ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore has issued an executive order directing Maryland agencies to prioritize the use of in-state wood in public projects whenever wood is an appropriate and cost competitive building material. 

The executive order represents a major milestone for Maryland's forest industry and advances the State's commitment to sustainable economic development, responsible forest management, and rural job creation. Wood products manufactured in Maryland support thousands of jobs across the State, including forestry, logging, sawmilling, transportation, and secondary wood manufacturing.

"Maryland's forests provide environmental, economic, and community benefits that are essential to our State," said Bill Miles, advocate for the Association of Forest Industries. "This Executive Order recognizes the value of using sustainably harvested wood products in public projects while supporting Maryland workers, manufacturers, and forest landowners.  On behalf of Maryland’s forest community, we are most grateful to Governor Moore." 

The Executive Order follows enactment of Maryland’s nationally acclaimed Sustainable Forestry Act which, among other things, declares by state law the nexus between a healthy managed forest system and a healthy Chesapeake Bay watershed…Maryland’s forest industry plays a key role in sustainably managing the State’s forests under strict State oversight via requisite Best Management Practices (BMP’s). 

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