Abstract
We use a unique dataset of land parcels and forest cover, before and after subdivision development, to examine outcomes of Maryland’s Forest Conservation Act (FCA). Focusing on the spatial configuration of homes and forests, we compare subdivisions created before and after FCA implementation in 1993. We found minimal impacts of FCA on forest outcomes we considered: houses were as likely to be built in forest before and after FCA, and forest metrics showed increasing fragmentation with development unchanged by FCA regulation. However, the FCA led to a greater proportion of forest located away from houses after development. Other regulatory efforts, particularly zoning and riparian buffer regulations, were consistently related to outcomes we studied. FCA has been successful in preserving forest cover, but a stronger emphasis on connectivity and conservation of large forest patches, particularly for parcels with extensive forest cover, will be helpful in reducing fragmentation and disturbance with development.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
