Forest Conservation and Management Program
Forest Conservation and Management Program supports Maryland landowners through tax incentives for conserving and responsibly managing private forests to maintain forest cover and long-term stewardship.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates:
Funding Amounts: Reduced property tax assessment, generally at the agricultural rate, frozen for an agreement lasting at least 15 years
Summary: The program provides Maryland landowners with property tax incentives to conserve forest cover and responsibly manage their forestland.
Key Information: Breaking the agreement triggers back taxes retroactive to its beginning.
Description
The Forest Conservation and Management Program (FCMP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), encourages landowners to conserve and responsibly manage private forests through reduced and stabilized property tax assessments. It creates a partnership between landowners and the State to maintain forest cover and support long-term stewardship, with management practices tailored to each property.
The program recognizes forests’ contributions to water quality, soil protection, fish and wildlife habitat, carbon storage, air quality, and rural economies through wood products and recreation. Eligible land can include existing forests, qualifying reforested land, and Christmas tree plantations. Participation is established through a Forest Conservation and Management Agreement (FCMA), supported by a property-specific forest stewardship plan.
