Natural Resources - Edible Forests and Foraging Program - Establishment
Sponsor: Kevin M. Harris (District 27)Committee: Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentSubject: Natural Resources - GenerallyStatus: Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. (as of Sep 4, 2026)
What this bill does
Official synopsis
Establishing an Edible Forests and Foraging Program within the Department of Natural Resources; requiring individuals who forage in designated foraging areas to obtain a foraging permit; requiring the Department to charge a permit application fee and establish a fee waiver process for individuals who demonstrate financial need; requiring the Department to establish and maintain edible forests on State land, subject to available funding; etc.
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Testimony (14)
MGA witness listFAV 7FavorableFWA 3Favorable with amendmentsUNF 4Unfavorable
| Position | Witness | Organization | Testimony |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAV | Stegman, Matt | Chesapeake Bay Foundation | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Smith, Virginia | IndivisibleHoCoMD | Position only |
| FAV | Plante, Cecilia | Maryland Legislative Coalition | Position only |
| FAV | Farmer, Kyle | Montgomery College Permaculture Club | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Harris, Kevin M. | Individual | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Senator Harris, Senator Harrislegislator | Individual | Oral |
| FAV | Smith, Greg | Individual | Position only |
| UNF | Price, Suzanne | Concerned Citizen | Position only |
| UNF | Marcus, Ellen | None | Written (PDF) |
| UNF | Boyer, Ronald | Individual | Written (PDF) |
| UNF | McDowell, Liz | Individual | Written (PDF) |
| FWA | McPherson, Lydia | Maryland Department of Natural Resources | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FWA | Hoffman, Kirsten | Maryland Native Plant Coalition | Written (PDF) |
| FWA | Smith, Marlene | Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter | Written (PDF) |