Maryland Tree Farm Program
Purpose: Encourage forest landowners to practice sound forest management following Best Management Practices (BMPs) for increased wood production in addition to wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreation and aesthetic benefits.Scope: To qualify for certification, the woodland owner must have 10 or more acres of woodland. They must manage their property for forest products, wildlife, water protection, and aesthetics and protect their woodland from fire, insects, and disease.
Description:
The Maryland Tree Farm Program is part of the American Forest Foundation and the American Tree Farm System, a nationwide organization which recognizes landowners for quality forest management on their property. The reality of a tree farm is not straight rows of trees, but a diversity of woodlands of every shape and form. Presently, nearly 60,000 landowners are managing 89 million acres of woodlands nationwide. In Maryland, there are over 1500 tree farms totaling over 269,000 acres. This program recognizes that private landowners have a critical role in our Nation's wood supply, since 56 percent of timber harvested in the U.S. comes from nonindustrial private landowners. The American Tree Farm Program was established by the wood-using industry in 1941. It is sponsored by the Maryland Forests Association, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service.Landowners wishing to be in the Tree Farm Program should contact a private consultant or industrial forester or their DNR Forester. A forest management plan will be developed based on their objectives and the property recognized as a pioneer tree farm. On a periodic basis, the property will be re-inspected by a professional forester and if outlined management practices are implemented, the property will be recognized as a certified Tree Farm. A large tree farm sign will be given to the landowner to post at the entrance of his or her property, as well as a certificate suitable for framing. There is no cost for the landowner to participate in the program. The Tree Farm magazine can also be ordered for a small fee.
Tree farmers will be eligible for the annual Maryland Tree Farmer of the Year award, which can lead to regional and national recognition for good forest management. All tree farms meet the criteria for the Forest Stewardship Program so landowners can take advantage of the many cost-share opportunities.
Contact Person:
Contact Person: your local DNR forester or for FIP and EQIP, your local USDA-NRCS office
Maryland DNR Forest Service
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 260-8531
E-mail: drider@dnr.state.md.usThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service wants to know if this service is helpful
for you or your company, please send comments and/or suggestions to Maryland DNR.
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