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MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

FORESTS

In 2011, forests constituted 2.7 million acres (43%) of Maryland's land surface.

[photo, Pines, Gunpowder Falls State Park, south of Bradshaw, Baltimore County, Maryland]

Over 160 native or naturalized tree species can be found in Maryland. Oak and hickory are the dominant hardwoods, making up 60 percent of forested areas. Loblolly pine, the predominant forest tree on the Eastern Shore, is the most prevalent softwood.

Chief forest products are lumber, pulpwood, and piling.

Pines, Gunpowder Falls State Park, south of Bradshaw, Baltimore County, Maryland, October 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

One of the largest industries in the State, the forest industry generated some 5,618 forestry-related jobs in 2010, with a payroll of $245 million. The greatest source of revenue, Garrett and Allegany counties in western Maryland also have the largest number of forestry-related jobs in the State.

In Fiscal Year 2011, tax receipts for the production of lumber and building materials generated $286 million, up from $278 million in Fiscal Year 2010. Also, in Fiscal Year 2011, the forestry industry supplied over eight percent of Maryland’s tax receipts, with more than seven percent coming from lumber production alone.

STATE FORESTS

Maryland has eight State forests. The Forest Service of the Department of Natural Resources oversees them along with the Chesapeake Forest Lands, four demonstration forests, and one tree nursery, totalling nearly 200,000 acres. Demonstration forests show short- and long-term effects of sound forest and wildlife management practices.

ALLEGANY COUNTY