{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-1-406","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Natural Resources § 1–406","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(2) “Old–growth forest” means a forest:\n(i) At least 5 acres in size with a preponderance of old trees, of which the oldest exceed at least half the projected maximum attainable age for the species; and\n(ii) That exhibits several of the following characteristics:\n1. Shade–tolerant species are present in all age and size classes;\n2. Randomly distributed canopy gaps are present;\n3. A high degree of structural diversity characterized by multiple growth layers reflecting a broad spectrum of ages is present;\n4. An accumulation of dead wood of varying sizes and stages of decomposition accompanied by decadence in live dominant trees is present; and\n5. Pit and mound topography can be observed.\n(3) “State conservation land” means:\n(i) State parks;\n(ii) Wildlife management areas; and\n(iii) Natural resources management areas.\n(b) Whenever the Department identifies an old–growth forest on State conservation land, the land shall be managed in a manner that prohibits logging.\n(c) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to prohibit the Department from taking actions to protect old–growth forest from fire, animals, insects, disease, and erosion in a manner that has minimal adverse effects on the ecosystem and subject to conditions the Secretary considers necessary.","path":["Article - Natural Resources"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr\u0026section=1-406","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T20:00:08Z","sha256":"686ed3d1376f1cb228c8638922b947ff3a54b45afc102ee45cb1e2d1a6c1a268","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-1-405","next":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-1-407"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}