Forest and Riparian Conservation Information
Since the mid-1980s, the Chesapeake Bay watershed has been losing forestland at a rate exceeding 100 acres a day. Between 1982 and 1997, the Bay watershed lost more than 750,000 acres of forestland to urban development - an area equal to 20 District of Columbias. At least 36% of the remaining forestland is at high risk of development over the next 5 to 10 years. This loss of forest cover has tremendous environmental consequences. Forested areas, especially those next to water bodies, provide stormwater management and groundwater recharge, prevent erosion, filter pollution, and provide wildlife habitat. Loss of forest cover is directly linked to declines in stream health, incidence of flooding, and increased pollutant loads across the Potomac and Chesapeake watersheds.
Forest Conservation Law revisions (Montgomery County, MD):
The Forest Conservation Law is Montgomery County's only comprehensive tree preservation ordinance. Increasing awareness about the effects of forest loss along with a spate of illegal tree cuttings has demonstrated the need to revise and strengthen this landmark law. Potomac Conservancy worked with Congressman Chris Van Hollen's C&O Canal Task Force to propose improvements to the law, and is now working with the County Council to implement those changes.
Frederick County Public Schools Urban Tree Canopy Restoration:
To increase the percentage of forests in the Potomac River watershed, Potomac Conservancy recently partners with Frederick County (Md.) Public Schools to adopt a tree canopy goal for its properties. The school district—the first in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to adopt such a goal—is committed to increasing its tree canopy to 20%, from a current estimated 12%, by 2038.
To jumpstart the new tree canopy goal, Potomac Conservancy partnered with the school district’s Facilities Division, Schoolyard Habitat Program, USDA Forest Service, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Home Depot Foundation, and Potomac Watershed Partnership. More than 1,400 students, teachers, and community volunteers planted 600 native trees and shrubs on school sites and established a number of tree seedling nurseries. Potomac Conservancy plans to continue to work with partners to plant and conserve trees on school sites, and will also assist in developing an implementation plan to guide the school district in achieving its goal. The Conservancy is looking for opportunities to expand this model to other school districts in the Potomac watershed.
Forest & Riparian Buffer Conservation- Local Case Studies from the Chesapeake Bay Program
This free, 40-page downloadable report highlights the accomplishments of local organizations, governments, and others whom have attempted to take action in forest conservation efforts. This Chesapeake Bay Program report presents both many of the innovative riparian buffer and forest conservation programs that have taken place locally- ranging from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington D.C.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation- Forest Conservation Plan in Maryland
The planning section of this forest conservation guide discusses how to select priority areas for conservation, as well as many other tips on how to plan a conservation effort. Publiched by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Forests For the Future – Forest Conservation Goals for Maryland
This report provides a brief background of Maryland’s existing and past forest conservation problems, and further explains Maryland’s newest forest conservation goals for the future. These goals are also adopted by other Bay states, such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Maryland DNR- Forest Conservation Efforts in Maryland
Describes the many reasons for why there is a need for forest conservation in Maryland, as well as management models and goals for future conservation efforts.
Virginia Department of Forestry- Conserving Forest Land and Forest Resources
This website provides many useful and informative links to various incentive programs, easement projects, and many other forest conservation related facts for the state of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Forestry also provides their recently updated (Spring 2008) Forestry Conservation Program, which discusses the necessary steps to conserve Virginia’s forests.