Forestry Workgroup

The Forestry Workgroup seeks to conserve, manage and restore forests and tree cover across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Meetings

About

The Forestry Workgroup coordinates, develops and implements plans and projects that focus on the contributions of forest lands in restoring the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and in retaining their economic potential. The workgroup provides a forum to discuss issues and identify opportunities among the forestry community, interested individuals and organizations, and federal, state and local governments.

An aerial view of forested land bisected by a river in Susquehanna State Park.
An aerial view of forested land at Susquehanna State Park. (Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program with aerial support by Southwings)

Objectives

  • Enhance communication and education regarding forestry issues within the Bay watershed.
  • Identify the need and opportunities for demonstration projects and program development.
  • Promote the establishment and management of forests and trees in urban, rural and developing areas to improve water quality and aquatic and terrestrial habitats associated with the Bay and its tributaries.
  • Promote forestry research and monitoring needed to evaluate forest contributions toward protection and restoration of the Bay.
  • Ensure forest resource information pertinent to the Bay is available to individuals and organizations interested and/or involved in implementing the Chesapeake Bay Program.

The Forestry Workgroup is also pursuing the Healthy Forests & Trees Outcome of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

Projects

New Member Guide

In Progress

A guide to familiarize new members with the Forestry Workgroup.

State of Chesapeake Forests Storymap

Complete

This storymap uses high-resolution land use and land use change data to provide an understanding of Chesapeake forests and how they are changing.

Phase 7 Model Development

In Progress

These updated modeling tools will be used by the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to inform decisions related to the nutrient and sediment reduction goals outlined in the revised Watershed Agreement.

Publications

Our Watershed Agreement Goals & Outcomes

Healthy Landscapes Goal

Our Members