On February 3rd, 2020, Western Maryland RC&D coordinated with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service to conduct a controlled burn on a 22 acre future reforestation site in southern Allegany County, Maryland. The objective of the burn was to control Japanese stiltgrass and other invasive species found on the site in preparation for an upcoming planting which will establish a variety of native tree species. The burn will promote the successful growth of the new tree seedlings by eliminating competition from invasive species that would otherwise deprive the young trees of sunlight and room to grow. The burn was conducted by 8 team members, including personnel from the Maryland DNR Forest Service and Maryland DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service. This planting site is part of a larger, 128 acre planting project that Western Maryland RC&D will be completing in Spring 2020. Funding for this project is provided by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.
Western Maryland RC&D would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this a safe and successful burn!
