The award provides for increases in revegetation through replacing dilapidated equipment, maintaining irrigation equipment, continue using inputs such as fumigant and pesticides fertilizers plus…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources $160,000 on January 8, 2026, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Nursery Vegetation program (CFDA 10.736) to increase revegetation capacity through equipment modernization and maintenance.

The award funds replacement of dilapidated nursery equipment, maintenance of irrigation systems, continued use of fumigants, pesticides, and fertilizers, and purchase of high-quality oak seed. Total seedling production will increase to 3.2 million while maintaining or reducing per-seedling production costs. Work occurs in Maryland from the award date through January 7, 2031.

The State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources operates under Finance & Admin Services and serves as the direct recipient and operator of the state's nursery and revegetation infrastructure. The agency ultimately operates as a division under the State of Maryland Executive Office, which administers Volunteer Maryland as an AmeriCorps and civic engagement program supporting conservation and environmental stewardship across the state.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Nursery Vegetation program provides funding to state and tribal entities for capital improvements and equipment upgrades at tree seedling nursery and orchard facilities. Eligible uses include salary, training, travel, and contract labor associated with seedling or seed production, provided all projects increase seed or seedling production capacity.

The award provides for increases in revegetation through replacing dilapidated equipment, maintaining irrigation equipment, continue using inputs such as fumigant and pesticides fertilizers plus purchasing high quality OAK seed. Total seedling production will increase to 3.2 million while maintaining if not reducing per seedling production costs.