About/Contact

Baltimore County Forestry Board

Our Mission:

To promote through education, stewardship, conservation, and management the sustainable use of Maryland’s forest resources, both urban and rural.

Baltimore county
Outline of Baltimore County

Our Goals:

The goals of the 24 Maryland boards (23 counties plus Baltimore City) are:

  • Bay restoration
  • Urban and suburban greening
  • Public education
  • Forest Stewardship Plan support

 

Our History: The exact date of formation of the Baltimore County Forestry Board is unknown, but records indicate the 50th meeting was held on Monday, February 7, 1977. Meetings at that time were held on an irregular basis at various establishments throughout the county.

Our deep gratitude goes to Robert Black, the webmaster of our original site at this link, which we are keeping as an historical archive of our early years. Thank you, Rob.

This link to a pdf document of the History of Maryland Forestry Boards was written by John Blake, Member and former Chair of the Frederick County Forest Conservancy District Board, October 25, 2004. (Right click if the PDF document does not show up. The document will appear in a new tab at the bottom in my instance.)

Photo of blue/purple crocuses
Crocuses peeping out on February 16, 2022. Image taken by Glenn Ferenschak.
Giant Allium Allium Giganteum ©Glenn Ferenschak
Butterfly Weed Asclepius Tuberosa ©Glenn Ferenschak
Crocus (Crocus sativus), by Linda Barker
Spring bloom

Please move your cursor over the images to learn the names of the flora.

The 2021 Baltimore County Board:

        • Chairman: Glenn Ferenschak, glenn.ferenschak@gmail.com
        • DNR Secretary: Rob Prenger, rprenger@dnr.state.md.us
        • Treasurer: Richard Anderson, andersonrm716@aol.com
        • Members:
          • Carol Lancaster
          • Dwight Hendericksen
          • Julie Wadsworth
          • Linda Barker
        • Webmaster: Vic Sanborn, baltimorecountyforestryboard@gmail.com

 

You are welcome to join our board meetings –

Location and Meeting Schedule
DNR Ranger Station (see map and contact information in sidebar)
9405 Old Harford Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21234

Meeting Schedule
The 2nd Tuesday of the Month (1PM – 3PM)
(No meeting in August)

 

Ranger tower
The Office
watershed forester
Sign to the Cub Hill Ranger Station
Moss roof

History of the Forest Conservancy District Boards in Maryland – 1943

The Forest Conservancy District Boards (commonly referred to as Forestry Boards) were first established in 1943 when the Maryland Legislature passed the Forest Conservancy District Boards Act to establish a Board in each county and Baltimore City.

      • This Act created the first comprehensive public regulation of private forested land east of the Mississippi River.
      • The Act encouraged forest practices that would contribute to the maintenance, conservation, and improvement of soil resources.
      • The Act also supported the management and economic development of these privately owned forests.

Today’s County Forest Conservancy District Boards (along with state and county foresters)

  • act as  advocates promoting sustainable forestry practices.
  • are involved in numerous activities including:
      • the review of proposed timber harvests within their designated areas,
      • sponsoring Tree Farm tours,
      • measuring trees for the MD Big Tree Program,
      • helping with tree plantings,
      • promoting forestry related legislation,
      • providing educational training sessions, etc.

Because the Forestry Boards are county-based, individual boards are able to work closely with schools and neighborhood organizations on issues and activities pertinent to their localities.

Unification of the Forestry Boards – 1952

To unify the Forestry Boards and promote better communication and exchange of ideas, a Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards was established in 1952.

The parent agency of all local boards is the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service. Local Board members are appointed by the Maryland DNR and serve three-year terms.

      • Boards are made up of volunteers, all sharing a keen interest in promoting sustainable forestry practices.
      • These volunteers may include (among others): educators, farmers, arborists, loggers, members of community organizations, and/or private forest landowners.
      • Anyone willing to donate their time to encourage the wise multiple-use of forest resources is welcome to apply to become a local Board member.
      • Currently more than 200 people volunteer their time as Maryland Forestry Board members.