State Forest Work Plans Released

Department Seeks Public Comment 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2018 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett and Savage River. The comment period concludes Feb. 2.

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

“Our citizens, economy and environment all reap the positive benefits of healthy and sustainable forests,” said Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent. “We are dependent on the public’s input to help us develop the most comprehensive and effective management practices for these forested lands and tracts.”

The public comment period is the final part in 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 comment period, each forest manager will review, revise and finalize their specific plan.