reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-501 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-501 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Cutting operation” means the cutting of timber for commercial purposes from five acres or more of land on which loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), or pond pine (Pinus serotina), singly or together occur and constitute 25 percent or more of the live trees on each acre.    (c)    “Diameter” means the distance through the tree at the point of average thickness as measured from outside the bark to outside of bark at a point on the trunk eight inches above the general ground level.    (d)    “Landowner” means the person holding title to the land or possessing the right to contract for the cutting operation thereon.    (e)    “Operator” means any person, including a “landowner”, who conducts any cutting operation.    (f)    “Person” includes the State, any county, municipal corporation or other political subdivision of the State, or any of their units, or an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, executor, administrator, fiduciary, or representative of any kind, or any partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation or any other entity.    (g)    “Pine” means any loblolly (Pinus taeda), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), or pond pine (Pinus serotina).    (h)    “Seedling” means a young loblolly, shortleaf, or pond pine plant less than six inches in diameter.    (i)    “Tree” or “timber” means any tree of a currently commercially valuable species which is six inches or more in diameter.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-502 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-502 - Legislative Declaration; Intent of Subtitle

    (a)    The General Assembly declares that the maintenance and reproduction of the pine forest resource of the State is in the public interest and provides significant recreational, esthetic, wildlife and environmental benefits as well as wood fiber essential to commerce and industry for the citizens of the State.    (b)    The General Assembly finds that the pine forest resources of the State are being harvested at a greater rate than they are being replanted or reproduced. It further finds that unless measures are instituted to ensure that the pine forest resources are sustained, this natural resource will be depleted to the detriment of the citizens of the State. Consequently, it is the intent of this subtitle to require that when commercial cutting operations are conducted in the State measures are taken to ensure that pine forests are reproduced or replanted.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-503 - Rules and Regulations

    The Department may adopt rules and regulations to administer the provisions of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-504 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-504 - Trees to Be Left Uncut for Purpose of Reseeding

    (a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided by this section, upon completion of any cutting operation the operator or landowner shall leave uncut and uninjured at least eight cone-bearing loblolly, shortleaf, or pond pine trees 14 inches or larger in diameter on each acre cut for the purpose of reseeding. If eight cone-bearing loblolly, shortleaf, or pond pines 14 inches in diameter are not present on any acre, the operator or landowner shall leave uncut and uninjured in place of each cone-bearing loblolly, shortleaf, or pond pine tree of the required diameter, at least two cone-bearing pine trees of the next largest diameter there standing. Trees left uncut pursuant to this section for the purpose of reseeding shall be healthy, windfirm, well-distributed throughout each acre, and with well-developed crowns possessing a sufficient number of cones to reforest the areas affected by the cutting operation.        (2)    Cone-bearing pine trees need not be reserved if there are at least 400 loblolly, pond, or shortleaf pine seedlings on each acre which are vigorous, well distributed throughout, and free to grow upon completion of the cutting operation.    (b)    Instead of leaving pine trees or seedlings pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the area where any cutting operation has been conducted may be reforested pursuant to a plan approved by the Department.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-505 - Reservation of Seed Trees or Approval of Reforestation Plan

    (a)    A cutting operation may not commence unless seed trees have been reserved or a reforestation plan has been approved by the Department. The reforestation plan shall be prepared by the landowner or his agent and shall be designed to assure the reproduction and maintenance of growth of young, vigorous pine trees.    (b)    An operator or landowner proposing to reforest any area of a cutting operation pursuant to an approved plan shall notify the Department at least 24 hours prior to initiation of the cutting operations.    (c)    Except as permitted by § 5-507 of this subtitle, the landowner shall not cut or permit to be cut any pine tree required to be reserved for reseeding for three years after completion of the cutting operation and will so bind his successor in title. The reforestation plan shall be accompanied by a statement of the landowner, on a form furnished by the Department that he will not perform any act or permit any act to be performed which prevents reforestation and will so bind his successor in title. The provisions of this subsection do not apply if the landowner places the land in any of the uses permitted in § 5-507 of this subtitle.    (d)    The Department shall approve, approve with modifications, or reject any plan submitted to it within 30 days. The determination of the Department shall be in writing setting forth the reasons for approval, approval with modifications, or rejection and shall be forwarded to the operator or landowner.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-506 - Cutting Reserved Tree, etc., in Area on Which Cutting Operation Conducted

    A person may not cut or permit to be cut any pine tree or seedling required to be reserved for reseeding or planted under a reforestation plan or perform any act or permit any act to be performed which prevents reseeding or reforestation of any area upon which a cutting operation has been conducted.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-507 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-507 - Exemptions

    This subtitle does not apply to the cutting of timber for reservoirs, military installations, agriculture, communication and transmission lines, industrial sites, railroads, residential or recreational purposes, or residential or commercial construction. This subtitle does not apply to commercial cutting operations undertaken pursuant to a contract executed prior to January 1, 1978.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-508 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-508 - Enforcement; Enjoining Violations

    On application of the Department, acting through the Attorney General, the circuit court for the county where a cutting operation is located, by appropriate order, may enforce compliance with or enjoin the violation of any provision of this subtitle or rule or regulation adopted pursuant to it. Enforcement may include the assessment by the court in its discretion of money damages payable by the violator to the Department which is equal to the estimated cost of compliance with this subtitle. The Department may enforce payment of any award in the same manner as other money judgments of the court. Any money the Department collects shall be used for compliance with this subtitle on the land where the violation occurred.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-509 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 5 - Pine Tree Reforestation|Section 5-509 - Subtitle 13 Not Applicable

    The provisions of Subtitle 13 do not apply to this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-601 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-601 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “District board” means any district forestry board created under this subtitle.    (c)    “Landowners” means any person owning woodlands, located in the State.    (d)    “Natural resources” means forests, fish and game, water and waterpower, soils, minerals, and all other similar sources of wealth.    (e)    “Woodlands or forest lands” means any land of an area of 3 acres or more held by the same owner and primarily devoted to the growth of forest products.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-602 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-602 - Conservation Policy of State

    Forests, timberlands, woodlands, and soil resources of the State are basic assets, and the proper use, development, and preservation of these resources are necessary to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the State. It is the policy of the State to encourage economic management and scientific development of its forests and woodlands to maintain, conserve, and improve the soil resources of the State so that an adequate source of forest products is preserved for the people. Floods and soil erosion must be prevented and the natural beauty of the State preserved. Wildlife must be protected, while the development of recreational interest is encouraged and the fertility and productivity of the soil is maintained. The impairment of reservoirs and dams must be prevented, the tax rate preserved, and the welfare of the people of the State sustained and promoted. Where these interests can be served through cooperative efforts of private forest landowners, with the assistance of the State, it is the policy of the State to encourage, assist, and guide private ownership in the management and fullest economic development of privately owned forest lands. Where these public interests cannot be served and adequately protected under private ownership, it is the policy of the State to acquire control of, and title to these lands as rapidly as the financial resources of the State permit.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-603 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-603 - Forest Conservation Duties of Department Generally; Cooperation by Department With Public Agencies; Appeals From Actions of Department

    The Department shall administer forest conservation practices on privately owned forest land and manage publicly owned forest lands. Representatives of the United States Forest Service and the Cooperative Extension Service may meet with the Department in an advisory capacity. The Department shall keep a record of its proceedings. The Department and the district boards shall cooperate with existing public agencies in forest management practices, flood control, recreation, wildlife management, and related activities. The Department shall direct and coordinate the activities of the district boards and hear appeals from orders or decisions of the local boards.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-604 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-604 - Promulgation and Enforcement of Rules and Regulations

    The Department may promulgate rules and regulations to administer this subtitle. The Secretary shall enforce every provision of this subtitle, and offer assistance to any district board. He shall disseminate information concerning minimum rules of forest practice adopted in the forestry districts in the State, maintain inspection of forest management practices necessary to make this subtitle effective, and enforce any rule or regulation the Department adopts.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-605 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-605 - District Forestry Boards -- Establishment; Organization; Composition; Term of Membership; Employees; Officers; Compensation of Members

    The Department shall divide the State into convenient districts, having due regard for the character and extent of the timber stand, similarity of forest problems, convenience of administration, and other pertinent factors. It shall establish, by appointment, in each district created, a district forestry board of at least five members. The appointments to the district forestry board shall include, if possible, a person representing each of the major types of forestry and woodworking interests, and at least one person representing farm woodland owners preferably connected with a county farm bureau or grange in the district. If there are any county agricultural agents and county foresters representing areas lying within the district, they shall have the privilege of participating, without a vote, in the board meeting.    The term of membership on the board is three years. A member serves until his successor is appointed and qualified. Within 30 days of their appointment, and regularly thereafter, the members of the district forestry board shall meet and elect a chairman and vice-chairman to serve for a term of two years. The Department may discontinue district boards for cause at any time. The Department shall employ and assign to each board a forester who, in addition to his other duties, serves as secretary and executive officer of the board. Each member of the board shall receive expenses while engaged in the performance of his official duties. The Department shall determine the compensation of the forester. Any compensation payable to and any expense incurred by a district board shall be paid out of funds made available under the provisions of this subtitle.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-607 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-607 - Duties of Forester

    The forester shall:         (1)    Make plans for management and reforestation of forest, woodlot, and tree crop orchards;        (2)    Assist landowners of the district in marketing their forest products;        (3)    Hold meetings of county or local forest fire wardens, lookouts, guards, fire fighters, and others to instruct them in methods of forest fire prevention and extinction;        (4)    Enlist the cooperation of landowners in protection of their forests from fire, insects, and disease;        (5)    Make an annual written report of his activities to the Secretary;        (6)    Assist the State Extension Forester in carrying out the Farm Forestry Extension Program;        (7)    Assist forest landowners in formation and execution of soil conservation practices;        (8)    Keep accurate records of any forest management plan;        (9)    Assist in management of community or municipally owned forests;        (10)    Assist assessors in appraisal of woodlands; and        (11)    Advise and assist in planting food-bearing trees and shrubs for the benefit of wildlife.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-609 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-609 - Acceptance and Custody of Federal Appropriations for Forest Conservation Purposes

    The Department may accept for the State any appropriation of money for any forest conservation purpose made out of the federal treasury by any act of Congress. The Department is the forest authority for the expenditure and administration of the funds. The Treasurer of the State is the custodian of money the State receives from appropriations for forest conservation purposes made by any act of Congress. He may receive and provide for the proper custody of the money and make disbursements upon order of the Department.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-610 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 6 - Forest Conservancy Districts|Section 5-610 - Exemptions

    This subtitle does not apply to clearing woodlands for reservoirs, military, naval, agricultural, communication and transmission lines, industrial sites, railroads, residential, or recreational purposes; nor does it apply to maple tree camps or to the business of gathering maple sugar or syrup.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-902 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 9 - Program Open Space|Section 5-902 - Legislative Declaration and Intent; Designation and Purpose of Program; Funding Program Established

    (a)    The General Assembly declares that there is need for a program to make funds available to State agencies and any subdivision to:        (1)    Expedite acquisition of outdoor recreation and open space areas before escalating cost of land prevents its purchase for public use and before potential areas are devoted to some other use; and        (2)    Accelerate development and capital renewal of needed outdoor recreation facilities, including the provision of public access to the facilities.    (b)    This program is known as Program Open Space and carries out the recommendations of the 1968 Legislative Council committee on recreational areas. By enacting this program, the General Assembly intends to provide funds to the State and its subdivisions to enable them to acquire land for outdoor public recreation and open space use and develop and provide public access to the land for public recreation.    (c)    (1)    To effectuate the purposes of this section, the General Assembly has established a transfer tax funding program under Title 13, Subtitle 2 of the Tax – Property Article.        (2)    In addition to or in lieu of the funding under paragraph (1) of this subsection, Program Open Space funding may be provided in the State Consolidated Capital Bond Funding Program or in a separate bond enabling act.        (3)    In any fiscal year for which funding for Program Open Space is provided through the State Consolidated Capital Bond Funding Program or other bond enabling act, except as otherwise expressly provided under the bond enabling act through which the funding is provided:            (i)    The debt allocations shall be provided to the Department of Natural Resources and the Department shall allocate funds among local governing bodies according to the apportionment formula described in § 5–903 of this subtitle; and            (ii)    For fiscal years 2011 through 2013 only, the allocations provided under § 5–903 of this subtitle of the funds distributed to Program Open Space under § 13–209 of the Tax – Property Article shall be adjusted to reduce the amount that would otherwise be allocated for any purpose by the amount of funding provided for that purpose under the bond enabling act.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-903.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 9 - Program Open Space|Section 5-903.1 - Program Open Space Contingency Fund

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Program Open Space Contingency Fund.    (b)    There is a Program Open Space Contingency Fund.    (c)    The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing, revolving fund not to exceed $1,000,000 that consists of the amount of appropriations for a capital project:        (1)    In excess of the amount needed for the capital project; and        (2)    Allocated to the Fund by the Governor.    (d)    The Fund may be used to:        (1)    Supplement an existing appropriation for a capital project; and        (2)    Undertake critical maintenance projects.    (e)    (1)    The Department shall evaluate each request for an expenditure from the Fund.        (2)    The Department may request the Board of Public Works to authorize an expenditure from the Fund if:            (i)    All reasonable attempts to reduce the cost of the capital project have been made;            (ii)    No practical alternative exists for securing funding to complete the capital or critical maintenance project; and            (iii)    The requested funding does not increase the scope of the capital project.        (3)    Prior to seeking approval from the Board of Public Works, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Budget and Management shall:            (i)    Provide written notice to the budget committees on the planned use of the funds; and            (ii)    Allow 45 days for review and comment by the budget committees unless the additional funds necessary do not exceed 20% of the original appropriation for any project and in the judgment of the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Budget and Management that the additional funds are necessary to prevent a work stoppage on the project.        (4)    If the Board of Public Works authorizes an expenditure from the Fund, the amount specified by the Board of Public Works may be transferred from the Fund to the Program Open Space account to supplement the specified authorization.    (f)    On or before January 1 of each year, the Secretary of Natural Resources shall report to the General Assembly, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the money:        (1)    Deposited in the Fund;        (2)    Authorized for expenditure from the Fund; and        (3)    Expended from the Fund.    (g)    Money in the Fund shall be deposited with the State Treasurer.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-907 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 9 - Program Open Space|Section 5-907 - Limitations on Land Acquisition for State Parks and Revision of Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan

    No land may be acquired for any State park in excess of the number of acres approved by the General Assembly for the park. Approval of the General Assembly shall be required for any revision to the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan prior to the initiation of any action to obtain additional land for any State park.
MD. Natural Resources Code Ann. §  5-908 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Natural Resources|Title 5 - Forests and Parks|Subtitle 9 - Program Open Space|Section 5-908 - Fair Hill Improvement Fund

    (a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Fair Hill Improvement Fund.    (b)    There is a Fair Hill Improvement Fund in the Department, to be used for the operation, maintenance, development, and improvement of the Fair Hill facilities at Fair Hill, Maryland.    (c)    Any money obtained by the Department from Fair Hill shall be credited to the Fund.    (d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.        (2)    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.        (3)    Money in the Fund may be used for administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.