Maryland Forests Association

06/12/2026

With over 40% of our state being forested, owned by private landowners that can’t meet their management objectives due to lack of low grade markets doesn’t wood energy make sense? Steady pricing, abundant supply and money that circulates within the local economy. All Maryland needs to do is look north to Vermont and New Hampshire for the example. They are leading the way and have proven wood to be clean, efficient , and sustainable.

06/12/2026

Hill’s Industrial keeps the Forest Products industry running! Need motors, pumps, or drives? Give ‘em a call!

06/11/2026

📰: Maryland Landowners Encouraged to Become Certified Tree Farmers

The Maryland Forest Service is encouraging landowners to become certified tree farmers to access resources to help them manage their land sustainably. Landowners who own between 10 and 10,000 acres of forestland are eligible to participate. Read more: https://ow.ly/vRRX50Zaa2Q

06/07/2026

05/21/2026

Working with great partners on an exciting project. 🌲🎥

Last week, MFA traveled to Vermont and New Hampshire alongside MCEC and DNR to meet with a full film crew capturing footage for an upcoming video focused on the future of advanced wood energy in Maryland.

Vermont and New Hampshire are leading the way and provide a strong example of what’s possible when states invest in local wood energy markets. For decades, they have successfully heated schools, hospitals, office buildings, and other public facilities using locally sourced wood fuel — creating jobs, supporting healthy forests, strengthening rural economies, and keeping energy dollars local. They’ve truly figured out what “buy local” can look like in the energy sector.

We’re excited to help tell this story and explore how these models can help support Maryland’s forests, communities, and clean energy goals. Stay tuned — more to come. ♻️🪵🌲🔥

♻️

05/19/2026

I spy in this video our Executive Director- Elizabeth Hill, Logger of the Year- Jack Mills, and Tree Farmer- Rick Abend — three people who are always willing to share the story of working forests and the many benefits they provide to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

From wildlife habitat and clean water to local jobs, recreation, and renewable resources, working forests are an important part of what makes our region so special. They are not only landscapes to enjoy — they are landscapes that support families, communities, and conservation goals alike.

Thank you to Eastern Shore Land Conservancy  for including the forestry community as part of the broader story of the people, places, and working lands that make Maryland’s Eastern Shore unique. 🌲🌾🦆

05/13/2026

05/07/2026

Forestry Equipment & Potential Tax Relief – Join the Conversation
The Association of Forest Industries, in partnership with the Maryland Forests Association, will be hosting a meeting on House Bill 547 with key state officials & legislators:
June 2, 2026
11:00 AM (lunch will be provided)
Paul Jones Lumber (shop location)* – 311 Timmons Street, Snow Hill, MD
House Bill 547 focuses on Maryland’s income tax subtraction modification for “enhanced agricultural management equipment.” In simple terms, this allows certain equipment purchases to be deducted from taxable income—reducing overall tax liability.
What’s important—and where forestry comes in—is that the bill expands flexibility by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to determine, through regulation, what types of equipment qualify.
That means forestry equipment could potentially qualify—but it has not yet been clearly defined.
The purpose of this meeting is to:
• Discuss what types of forestry equipment should be considered eligible
• Provide real-world input from loggers & forestry professionals
• Help ensure forestry is included as these definitions are developed
This is a meaningful opportunity to shape how this tax policy is implemented and to advocate for tools that support sustainable forest management and working forests across Maryland.
If you own and operate equipment in the forestry sector, your voice matters in this discussion. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to [email protected] so we can have an accurate headcount.

05/04/2026

📰: Maryland Forester Melissa Nash Named National Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of the Year

“Melissa has a heart for helping landowners, practicing good forestry, and building partnerships,” Maryland State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang said. “We are very proud that she has received this recognition; she is a real credit to DNR and public service in Maryland.”

Read the full press release: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/05/04/maryland-forester-melissa-nash-named-national-outstanding-tree-farm-inspector-of-the-year/