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Maryland's forests are among the state's most valuable natural resources, providing clean water, wildlife habitat, forest products, outdoor recreation, climate resilience, and countless benefits to local communities. Protecting and sustaining those forests requires more than government action alone. It requires informed citizens, local leadership, and strong partnerships.

Forest Conservancy District Boards (FCDBs) are citizen advisory boards established under Maryland law to support the stewardship, conservation, and sustainable management of Maryland's forest resources. Working in partnership with the Maryland Forest Service, board members help connect local communities, landowners, educators, conservation organizations, businesses, and government agencies to the forestry issues that matter most in their regions.

As of April 2026, Maryland's Forest Conservancy District Boards are organized on a regional basis, strengthening coordination across county lines while preserving local engagement through County Forestry Boards and volunteer initiatives.

Why Serve?​

Forest Conservancy District Boards provide an opportunity for citizens to help shape the future of Maryland's forests.

Board members contribute local knowledge, professional expertise, and community perspectives that help inform forestry programs and priorities throughout the state. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds, including forestry, agriculture, education, conservation, business, local government, outdoor recreation, and community leadership. A forestry background is not required.

By serving on a board, you can:​

• Help advance healthy forests, clean water, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.
• Support forestry education and public outreach in your community.
• Promote responsible stewardship of Maryland's forest resources.
• Build relationships with forestry professionals, conservation partners, and community leaders.
• Provide local perspectives on emerging forestry issues and opportunities.
• Leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Whether your interests are conservation, education, land stewardship, outdoor recreation, or community service, there is a place for your voice in Maryland's forestry community.​​​​

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What Do Forest Conservancy District Boards Do?

Forest Conservancy District Boards advise and support the Maryland Forest Service on matters affecting forestry and conservation within their regions.

​​Board responsibilities may include:

• Promoting public understanding of forestry and forest conservation.
• ​​Supporting forest stewardship, tree planting, and environmental education initiatives.
• Encouraging partnerships among landowners, communities, businesses, schools, and conservation organizations.
• Providing local perspectives on forestry programs and policies.
• Recognizing and encouraging exemplary forest stewardship.
• Supporting the long-term sustainability of Maryland's forest resources.

Boards also play an important statutory role in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program. Forest Conservancy District Boards review timber harvest plans proposed within the Critical Area and provide recommendations through Maryland Forest Service foresters as part of the harvest review process. This helps ensure forestry activities within these sensitive landscapes are conducted consistent with sound forest management and Chesapeake Bay protection goals.​

Regional Forest Conservancy District Boards

Maryland's regional Forest Conservancy District Boards provide a forum for addressing forestry issues that extend beyond county boundaries while maintaining strong local representation.

​Each regional board includes representatives from throughout the district and serves as a link between local communities and the Maryland Forest Service.

County Forestry Boards

While Forest Conservancy District Boards operate at the regional level, much of Maryland's forestry volunteerism and community engagement occurs through County Forestry Boards.

County Forestry Boards are local volunteer organizations that work closely with Maryland Forest Service staff to promote forestry education, stewardship, conservation projects, community outreach, youth engagement, and other activities that strengthen connections between people and forests.

County Forestry Boards are supported through the Maryland Forestry Foundation​, a nonprofit partner that provides administrative support, fundraising assistance, project funding opportunities, and other resources that help local boards carry out their work.

County board chairs serve as ex officio members of their respective regional Forest Conservancy District Boards, ensuring that local priorities and perspectives remain an integral part of regional decision-making.

For many volunteers, County Forestry Boards provide the best opportunity to become actively involved in forestry and conservation efforts within their own communities.

A Tradition of Public Service

Maryland's Forest Conservancy District Boards trace their origins to the Forestry Conservancy District Act of 1943, a landmark piece of legislation that recognized the importance of citizen involvement in forest stewardship.

The Act established a statewide system of district boards to help promote sound forestry practices, encourage responsible management of private and public woodlands, and strengthen cooperation between local communities and the state's forestry professionals.

More than eighty years later, that partnership remains a cornerstone of Maryland's forestry program. While the structure of the boards has evolved to meet modern needs, their purpose remains the same: helping ensure Maryland's forests continue to provide environmental, economic, and community benefits for generations to come.

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Get Involved

Maryland's forests benefit from the knowledge, experience, and dedication of citizens who are willing to serve their communities.

Whether you are interested in forest stewardship, environmental education, wildlife habitat, conservation, outdoor recreation, or community service, there are opportunities to get involved through Maryland's Forest Conservancy District Boards and County Forestry Boards.

To learn more about serving on a board, upcoming vacancies, volunteer opportunities, or regional meeting schedules, contact the Maryland Forest Service at [email protected].

​We welcome inquiries from individuals of all backgrounds who share an interest in the future of Maryland's forests and natural resources.

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