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SB 968

Howard County - Patuxent River Wildland - Use of Mechanical or Motorized Equipment Ho. Co. 5-25

2025 Regular Session

Allows DNR to use volunteers with agreements to maintain existing Patuxent River Wildland trails using limited motorized equipment, for safe access only.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 586
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Bill Summary · SB 968

Summary — SB 968 (Chapter 586, 2025)

Title: Howard County – Patuxent River Wildland – Use of Motor Vehicles and Mechanical or Motorized Equipment (Ho. Co. 5–25)

Purpose

SB 968 creates a narrow, statutory exception to normal wildland prohibitions on motorized vehicles/equipment for the Patuxent River Wildland. The intent is to allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to use limited motorized means — through volunteer use agreements — to maintain existing paths and ensure safe public access, while preserving the area’s wildland character.

Key provisions

  • Amends provisions of the Natural Resources Article (notably §5‑1212 and §5‑1203(h)) concerning State wildlands and the Patuxent River Wildland.
  • Authorizes DNR to enter into use agreements with volunteers to facilitate the use of motor vehicles and motorized equipment within the Patuxent River Wildland for the sole purpose of maintaining existing paths to ensure clear and safe access.
  • Confirms the Patuxent River Wildland designation (Type 2 wildland) and leaves intact general prohibitions on temporary roads, motorized transport, structures, and installations in State wildlands except as expressly provided.
  • Fiscal note language accompanying the bill also describes authority for DNR to use mechanical/motorized equipment to retain/maintain/remove/replace existing trails and to remove/replace/dispose of nonnative species for research, preservation, and education purposes. (The enacted chapter specifically codifies the volunteer use‑agreement pathway.)

Who/what is affected

  • DNR: gains a limited tool to facilitate path maintenance within the Patuxent River Wildland.
  • Volunteers: may be party to formal use agreements permitting motorized assistance for path upkeep.
  • Patuxent River Wildland: approximately 1,579 acres in Howard and Montgomery counties; remains a Type 2 wildland but with this targeted exception.
  • Public visitors: may benefit from clearer, safer access to trails; the change does not broadly alter wildland protections.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • The Department of Legislative Services fiscal note states the bill does not directly affect State finances. No local or small business fiscal effect identified.
  • Administrative implementation would be handled by DNR through development and management of volunteer use agreements and any operational oversight needed.

Procedural & timing details

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Enacted: Approved by the Governor — Chapter 586 (signed June 20, 2025)
  • Effective date: September 1, 2025
  • Statutory changes: amendments to Article — Natural Resources, sections cited above.

Context/limitations

  • This is a narrowly drawn statutory exception limited to the Patuxent River Wildland and to maintenance of existing paths via volunteer agreements. Broader prohibitions on motorized use and development in State wildlands remain in force except where law expressly allows otherwise.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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