Public Comment Sought for State Forest Work Plans

Accepting Comments Until Feb. 22

A Sea of Green and Blue in Spring by Jennifer Johnson

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2020 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake Forest/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett and Savage River. The comment period concludes Feb. 22.

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.

Public comments can be sent via email to jack.perdue@maryland.gov.

“Healthy and sustainable forests benefit our citizens, economy and environment,” Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent said. “Public input is invaluable in helping us develop the most comprehensive and effective management practices for these lands.”

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.