Forest Conservation Legislation for Montgomery County

Legislation recently introduced should help to protect the C&O Canal National Historical Park by strengthening the Forest Conservation Law (FCL) of Montgomery County, Md. Bill 37-07 will raise conservation standards and make the FCL easier to understand and to enforce; amendments proposed by Councilmember Marc Elrich will further strengthen and broaden the FCL. A summary sheet (PDF) is available.

This legislation is the outcome of work begun by the former C&O Canal Task force that was established after the Snyder tree-cutting incident. The changes should help to control unsightly deforestation on lands near the Park. By saving wooded areas on slopes and along tributary streams, an improved FCL should prevent increased runoff and debris from reaching the canal.

The full Council held a public hearing on the legislation on January 22. This was followed by public work sessions conducted by the the Transportation and Environment Committee on February 19 and March 17.

An information packet (PDF - 7,620K) prepared for the February 19th work session is available onlline.

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