Maryland state forests recently completed their annual recertification process Independent auditors recently reviewed the Pocomoke State Forest and Chesapeake Forest Lands, two state forests on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and recertified them as sustainable, meeting international standards for forest management. Twenty-one years ago, the Chesapeake Forest Lands became the state’s first certified forests, a recognition now Read the Rest…
For those looking for an outdoor experience that truly gets away from it all, Maryland has 214,000 acres of public forest land, much of which is open to hikers, bikers, birders, anglers, photographers, and campers. Trails are available in all 11 forests managed by the Maryland Forest Service. State forests have short hikes that are Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2025 annual work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period concludes Thursday, May 30, 2024. Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range Read the Rest…
Comptroller Brooke Lierman joins DNR as guest judge The top three prizes have been awarded for the 2024 Maryland Fifth Grade Arbor Day poster contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz and staff to review submissions and award three Maryland schools with Read the Rest…
Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April 3, 2024 as the 141th annual Maryland Arbor Day celebration. Following tradition, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz presented tree seedlings to the members of the Board of Public Works at their meeting, chaired today by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “One of the most important things about Arbor Read the Rest…
Acreage burned by wildfires in 2023 was more than double the 10-year average, with one significant fire responsible for the increase The number of wildfires and the acreage of land burned by wildfires in Maryland last year significantly outpaced the 10-year average, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report. The report, which Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
Annual contest taking submissions until March 1, 2024 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2024 is: “Trees Are Terrific…in All Shapes and Sizes!” to celebrate the importance of diversity of tree species within Read the Rest…
Funding provided to 52 volunteer fire departments in 17 counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 52 volunteer fire departments across the state to enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities. For 2023, the Maryland Forest Service awarded grant funds totaling $149,325 in match funding Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering holiday shoppers a different type of gift this year–one that can be in honor of a loved one, to benefit future generations, and improve the environment. The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of Read the Rest…
Additional silviculture operation proposed for Potomac-Garrett State Forest in FY24 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on an additional silvicultural operation proposed as an inclusion to the Potomac-Garrett State Forest Annual Work Plan for fiscal year 2024. The comment period concludes November 17, 2023. The proposed harvest is being added to Read the Rest…
“Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable … the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street … by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.” —Hal Borland A Department of Natural Resources drone captured this patchwork of autumnal beauty over the Burkholder off-road vehicle trail area of Potomac-Garrett Read the Rest…
“In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October.” Alexander Smith Fall days are here – blue skies, clouds like giant marshmallows, and gobs of sunshine. The only thing missing is the cooler daytime temperatures characteristic of fall weather. Crisp autumn air causes leaves Read the Rest…
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald Fall officially kicks off Saturday, September 23, 2023—the same day as the autumn equinox—in the Northern Hemisphere. Many of us in Maryland are looking forward to leaving behind the days of record-breaking heat and welcoming clear, blue skies, cooler evenings Read the Rest…
Partnership with Lower Shore Land Trust Adds to Chesapeake Forest Lands The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Lower Shore Land Trust, today announced the purchase of the former Bay Club near Berlin, Worcester County, from Carl M. Freeman Companies. Formerly a golf club, this purchase will help conserve 672 acres in the Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Sustainable Forestry is Reason to Celebrate This past month we celebrated Arbor Day twice – a state commemoration the first Wednesday of April and then national Arbor Day on the last Friday. From the cleanliness of our air to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, the importance of forest conservation to every aspect of Read the Rest…
Motor Vehicle Administration, Department of Natural Resources Partnership Provides Option for Tree-Mendous Maryland Donations There is a new way for Marylanders to help restore tree cover and mitigate the harmful effects of pollution in the “Old Line State.” The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Read the Rest…
Presentations Made on Maryland Arbor Day As part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ annual recognition of outstanding individuals in the forest products industry, Don and Linda Grove of Hagerstown were honored for Tree Farm of the Year and state project forester Lucas Marcek was named Tree Farm Inspector of the Year. The Department Read the Rest…
Department of Natural Resources Stresses Preparedness, Prevention Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy Read the Rest…
Input Accepted Through April 21 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2024 annual work plans for the Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River state forests. The comment period concludes Friday, April 21, 2023. Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of Read the Rest…
Carroll County Student Awarded First Prize The judging is complete for the 2023 Arbor Day poster contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Maryland First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore joined Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and a panel of forestry experts to review submissions and award three Maryland schools with Read the Rest…
Local Departments Get Funding to Enhance Wildfire Protection The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. The projects to be funded help volunteer fire companies enhance their wildland fire protection in rural communities.
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until January 20, 2023 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2023 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Cool our Communities!” All entries must be delivered to a local Maryland Forest Service Read the Rest…
Make Sure Work is Legal, Safe, and Insured Now that leaves are fallen, many Marylanders will prepare for winter by trimming live trees or removing dead trees. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions that homeowners should follow before hiring a contractor to do the work.
Exhibits Now Open in the Mosner Miller Building The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will bring displays, exhibits and programs about our state’s forests, fish, waters, and wildlife to the 2022 Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds from Thursday, Aug. 25 through Monday, September 11. Fairgoers are invited to stop by the DNR Read the Rest…
Five Forests Have Met International Standards for 2022 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the major five state forests comprising Maryland’s state forest system – totaling more than 200,000 acres –- this year received two favorable independent audit reports recognizing that DNR is managing the state forests according to internationally accepted Forest Read the Rest…
Colleges Eligible for Tree Campus Higher Education Award As part of celebrating the 150th National Arbor Day on April 29, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that all four Maryland historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have completed the first step to be eligible to apply for the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Read the Rest…
Marylanders Plant Trees Coupons & Gift of Trees Donation Forms Distributed to Guests of State Facilities in Honor of the Day The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day today by presenting Marylanders Plant Trees coupons and Gift of Trees Read the Rest…
Maryland Honors Forest Service, Forest Products Industry Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed April 6, 2022 to be Maryland Arbor Day, marking the 150th anniversary of National Arbor Day, celebrated the last Friday of April each year, and the 139th Maryland Arbor Day, celebrated the first Wednesday of April. “Arbor Day is a great reminder of the Read the Rest…
DNR Stresses Preparedness, Prevention Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are Read the Rest…
Waterfront and Streamside Landowners can Reserve Seedlings The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners statewide who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream, or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program, now available in 23 counties.
Forest Service Seeks Input on Proposals Through March 4 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2023 annual work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period concludes March 4, 2022. Annual work plans help the department identify priorities Read the Rest…
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until January 21, 2022 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2022 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Maryland Forests Are Too!”
Native Tree Planting with Certificate Available for Purchase The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers holiday shoppers the opportunity to buy one gift for a loved one, for future generations, and for the environment.. The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of Read the Rest…
Initiative Funded to Promote Wildlife and Fire Protection, Wood Markets The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has awarded funding of $280,852 to the Maryland Forest Service to work with the University of Maryland Extension and many public and private partners across the Delmarva Peninsula to establish a new training and outreach program, the Delmarva Read the Rest…
Emergency Responders Helped Prevent A Different Kind of ‘Wildfire’ Maryland’s interagency firefighters and emergency medical technicians, usually deployed to help fight wildland fires nationwide, have completed several deployments to assist mass COVID vaccination efforts in Maryland and other East Coast states. Maryland provided 20 Incident Management Team members and Emergency Medical Technicians to staff this Read the Rest…
Funds Support Market Opportunities for Forest Products Industry The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Maryland Forest Service has been awarded nearly $250,000 for a Wood Innovations Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop priority projects with the Maryland Wood Energy Team. This partnership with the Maryland Clean Energy Center, Maryland Department Read the Rest…
Focus on Growing Forests, Habitats, Markets, and Jobs The Maryland Forest Service has released its Maryland Forest Action Plan, which contains an assessment of statewide forest conditions and a strategy that identifies major goals and actions to reach them. Working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, the Maryland Forest Service developed a Forest Action Plan Strategy, Read the Rest…
DNR Advises Homeowners Check Tree Contractors The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions homeowners to be alert for non-licensed tree contractors who take money for work that never gets done. The Maryland Forest Service and Natural Resources Police have been made aware of one such individual operating in Baltimore and Harford counties, specifically targeting senior Read the Rest…
Marylanders Urged to Take Precautions Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are Read the Rest…
Customers Can Now Book Several Campsites at Big Run Campers looking to reserve a campsite on Maryland’s public lands can now use the Department of Natural Resources online reservation system to book one of 18 primitive sites at Savage River State Forest’s Big Run campground in Garrett County.
Governor Hogan Addresses DNR Crews That Battled Fires in 11 States Maryland’s wildland firefighters who served on interagency crews nationwide through the busy and challenging 2020 wildfire season were honored recently in a virtual recognition event. Governor Larry Hogan addressed the firefighters with a recorded greeting and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio Read the Rest…
Carroll County Youth Awarded Grand Prize The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced winners of the annual fifth-grade Arbor Day poster contest. Three schools in Maryland that are home to the top winners will benefit with tree plantings this spring. The poster contest is judged annually by a panel of forestry experts and special guest Read the Rest…
Waterfront and Streamside Landowners can Reserve Seedlings The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners in several counties who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream, or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until Jan. 15, 2021 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2021 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Forest Products are Too!” All entries must be delivered to a local Maryland Read the Rest…
Make Sure Work is Legal, Safe, and Insured Now that leaves are fallen, many Marylanders will prepare for winter by trimming live trees or removing dead trees. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions that homeowners should follow before hiring a contractor to do the work. Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for November 12, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Fall colors have finally reached their peak in Southern Maryland and the lower Eastern Shore. Plan a drive or hike to get out and see the foliage this weekend!
Improved Communications to Help Bolster Resource Protection The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service will conduct forest harvest site visits on active logging operations across the state, in a joint effort with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to protect natural resources, wetlands, and waterways during forest harvest operations.
DNR Team Makes First Interagency Deployment of 2020 Maryland has dispatched a 10-person fire crew module to battle wildfires in the Rocky Mountains. Maryland State (MDS) #1 mobilized July 15 at the Green Ridge Fire Center in Allegany County. The unit arrived early Friday at Rocky Mountain Mobilization Center in Cheyenne, Wyo., and will deploy Read the Rest…
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