The Sustainable Forestry Council was created by SB549 of the 2009 General Assembly to advise the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on all matters related to “sustainable forestry”. Other legislation (SB666) during the same session required DNR to develop a report on proposals for the development of statutory, budgetary, and regulatory policies to achieve no net loss of forest in the State. DNR charged the Council with the development of this report and, over the last 16 months, the Council has met with numerous organizations and individuals who have an interest in the long-term sustainability of forests in Maryland.

DNR would like to hear the county communities’ thoughts, comments and suggestions on the Council’s draft report. Please e-mail any written comments to the attention of Donald VanHassent.

DNR will also be holding two public meetings where the Council will give a short presentation and then receive verbal comment or answer any questions.  The meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, from 1:30 – 5:00 and Tuesday, November 8, from 1:00 – 5:00, in the C-1 (lobby) conference room of the Tawes Building in Annapolis.