Sec. 08.19.01.01. Purpose

A. The Forest Conservation Act of 1991 requires units of local government with planning and zoning authority to establish and implement local forest conservation programs, and provides for the Department's administration of forest conservation requirements, in the absence of a local forest conservation program.

B. The Forest Conservation Act of 1991 also provides that this subtitle include a model ordinance and guidance manual to:

(1) Establish standards of performance required in forest stand delineations and forest conservation plans; and

(2) Assist persons in developing the required forest stand delineations and forest conservation plans.

C. The forest stand delineation and forest conservation plans implement forest conservation, reforestation, and afforestation requirements for certain land use categories and certain regulated activities established in Natural Resources Article, § 5-1601--5-1612, Annotated Code of Maryland.