The Maryland Wildlands program protects more than 43,000 acres in 29 locations across the state. The Department of Natural Resources has identified 27 additional properties to receive this special protection for places "that have retained their wilderness character or contain rare or vanishing species of plant or animal life or similar features worthy of preservation".
You can help to protect these places. A list of proposed sites and more information about the Wildlands program is available here. There are sites on the Eastern Shore, in western Maryland and southern Maryland, in Frederick County, Baltimore County, and Montgomery County. So there is probably one near you!
Several hearings are scheduled around the state to gather input regarding the proposals. Please plan to attend one and offer your input. If you can't attend in person, please send a message to Wildlands@dnr.state.md.us.
You don't need to be an expert to offer testimony -- just explain why you care about natural places -- seeing wildlife, protecting water quality, or enjoying the cool forest. Testimony about all proposed sites can be offered at any of the hearing locations, so you don't need to travel far to testify in support of places that you care about.
Thanks for helping to keep Maryland Wild!
David O'Leary, Chapter Chair
Here is a list of the upcoming hearings:
Montgomery County
Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 pm
Seneca Creek State Park Visitor Center
11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Charles County
Monday, November 4, 6:00 pm
Center for Business & Industry, Room 104 College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road, LaPlata, MD 20646
Garrett County
Wednesday, November 6, 6:00 pm
Deep Creek Lake State Park -- Discovery Center Meeting Room
898 State Park Road, Swanton, Maryland 21561
Somerset County
Wednesday, November 6, 6:00 pm
Janes Island State Park Nature Center
26280 Alfred J. Lawson Drive, Crisfield MD 21817
Baltimore County
Thursday, November 7, 6:30 pm
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, Conference Room
5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Allegany County
Thursday, November 7, 6:00 pm
Allegany College, Continuing Education Building, Room CE8
12401 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502