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
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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







3: Contact Information ***** ​MD Forest Service Leadership Contacts · Kenneth Jolly, Director / State Forester · Marian Honeczy, Associate Director, Policy and External Relations · Central ...

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

Skip to ContentAccessibility Information Department of Natural Resources Locate a specific Forest Service office address and phone number by clicking on the map or use the contacts table​ below.​​ Forest Service Headquarters Office/ Tawes State Office Building, E-1/ 580 Taylor Avenue/ Annapolis, Maryland 21401/ 410-260-8531 Fax: 410-260-8595 Allegany County (301) 777-2027 Anne Arundel County (410) 360-8421 Baltimore County (410) 665-5820 Calvert County (410) 535-1303 Caroline County (410) 479-1623 Carroll County (410) 848-9290 Cecil County (410) 287-5777 Charles County (301) 934-2543 Dorchester County (410) 228-1861 Frederick County (301) 473-8417 Garrett County (301) 334-3296 Harford County (410) 836-4551 Howard County (410) 442-2080 Kent County (410) 778-4439; (410) 819-4120 Montgomery County (301) 854-6060 Prince George's County (410) 360-8421 Queen Anne's County (410) 819-4120; (410) 778-4439 Somerset County (410) 651-2004 St. Mary's County (301) 880-2745 Talbot County (410) 479-1623 Washington County (301) 791-4733 Wicomico County (410) 543-1950 Worcester County (443) 235-1636   ​MD Forest Service Leadership Contacts Please contact the staff below for direct forestry assistance. Director / State Forester’s Office​ Kenneth Jolly, Director / State Forester Tawes State Office Building., E-1 / 580 Taylor Avenue / Annapolis, Maryland 21401 email: Kenneth.jolly@maryland.gov ​​​Anne Hairston-Strang, De​​puty Director, Programs and A​dvisory Commissions​





4: Maryland Forest Service Now Accepting Applications for the ...

https://news.maryland.gov/.../maryland-forest-service-now-accepting-applic...
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Jan 24, 2024 ... Maryland Forest Service Now Accepting Applications for the Community Forestry Catalyst Fund ... The Maryland Forest Service is offering a new ... Could not find 'disqus_thread' container to load DISQUS. This is usually the result of a WordPress theme conflicting with the DISQUS plugin. Try switching your site to a Classic Theme, or contact DISQUS support for help. Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr LinkedIn GovDelivery Maryland Forest Service Now Accepting Applications for the Community Forestry Catalyst Fund Baltimore Ravens players helping plant trees in a city park in 2023. Maryland DNR photo The Maryland Forest Service is offering a new grant program to distribute $4.8 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act funds towards urban and community forestry projects during the next four years.  The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund expands resources for Maryland’s ambitious commitment to enhance its forest cover and tree canopy through the state’s 5 Million Trees for Maryland initiative and existing programs, like the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Urban Trees Grant Program. These programs prioritize tree plantings where they can provide the greatest benefits to people, such as heat island abatement, air quality regulation, and flooding reduction.  “We’ve seen strong evidence in the past 30 years that the forest conservation laws we have in Maryland are effective at curbing the amount of forest lost during development,” said Maryland Forest Service Director Anne Hairston-Strang. “But what the science is telling us today is that we have to look beyond the high-level metrics and start contending with how the location and health of those trees influence things like quality of life, public health, and climate resilience.”




5: Forest Management

https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/programapps/fmanagement.aspx
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Forest Management Site Logo Maryland Department of Natural Resources 580 Taylor Ave. Annapolis, MD 21401 Skip to ContentAccessibility Information An official website of the State of Maryland. MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Statewide Burn Ban in all Maryland Counties Dry, windy conditions have increased fire risk across the state and fueled ongoing wildfires John S. Ayton ​State Tree Nursery Watersheds & Forest ​Management Forest Stewardship Forest ​ Products ​Tree Planting Programs ​American Tree Farm System​ Maryland Department of Natural Resources Nondiscrimination / No discriminación