Frederick County landowners are being invited to participate in a reforestation initiative that offers financial incentives to transform underused or open land into permanent forests. The Creek ReLeaf program, administered by Frederick County Government, is currently accepting applications from property owners with two or more acres until December 31, 2026. Participants can receive up to $9,000 per acre and benefit from five years of professional maintenance at no cost.
Since its inception in 2017, the Creek ReLeaf program has successfully facilitated the planting of over 650 acres of native trees in the county. The initiative aims to assist eligible landowners in establishing permanent forests, handling the costs and coordination of tree planting, and providing care for the young forests during their critical early years. This program is particularly beneficial for property owners with land that is challenging or expensive to maintain, such as areas prone to erosion or overrun by invasive plants.
In addition to financial support, participating landowners will also place their reforested areas under a permanent conservation easement, allowing them to retain ownership and continue using their property for recreational purposes. According to the county, this easement not only provides long-term ecological benefits but also permits selective harvesting of mature trees in accordance with an approved forest stewardship plan.
Reforestation through the Creek ReLeaf program addresses various environmental concerns, such as soil stabilization, erosion reduction, and stormwater management. The county highlighted that well-established forests can enhance wildlife habitats and contribute to better water quality over time. Recent funding, including a $904,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a $649,800 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, will further amplify these reforestation efforts.
Those interested in applying for the program or learning more about its requirements can visit the Frederick County Government website. The county staff will evaluate the proposed planting sites to guide property owners through the process and explain the easement requirements before any reforestation efforts commence.
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Read the original article at Frederick County Government