DNR Welcomes Public Input On State Forest Annual Work Plans

Comment Deadline February 8

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently seeking public comment on the proposed 2014 fiscal year work plan for Potomac Garrett, Green Ridge, Savage River, Chesapeake and Pocomoke State Forests.

“Healthy forests benefit Maryland’s citizens, visitors and natural resources,” said Steve Koehn “We are calling on the public to help us establish the best, most efficient management plan for these State forests.”

State Forest annual work plans identify the work that is to be accomplished on the forest in the next fiscal year within the scope of the forest's long-range management plan. The plans will address establishment, growth, composition, health and quality forest management operations, along with maintenance and construction projects, and other required work.

This public forum is the third step in a three-step review process to establish the work plan. The first is an internal review by a team of resource professionals from the fields of wildlife, fisheries, heritage, forestry, recreation, water resources, and resource planning. The second step is a review by an appointed advisory committee. After the period of comment, the forest manager will make final adjustments to the plan.

Participants can view the proposed State Forest annual work plans by clicking on the State Forest name below and then email their comments to JPERDUE@dnr.state.md.us. The proposal is accompanied by a description, field data summary, objective and a map of the vicinity. Comments should reference the specific forest, page, and item number so that the forest experts can understand and properly utilize the participants input. Specific comments can be very useful in helping manage our State Forest. The deadline for public viewing and comments is February 8, 2013.

View the work plans for the following forests: