Environmentalists propose strict new measures to curb Maryland forest loss

More than 14,450 acres of Maryland’s forests have disappeared to development in the past eight years, and conservationists say that’s the good news.

Before the recession dampened the building industry, about 7,000 acres of Maryland’s tree canopy vanished every year.

Now, as the economy rebounds, environmentalists are seeking a stronger state law to prevent further degradation of one of the best filters of Chesapeake Bay pollution — contiguous forests that once blanketed the state.

“We’re still losing forest land, and this bill is asking someone who cuts down an acre of forest to plant one,” said state Sen. Ronald N. Young (D-Frederick), who sponsored the measure.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/environmentalists-propose-strict-new-measures-to-curb-maryland-forest-loss/2017/02/18/a37deca2-f3dc-11e6-b9c9-e83fce42fb61_story.html