GARRETT COUNTY

Forest Conservancy District Board

                                 1728 Kings Run Road

                                 Oakland, MD 21550

                                 301-334-3296

Barks 'n Bites

Of Your Garrett County Forest Conservancy Board

www.gcforest.sailorsite.net. Chairman Chuck Hoffeditz,

301-387-5144; Ernie Metz, County Forester 334-3296;

Reported by Paul Shogren

            On May 14, 2007 the monthly meeting of the Garrett County Forestry Board, was held at the Hen House Restaurant on Route 40.  The following items of interest to Garrett County citizens were discussed:

Gypsy Moth Spraying

The Gypsy Moth spray program started in Anne Arundel County and will be working its way west.   The point of contact for the program in Garrett County is Willie Lantz, University of Maryland Extension Service, telephone number 301-334-6960.  Funding for the program is from the county, state and federal sources.  Approximately 50,000 acres will be sprayed this year in Maryland.

Emerald Ash Borer

            This destructive foreign invader, ½” long, has the potential of removing all ash trees from the forest community, much like the Chestnut Blight did to the chestnut trees in the 1930’s.  It has been found in Maryland and 8 states to the west.  State Forester Steve Kohen has issued a warning to all citizens planning to camp in the state’s parks and forests:  “leave your camp firewood at home.”   This is a voluntary request.  In Michigan it is the law.  To keep ash trees within the forest community follow the advice of state forester Kohen. 

4 – H Photo Contest

            The members agreed to continue the contest with awards given during Fair Week.  The photo should be of one interesting tree.  Details will be found in the Fair handbook. 

State Big Tree Program

            The Garrett Board, along with other counties and the state Forest Service, is seeking cooperators to scour the county for the big tree of each species growing in the forests of the county.   Landowners who think they have a “big tree” of any species, can contact the Forestry Board Chairman or the local county Forester.

Route 40 Elementary School

            The Garrett Board members toured the environmental education project at the Route 40 Elementary school after their monthly meeting.  This project was established in cooperation with the Forestry Board, DNR, Appalachian Lab and Principal Pat Delaney.  There is a nature trail, gazebo, tree and wildlife plantings and a marsh.  The inside of the school is brightly illuminated by bright, shiny tiles installed on all interior walls as both an energy saving device and giving a bright appearance to the inside of the school.

Natural Resource Conservation Conference

This annual program for high school students will be held at the Hickory Environmental Education Center, July 22 – 28, 2007.  Two scholarships are available to high school students interested in pursuing careers in conservation from the Forestry Board.  Interested students should call their guidance office or contact a member of the Garrett Forestry Board.  Application forms are on our website.

The Garrett Board normally meets on the second Monday of each month, usually at the DNR Mt. Nebo Work Center, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  The meetings are open to citizens desiring to observe or discuss forestry related activities.

Future Events

10 May – 9:00 a.m. Envirothon Testing Western MD 4-H Center in Bittinger, MD 

8 – 9 June – Forestry/Loggers Field Day – Garrett County Fair Grounds

12 – 18 August – 4 H Forestry Photo Contest at the Fair Grounds

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