Background
The staff of Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen contacted the EFC seeking assistance with a Task Force examining forest stewardship issues along the C&O Canal National Park with the goal of providing recommendations for more effective local, state and federal stewardship of public and private lands along the Park's boundaries. For more than a year, the EFC has facilitated monthly discussions and provided technical assistance for the Task Force's activities.
Accomplishments and Future Goals
The Task Force has been instrumental in addressing concerns in current county level legislation. To date, the maximum penalties allowed under
Montgomery County's Forest Conservation Law have been increased to reflect the recommendations of the Task Force, and an additional set of Task Force generated revisions on other aspects of the current law is being prepared for consideration by the County Council.
These and future Task Force recommendations will aid in the improvement of local, state, and federal efforts to protect this significant regional natural resource, will play a significant role in strengthening local land use and forest stewardship regulations, and could provide a national example of effective inter-jurisdictional coordination of land protection efforts.
For additional information on Task Force activities:
- Meeting Minutes
- Articles
- Items of Interest from Park Supervisor Kevin Brandt
