The Impact of Resource Based Industries on the Maryland Economy
In 2018, BEACON, the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network at Salisbury University, with the support of the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industries Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), conducted an economic impact study to measure the importance of resource-based industries to the State of Maryland. Using the latest available data from 2015, the Forestry sector contributed nearly $3.5 billion to the State’s economy, supported 15,271 jobs, and nearly $133 million in State and local tax revenue.
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Maryland Forest Economic Adjustment Strategy
In response to forest industry downturns in the state, particularly the closure of the Luke paper mill in 2019, the Western Maryland RC&D and the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources contracted with ACDS, LLC in March 2020 to prepare an Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS). This EAS assesses the impacts on community and industry caused by negative consequences of the sector’s decline and make recommendations for both industry and community-level economic recovery. Funding for the EAS was provided by U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.
Maryland Forests: Great for the Environment and Economy
Maryland may be a relatively small state, but its unique geographic position supports a variety of tree species and forest types. This web-based publication examines the special nature of the state's woodlands and discusses three important questions: Will we have forests forever? What role do forests play in water quality? Can trees help mitigate the effects of climate change? Developed in partnership with Maryland Forests Association, Maryland Forest Service, Maryland/Delaware Society of American Foresters, Maryland/Delaware Master Logger Program, University of Maryland Extension, and Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology.