Forest Conservation and Management Program
Forest Conservation and Management Program supports Maryland landowners with tax incentives for property-specific forest stewardship that conserves forests and their public benefits.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Funding Amounts: Reduced property tax assessment, generally at the agricultural rate, frozen for the agreement’s life (minimum 15 years)
Summary: Property tax incentives help Maryland landowners conserve forestland and follow property-specific forest stewardship plans.
Key Information: Breaking the agreement triggers back taxes retroactive to the beginning of enrollment.
Description
The Forest Conservation and Management Program (FCMP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, offers property tax incentives to landowners who conserve and responsibly manage their forests. Through agreements between landowners and the State, the program supports long-term stewardship guided by management plans tailored to each property.
The program recognizes the public benefits of privately owned forests: protecting water quality and soils, providing fish and wildlife habitat, storing carbon, improving air quality, and supporting rural economies through forest products and recreation. Stewardship practices may address wildlife, natural heritage, recreation, soil and water conservation, or forest products, matching the owner’s objectives with the forest’s biological requirements.
