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MAGIC 2005 Legislative PackageBack to Photo Gallery |
Page 3 of 4
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Old growth forests are amazing natural areas that include trees of 200 years old or older. They are not only aesthetically pleasing; but the conditions found in the old-growth forest support an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. The largest old-growth forest in Maryland was rediscovered near Crabtree Creek in Western Maryland. This is one of the few forests left where people can view and enjoy a large forest that has remained relatively undisturbed by commercial logging activity throughout its history. The old-growth forest provides abundant food and shelter to a variety of animals that cannot find such habitat in frequently logged forests.
The Crabtree forest should be permanently preserved. It is part of the Potomac-Garrett State Forest, but today it receives only administrative protection from DNR. There are very few remaining old growth forests left in Maryland, and none are as large as the Crabtree area. Any old growth forest that remains in Maryland should receive the highest protection available. We are asking state legislators to provide permanent protection for the Crabtree area as the newest Wildland in Maryland. The old growth forest should be properly protected with additional forest buffers. The adoption of the Crabtree Wildland will also extend the permanently protected forests along this part of the Appalachians. |
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As seen from the following map, the forests of Western Maryland are being fragmented more each day by DNR's logging practices. Clearcutting of large areas of the forest have introduced exotic invasive plants, and edge forest animals into the heart of these forests. The new species often arrive on logging trucks, or follow logging roads, and thrive in the new sunlit areas where the forest was clearcut. These species are displacing native plants and animals.
We need to add unbroken and unlogged forest areas to each state forest to enable wildlife and native plant species to migrate and flourish in the forests of Maryland. Plant and wildlife corridors should connect across Maryland into Pennsylvania in the north and Virginia and West Virginia in the south. Note: logging data for the Savage River State Forest is unavailable and not shown on this map.
Click to get a larger map 
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