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HB 72

Natural Resources - Edible Forests and Foraging Program - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorig Charkoudian

Maryland bill creates state-run edible forest foraging program to increase public access to wild food resources and promote sustainable land management practices.

Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 72

Legislative bill overview

HB 72 establishes a new state program focused on edible forests and foraging in Maryland. The bill creates a framework for developing and managing forest areas specifically cultivated for public foraging opportunities, potentially involving education, land management, and community access components.

Why is this important

This initiative addresses food security, environmental stewardship, and public health by expanding access to wild edible resources while promoting sustainable land management practices. It reflects growing interest in permaculture, local food systems, and reconnecting communities with natural resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Land use and management costs: Establishing and maintaining edible forests requires significant public investment; unclear whether funding mechanisms are specified in the bill
  • Public safety and liability concerns: Managing public foraging areas raises questions about liability for plant misidentification, food safety, and who bears responsibility for adverse health outcomes
  • Environmental and ecological impact: Uncertainty about how "edible forests" are defined and whether monoculture planting or native ecosystem disruption could result; potential conflict with existing conservation priorities
  • Equity and access: Questions about how program benefits are distributed geographically across the state and whether urban, suburban, and rural communities receive comparable resources

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

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