Code of Maryland Regulations Title 08 - DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), Title 08 – Department of Natural Resources:
📘 Overview—Title 08 Structure
COMAR Title 08 is organized into 20 subtitles, each covering a distinct program area under the Maryland DNR: (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu)
Subtitle 01 – Office of the Secretary (Chs 08.01.01–.09)
Subtitle 02 – Fisheries Service (08.02.01–.26)
Subtitle 03 – Wildlife (08.03.01–.17), including regulations on hunting, endangered species, wildlife rehabilitation, and more (law.cornell.edu)
Subtitle 04 – Boating (08.04.01–.16), e.g., vessel registration, safety requirements, and ski stickers
Subtitle 05 – Rural Legacy Program (08.05.01)
Subtitle 06 – Recreational Water Uses (08.06.01–.02)
Subtitle 07 – Forests and Parks (08.07.01–.08)
Subtitle 08 – Deep Creek Lake (08.08.01–.09)
Subtitle 09 – Ocean City Beach Erosion Control (08.09.01–.02)
Subtitle 10 – Shore Erosion Control (08.10.01)
Subtitle 11 – VACANT
Subtitle 12 – Board of Well Drillers (08.12.00)
Subtitle 13 – Energy & Coastal Zone Administration (08.13.01–.04)
Subtitle 14 – Susquehanna River Basin Commission (08.14.00)
Subtitle 15 – Youghiogheny Wild River (08.15.01–.04)
Subtitle 16 – Board of Review (08.16.01)
Subtitle 17 – Environmental Service (08.17.00)
Subtitle 18 – Boating Speed Limits & Operation (08.18.01–.40)
Subtitle 19 – Forest Conservation (08.19.01–.06)
Subtitle 20 – Surface Coal Mining & Reclamation (08.20.00) (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu)
🔍 Spotlight: Subtitle 19 – Forest Conservation (Chs 08.19.01–06)
This subtitle implements Maryland’s Forest Conservation Act, outlining:
08.19.01 – General: Purpose, definitions, scope, exemptions
08.19.02 – Review of Local Programs: Approval criteria for county forest conservation initiatives
08.19.03 – Model Ordinance: Template for local governments
08.19.04 – State Program: Standards for conservation planning, afforestation, reforestation, mitigation
08.19.05 – Maintenance Agreements: Requirements for ongoing forest management
08.19.06 – Additional Requirements: Personnel qualifications, enforcement, training (marylandattorneygeneral.gov, regulations.justia.com)
Key Elements
Definitions & Scope: Align with Natural Resources §5‑1601 et seq.
County Exemptions: Counties with ≥200,000 acres of forest are exempt from some program requirements (e.g., Allegany and Garrett) (codes.findlaw.com, marylandattorneygeneral.gov)
Forest Conservation Plans: Required for land development over 40,000 sq ft, including delineation and long‑term management.
Mitigation: Performance (planting) or payment into State/local Forest Conservation Funds allowed.
Enforcement & Agreements: DNR enforces cooperation through agreements and civil penalties.
✅ How to Access Full Texts
Maryland DNR Forest Service hosts PDFs and guide documents (e.g., Chapter 08.19.*) (dnr.maryland.gov, marylandattorneygeneral.gov)
Justia and Cornell LII offer browsable versions of COMAR Title 08 (regulations.justia.com)
For the most current and authoritative text, check the Maryland Register or DNR’s official "Administrative Rules" web portal.
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