Maryland Forest Service Archives

Despite severe fall fire weather, Maryland wildfire damage less extensive in 2024 than previous year

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Despite a significant increase in wildfire occurrences in Maryland during 2024, the total acreage burned was substantially lower than the previous year, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report released this month. The report analyzes data from 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the agency, including lands managed by the Maryland Forest Service, National Park […]

Maryland launches ‘Gift of Trees’ program for the holidays

Posted on December 1, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland residents can give a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ “Gift of Trees” program. The program offers a unique opportunity to honor loved ones, benefit future generations, and improve the environment. The “Gift of Trees” program allows Marylanders to purchase native trees for planting in honor of a celebration, […]

Maryland lifts statewide ban on open-air burning

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland lifted a statewide ban on open-air burning, effective immediately, following recent precipitation and a forecast of continued normal weather patterns. The ban, which went into effect Nov. 1, was implemented to prevent the spread of wildfires during a period of extremely dry conditions. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, including the Maryland Forest Service, determined that the ban […]

Maryland 2024 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants help local firefighters enhance wildfire protection

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service has awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments across 18 counties in the state to help enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities, according to a press release. The grants were given to 55 volunteer fire departments out of 64 that applied for funding from the Maryland Forest […]

Fall Foliage peaks on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Harriet Tubman State Park’s Eastern Shore foliage has hit its peak for the season, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. According to the Department of Natural Resources, Western Maryland is nearing the end of its fall foliage season, but there are still some pockets of color to be found. “While we are past peak, the woods remain wonderful,” said […]

Statewide burn ban issued as dry conditions persist

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing a statewide ban on open air burning, effective Friday, November 1, in all Maryland counties. Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future. The ban will remain in effect until […]

Fall foliage reaches peak in central Maryland

Posted on October 26, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—In Western Maryland, the fall foliage season is coming to a close, while trees in Central Maryland are at their peak. “In Anne Arundel, the sun-splashed yellow hickory leaves are sprinkled through the forest canopy. The red black gum are prominent while sweet gum are reddening up,” says Francis Smith of the Maryland Forest Service. “In the Hagerstown watershed […]

Fall Foliage Report: Western Maryland past peak, central counties reach mid-point

Posted on October 19, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Parts of Western Maryland are past peak foliage for the season, while on the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland leaves are approaching their midpoint. In Patapsco Valley State Park, there are pockets of green, as well as holes in the forest canopy where winds have knocked down foliage. Foliage in Frederick is near its peak, according to the report. […]

Tag: Maryland Forest Service