Maryland Forestry Boards
Maryland's legislature established the Maryland Forestry Boards in 1943 with the aim of championing responsible forest management practices among the state's private forest landowners and promoting the conservation of Maryland's forest resources. The legislation created 24 boards, one in each county and one in Baltimore City.
Currently, more than 200 dedicated individuals serve as members of Maryland's Forestry Boards, appointed by the Director of the MD Forest Service based on recommendations from local board members and county foresters. Membership prerequisites include a passion for sustainable forestry and a commitment to safeguarding, effectively managing, and sustainably utilizing our renewable natural woodland resources. Members represent diverse backgrounds, including community leaders, planners, commissioners, tree farmers, forest product workers, arborists, educators, farmers, forest consultants, forest landowners, and government representatives.
Each board has a Chair, elected by the board membership, and a Secretary who is a DNR forester designated to the local area. A complete contact list can be found Here with Forestry Board websites and contact information. If you have an interest in forestry matters within your community, please reach out to your local board.
Our Activities
Board members particpate in diverse forestry programs across the state. These initiatives can include the Natural Resources Careers Camp, the Big Tree program, the Maryland Urban & Community Forestry committee, their local Envirothons, school forest involvement, hosting local workshops/tree planting projects and many more.
By law, the boards are mandated to review and approve all timber harvest plans within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and in their respective counties upon request. Forestry Boards collaborate closely with local foresters and primarily function as advisory, educational, and facilitating bodies.
Boards may also be called upon to contribute to the management of forest properties subject to easements acquired by local jurisdictions in accordance with the Forest Conservation Act. The State Association of Forestry Boards, in partnership with the boards, proactively assesses proposed legislation and advocates for forestry interests with local, state, and federal legislatures.
Forestry Board Summit
We are excited to announce that a Forestry Board Summit is scheduled for late Spring 2024. Stay tuned for further details.