Forest Conservation

Check out our new native tree coupon and grant programs!

Between March 1^st through October 31^st, people can visit participating nurseries and get $35 off trees sized 2-gallons or more using our “Spread Your Leaves” coupon. Furthermore, Calvert’s  coupon can be paired with the state coupon program for a cumulative value of $60 off eligible trees!

We’re also offering a new grant program for plantings near nontidal streams or steep slopes, and areas ¼ acre or more.
Plant a Forest Grant                                                                                Trees for Streams & Slopes Grant

Overview and Background

The main purpose of the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (Natural Resources Article Section 5-1601 through 5-1613) is to minimize the loss of Maryland’s forest resources during land development by making the identification and protection of forests and other sensitive areas an integral part of the site planning process. Identification of priority areas prior to development makes their retention possible. Of primary interest are areas adjacent to streams or wetlands, those on steep or erodible soils, or those within or adjacent to large contiguous blocks of forest or wildlife corridors. The Forest Conservation Act is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. The requirements are implemented on a local level by counties and incorporated cities and towns.

Applicability

The Maryland Forest Conservation Act and Section 8-3 of the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance (Forest Conservation Requirements) apply to any person, corporation, unit of County government or public utility that applies for a subdivision, site plan, project plan, grading permit, sediment control or vegetation removal approval on units of land (or areas) 40,000 square feet or greater. There are several types of development projects that may be exempt from meeting the requirements for forest conservation. A Pre-Application Review and Exemption Request Form (PDF) is required to be submitted for review of exemptions. 

General Requirements

Along with a site plan, subdivision, building permit or grading permit application that does not fully meet one of the exemptions, a Forest Stand Delineation (FSD), a Forest Conservation Plan (FCP), and a Forest Conservation Worksheet (FCW) shall be submitted to the Department of Planning & Zoning for review and approval (see below for links submittal requirements). FSDs and FCPs must be prepared by a Maryland licensed forester, Maryland licensed landscape architect, or other qualified professional who has received certification from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to perform these activities.

Forest Stand Delineation (FSD):

The purpose of an FSD is to determine the most suitable and practical areas for forest conservation during the preliminary design and review stages of development. It uses a combination of resource mapping and field assessment to inventory and describe existing forest and to locate priority areas for forest retention, reforestation, or afforestation on the site. An approved FSD is a required element of an approved Forest Conservation Plan (FCP). A simplified FSD is required for the review of minor subdivisions, clustered subdivisions that meet certain criteria, and some commercial site plans. Otherwise, a standard FSD is required.

NOTE: Even if no trees are to be impacted, an applicant must still meet the requirements of the Forest Conservation regulations. A simplified FSD may be prepared for non-forested sites. A Forest Conservation Worksheet is still necessary to determine the minimum requirements, and a Forest Conservation Plan must be prepared for the project.

Forest Conservation Plan (FCP):

The FCP is a planning and construction document that provides specific plans for retaining and protecting existing forested areas, particularly in priority areas, at the time of subdivision or proposed development. The FCP also includes details for planting or replanting selected areas when reforestation/afforestation is required. Most projects require a Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan and a Final Forest Conservation Plan.

Forest Conservation Worksheet (FCW):

The FCW determines the amount of forest to be retained or planted based on land use category, property size, and the total amount of existing forest on the site. The worksheet also determines how much forest can be cleared without requiring planting or mitigation (a "break-even" point). In order to complete the worksheet, the following information is needed: 1) total tract area (acres or square feet); 2) land use category and Zoning District; 3) existing forest cover; 4) amount of forest to be protected; and, if applicable, 5) area of land in FEMA floodplain.