Maryland Forest Services: Protecting and Preserving Our State's Natural Resources

Forests are one of the most important natural resources in Maryland. They provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and wood products that we use every day. However, forests are also under threat from development, invasive species, pests, and disease.

This is where Maryland Forest Services comes in. We are a state agency dedicated to protecting and preserving our forest resources for future generations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote the wise use and conservation of Maryland's forest resources through education, research, and technical assistance. We work with landowners, communities, businesses, and government agencies to ensure that our forests are managed sustainably.

Our Services

Maryland Forest Services provides a wide range of services to help protect and preserve our forests:

• Forest Management: We offer technical assistance to private landowners on how to manage their forests sustainably. This includes developing management plans, conducting timber sales, controlling invasive species, and monitoring forest health.
• Forest Conservation: We work with local governments to develop forest conservation programs that protect critical forest areas from development. We also provide grants to help fund these programs.
• Forest Education: We offer educational programs for students, teachers, and the general public on the importance of forests and how to care for them.
• Forest Research: We conduct research on forest ecology, silviculture (the science of growing trees), forest products utilization (how we use wood products), and other topics related to forest management.

Our Partnerships

Maryland Forest Services works closely with other state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses to achieve our mission. Some of our key partners include:

• The Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• The U.S. Forest Service
• The Nature Conservancy
• The Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards
• The Maryland Forestry Foundation
• Local Soil Conservation Districts
• Private consulting foresters and forest industry representatives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are forests important?

A: Forests provide many benefits to people and the environment, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and wood products.

Q: How can I manage my forest sustainably?

A: Sustainable forest management involves balancing the needs of people with the needs of the forest ecosystem. This includes developing a management plan that considers factors such as timber production, wildlife habitat, recreation, and conservation.

Q: What is an invasive species?

A: An invasive species is a plant or animal that is not native to an area and causes harm to the environment or economy. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources and disrupt natural ecosystems.

Conclusion

Maryland Forest Services plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our state's natural resources. Through our services, partnerships, and educational programs, we are working to ensure that our forests remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.

If you are a landowner, community member, or business owner interested in learning more about how to care for our forests, please contact us today.

Related Links:

1: Forest Service Home

https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/default.aspx

Maryland's State Forests. ​​​The Maryland Forest Service manages over 214,000 acres of designated State Forest. Previous Next. Right_Content ... Skip to ContentAccessibility Information Department of Natural Resources Maryland Department of Natural Resources Seeking Public Comment for 2024 State Forest Work Plans Input Accepted Through April 21 Forest Service Proposed Regulations ​​​​​​​​​​​ Be informed of laws regarding firewood that will help you make the best decision about purchase. Planting trees for healthy communities and a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. Planting trees is one way that everyone can contribute to our shared vision. Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that kills up to 99% of our ash trees. It has moved across the US killing millions of trees. ​2015 Maryland Erosion and Sediment Control Standards and Specifications for Forest Harvest Operations​​ Manual National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential More Information on human trafficking in Maryland The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources. Help Stop Fraud in State Government The Maryland General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of State government resources. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Nondiscrimination / No discriminación 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401

5: Licensed Tree Expert Information

https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pages/programapps/newtreeexpert.aspx

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service 580 Taylor Avenue Tawes State Office Building, E-1. Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Skip to ContentAccessibility Information Department of Natural Resources MUCFC (Maryland Urban Community Forest Council) PLANT (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) Licensed Tree Expert Information Click here to find a Licensed Tree Expert Currently there are over 1,200 Licensed Tree Experts in Maryland. Click here to Make a Tree Company Complaint This form is for persons wishing to make a complaint against a person or company they believe did not perform the work they proposed; or for someone to make a complaint against a person or company they believe is not properly licensed to perform tree care/removal work. Please print and fill in the form then mail it to the appropriate address at the bottom of form. The complete text of the Maryland Tree Expert law - updated December 2016 Maryland Tree Expert Regulations Tree Expert Licensing Policy (up-dated February 1, 2014) All tree care professionals practicing in Maryland must obtain a license. Without a license, they may not practice or advertise tree care services in the state. To obtain a license, the applicant must possess adequate and related college education plus one year of experience under a LTE or have three years experience under a Licensed Tree Expert (LTE), then have passed an exam and carry adequate amounts of liability and property damage insurance. The license is a two year license renewed in December. Click here to Apply to Become a Licensed Tree Expert Click here for Tree Expert License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements