“Forest Stewardship…care and concern about our woodlands…pride in our ability to wisely manage our forests today and benefit from them tomorrow…recognition of the value of our forest resource.”
Stewardship efforts support expanding and maintaining forests in a sustainable condition. What is a Sustainable Forest? Sustainable forestry is a broad term for management techniques that respect the full range of environmental, social, and economic values of the forest, and seek to meet today’s needs without losing any of those values. Sustainable forests maintain all components (trees, shrubs, flowers, birds, fish, wildlife, etc.) as well as ecological processes (nutrient recycling, water and air purification, ground water recharge, etc.) so they can remain healthy and vibrant into the future.
Being a good steward of the land is important for the future of our natural resources in Maryland. The primary component of this program is a Forest Stewardship Plan. The Forest Stewardship Plan provides the landowner with professional and technical information needed to manage and conserve forest resources. This plan will lay out actions needed to address these environmental issues and the landowner’s objectives to improve the forest resources over time. The Forest Stewardship Plan acts as a working plan and is a guide that will assist you to incorporate these land ethics into the proper management of your property.
Thousands of individual landowners can contribute to the future environmental quality and economic stability of Maryland by managing forest land according to a Forest Stewardship Plan. Ninety percent of Maryland’s forest land is owned by private woodland owners. Forest land is one of our greatest natural resources and if taken care of, can offer long term benefits for everyone. Private landowners are encouraged to practice forest stewardship and leave the land and its resources in better condition for future generations. Managing forest resources ensures the continuation of many forest benefits including improved water quality, wildlife species and habitat diversity, recreation, timber, aesthetics and air quality.
A well thought out Forest Stewardship Plan helps landowners identify and recognize the value of their forest land and better predict the effects of any resource activity. Forest landowners in Maryland can receive a reduced tax assessment on the forested land that they own by agreeing to actively manage their land according to a Forest Stewardship Plan. The basis for receiving a reduced tax assessment is by following through with management activities such as:
• thinning operations to improve the growth of trees that are more beneficial to wildlife and future timber products,
• creating improved wildlife habitat,
• harvesting timber that is mature,
• tree planting.
• protecting stream and water quality through forest buffers.
• creating recreational trails
There are cost share programs available to assist landowners in carrying out management recommendations. While there are two programs through which you can receive a tax break, they both have several basic elements in common. For additional details on these programs contact your local Forestry office.
The minimum requirement for a Forest Stewardship Plan developed by the Maryland Forest Service is ten (10.0) or more forested acres. This acreage requirement does not include the residence. The standard procedure is to set aside one (1) acre for the residence. For an example, if you have a residence on the property you would need to have 11.0 acres with 10.0 acres of forest to qualify.
For additional information on any of these programs or to have a Forest Stewardship Plan prepared for your property contact your local forestry office.
Anne Arundel County: 410-360-8421
Charles County: 301-934-2543
Calvert & Prince George’s Counties: 410-535-1303
St. Mary’s County: 301-880-2749