MD SB667

Establishes an Edible Forests and Foraging Program within the Department of Natural Resources to designate foraging areas on state land and create edible forests for harvesting noninvasive plants for personal, noncommercial use

Requires individuals to obtain a 1-year foraging permit to forage in designated foraging areas, with application fees set by the Department and mandatory fee waivers for those demonstrating financial need

Allows the Department to require completion of an orientation or foraging course before issuing permits; foraging of threatened or endangered plant species is prohibited

Creates the Edible Forests and Foraging Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to support the program, funded by permit fees, state appropriations, and interest earnings

No permit is required to forage within edible forests; effective date is October 1, 2026