Designating a Wildland -Permanently Protect the Crabtree Creek Old-growth Forest
Crabtree Creek flows from the town of Swanton to the Savage River Reservoir in Maryland’s Garrett County. On the west slope of this Creek is the largest old-growth forest left in Maryland - the only site where one can view and enjoy an extensive area forest that has remained relatively undisturbed by commercial logging activity throughout its history. This amazing natural area is not only aesthetically pleasing; but the conditions found in the old-growth forest support an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. The old-growth forest provides abundant food and shelter to a variety of animals that cannot find such habitat in frequently logged areas.
This forest is part of the Potomac/Garrett State Forest, which is the only major State Forest that does not have a designated Wildland. Public forests are logged as a state policy, and while it is administratively protected, this pristine forest could be cut down with the stroke of a bureaucrat’s pen. Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) controls management of the forest, but unfortunately they also receive the funds from selling timber and logging state forests. Thus, they have the incentive to permit logging, and could authorize the destruction of this ancient forest at any time.
Fortunately, we can still act to insure that the forest remains intact both to provide enjoyment for future generations, and to nurture species that depend upon its conditions. In 1971, the Maryland legislature passed the Wildlands Protection Act. Under this law, the legislature can protect certain publicly-owned areas from logging or other incursions, and thus preserve them for future generations. The old-growth forest ecosystem at Crabtree Creek needs official protection via a legislative act to make it a Wildland. Unfortunately we may need to overcome some local political opposition in order to get the Maryland Legislature to designate a Crabtree Old-growth Wildland, which should encompass the entire ancient forest plus include surrounding buffer and important habitat areas. The protection area for this Wildland will include nearly 3000 acres.
How to Help Protect the Crabtree Creek Forest
Wildlands designation limits the types of activities that may occur on State lands to those activities that do not leave a lasting imprint of human activity. Prohibited activities generally include the use of motorized vehicles and equipment, the harvesting of timber, the use of land for commercial gain, mineral extraction, and the construction of new roads, buildings, and structures. Several types of recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, and rafting are permitted in Wildlands areas.
We have an opportunity to protect a forest of rare beauty and natural diversity. But we will need your help in setting aside this amazing natural area for us and future generations to study and admire. We need to raise some money, write letters, make phone calls and hold meetings with legislators to urge their support for this Wildlands Bill. If you can help us protect Maryland's best old-growth forest, please contact the Sierra Club, MD Chapter Office at 301-277-7111 or via email laurel.imlay@sierraclub.org.
© Maryland Native Plant Society. Last updated: March 30, 2008.