Planning in Progress

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

This August, the Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council (WMRC&D) will be releasing its Maryland Forestry Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS). 

Founded in 1993, the Council’s mission is to build and sustain resource conservation programs which raise the quality of social, economic, and environmental development in the western region the state, including Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, and Carroll counties.

The EAS is a plan that will serve as a roadmap for recovery for Maryland’s forest products industry. Currently, a summary of the EAS is available for distribution and comment.  

To give the public an opportunity to learn more about the state of Maryland forestry, including, market opportunities, and how both conservation and utilization are equally important elements of sustainable forestry, the Maryland Forestry Association (MFA) is organizing four regional public meetings across the state between August 5 and September 16.  

These informational sessions, entitled Maryland’s Forests – Great for the Environment and the Economy, will give the public a chance to hear from forest industry experts, who will discuss the strategies, initiatives, and actions identified in the EAS plan.  

The meetings are also inspired by the MFA’s latest publication of the same name, “Maryland’s Forests – Great for the Environment and the Economy,” which was created to “give readers a better idea of how we can sustain our forests for multiple uses for years to come.” 

 For more information, please contact Josh Smith, Executive Director, Western Maryland RC&D Council at 301-671-1800 (Office) or www.wmrcd.org.