Forest Conservancy District Boards are citizen advisory boards established under Maryland law to support the conservation, management, and stewardship of forest resources in the State.

The boards work with the Maryland Forest Service to provide regional input on forestry matters, support public education and outreach, and assist with forest conservation activities. Board members may include representatives of forestry, agriculture, conservation, education, local government, business, and the general public.

As of April 2026, Forest Conservancy District Boards are organized by region rather than by individual county. The regional structure provides a forum for issues that extend across county lines, including shared watersheds, forest health concerns, forest markets, land stewardship, and regional planning needs.

County Forestry Boards continue to provide the local structure for volunteer service, community outreach, and county-level forestry activities. Together, the regional and county board structure connects statewide program leadership, regional coordination, and local volunteer service.

Regional Forest Conservancy District Boards

Maryland has four regional Forest Conservancy District Boards.

Western Region: Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.

Central Region: Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, and Montgomery counties.

Southern Region: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties.

Eastern Region: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

Regional boards advise and assist the Maryland Forest Service on forestry and conservation matters within their regions. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing regional input on forestry programs, policies, and emerging issues.
• Supporting public understanding of forestry and forest conservation.
• Encouraging cooperation among landowners, local governments, schools, conservation organizations, forest products businesses, and other partners.
• Supporting forestry education, outreach, stewardship, and volunteer activities.
• Recognizing and encouraging sound forest stewardship practices.

Forest Conservancy District Boards also have a role in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program. Timber harvest plans proposed within the Critical Area are reviewed by Maryland Forest Service foresters in coordination with the appropriate board, as required by law and regulation.

County Forestry Boards

County Forestry Boards are local volunteer organizations that work with Maryland Forest Service staff on forestry education, stewardship projects, tree planting, youth programs, outreach events, and other community-based activities.

County boards serve a different but related purpose from the regional Forest Conservancy District Boards. Regional boards provide formal advice and coordination across multiple counties. County Forestry Boards provide the local structure for residents who want to support forestry and conservation work in their own communities.

This local structure allows volunteers to remain connected to county-level needs, projects, and partners while also supporting broader regional and statewide forestry priorities.

County Forestry Boards also support statewide volunteer programs administered in partnership with the Maryland Forest Service and the Maryland Forestry Foundation, including the Maryland Big Tree Program. Through the Big Tree Program, volunteers help identify, measure, document, and recognize some of the largest trees in Maryland.

County Forestry Boards are supported by the Maryland Forestry Foundation, a nonprofit partner that provides administrative and financial support for local board activities.

County board chairs serve as ex officio members of their regional Forest Conservancy District Board. This connection allows county-level issues, projects, and priorities to be shared with the regional board while maintaining a practical role for county-based volunteers.

Meetings and Minutes

Regional Forest Conservancy District Boards meet at least quarterly. Meetings are open to the public.

Meeting dates, locations, virtual meeting links, agendas, and approved minutes are posted below for each regional board as they become available.

History

Maryland’s Forest Conservancy District Boards were originally established under the Forestry Conservancy District Act of 1943. The boards were created to involve citizens in the conservation, management, and protection of forest resources.

The regional board structure adopted in 2026 continues that statutory purpose while providing a broader framework for coordination across counties and regions.

Get Involved

Individuals interested in Forest Conservancy District Boards, County Forestry Boards, meeting schedules, or volunteer opportunities may contact the Maryland Forest Service.

For local volunteer opportunities, residents may also contact their County Forestry Board.