MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

FORESTS

Forestry Facts (DNR)

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

In 2014, forests constituted 2.4 million acres (40%) of Maryland's land surface, with lumber, pulpwood, and piling being the chief forest products. Some 1.8 million acres belong to private landowners.

Production of lumber and building materials in Fiscal Year 2013 generated $311 million (up from $297 million in Fiscal Year 2012), and supplied 7.5% percent of Maryland's overall tax receipts.

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

[photo, Loblolly pine forest, Assateague Island National Park Seashore (Worcester County), Maryland]

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.

The fifth largest industry in the State, the forest industry has a value of about $4 billion. In 2015, the industry generated 5,178 forestry-related jobs, with a payroll of $244 million. In western Maryland, forestry provides the greatest source of revenue for Garrett and Allegany counties, and the largest number of forestry-related jobs in the State.

Loblolly pine forest, Assateague Island National Park Seashore (Worcester County), May 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

STATE FORESTS

Maryland has nine State forests. The Forest Service of the Department of Natural Resources oversees them along with the Chesapeake Forest Lands, five demonstration forests, and one tree nursery, totalling 222,073 acres. Demonstration forests show short- and long-term effects of sound forest and wildlife management practices.

ALLEGANY COUNTY