3314

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

forestland, that forestland is rapidly disappearing with an
estimated 566 square miles or 13 percent (about the size of
Baltimore County) between 1964 and 1976 being converted to
some other use; and

WHEREAS, The retention of forestland is vital for the
survival of the Chesapeake Bay and other water sheds, the
maintenance of a large forest products industry, and the
health and well-being of the State's citizens; and

WHEREAS, Continuing pressures, by way of high taxes,
the encroachment of strip and scattered development in rural
areas and nearby cities, and growing urbanization, threaten
the destruction of Maryland's forestlands; and

WHEREAS, Demand for softwood sawtimber is projected to
increase 57 percent by the year 2030 and demand for hardwood
sawtimber is projected to increase by 160 percent over the
same period; and

WHEREAS, Maryland's wood related industries process an
estimated $200 million worth of Maryland wood and provide
approximately 5,000 jobs in Maryland, representing an
estimated annual payroll of $40 million; and

WHEREAS, The Forest Conservation and Management Program
administered by the Department of Natural Resources with the
assistance of the Department of Assessments and Taxation has
only been minimally successful in meeting the General
Assembly's intent to retain, conserve, and manage the
forestlands of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Current real property tax assessment practices
may be less than conducive to retention of the forestland;
and

WHEREAS, Improved resource management and tax
assessment practices are needed to mitigate increasing
pressures on our forestlands; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That a
Task Force be established consisting of -14- 17 members to
review and evaluate management and taxation of Maryland
forestlands; and to recommend measures to optimize use and
preservation of these resources; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force shall be composed of: one
member representing the Maryland Forest Service; two members
representing the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy
District Boards' appointed by the Secretary of the Department
of Natural Resources; one member representing the Maryland
Forestry Association; one member who is a forest landowner;
one member who operates a sawmill or pulpmill; three two
members of the Senate of Maryland appointed by the President
of the Senate of Maryland; and three two members of the
House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Delegates Legislative Policy Committee; one member