Application Period Extended for 2019 Creek ReLeaf Program
The Frederick County Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources has extended the application period for the 2019 Creek ReLeaf Program. This year’s application period will run through October 31, 2019. Plantings are tentatively planned for fall 2020. The Creek ReLeaf program is a multi-year reforestation program that assists Frederick County Government to meet its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit requirements. It is designed to increase the total amount of forested area within Frederick County, including privately owned lands and public properties. Forested lands provide stormwater control, reduce temperature impacts on County streams, and increase wildlife habitat. The program provides private landowners with native trees and shrubs planted on their property, five years of maintenance to establish the forest stand, and payment for a permanent reforestation easement that will be placed on the planted parcel. After the initial five years, the property maintenance reverts to the land owner, with County inspections every three years.
The Creek ReLeaf Program ranks and prioritizes proposed reforestation areas on a yearly basis using scoring criteria that is listed on the program website. Reforestation is not allowed in existing easements such as water, sewer, power lines, etc., existing or proposed septic fields, or existing agricultural easements where conflicts may occur. In its first year, over 200 acres were planted through the Creek ReLeaf program.
To learn more and apply for the program visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/CreekReLeaf. Questions about the program can be directed to Jeremy Joiner, Project Manager III, at 301-600-1350 or JJoiner@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
