Josh Kurtz

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order June 1 directing state agencies to increase the use of Maryland-grown and harvested wood in publicly funded construction projects when wood is a required, preferred, or appropriate building material. The order is intended to strengthen local markets that support sustainable forestry, rural jobs, and the long-term conservation of Maryland’s working forests. The executive order directs the Maryland Department of General Services, in coordination with the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Natural Resources, to review procurement practices and identify opportunities to increase the use of Maryland-grown wood in state construction projects. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said the executive order builds on existing efforts within the department to prioritize locally sourced wood products while creating new opportunities for Maryland’s forest industry.