Maryland § 16-304

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 16-304, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-304.

    Notwithstanding any regulation adopted by the Secretary to protect private wetlands, the following uses are lawful on private wetlands:

        (1)    Conservation of soil, vegetation, water, fish, shellfish, and wildlife;

        (2)    Trapping, hunting, fishing, and catching shellfish, if otherwise legally permitted;

        (3)    Exercise of riparian rights to improve land bounding on navigable water, to preserve access to the navigable water, or to protect the shore against erosion;

        (4)    Reclamation of fast land owned by a natural person and lost during the person’s ownership of the land by erosion or avulsion to the extent of provable preexisting boundaries. The right to reclaim lost fast land relates only to fast land lost after January 1, 1972. The burden of proof that the loss occurred after this date is on the owner of the land;

        (5)    Routine maintenance and repair of existing bulkheads, provided that there is no addition or channelward encroachment; and

        (6)    Installing a pump, a pipe, or any other equipment attached to a pier for the cultivation of shellfish seed in a shellfish nursery under a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources under § 4–11A–23 of the Natural Resources Article, provided that the pump, pipe, or other equipment does not require increasing the length, width, or channelward encroachment of the pier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 16-304

What does Maryland Code § 16-304 cover?

Section 16-304 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 16-304?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 16-304" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 16-304 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.