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Committee restores 'maintaining' language in HB255 to expand community forestry program duties

Natural Resources and Open Space Subcommittee · February 17, 2026

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Summary

Members amended HB255 to restore 'planting and maintaining' to the program purpose, responding to department testimony and Sierra Club concerns that Senate amendments removed maintenance language; the bill moved favorably to the full committee.

The subcommittee amended HB255 to ensure Maryland's community forestry program explicitly includes both planting and maintaining native trees and shrubs.

Committee members said Senate amendments inadvertently removed the maintenance language; staff and department representatives recommended restoring planting-and-maintaining language to ensure the program supports not just tree installation but follow-up care such as watering and pit preparation. Lydia, identified in the hearing as department staff, said the Sierra Club had raised the concern and the department supports retaining maintenance in the program purpose.

Committee members emphasized that planting-only programs often result in high mortality for urban plantings and that including maintenance would make plantings more durable and effective. The amendment was moved and seconded; with no recorded opposition, HB255 as amended was moved favorably to the full committee by voice vote.

Committee members asked staff to circulate corrected amendment text to members who had not yet received it and for department follow-up on any Senate amendment errors. The bill will proceed to the full committee docket.