On March 11, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 1560 – Forest Conservation – Incentives – Pilot Program and Fund. 

This bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assess a new ecosystem value impact fee to support forest conservation programs. It also preempts local governments from adopting ordinances or regulations that are inconsistent with the requirements of an ecosystem value-oriented forest management plan.

Without clearer guardrails and recognition of local planning decisions, HB 1560 could introduce new costs, create regulatory uncertainty, and complicate the balance between environmental protection and responsible growth.

From MACo Testimony: 

Counties share the State’s goal of balancing responsible growth with sound environmental stewardship. However, as drafted, HB 1560 is overly broad and lacks sufficient guardrails or recognition of the state’s concurrent housing and infrastructure challenges.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog