application of technical forestry to individual for-
est acreages have a long history in the Service, ur-
ban and community forestry is, in part, a new
program, where the main emphasis will be on
working with developers, builders, architects, and
city and county planners in careful developmental
planning and large-scale forestry projects. Super-
vision of utility trimming and municipal tree care
programs continues to be an important facet of
urban and community forestry. The urban forest-
ry concept includes individual shade tree consul-
tations to private landowners, as time permits.

Forty-two percent of Maryland's land area is in
forests—a total of 2,653,200 acres in the hands of
95,800 private owners. The Service offers advice
and assistance to all landowners in the multiple
use development of their woodlands. This service
is available to individuals, municipalities, and
developers. Timber marking, timber stand im-
provement, wildlife habitat, tree design for
subdivisions, and overall environmental aesthetics
are all covered in the Service's Cooperative Forest
Management Program (formerly the Technical
Forestry and Reforestation Program). The Pro-
gram also is concerned with the establishment of
trees in the environment and to this end operates
and maintains the Buckingham Forest Tree Nurs-
ery, which produces approximately 7,000,000
seedlings and 3,000 to 5,000 roadside trees annu-
ally for distribution in Maryland.

Prevention and control of wildfire in the forests
of the State is an important function of sound
forest management. Federal and State programs
provide for a cooperative effort in this activity.
The program is vital not only to the continuance
and expansion oi the forest industry, but also to
the general welfare of the public by providing
protection for watersheds, wildlife, park and
recreation areas, farms, industries, homes, and the
air. The Department is a member of the Mid-At-
lantic Forest Fire Compact, which provides for
mutual assistance among the states in the event
of a fire emergency.

Fire preparedness involves maintenance of a
forest fire organization of forest wardens and vol-
unteer fire companies, and the provision of train-
ing and equipment to combat these emergencies.

The State Forest System (formerly State Forest
Management) serves to develop the multiple use
and sustained yield of all forest resources. It
provides timber production, watershed protection,
wildlife habitat, and natural beauty.

Since proper management of forest resources
represents a long-term investment. State forests

serve as examples to local woodland owners in
the management of their lands. They provide tim-
ber products for local industry, public hunting
and fishing areas, open spaces for hikers and
campers, and a place to appreciate the natural en-
vironment (Code Natural Resources Article, sees.
5-101 through 8-1318).

There are nine State forests administered by the
Department, located at Savage River, Cedarville,
Doncaster, Elk Neck, Green Ridge, Pocomoke,
Potomac-Garrett, Wicomico, and Seth. These
multiple-use forest areas produce wood fiber for
industry and provide hunting, fishing, camping,
picnicking, wildlife habitat, soil and water protec-
tion, and areas for research and demonstration.
Forest Service studies encompass projects on
insects and diseases, plant genetics, site studies,
and various elements of timber management.

The main goal of the Service's Resource Utili-
zation Program is to extend Maryland's decreas-
ing forest resources through the improved use of
recreational, aesthetic, environmental, and eco-
nomic resources. Centered in Annapolis, the Pro-
gram works with forest products manufacturers
on a request basis.

Forestry boards were created by the enactment
of the Forest Conservancy District Act of 1942.
There is a five-member forestry board in each of
Maryland's twenty-three counties. The volunteer
members are private citizens who work coopera-
tively with the Maryland Forest Service to pro-
mote sound forestry practices and conservation.

Maryland's State Park system comprises scenic,
historic, and natural environment areas located in
all regions of the State. Land presently owned by
the State and managed as parks totals 80,000
acres.

Thirty-five State parks are operational, most of
them providing a wide variety of interests from
day-use activities such as picnicking and hiking to
camping and cabin occupancy, which permit
more extended enjoyment of these unique areas.
Swimming, fishing, nature study, and sightseeing
are also popular.

Each year more than six million people visit
the State parks in Maryland. Construction activi-
ties are under way at many of these areas where
new facilities are being installed to improve recre-
ational opportunities.

Interpretive programs designed to increase visi-
tor awareness are conducted in 25 parks serving
more than 200,000 people each year.