BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Forest Service has released new data that shows a significant increase in the number of wildfires in the state in recent years. According to the Annual Wildland Fire Report, 199 wildfires were recorded in Maryland in 2023, burning a total of 4,483 acres of land. This is higher than the 10-year average of 127.8 wildfires per year […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Forest Service is offering a new grant program to distribute $4.8 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act funds towards urban and community forestry projects during the next four years. The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund expands resources for Maryland’s ambitious commitment to enhance its forest cover and tree canopy through the state’s 5 Million Trees for Maryland initiative […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards are inviting all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2024 is: “Trees Are Terrific…in All Shapes and Sizes!” to celebrate the importance of diversity of tree species within a community. All entries must be […]
OWINGS MILLS, MD—The Office of the State Fire Marshal and several other agencies are asking for assistance in the ongoing investigation of the massive, 8-alarm wildfire that consumed nearly 700 acres around Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area on Tuesday and into Wednesday. A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Forest Service, Department of Natural […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service has announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. The projects to be funded help volunteer fire companies enhance their wildland fire protection in rural communities. DNR awarded a total $131,702 in match funding to complete $277,138 in total project […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is warning residents and visitors that potential for wildfires has steadily increased in the past several weeks due to a lack of rain and unseasonably high temperatures. While open-air burning is legal in parts of Maryland, DNR is strongly encouraging homeowners to refrain from outdoor burning until the state receives significant steady rainfall […]