Apply to Become a Forest Product Operator -- (PDF Form)
FPO License Renewal Notice (2025)
According to Title 5, Section 608, Annotated Code of Maryland, any person engaged in a forest products business must have a license issued by the Department of Natural Resources. This includes all sawmills, pulpwood and logging contractors and firewood dealers. Other business types may be licensed with us for example, mulch suppliers, land clearing companies, tree removal companies, and lumber brokers.
Any forest harvest operation that disturbs more than 5,000 square feet or 100 cubic yards of soil must have an approved erosion and sediment control plan. The manual referenced below provides guidance on the requirements for plan approval, and the various erosion and sediment control practices that may need to be implemented.
Property owners looking to contract a logging company are advised to contact their local Maryland Forest Service office to learn about the various permitting requirements that may be necessary in your area, forestry services provided, and possible tax benefits to properly managing your forest land. Additionally, the listing of Consultants and Industrial Foresters below can assist you with finding licensed foresters working in your area.
Application Process
To become a Licensed Forest Products Operator or renew an existing license, please follow the link above to submit your application and payment online. You can also download the application form as a PDF and send us a hardcopy, along with a check for your licensee fee, to the address below.
Additional Resources
Buying Firewood in Maryland
Directory of Consulting & Industrial Foresters
Directory of Master Loggers (MD/DE)
MD Erosion & Sediment Control Standards for Forest Harvest Operations (2016)
Forest Products Operator (FPO) Regulations
Directory of Maryland Forest Service Offices
Contact Us
Tom Bradshaw
Forest Industry Development Specialist
Maryland Forest Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
201 Baptist Street Suite #22
Salisbury, Maryland 21801
(410) 713-3854 (o)
(443) 365-7524 (c)
thomas.bradshaw@maryland.gov
