A MAGIC campaign is underway to stop the logging of Maryland State Forests. We do not expect this to be easy as we have learned DNR receives the revenues for this activity. The county where the logging takes place is also rewarded with up to 25% of the revenue from State Forest logging activity in their county so they are enthusiastic participants. The following activities are taking place:
1) Approximately $3.0 million in revenues are received by DNR each year for logging State Forests.
2) Approximately 736 acres of State Forests are logged each year, some selectively cut and some clear-cut.
3) Citizen Advisory Committees approve DNR’s logging plans. These Committees heavily favor logging interests. We have requested biographical sketches on individuals serving on these Advisory Committees, but this request, made under Maryland’s Public Information Act, was officially denied by DNR.
4) Citizens requesting a position on the State Forest Citizen Advisory Committees have been denied open positions which have remained unfilled.
5) Several state Senators have requesting additional information on the forest logging practices from DNR.