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GREENING PROGRAM
Global warming is a disturbing and potentially disastrous trend which affects us all. It is, however, a problem that can be attacked by all. Trees, whether in a forest in Garrett County or on a street corner in Baltimore City, play a vital role in reversing this trend. Rapid urbanization and the subsequent destruction of our forest resources make the role of urban forestry all the more important in the reversal. The urban forest provides a varied and extensive assortment of benefits for the residents. However, like any resource, it must be properly managed. For a variety of reasons our urban forests are in a state of decline. The time to begin reversing this decline is now. Towns and communities across Maryland can easily initiate urban and community forestry programs to establish or revitalize this valuable resource. The Maryland Forest Service and Forestry Boards recognize the value of developing and preserving urban forests and supply a variety of services, free of charge, to assist in this effort. We can help by instructing communities in how to form Greening Committees, assisting in the development of shade tree commissions, designing street tree planting plans, and offering other types of technical assistance. To assist towns and communities in the proper management of this valuable resource, the Maryland Forest Service has an Urban and Community Forestry Program staffed by full-time urban foresters. Maryland has a long history of managing its urban trees that dates back to 1914 and the establishment of the Roadside Tree Law, the oldest such law in the nation. This law was enacted to ensure the proper care of roadside trees in the interest of promoting and maintaining healthy trees and safe, unobstructed, and aesthetically pleasing public roads and rights-of-ways. In addition to enforcing this law, the Urban and Greening Community Forestry Program also provides a number of additional services. To find out more about developing your community urban forest, call your regional office for the number of the forester or Forestry Board in your area and ask for assistance. They can help evaluate your tree management needs and offer sound advice about your community tree program.
This page was last updated on 10/21/00 |
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The Forest Conservancy District Board for Baltimore County 9405 Old Harford Road Baltimore, Maryland 21234 (410) 665-5820 Email Robert Prenger ....... rprenger@dnr.state.md.us Melvin Noland ....... mlnoland@bcpl.net
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