Sample Letter

(Date)

Dear Delegate or Senator:

We have almost no "old growth" forests left in Maryland .  Nearly 700 acres of old growth forest has been rediscovered in Western Maryland .  At least 500 acres of this old growth is within the Potomac/Garrett State Forest.  We would like to permanently protect this precious forest as a Wildland.  Please help us by supporting the Crabtree Creek Wildlands Bill HB-10.  

A second bill is designed to protect a Wildland area in the Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland .  Existing Wildland areas in this forest are small and highly fragmented.  We are trying to create an unbroken forested area in this part of the state for us and our children to enjoy.  Please help us by supporting the Green Ridge State Forest Wildlands Bill HB-9.

 

Sincerely,

 

Background Information

Protecting the Crabtree Creek Old-Growth Forest Ecosystem

Crabtree Creek slopes contains the largest tract of old-growth forest still remaining in Maryland .  It is an area where people can view and enjoy an extensive woodland ecosystem that has remained relatively undisturbed from commercial logging activity throughout its history.  The land proposed for legislative protection covers more than 500 acres, and will connect the Crabtree old growth forest habitat to a much larger Wildland complex on Big Savage Mountain . 

This bill permanently safeguards Crabtree’s wild and unique forest habitat characteristics.  By designating it as a Wildland, it will be protected from logging, motorized vehicles, and construction of new roads or buildings.  Recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, and rafting are still permitted in a Wildland.   When designated, Crabtree Creek will become the first Wildland for the Potomac/Garrett State Forest. 

Large unbroken areas of forests of 50,000 acres or more are recommended by scientists to provide preservation of forest biological processes, and to enhance habitat for wildlife.  Environmental organizations are working to provide forested wildlife corridors from Florida up through Pennsylvania .  Science tells us that only by designing large bioregions can we ever hope to return balance to the wildlife kingdom.  A large forest preserve in the Green Ridge State Forest would provide habitat for all species of plants and animals in Maryland , and provide a connected wildlife corridor through Maryland going from Virginia to Pennsylvania .

For more information, go to the  www.Magicalliance.org website under Photo Gallery or e-mail Bob DeGroot at Bobdegroot@comcast.net.