Protection of Watersheds; Management; Replacement of Trees, Etc

    The Secretary, upon request, shall assist other State units, counties, towns, corporations, and individuals in preparing plans for park, recreation and natural area acquisition and development, acquisition of multiple use areas including protection of watersheds, management, and replacement of trees, woodlots, and timber tracts under an agreement that a party obtaining the assistance, pay at least the field expenses of the men employed in preparing the plans.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-211 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-211 - Printing and Distribution of Material Relating to Forests and Parks

    The Department shall prepare, print, and distribute on request, matter relating to the State forests, parks, scenic preserves, parkways, historic monuments, and recreational areas.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-213 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-213 - Disposition of Lost or Abandoned Property Within State Forests, Parks, Etc

    An item lost or abandoned within a State forest, park, or wildlife management area and unclaimed for one year becomes the property of the State, and the Secretary may dispose of the item in the best interest of the State.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-214 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-214 - Forest Resources

    (a)    The Department shall develop a system for long-range renewable forest resources planning. The public and private forest land resources of Maryland, including, but not limited to, wood fiber, forest recreation, wildlife, fish, forest watershed, and wilderness potential, shall be examined and inventoried periodically. As part of the forest resource planning process, the Department periodically shall develop, review and revise a resource plan that should help to provide for a sustained yield of forest resource benefits for the citizens of Maryland. The forest resource plan shall be made available for public and legislative review and comment.    (b)    To ensure the availability and compatibility of planning data, scientific information and funding, the Department shall cooperate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in forest resource planning efforts as provided for in the Forest and Rangelands Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978.    (c)    The Department may accept federal funds and may provide cost share funds to cooperative governments.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-215 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-215 - Deep Creek Lake Recreation Maintenance and Management Fund

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Maintenance and Management Fund.    (b)    There is a Deep Creek Lake Recreation Maintenance and Management Fund in the Department for the maintenance and management of the land, recreational facilities, and services that are related to Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County.    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection, the Department shall pay all fees collected for boat launching at Deep Creek Lake State Park, all funds collected from lake and buffer use permits, contracts, grants, and gifts as a result of the Deep Creek Lake management program, and any investment earnings of the Fund, into the Fund.        (2)    At the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, the Department shall pay 25% of the total revenue collected during the quarter under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County.        (3)    (i)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.            (ii)    Any investment earnings of the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund.        (4)    Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.    (d)    Unless there is an agreement between the Secretary and the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board as to a proposed change, the fee for issuance and processing of any permit covered under subsection (c) of this section may not be changed.    (e)    (1)    Before the Department and the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board may change any fee for the issuance and processing of any permit covered under subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary shall hold a public hearing in Garrett County.        (2)    Notice of the public hearing shall be published in two newspapers of general circulation in Garrett County at least 30 days before the hearing.        (3)    The notice shall include the proposed change in the fee and the reason for the fee.    (f)    (1)    A person may apply to the Department for a lake and buffer use permit.        (2)    A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Department to issue or deny a lake and buffer use permit may seek judicial review of the decision in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-215.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-215.1 - Deep Creek Lake Recreation and Land Use Plan

    (a)    The General Assembly declares that:        (1)    Deep Creek Lake and the land under and around it possess unique and valuable scenic, ecologic, historic, recreational, fish, wildlife, and other natural resource values; and        (2)    A Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan will:            (i)    Protect the resources and natural value of the lake and surrounding land;            (ii)    Provide for the ongoing recreation, use, and enjoyment of these resources; and            (iii)    Fulfill vital conservation purposes by wise, sustainable use of these resources.    (b)    (1)    The Secretary and the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board shall prepare a plan that provides for the wise use, protection, and management of the natural and recreational resources of Deep Creek Lake.        (2)    The plan shall:            (i)    Evaluate the lake, shoreline, and buffer area as a recreational, water, natural, and scenic resource, considering land use, carrying capacity, zoning, visitor access, recreation areas, commercial and private use, and related activities; and            (ii)    Reflect activities such as fishing, boating, docking, hiking, water sports, scenic appreciation, natural interpretation, and other programs which provide the public with opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the value of the lake and buffer area.    (c)    The Department may consult with the Department of the Environment and the Department of Commerce:        (1)    In preparing the Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan; and        (2)    On any other matter relating to Deep Creek Lake.    (d)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may adopt regulations relating to Deep Creek Lake that are  necessary to:            (i)    Protect the public health and safety, natural resources, and the environment; or            (ii)    Implement the Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan.        (2)    Before the Secretary proposes or adopts a regulation, the Secretary shall submit a draft of the regulation to the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board for its review and consent if the regulation relates to:            (i)    The content or the adoption and implementation of a Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan, as described under subsections (a) and (b) of this section; or            (ii)    Any fee proposed under § 5–215 of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-217 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General|Section 5-217 - Disposal of Raw Sludge Sewage on Certain State Land

    A person may not dispose of raw sludge sewage on State park land or State forest land, unless the disposal is part of a program designed and operated by the Department of Natural Resources or the Department of the Environment.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-301 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Approved practice” includes:        (1)    Planting;        (2)    Seeding;        (3)    Timber stand improvement;        (4)    Prescribed burning;        (5)    Site preparation; and        (6)    Other forest resource development practices required of an applicant.    (c)    “Cost-share assistance” means partial financial assistance in amounts as the Department determines, subject to limitations of this subtitle.    (d)    “Department” means the Department of Natural Resources.    (e)    (1)    “Eligible landowner” means an individual, group, or corporation that owns private woodland in the State.        (2)    “Eligible landowner” does not include a corporation or a subsidiary of a corporation that:            (i)    Manufactures forest products; or            (ii)    Provides utility services and is capable of producing crops of commercial timber.    (f)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Natural Resources.    (g)    “Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund” means the special fund established in the State Treasury under § 5–307 of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-302 - Legislative Declaration and Findings

    (a)    The General Assembly declares that it is in the general public interest of the State to foster and encourage the development, management, and protection of the nonindustrial private woodlands of the State as these lands provide:        (1)    Significant environmental, aesthetic, and wildlife benefits; and        (2)    For the production of timber and forest resources essential to commerce and industry in the State.    (b)    The General Assembly finds that:        (1)    The growing demands on woodlands and related land resources cannot be met by intensive management of public lands and industrial forests alone;        (2)    Nonindustrial private woodlands of the State are a significant source of the production of timber and other forest resources; and        (3)    Unless measures are instituted to encourage landowners to apply practices to ensure the development, management, and protection of nonindustrial private woodlands, this natural resource will not be sustained with a consequent detriment to the citizens of the State.    (c)    It is the intention of the General Assembly to provide incentives to eligible landowners:        (1)    To apply practices that provide for:            (i)    Afforestation of suitable open lands;            (ii)    Reforestation of cutover or other nonstocked or overstocked woodlands;            (iii)    Timber stand improvement practices, including thinning, prescribed burning, and other silvicultural treatments; and            (iv)    Forest resources management and protection; and        (2)    To provide for the nonindustrial private woodland production of timber and other related forest resources.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-303 - Development of Programs; Regulations

    (a)    The Department shall develop and implement a Woodland Incentives Program to assist eligible landowners in conducting a program of woodland management.    (b)    (1)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.        (2)    Regulations under subsection (a) of this section shall include consideration of:            (i)    The establishment of land size limits for which cost-share assistance may be granted;            (ii)    A determination of practices that are eligible for cost-sharing assistance;            (iii)    Subject to the limitations imposed by this subtitle, the establishment of maximum amounts of assistance that an eligible landowner may receive for implementation of an approved practice;            (iv)    The establishment of criteria for prioritizing applications, including size of land, soil productivity, and tree species;            (v)    A periodic review of actual costs of woodland development practices;            (vi)    The establishment of criteria for Department assistance in implementation of an approved practice;            (vii)    The imposition by the Department of reasonable charges for implementation assistance; and            (viii)    A system of monitoring the implementation of approved practices.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-304 - Requirements of Applicants

    (a)    An applicant for cost–share assistance shall:        (1)    Submit a woodland management plan to the Department;        (2)    File an application with the Department stating:            (i)    The practice to be implemented;            (ii)    The approximate cost of the practice to be implemented; and            (iii)    A description of the land or lands upon which the practice is to be implemented;        (3)    File a statement of intent stating that the owner:            (i)    Intends to use the cost–share assistance for long–range timber growing and improvement; and            (ii)    If there is joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or group ownership, has no knowledge of another application that is pending for cost–share assistance to be used on the land described in the application; and        (4)    Submit other information required by the Department.    (b)    An owner may not receive a total of State and federal cost share assistance in an amount that exceeds 100% of the actual cost of the approved practice.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-305 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-305 - Limitations on Assistance

    An approved applicant may receive cost–share assistance in the amount determined and approved by the Department, provided:        (1)    No assistance may exceed 75 percent of the actual cost incurred by the applicant in implementing the approved practice on a particular tract of land;        (2)    An eligible landowner may not receive more than $5,000 in a calendar year for all approved practices implemented by the landowner, unless the owner has submitted a 3–year plan for woodland resource development under item (3) of this section; and        (3)    If the Department has approved a 3–year plan for woodland resource development, an eligible landowner may not receive more than $15,000 during the 3–year period for all approved practices implemented by the landowner.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-306 - Agreement With Department

    An eligible landowner who receives cost-share assistance under this subtitle to implement an approved practice shall execute a written agreement with the Department, that specifies:         (1)    The practice to be implemented;        (2)    A description of the land on which the practice is to be implemented;        (3)    The landowner’s commitment to use the cost-share assistance to implement the practice;        (4)    The ability of the Secretary or the designee of the Secretary to inspect the land on which the practice is to be implemented in order to determine compliance; and        (5)    The liability of the landowner for the full amount of cost-share assistance if the practice is not implemented because of the landowner’s failure to comply with the requirements of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-308 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 3 - Woodland Incentives and Mel Noland Fellowship Programs|Section 5-308 - Mel Noland Fellowship Program

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Fellow” means an individual selected to participate in the Fellowship Program.        (3)    “Fellowship Program” means the Mel Noland Fellowship Program.        (4)    “Managing organization” means an organization selected by the Department to coordinate the administration of the Fellowship Program with the Department.    (b)    There is a Mel Noland Fellowship Program in the Department.    (c)    The purpose of the Fellowship Program is to support students seeking a career in fields relating to natural resources as they matriculate and graduate from an institution of higher education.    (d)    The Department shall develop criteria for the selection of:        (1)    Fellows; and        (2)    Managing organizations.    (e)    The Department shall select a managing organization with which the Department shall coordinate to administer the Fellowship Program under this section.    (f)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of this subsection, each year, the Department and the managing organization shall select two fellows and support them in their matriculation in a natural resources field at an institution of higher education.        (2)    One fellow shall be seeking a degree to work in the field of natural resources management.        (3)    One fellow shall be seeking a degree to work in the field of urban and community forestry.    (g)    The Department or the managing organization may require a fellow to complete tasks related to the Fellowship Program in addition to the fellow’s course of study.    (h)    (1)    A fellow shall receive an annual stipend of $20,000 paid from the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund.        (2)    Any funds remaining after the stipends under paragraph (1) of this subsection are distributed from the Governor’s appropriation required under § 5–307 of this subtitle shall be used for the administration of the Fellowship Program, including the recruitment, selection, and supervision of the fellows by the Department and the managing organization.