01.01.2004.21

A. The Department of Natural Resources shall:

(1) Undertake efforts to develop, upgrade and/or modify forest stewardship plans on all DNR-owned lands consistent with and responsive to scientifically based land use conservation goals attendant to watershed, wildlife, fish, biodiversity, recreation, wood fiber, and wilderness enhancement; and

(2) Confer with the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Board in order to determine the parameters of securing forest certification of the State's efforts in managing Maryland's State Forests in an environmentally responsible manner.

B. The Department of Natural Resources shall submit its findings and recommendations and an action plan consistent with this effort to the Governor by June 1 of each year and report progress to the Governor on an ongoing basis as determined appropriate by the Department.

Effective date: March 29, 2004 (31:9 Md. R. 693)