By Lily Fountain
The Natural Places Committee, a statewide committee of the Maryland Sierra Club Chapter, has a mission to explore, enjoy, and protect wildlife and natural places in Maryland. To further that goal in 2021 we formed a Natural Places Legislative Workgroup. Together we helped develop, examine, and are now testifying on bills that were introduced this session relating to our mission. We are also giving Sierra Club members and supporters the information you need to contact your legislators with your voice on these issues.
Bills we have written testimony in favor of would:
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prohibit the use of state funds for invasive plant placements. HB 92 was withdrawn by the sponsor for some amendments for next session.
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implement bird-safe windows and more sustainable buildings. HB 236 had a favorable vote out of committee, House Government Operations.
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prohibit homeowner associations from banning native landscaping. HB 322 passed the House and was sent over to the Senate committee, Judicial proceedings and is awaiting a hearing date.
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would prohibit killing contests for wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. HB 293 passed both chambers and has been referred to the Senate Committee, Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs.
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reinstate a tax credit for venison donation by Montgomery County hunters to the Statewide Deer Donation Program. HB has passed the House and is waiting for a hearing date in the Senate Budget and Tax Committee.
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require counties to publicly distribute policies in parks regarding trail courtesies such as staying on trails to prevent erosion and yielding safely on trails. HB 458 had some amendments that satisfied opposition, and has good prospects for passage.
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prohibit the dumping of yard waste that promotes invasive species that are strangling our forests. HB1114 recently had a hearing.
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plant trees in urban areas and create a carbon offset program. HB 1133 recently had a hearing.
We also wrote or signed on to several pieces of testimony to protect waterways and watersheds and water quality in Maryland.
We opposed Sunday deer hunting in Prince George’s County; HB 615 recently had a hearing. We also are writing testimony to support a resolution to protect native Chesapeake menhaden fish. And we activated our listserv to write letters to key legislators to oppose a bill that may decrease tree canopy in Maryland (HB 991). Thanks for being part of our natural places action network! Please call and leave a message or email your legislators on as many of these bills you can to let them know of your support (or opposition as appropriate). You can find out your legislator's contact information at www.mdelect.net.
We hope you will join us in our stewardship and educational activities efforts to save natural places in addition to our efforts via legislation. Check the Maryland Sierra Club Calendar for Workgroups events for Legislative, Wildlife and Plant Corridors, and Endangered Species issues. Or email the chair Lily Fountain at lily.fountain@mdsierra.org. Looking forward to meeting you!