Ocean City Unlicensed Tree Expert Fined, Given Probation for Soliciting an Unlicensed Tree Expert Business

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SNOW HILL — On Monday, January 22, William John Holck of Ocean City was found guilty to False Advertising or Soliciting as an Unlicensed Tree Expert Business in Worcester County District Court. Mr. Holck was sentenced to Probation Before Judgment and issued a $250 fine.

The charges were filed by the Maryland Natural Resources Police in November of 2006 related to a complaint received by the Maryland Forest Service, a division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The complaint came from a citizen who forwarded a copy of Mr. Holck’s advertisement for tree care services in the Super Pages telephone book. A check of online listings on Yellow Book.com also showed Mr. Holck’s company, H & H Services, Inc., listed as advertising tree services. A check of departmental records showed that Mr. Holck is not a Licensed Tree Expert and has no Licensed Tree Experts on staff. The department sent Mr. Holck a notice on the requirements of the Tree Expert law and information on how to obtain a license on April 28, 2006.

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January 22, 2007

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