This time of year you see lots of spring green at Brunswick Crossing! Not only do we have almost 100 acres of beautiful, mostly wooded, conservation area in our community, we continue to plant thousands of trees and shrubs in the open areas, green space and forest conservation areas within Brunswick Crossing. Several varieties of trees and shrubs not only add to the beauty of the community, but serve as a means to be environmentally responsible and socially enriching. Brunswick Crossing development was fortunate to have a large forested area from the start. There are nearly one hundred acres of wooded stream valley and forest conservation area for all to enjoy complete with eight foot wide paved paths for hiking and biking.
Did you know that landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20%? And, one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and produces four tons of oxygen? This is enough to meet the annual needs of eighteen people according to the USDA Forest Service. Did you also know that for every 10,000 miles driven in a vehicle that gets 20 mpg’s one must plant 15 trees to offset the CO2 production?
Tree reforestation promotes healthy communities. Studies show that contact with nature fosters positive mental health. Access to trails, green space, public gardens, and parks encourage activity and exercise. The Brunswick Crossing community has just under 100 acres of forest conservation that provides both aesthetic and recreational value, both of which are increasingly valued as our community experiences increasing density and our residents seek to raise their quality of life experiences.
A little bit of history about Forest Conservation:
Did you know when the first colonists arrived in Maryland in the early 1600′s, forests covered most of the State. Very little vegetation grew under the age old trees. Hardwoods predominated, and the forests contained extensive stands of oak and hickory. In western Maryland, endless waves of American chestnut and white pine covered the ridges of the Appalachians. Oak, walnut, poplar, locust, hickory and cucumber trees grew in the bottomlands.
The settlers regarded these forests as an obstacle to progress. They cleared the land of timber to grow their crops. Vast areas of forest were destroyed by burning or girdling. No effort was made to regenerate the depleted areas, and forest fires were frequent.
By the late 1800’s, the nation grew concerned about the abuse of its forest resources, and their protection and management became a politically popular issue.
Aware of the need for conserving Maryland’s forests, John and Robert Garrett of Baltimore offered 2,000 acres of woodland to the state in 1906. The bequest was contingent upon the organization of a state forestry department to manage the land.
As a direct result of the Garrett’s generous and farsighted gift, the legislature passed Maryland’s first forestry law. It dealt mainly with the control of the forest fires which made the practice of forestry financially impractical. Specifically the law called for the establishment of a State Board of Forestry, the appointment of a State Forester and the organization of a corps of local fire wardens. The law also provided for education of woodlot owners about better management and harvesting methods. The Forestry Board’s total operating budget in 1906 was $2,500.
Throughout the 1920′s and 1930′s, Maryland’s forestry program continued to stress protection of the resource. Federal-State fire control legislation and a “Keep Maryland Green” campaign strengthened this effort.
Maryland’s Forestry Conservancy District Act of 1943 was one of the most progressive forestry laws in the nation. The act stated, “It is…the policy of the State to encourage economic management and scientific development of its woodlands to maintain, conserve, and improve soil resources of the State to the end that an adequate source of forest products be preserved for the people…where such interests can be served through cooperative efforts of private forest landowners, with the assistance of the State, it is to be the policy of the State to encourage, assist and guide private ownership in the management and fullest economic development of such privately owned forest lands.”
As a result of the legislation, scientific forestry principals were applied to all types of privately owned forest land in the State.
In the 1950′s and 1960′s more and more people began to visit Maryland’s forests. The general public, as well as professional foresters, recognized the fact that forests were valuable for reasons other than simply supplying timber.
The philosophy of multiple use management began to evolve, and the passage of federal legislation made it the cornerstone of forest management throughout the country. Management of Maryland’s state forests expanded to encompass outdoor recreation, wildlife, fish, and water, as well as fiber production.
The environmental movement of the 1970′s and the 1980′s produced a growing awareness of both the benefits and adverse effects of various forest management practices on the ecosystem. Managers began to coordinate their multiple use management practices more effectively with potential environmental, economic, and social impacts.
A system evolved for intensive long-range planning for forest service management. Now the Maryland Forest Service inventories and closely examines the supply and demand for all forest resources. More attention is given to collecting data and to planning programs, legislation and activities that involve the public in forestry affairs.
Our forests make a very direct and visible contribution to our economy. Every year, Maryland households spend over $454,000,000 on the many products produced from trees. Furniture alone accounts for $170,000,000. Wages and salaries of individuals involved in the manufacture of goods and services in the wood industry amount to $327,840,000 annually. Indirect business taxes add up to $21,314,000 each year. The pulpwood paper products industry alone employs 9300 people across the State.
At this volume, it would require the wood from two acres of our forest to build the average house.
In the next ten to twenty years, a large amount of sawtimber will be sold. The future of our trees and forests depends on sound forest management.
Brunswick Crossing invites everyone to hike the paths in our conservation forested area and walk our sidewalks enjoying the newly planted trees and landscapes throughout our community. Visit Frederick County’s most beautiful, green, planned community.
