October 20, 2019 – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently graduated a class of 30 new Forest Wardens, a special commission that authorizes employees to perform educational and enforcement activities. The warden training school was held at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury and attendees included current Maryland Forest Service employees ranging in years of service from four months to nine years. A graduation ceremony was held Oct. 3, 2019.
The Forest Warden commission provides employees the authority to perform their job functions under Natural Resources Title 5 in program areas ranging from State Forest Management, Wildfire Prevention and Suppression, Urban and Community Forestry, and Forest Stewardship activities.
“Our Forest Wardens are usually the first point of contact for Maryland citizens regarding forest laws and regulations,” Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent said. “The guidance they provide helps avoid violations and situations that could lead to enforcement actions.”
Since Maryland Forest Service was founded by the 1906 Forestry Conservation Act, Forest Wardens have been charged with education and enforcement of Maryland’s forest protection laws and regulations.