The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proposing the creation or expansion or wildland areas in nine counties. Wildlands are State-owned lands that have retained their wilderness character and contain important ecological features. Lands designated as wildlands may only be used for passive recreational purposes, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, or horseback riding.
The affected counties would include: Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Somerset, and Worcester. DNR has prepared a chart of the proposed candidate areas that provides more specific information about the location, size, and significance of each proposed wildland area.
DNR is also holding a series of regional public meetings to solicit feedback on the proposals. The meetings run from October 28 to November 7. Further information about the public meetings can be found in the Wildlands Hearing Schedule.
