DNR Welcomes Pubic Input on State Forest Annual Work Plans

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently seeking public comment on the proposed 2013 fiscal year work plans for the three western State Forests; Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, Savage River and two eastern State Forests; Pocomoke State Forest and Chesapeake Forest.
 

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 at dnr.md.gov/forests/workplans/index.asp and email their comments to JPERDUE@dnr.state.md.us. Each proposal is accompanied with a description, field data summary, objective and a map of the vicinity. Comments should reference the specific forest work plan with a page and item number so that the forest experts can understand and properly utilize the participants input. Overly general or vague comments may be difficult to accurately interpret. The deadline for public viewing and is April 6, 2012.