A wildfire started in Camp Loop D was directly impacted after an un-forecasted dry microburst occurred in the Washington DC area. The dry microburst, of erratic wind gusts exceeding 100 mph caused structural damage to nearby residential buildings, businesses, and roadways limiting emergency response.

The fast-moving wildfire caused multiple injuries (minor-severe) to park visitors as evacuation routes became blocked from fallen trees, a fast-moving wildfire, and vehicle accidents.

hlhdglk;hjg;orejhglk;fdjlkjlj;ljiorhg;djflkb

I am testing numbers1 12 345

Image

Within the Department of Natural Resources, the Forest Service oversees Maryland's State Forest System, which, as of 2023, covers 229,807 acres, up from the 229,310 acres in 2022. The System encompasses nine State forests (150,311 acres); the Chesapeake Forest Lands (73,361 acres); five demonstration forests (5,769 acres); one tree nursery (299 acres); and sixteen fire towers (45 acres). Demonstration forests show short- and long-term effects of sound forest and wildlife management practices.

Maryland's Reforestation Law requires that any forests that are cleared for State-funded highway construction projects must be replaced (Code Natural Resources Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-103). Enacted in 1991, the Maryland Forest Conservation Act ensures that forests, particularly those near water, including wetlands, on steep terrain, and within large wildlife areas are identified and protected during land development

The fourth largest industry in the State, the forest industry has a value of about $3.5 billion. In western Maryland, the industry is the largest employer in Allegany and Garrett counties and on the Eastern Shore, it is the second largest. In 2023, the industry generated 4,973 forestry-related jobs.

Image

Over 160 native or naturalized tree species can be found in Maryland. Oak and hickory are the dominant hardwoods, making up 60 percent of forested areas. Loblolly pine, the predominant forest tree on the Eastern Shore, is the most prevalent softwood, composing 15% of forests.

As of Fiscal Year 2024, forests constituted nearly 2.45 million acres of Maryland's land surface. Some 1.45 million acres of forests belong to private landowners, while the rest is public land, including State land. About 41% of public forests are preserved from harvesting, about 10% of the overall forestland in Maryland. Mature forests make up 78% of Maryland's forested lands, with 40% over 80 years old. 

Image