Public Input Sought on State Forest Work Plans

Comments Accepted Through Feb. 23

Green Ridge State Forest by Mark Beals

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake Forest/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett and Savage River.

The comment period ends Feb. 23.

“We rely on the public’s input to help us develop the most comprehensive and effective management plans and practices to assure we all reap the positive benefits of healthy and sustainable forests,” Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent said.

Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management and sustainability. They address composition, establishment, growth, health and quality along with construction and maintenance projects.

The comment period is the final part of a three-step process. The first step was an internal review by a team of natural resource professionals with the second being a review by an appointed advisory committee.

Following the conclusion of the public comment period, each state forest manager will review, revise and finalize each specific plan.