Belt Woods Natural Environment Area (NEA) is a 625-acre natural area managed by the Maryland Park Service in Prince George’s County. This significant forested area contains a designated National Natural Landmark of one of the last stands of old-growth hardwoods on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The old growth oaks and tulip poplar trees include 200-year old trees over 140 feet tall. Prominent understory trees include flowering dogwood, spicebush, sweet haw and ironwood.
Nearly all of the acreage in Belt Woods is designated as a
Maryland State Wildland, providing additional protections to support the preservation of its wilderness nature within an urbanizing landscape. The area's fields and forests provide important nesting habitat for an exceptional population of neotropical songbirds, such as wood thrush, red-eyed vireo and Kentucky warbler.
Public Access
Currently, there are no trails and very limited parking in the area. The property is open to visitors on a limited basis upon request by calling 410-974-2149 or emailing
sandypoint.statepark@maryland.gov. The Maryland Park Service is currently working on several projects related to the development and implementation of the restoration plan for the property. The restoration plan includes several tasks that are necessary to make the property safe for passive recreational use in the future.
Location
Prince George's County
GPS 38.90505°N 76.76304°W
Contact
Belt Woods Natural Environment Area
c/o Sandy Point State Park
1100 East College Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21409
410-974-2149
Hunting
park managers, in consultation with wildlife biologists, decided to adopt a deer hunt program as a vital tool in ongoing efforts to manage the local population of white-tailed deer and protect the sensitive ecological features of the property. Belt Woods Natural Environment Area Hunting Regulations: The Free Public Hunting Permit (available on
COMPASS) is required to hunt Belt Woods NEA. All local, state, and federal laws apply. The Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping is available online here. The full regulation packets for the Free Public Hunting Permit can be found on the Southern Region Public Lands page.
- Approximately 458 acres are open for hunting on Belt Woods NEA.
- Only deer hunting is allowed.
- Deer hunting is permitted from the opening day of Deer Archery Season through Deer Primitive Season.
- Permitted hunting devices include all legal devices allowed in Prince George’s County within the seasons that allow them.
- Daily reservations are required during the Deer Muzzleloader and Firearms Seasons. Reservations are not required for the Junior Deer Hunt. Reservations are made through the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office by calling 301-743-5161.
- A maximum of 12 hunters are permitted each day when reservations are required.
- Parking is only allowed at the designated parking areas indicated on the map.
- Hunting is permitted Monday through Saturday. No Sunday hunting is allowed.
- Hunters may enter the hunting area 1.5 hours before sunrise and must be out by 1.5 hours after sunset.
- A gate code must be obtained from the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office.
- The public land Big Game Check Code for Belt Woods NEA is 476.
- Scouting is permitted starting the August 1 st prior to each hunting season. Scouters must have a reservation during the Deer Muzzleloader and Firearms Seasons.
Map of Belt Woods NEA Hunting Area
