<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 08.19.06.01" title_num="08" subtitle_num="19" chapter_num="06" heading="Qualified Professional.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An individual may prepare a forest stand delineation or a forest conservation plan, if the individual:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is a licensed forester;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Is a licensed landscape architect;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Is approved by a local program for work in that jurisdiction and the program has:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Received final approval by the Department, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Criteria for a qualified professional consistent with the requirements of the Department; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Meets the requirements of §B of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An individual may be approved by the Department as a qualified professional if the individual:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Possesses the following education or experience requirements:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A 4-year degree in the natural resources sciences, natural resource management, landscape planning, or environmental planning,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>4 years of professional experience in natural resources sciences, natural resource management, landscape planning, environmental planning, or the equivalent as determined by the Department, or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A graduate degree in natural resources sciences and 1 year of professional experience;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Has shown the ability to meet the obligations required by the Department to prepare a forest stand delineation and a forest conservation plan; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Has satisfactorily completed a forest conservation training program approved by the Department.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The Department shall approve forest conservation training programs to be offered on a regular basis. This approval is contingent on the proposed training program demonstrating how to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Develop and interpret a forest stand delineation and forest conservation plan according to criteria stated in COMAR 08.19.04;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Prepare and interpret soils, topography, floodplain, wetlands, and site maps;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Prepare afforestation and reforestation plans according to criteria stated in COMAR 08.19.04;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Prepare a sketch map of a site, showing areas of forest retention, proposed reforestation, or afforestation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Identify and evaluate protection measures that may be appropriate for forested areas that are sensitive to disturbance;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Identify flora and fauna, including trees, woody shrubs, plants, and wildlife;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Diagnose and treat forest pest and disease problems; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Understand ecosystem interactions including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Water regime impacts,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Soil variations as they affect existing trees and species selection for afforestation and reforestation,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Wildlife habitats,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Multistoried plant canopies, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Forest successional stages.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The Department may revoke or temporarily suspend its approval of an individual as a qualified professional, pursuant to §B of this regulation, if the individual is found guilty of:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Fraud or deceit in obtaining the Department's approval as a qualified individual; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Negligence or wrongful conduct in the preparation of a forest stand delineation or forest conservation plan.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Hearing.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Approval of an individual as a qualified professional may not be revoked or temporarily suspended until after the individual has a hearing before the Department. Notice of the cause for the suspension or revocation and the hearing date shall be sent to the individual at the individual's last known address by registered or certified mail at least 20 days before the hearing. The nonappearance of the individual after the required notice has been given does not preclude holding the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A hearing under this section is a contested case hearing and shall be conducted under State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 08.01.04.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The Department may reissue its approval of any qualified professional whose approval was previously revoked.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>