Forest Service Announces Grants to Volunteer Fire Departments

---

The Maryland Forest Service has announced the 2005 grant awards to volunteer fire departments across the state. This year’s Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grant awards will assist 39 departments, providing $90,398 in funding to complete over $200,000 in projects in 16 counties. In addition, 20 departments have been given Dry Hydrant grant awards totaling $75,000 to install 52 new dry fire hydrants in 10 counties. For a complete list of departments and award amounts, click here.

---

August 18, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov