Forest Conservation: Frederick County, MD
This model ordinance, developed by Frederick County, Maryland, concerns the conservation of forested areas. The ordinance is meant to conserve, protect and plant trees to help prevent erosion and sedimentation; reduce stormwater runoff; remove air,n oise and water pollutants; create shade; control drainage; mitigate heat islands and enhance property values.
This ordinance protects forest resources by restricting the amount of forest that can be cleared on a development site, and requiring tree planting to mitigate site clearing. The ordinance applies to all unincorporated lands within the territorial limits of the County. The ordinance first introduces the purpose of the regulation and defines appropriate terms and then sets forth requirements for a forest conservation and delineation plans for new developments. The ordinance includes requirements for afforestation, reforestation, retention and conservation.
This document can be used as a detailed example for local communities interested in conserving forest area. Because this ordinance is specific to Frederick County, Maryland, readers will have to customize the language so that it is appropriate to their locality.
