Bears require large forests in which to live. Forests provide food and shelter for the black bear as well as many other animals. Large trees supply much of the food bears need for survival. Forests also provide tree cavities and sheltered habitat for many other species. The Oak is the most important nut tree in our forests today, and acorns from Oaks are a favorite food supply for the bear. Acorns are eaten by the bear to gain weight before hibernating in cold winter months. Without forests and the food provided by them the bear cannot survive.

Numerous species like the black bear require forests of relatively large acreage. A bear will range many miles seeking food. To insure a viable population of healthy bears, thousands of acres of mature forests are required. Trees like the Oak and Beech are forty years old before they produce significant amounts of nuts or seed for wildlife. Mature, old growth forests are the rarest type of habitat in Maryland, but they are essential to survival of many species. While new growth forests are relatively easy to re-create, it is much more difficult to maintain and protect old-growth forests.

Most forests in Maryland are logged frequently and exhibit the properties of newly created forests. While these forests are also important to the continued health of many species, forests exhibiting early growth characteristics are not unusual. Management priority in public forests should be changed to provide protection for species that are more endangered or rare. Private individuals own 88% of Maryland’s forests, and these forests are not available to be managed for old-growth characteristics. This can only be accomplished by the public on public land.

Fully 50% of the public forests in Maryland are still being managed for production of wood fiber. This benefits a few individuals associated with the timber industry, but is detrimental to wildlife and it also reduces the additional benefits provided by forests. Besides providing a home for wildlife and many plant species, forests cleanse the air we breathe and supply fresh water to streams and aquifers. Without forests our air will continue to deteriorate, water supplies will dry up, and our underground aquifers will be emptied.

Please help us in the campaign to conserve and protect public forests.