Forest Service

Maryland Forest Action Plan

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Maryland timber industry: an assessment of timber product output and use, 2008

Presents recent Maryland forest industry trends; production and receipts of industrial roundwood; and production of saw logs, veneer logs, pulpwood, and other products in 2008. Logging residue generated from timber harvest operations is reported, as well as wood and bark residue generated at primary wood-using mills and disposition of mill residues.

Maryland's Forests

Maryland’s Forests 2008 displays the condition and status of forests in Maryland as obtained and reported by the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (NRS-FIA) program. Previous inventories of Maryland’s forest resources were completed in 1950, 1964, 1976, 1986, and 1999. This report focuses on data collected from 2004 to 2008

The Forest Service is keeping the 2011 Year of the Forest Poster Contest going. For 2012 poster contest rules and application please click the link.

Attention Forest Product Operators

If you hold a Forest Products Operators license, or are thinking about getting one, then take note of recent regulatory amendments made to licensing requirements and what you need to do to stay compliant. The regulation defines licensing requirements, specifies criteria for violable actions, and provides a process for license revocation or suspension. The application fee is now $30 for the annual license. This link provides a copy of the amended regulations as they appeared in the September 9, 2011 issue of the Maryland Register.

Forests Slide Show

Where's your favorite tree lined street, submit your photo now.

Trees in Maryland Coupon

Arbor Day Poster Contest

The Kent County Forestry Board proudly announces the winners of the 2012 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Please click here to see the 3rd and 5th grade poster contest winners.

ORV Trail Status

Effective immediately, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has permanently closed three of the State’s off-road vehicle (ORV) trails; the Green Ridge Trail at Green Ridge State Forest, Chandler Trail at Pocomoke State Forest, and Poplar Lick Trail at Savage River State Forest. These trails had been temporarily closed pending the results of a forest certification audit. The decision is based on the results of environmental assessments conducted by the Department and the results of our recent forest certification audit. That audit completed last week is part of the State’s effort to receive dual certification for all three western Maryland State Forests — a move that will protect the $950 million western Maryland forest products industry, which employs 9,200 people. Click here to learn more and to locate ORV Trails that remain open for public use.


The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as International Year of Forests to celebrate the sustainable management of the world’s forests. Organizations throughout Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed have taken this opportunity to encourage the celebration of forests for people. To add to the celebration the Forest Service has developed a poster contest for all 5th graders in the State and an opportunity for everyone to submit a photo of their favorite Maryland Tree Lined Street. Please click on one of the links below for more information:

IYOF & Chesapeake Bay Program Video
Your favorite tree lined street photo submission
Maryland Celebrating International Year of Forests through Geocaching

Maryland’s forests are the focus of a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding entered into by seven agencies working towards keeping healthy and productive forests throughout Maryland. The partnering agencies include: the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR); the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards (Forestry Boards); the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD); the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA); the University of Maryland Extension (UME): and the United States Departments of Agriculture - Forest Service (FS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine

Photo of the emerald ash borerThe EAB quarantine area has been extended, for complete details see the Quarantine Order. For more information regarding EAB please visit the following DNR web site: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/infocus/emerald_ash_borer.asp
or visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture web site: http://www.mda.state.md.us/plants-pests/eab/

Buying Firewood

Photo of stack of cut firewoodWe get many calls from people either with questions about buying their seasons supply of firewood or what they can do after recently purchasing wood they were less than happy with. There are a few things you should know about wood and the laws regarding selling firewood that will help you make the best decision when making your firewood purchase.
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Tree-Mendous Maryland

Tree-Mendous Maryland

Planting Trees for Healthy Communities and a Cleaner Chesapeake Bay.

Centennial

Forests & Parks Centennial 1906 - 2006

Celebrate 100 years of conservation and Recreation in Maryland.

Conservation History

Conservation History

Learn how we're preserving, the legacy of natural resource conservation in Maryland.

Green Schools

Green Schools

Despite budget challenges and widely fluctuating energy costs, many schools became greener during the past year.

Contact the Forest Service

Our Mission

The Forest Service restores, manages, and protects Maryland’s trees, forests, and forested ecosystems to sustain our natural resources and connect people to the land.

UPDATED Timber Tax Tips

The UPDATED Timber Tax Tips, with changes from the newly enacted tax law on December 17, 2010 (Public Law 111-312). It is current as of Sept. 15, 2011, and supersedes Management Bulletin R8-MB 136.

The Power of Trees in Cumberland

Learn about the importance of trees in Cumberland, Maryland by viewing a 15-minute video.

Forest Stewardship Landowner Questionnaire

Being a good steward of the land is important for the future of our natural resources. The Forest Stewardship Program provides assistance to aid in incorporating this land ethic into the management of your property via a Forest Stewardship Plan.

The online Forest Stewardship Landowner Questionnaire is a good first step towards successfully managing your forest. It is designed to assist you in thinking through your interests and the level of direct involvement you are able to provide to the stewardship of your forest land.

There is no fee for the online questionnaire. The submitted form will be forwarded to our local forester who will contact you to discuss your next step. Click here to go to the online Forest Stewardship Landowner Questionnaire.

Smokey Shovel