Forest Conservation Program
Proposed Forest Conservation Law Revisions
To help property owners protect trees and forest when they subdivide or build in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Planning Board has drafted a new Forest Conservation Law to clarify who the law applies to and what’s required if it does. The Planning Board's recommendations go to the Montgomery County Council for consideration and final action.
View the Planning Board's 2007 draft Forest Conservation Law
Existing Forest Conservation Law
2007 Forest Conservation Law background
Why Protect Trees?
Trees and forests filter groundwater, slow stormwater runoff, help alleviate flooding and supply wildlife habitat. Trees cleanse the air, offset the heat generated by development and reduce energy needs. And in a less tangible sense, trees improve quality of life in a community by providing recreation and visual appeal.
The Forest Conservation Law aims to save, maintain and plant forested areas for the benefit of county residents and future generations.
Forest Conservation Regulations *
This document details how to comply with the Forest Conservation Law. Copies of both the law and regulations are available at the Information Counter, 2nd Floor, M-NCPPC, 8787 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 or Environmental Planning, Room 124.
Forest Conservation Worksheet (Excel file)
Includes formulae for calculating forest conservation acreage requirements.
Witness a potential forest conservation violation? Call 301-495-1314.
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