Public Comments For Forestry Plan

[freedomrules3]

I wish they would have more diversity like some oaks instaed of a pine forest. if anyone could write up a good letter maybe we could submit it to them. I'm not much of a good writer any volunteers?

Maryland Forest Service Requests Public Comment On Forestry Work Plans
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ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Forest Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is conducting an online public meeting for 30 days to solicit comments on the proposed work plans for five State Forests: Green Ridge, Pocomoke, Potomac-Garrett, Savage River and Chesapeake Forest. The public is invited to participate in this forum to review and submit comments regarding the plans. Comments must be received by March 31, 2006.

The proposed plans identify silvicultural practices planned for the 2007 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006. Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis.

The Online Public Meeting is accessed on the web at: www.dnr.maryland.gov/forests/workplans/. The work plans are also available upon request and can be mailed to those who do not have Internet access. Anyone interested in a receiving a work plan should contact Pamela Cressman, 410-260-8515.

These annual work plans identify the work to be accomplished in the next fiscal year within the scope of the long-range management plan, including silvicultural operations, maintenance and construction projects.

This public forum is the third step in a three-step review process to establish the annual work plan. The first step is a field review by an inter-disciplinary team of natural resource biologists and managers and the second step is a review by an appointed advisory committee whose members represent the diverse interests and users of the forest. After the comment period, the forest manager will make necessary adjustments to the plan, before implementation

www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2006/022706a.html

[ncboman]

I would like to see 25 acres of each 100 acres cut, allowed to grow back naturally and not be cut again for 50yrs.

I would also demand the use of herbicides and defoliants in forestry be stopped statewide. Hardwoods allowed to grow along the tract perimeters would provide at least some diversity and forage for wildlife.

The abundance of public land has tourism potential Maryland isn't capitalizing on. Compared to many other states, Md's lack of even primitive public campgrounds statewide and extreme pine monoculture is a letdown to many first time visitors.

While we agree, the income potential of pine fields makes timber management the priority, I think the abundance of timberlands in Md would allow room for sportsmen, birders, photographers, hikers, bikers, and others to have diversity to enjoy also.

Often the most beneficial aspects in regard to the public use of forest isn't the most profitable but one must ask the question; Which is more important to Maryland, the quality of the public land for the public or the profits of the timber industry?

Hopefully a satisfactory middleground can be found that is an improvement over what now exists.