In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the State Board of Foresters. Notwithstanding § 5–101 of the Natural Resources Article, “forestry” means the application, for compensation, of scientific techniques to the planting, conservation, protection, and management of trees and related resources for their continuing use, whether found in large numbers and areas commonly known as forests, woodlands, and woodlots or in small groupings and individual trees in suburban and urban settings. “Forestry” includes: consultation, investigation, evaluation, or planning of any forestry activity that is described under paragraph (1) of this subsection; or having responsibility for any forestry activity that is described under paragraph (1) of this subsection. “Forestry” does not include: the services of a tree expert, as defined under § 5–415(c) of the Natural Resources Article; practices and services generally provided by: an arboriculturist; a gardener; a horticulturist; a landscape contractor; a landscape gardener; a nurseryman; or an orchardist; or the cutting, hauling, handling, or processing of forest products. “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice forestry. “Licensed forester” means, unless the context requires otherwise, an individual who is licensed by the Board to practice forestry. “Uniformed services” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.

The purposes of this title are to benefit and protect the public and to promote the public welfare by regulating persons who practice forestry in the State.