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The Forest Stewardship (FSP) and the Forest Stewardship Enhancement Program (FLEP) were established to help landowners protect or enhance their forest lands and associated wetlands. Sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, the programs are administered through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Forest Service. The Forest Stewardship Program is available to landowners who own five or more acres of forest land or non-forest land that can be planted to trees. FSP provides technical assistance to help landowners enhance/protect the timber, fish/wildlife habitat, water quality, wetlands, and recreational/aesthetic values of their property.

Funding & Assistance Availability

 FLEP provides cost-sharing to private landowners for implementing FSP plans. There are ten categories eligible for funding: management plan development,: afforestation; forest improvement; windbreaks and hedgerows; streamside and wetlands protection; fisheries and aquatic habitat improvement; wildlife habitat enhancement; forest health practices & invasive species control; and soil and water protection. The practices that are recommended in the plan and have received cost-share assistance must be maintained for a minimum of ten years. The maximum amount a landowner may receive in a year is $5,000. Over an average year, approximately $115,000 is distributed to 130 landowners for practices covering over 4,200 acres. There is open enrollment for this program.

Regional Contacts

Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Forest Service 

 Central Region - (410)836-4551; Eastern Region - (410)543-6745 

 Southern Region - (301)475-4755; Western Region - (301)777-2137.

This page was last updated on 05/07/04

       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