State Agencies

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 pro-
vides 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, secs.
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 area for research and demonstration.
Forest Service studies encompass projects on in-
sects 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

Natural Resources/239

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. The facilities contained in State
parks, along with the roads, land, and utilities,
represent a fixed asset totaling approximately one
hundred and thirty million dollars.

Each year approximately six million people vis-
it the State parks in Maryland. Construction ac-
tivities are under way at many of these areas
where new facilities are being installed to improve
existing and provide additional recreational op-
portunities for the park visitor.

Interpretive programs designed to increase visi-
tor awareness are conducted in the majority of
parks and annually serve more than 300,000 peo-
ple.

A variety of general and specific parks and rec-
reational activity brochures are available at each
park and upon request from the Maryland Park
Service, Tawes State Office Building, Annapolis,
Maryland 21401.

NATURAL RESOURCES POLICE
FORCE

Roy W. Rafter, Superintendent

Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-2247
269-3181

This agency, created by Chapter 348, Acts of
1972, traces its beginnings to the establishment of
the State Oyster Police Force in 1868 for the en-
forcement of the oyster laws of the State. Legisla-
tion enacted in 1874 brought all forces afloat un-
der the Commission of Fisheries and named the
new unit the State Fishery Force. In 1922 the
Force became a part of the former Conservation
Department and was known as the Maryland Pa-
trol and Inspection Fleet. In 1941 the Patrol
Fleet was incorporated into the Department of
Tidewater Fisheries and its name was changed to
the Division of Inspection and Patrol. In 1960 the
Force became a part of the Division of Law En-
forcement of the Department of Tidewater Fish-
eries, and was renamed the Marine Police Divi-
sion in 1962.

The Natural Resources Police Force enforces
State laws and regulations pertaining to commer-
cial seafood harvesting and sport fishing, boating,