Maryland officials are asking residents to share their thoughts on upcoming management strategies for four state forests, including the Chesapeake/Pocomoke forest that borders Delaware.
The state’s Department of Natural Resources has released draft work plans for fiscal year 2027 covering Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River forests. Citizens have until Thursday, April 30, 2026 to submit their feedback.
These yearly planning documents help officials set priorities for long-term forest management. The plans cover forest health, tree composition, growth quality, and infrastructure projects including construction and maintenance work.
The public input phase represents the final stage of a three-part review process. Natural resource experts first examine the plans, focusing on wildlife habitats, fishing areas, recreation opportunities, forest management, water quality, and important species. Local citizen advisory groups then conduct their own evaluation before the public gets their chance to comment.
Once the comment period ends, individual forest managers will examine all feedback, make necessary changes, and complete their final plans.
Residents can submit their comments through an online form on the Maryland Forest Service website, where the complete work plans are also available for review.
