The ASFB is established to identify and implement activities aimed at preserving agriculture and seafood harvesting as prosperous components of the County's economy, and to promote the agriculture, aquaculture and forestry industries of the county. More information, meeting schedule and minutes are available here. Agendas for past and upcoming meetings are posted here.

This five-member subcommittee of the ASFB, assists county staff in administering the preservation under the MALPF program. Board members evaluate and rank all easement applications and provide recommendations to the county for any actions on easement properties. The Advisory Board holds open meetings as necessary immediately following posted meetings of the ASFB.

This 5-member committee, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, is established by Right-to-Farm provisions in amended Chapter 254 of the Code of St. Mary's County, Maryland. Should a controversy arise regarding an interference with the use and enjoyment of property by an agricultural or forestry conducted in St. Mary's County, the parties to the controversy may submit the controversy to the Agricultural reconciliation Committee for mediation and resolution in accordance with Ordinance 11-0023.

Commonly referred to as Forestry Boards, Forest Conservancy District Boards were first established in 1943 to assist the Department of State Forests and Parks, as the Maryland Forest Service and Maryland Park Service were then organized, with the promotion of rural forest management on privately owned woodlands. Their original goal was to help assure a supply of wood fiber products through scientific forest management. Since that time, the goals have shifted to restoring the Chesapeake Bay, improving the environment in urban and suburban areas, and educating the general public about the full range of benefits that forest provide to the State, communities, and landowners.

Forestry Boards function in all 23 Maryland counties and in Baltimore City. Members are appointed by the head of the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources - Forest Service to serve 3 year terms. Boards are involved in educational activities, planting of school forests, Critical Area timber harvest plan review, private landowner outreach, community workshops and other activities. Each board has a Chair, elected by board membership, and a Secretary who is a DNR forester assigned to the local area.

If you are interested in forestry issues in our community, you may reach out to the local DNR Forester and Forestry Board by calling (301)880-2745 or writing to Forestry Board Chair c/o Forest Service Office-St. Mary's, Carter Building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

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