MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

STATE FORESTS

[photo, Pines, Gunpowder Falls State Park, south of Bradshaw, Baltimore County, Maryland]

The forest industry is the fifth largest industry in the State. Forest products generate over $1 billion to Maryland's economy and more than 18,000 jobs. In Western Maryland's Garrett and Allegany Counties, the forest industry is the single largest employer, and on the Eastern Shore, the second largest. Chief forest products are lumber, pulpwood, and piling.

In 2006, forests constituted 2.7 million acres (43%) of Maryland's land surface.

Pines, Gunpowder Falls State Park, south of Bradshaw, Baltimore County, Maryland, October 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

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.

Maryland has seven State forests. The Forest Service of the Department of Natural Resources oversees them along with four demonstration forests covering 136,907 acres. Demonstration forests show short- and long-term effects of sound forest and wildlife management practices.

ALLEGANY COUNTY

Green Ridge State Forest (Flintstone) (301) 478-3124

CECIL COUNTY

Elk Neck State Forest (North East) (410) 287-5333

GARRETT COUNTY

Garrett State Forest (Oakland) (301) 334-2038

Potomac State Forest (Oakland) (301) 334-2038

Savage River State Forest (Grantsville) (301) 895-5759

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Cedarville State Forest (Upper Marlboro) (301) 888-1410

WORCESTER COUNTY

Pocomoke River State Forest (Snow Hill) (410) 632-2566