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SB 667

Natural Resources - Edible Forests and Foraging Program - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Harris and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill establishes managed public foraging program on state forests, permitting legal harvesting of edible plants while implementing sustainability and safety standards.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 667

Legislative bill overview

SB 667 establishes Maryland's Edible Forests and Foraging Program, which would create managed forest areas where residents can legally harvest wild edible plants, mushrooms, and other forest products. The bill appears to formalize public foraging access on state or designated lands while implementing safety protocols and sustainability standards to prevent resource depletion.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses growing interest in local food sourcing, wild food security, and nature-based recreation while balancing conservation concerns. It could increase equitable access to foraged foods (historically significant in many communities), generate revenue through permits or licensing, and provide educational opportunities—but requires careful management to avoid overharvesting of sensitive ecosystems.

Potential points of contention

  • Sustainability and environmental protection: Defining sustainable harvest limits for wild species without damaging forest ecosystems or rare plants
  • Liability and safety: Determining responsibility if foragers misidentify toxic plants or suffer injuries, and ensuring public health oversight of wild food consumption
  • Land access and equity: Whether program benefits are equally accessible across urban/rural areas and different socioeconomic communities, and potential conflicts with private landowners
  • Funding and enforcement: Resources needed for education, monitoring, and enforcement to prevent poaching on non-designated lands or exceeding harvest limits

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

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