STATE FORESTS

[photo, Pines, Gunpowder Falls State Park, south of Bradshaw, Baltimore County, Maryland]

Over 160 native or naturalized tree species can be found in Maryland. Oak and hickory are the dominant hardwoods, making up 60% of forested areas. Loblolly pine, the predominant forest tree on the Eastern Shore, is the most prevalent softwood. Chief forest products are lumber, pulpwood, and piling. The total value of all manufacturing relating to wood and forest products in the State exceeds $500,000,000 annually.

Pines, Gunpowder Falls State Park, south of Bradshaw, Baltimore County, Maryland, October 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

In 1999, nearly 2.6 million acres (41%) of Maryland's land surface were forests (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Inventory; results of current survey available in 2001).

Maryland has seven State forests. The State Forest and Park Service of the Department of Natural Resources oversees them along with four demonstration forests covering 136,907 acres. Demonstration forests show short- and long-term effects of sound forest and wildlife management practices.

ALLEGANY COUNTY

Green Ridge State Forest (Flintstone) (301) 478-3124

CECIL COUNTY

Elk Neck State Forest (North East) (410) 287-5333

GARRETT COUNTY

Garrett State Forest (Oakland) (301) 334-2038

Potomac State Forest (Oakland) (301) 334-2038

Savage River State Forest (Grantsville) (301) 895-5759

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Cedarville State Forest (Upper Marlboro) (301) 888-1410

WORCESTER COUNTY

Pocomoke River State Forest (Snow Hill) (410) 632-2566