Introduction
Ecological Assessment
Socioeconomic Assessment
Vulnerability Assessment
Programmatic Assessment
Criteria and Indicators for Sustainability
An Integrated, Place-based Strategy
Green Infrastructure and SFLA
Integration with Other Efforts
Data & Indicators
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Title picture of An Integrated Place-based Strategy containing a fall shaded tree clipped to the shape of Maryland.

The identification of Strategic Forest Lands based on resource significance and their subsequent evaluation based on potential vulnerability to development and other stressors is critical to establishing forest conservation priorities. Such a “placed-based” approach allows us to geographically align conservation strategies with high ecological and economic resource values and high or moderate vulnerability. The result is a more efficient application of the few tools and limited resources we have to influence forest conservation and management. Some of the projected uses of SFLA include:

Coordinated focus for DNR’s forest conservation programs – SFLA can provide the geographic context for integrating multiple conservation programs.
Geographic tracking protocol for forest resource management actions – through geocoding of management actions, the Department will be able to better monitor resource management successes and failures.
An information base for evaluating Forest Legacy and Rural Legacy Proposals – SFLA can provide an ecological and socioeconomic rationale for state investments in landscape conservation efforts.
A framework for evaluating land acquisition and protection proposals– As Program Open Space, the Maryland Environmental Trust, and others are presented with land conservation opportunities, SFLA can provide the regional context for evaluating parcel’s ecological and economic significance.
Expanding the Green Infrastructure Assessment to incorporate socioeconomic issues – SFLA augments the Green Infrastructure landscape ecological focus with other important attributes of Maryland’s forests.
Provide a forum for state and local government recognition of resource-based industry – SFLA can provide other government agencies with valuable information to consider in a variety of state and local planning efforts.
Identification and tracking of forest restoration activities – as additional resources are dedicated to restoring forests throughout the state, SFLA can provide the landscape context to ensure these efforts contribute to a sustainable forest resource base.