Forestry Program

Anne Arundel County’s Forestry Program is housed within the Code Compliance Division.  The Forestry Program administers the reforestation and afforestation requirements of the Critical Area Program, and the Maryland Forest Conservation Act.   A primary Component of this program is the coordination of voluntary reforestation projects with landowners and community associations.

Anne Arundel County encourages landowners and community associations to participate in reforestation projects with the County's Forestry Program. The County has funds available to reforest properties, with native vegetation, at no expense to the landowner. The landowner is required to place the reforested areas under a perpetual protective agreement such as a conservation easement.  Funding for these reforestation projects is provided through collection of fees paid in lieu of reforesting by property owners and developers who clear trees during implementation of their approved development projects.

Benefits of Reforestation

• Provides wildlife habitat
• Limits stormwater runoff
• Filters pollutants in the soil
• Provides for buffer and privacy
• Enhances property value
• Acts as erosion control measure
• Blocks winter winds
• Enhances summer shade
• Manages invasive vegetation
• Provides wood products

How to Get Started

The County Forester will work with landowners interested in reforestation to develop a planting plan, hire a contractor, and supervise the planting. The County Forester will also monitor the plant survival for three years. If the completed reforestation project is at least five acres or larger, the landowner may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, to develop a forest management plan that could include property tax credits. For more information on reforestation projects, contact the Forestry Program at (410) 222-7442.

Critical Area Reforestation

Properties within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (within 1000 linear feet of tidal water) may be reforested under this program. Sites under one-acre should contain, or be adjacent to, tidal water, tidal wetlands, tributary streams, nontidal wetlands, steep slopes, existing woodland, or other sensitive areas. Native plant selection will be based on topographic elevations, soil types, and other site conditions. Mulching and staking of trees is included as well as follow-up maintenance, such as controlling invasive vegetation.

Forest Conservation Act Reforestation

The reforestation of property outside of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area is made possible by the State-mandated Forest Conservation Act of 1991 and Anne Arundel County Council Bill 71-94. These bills ensure forest conservation during development. Minimum size for potential projects is 10,000 square feet, and a minimum site width of 35 feet is required. Potential reforestation sites under one-acre should contain, or be located adjacent to, streams, eroded gullies, steep slopes, or wetlands.  Preference will be given to properties that are adjacent to other forested land or wildlife corridors. The Forest Conservation Act reforestation projects are planted to the specifications detailed in the State of Maryland Forest Conservation Technical Manual. The native plant species used will be determined based on topographic elevations, soil conditions, or other site conditions. Mulching and staking of trees is included, as is the monitoring and control of invasive vegetation.

Vegetation Management in the Critical Area or in a Forest Conservation Area

If any vegetation is planned to be removed within 1000 feet of tidal waterways and their tributaries, or if your property is within a recorded Forest Conservation Easement, a standard Vegetation Management Plan must be completed and submitted to the Code Compliance Division for approval prior to beginning work. The standard Vegetation Management Plan is also called a Buffer Management Plan when submitted in connection with vegetation management proposed within the Critical Area 100-foot buffer.

Living Shorelines

Erosion is a naturally occurring process.  However, erosion can lead to loss of waterfront property and reduction in shoreline habitat for many aquatic life.  Waterfront property owners can help reduce the rate of erosion by planting natural shorelines, also called Living Shorelines since they promote a healthy environment for aquatic animals and plants to thrive.  Evaluate your shoreline and watch the streaming video to learn more about installing a living shoreline. 

Shoreline Evaluation for Homeowners Brochure  and the Living Shoreline Video