Ch. 6 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to protect the [State's waters]
WATERS OF THE STATE through a comprehensive, statewide nontidal wetland
program in cooperation with federal agencies, other states, and local government. The
goal of the program shall be to attain no net overall loss in nontidal wetland, acreage
and function and to strive for a net resource gain in nontidal wetlands over present
conditions.

(c) It is the intent of the General Assembly that:

(1) [waters] WATERS of the State be protected[,];

(2) [that further] FURTHER degradation and losses of nontidal wetlands
due to human activity be prevented wherever possible [,]; and

(3) [where] WHERE unavoidable losses or degradations occur as a result
of permitted human activity, [that] these losses or degradations be offset wherever
practicable and feasible through the deliberate restoration or creation of nontidal
wetlands.

8-1203.

(a) (2) This subtitle does not apply to agricultural, [forestry] FORESTRY, or
regulated activities located within the Chesapeake Bay critical area.

(b) The Department shall:

(2) Assist local governments in undertaking nontidal wetland management
[planning] PLANNING, including mapping, technical assistance, and expediting the
permit process;

(c) By December 3i, 1989[,] the Department shall adopt final regulations
necessary to administer this subtitle, in accordance with § 10-111(a) of the State
Government Article.

8-1204.

(a) (2) A delegation in accordance with this subsection:

(I) [may] MAY not be effective for more than 2 years[,]; and

(II) [may] MAY be renewed by the Department for additional 2-year
periods.

8-1205.

(b) (1) After December 31, 1990[,] agricultural activities conducted in
nontidal wetlands that are not exempted under subsection (a) of this section require the
soil conservation district to approve a soil conservation and water quality plan that
contains best management practices to protect nontidal wetlands in compliance with
regulations adopted by the Department in consultation with the Department of
Agriculture.

(2) After December 31, 1990[, ] forestry activities required to have an

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