# Sec. 25-117. Policy; Purpose

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 25-117. Policy; Purpose

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 25-117 (2026)

(a) Policy.

  (1) It is the policy of the Prince George's County government to conserve and protect trees, woodlands, and wildlife habitat by requiring site planning techniques and construction practices that prevent adverse effects on these sensitive environmental features. These efforts shall be coordinated with the implementation of the Prince George's County approved General Plan, the approved Countywide Green Infrastructure Plan, and the regulations regarding sensitive environmental features in the County Code.

  (2) To implement this policy the County has established:

    (A) Policies and strategies for the conservation of trees, tree canopy, woodlands and wildlife habitat for present and future citizens of Prince George's County in the General Plan; that provides for the preservation, enhancement, and restoration of our natural and built ecosystem to improve human health, strengthen our resilience to changing climate conditions, and facilitate sustainable economic development.

    (B) A Countywide Green Infrastructure Plan that provides a long-term vision for the preservation, enhancement and restoration of designated lands within the network and measurable objectives for plan implementation;

    (C) Requirements for the preservation and protection of trees, woodlands and wildlife habitat having local, state, or national significance, particularly those trees of notable size, species, historical context or ecological role and those wildlife habitats that are scarce and in need of protection;

    (D) Procedures to manage the necessary clearing and disturbance of woodlands in ways that promote habitat protection and the maintenance of healthy vegetation;

    (E) Standards for the protection and enforcement of conservation areas containing trees, woodlands and wildlife habitat sufficient to maintain and improve water quality and to safeguard ecological and aesthetic values;

    (F) Incentives to conserve and preserve woodland elements through the appropriate use of alternative and innovative designs; and

    (G) Fines for removing trees, woodlands, or wildlife habitat without an approved Tree Conservation Plan or in violation of an approved Tree Conservation Plan.

(b) Purpose.

  (1) The purpose of this Division is to:

    (A) Preserve, maintain, enhance, and restore woodlands and wildlife habitat for the benefit of County residents and future generations;

    (B) Establish procedures, standards, and requirements to minimize woodland loss and to protect trees and woodlands before, during, and after construction or other land disturbing activities;

    (C) Establish procedures, standards and requirements for woodland conservation;

    (D) Establish a fund for future woodland conservation efforts, including afforestation, reforestation, maintenance, land acquisition and the establishment of tree canopy coverage; and

    (E) Provide a focused and coordinated approach for County woodland conservation activities.