All activities other than farming, gardening or maintenance of an existing grass lawn which involves the cutting, pruning, or outright removal of existing natural vegetation in the Critical Area buffer or expanded buffer (within a minimum of 100’ of tidal waters and tidal wetlands) recorded Forest Conservation Easements, or Bog Protection Areas is subject to completion of the attached Standard Vegetation Management Plan (VMP), which must be completed and submitted to the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits / Forestry Program for approval prior to beginning work.
Requests for removal of understory vegetation, including shrub layer and invasive (vine) material, must be identified or noted on the property sketch. Understory vegetation, including invasive vines, is considered habitat. Replacement with native vegetation on an equal area basis will be necessary.
If the proposed work is occurring both inside the Critical Area 100-foot buffer, as well as outside the buffer, please indicate as such on the site plan.
If there is an open Building or Grading Permit, the requested VMP may be rejected and the applicant will be instructed to revise the open permit.
Pruning of trees may only be performed by the homeowner or a State of Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Work not performed to industry standards (ANSI A300) may be reported to the State Department of Natural Resources and/or any other licensing agencies. Topping of trees will not be approved and may be considered a violation.
A list of Licensed Tree Experts may be obtained at the DNR Forest Service website.