Most of Garrett County has been in severe to extreme drought since July and there is little rain in the long range forecast. We are seeing trees changing and dropping leaves earlier. This is a result of stress and lack of water. While we will still have a fall color display, we anticipate peak earlier than normal and we may see more muted colors and more yellow to golden tones as opposed to vibrant colors, again due to lack of moisture. Photos above and below were taken on New Germany Road. Use the button below to subscribe to the MD DNR Fall Foliage Report to keep updated on the changes! We'll also be regularly posting fall foliage updates and photos to our GCFB Facebook Page |
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The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area has two options for self guided driving tours that will highlight the splendor of Garrett County's fall foliage in the Southern and Northern end of the county. While traveling along some of Maryland's Scenic Byways, you'll see the gorgeous colors of fall everywhere you look. Take your time, drive a little slower and take in the beauty of autumn! Don't forget to have your camera ready!! You won't be surprised if you have some some wildlife sightings on these gorgeous fall days. There really is no better way to spend an autumn day in Garrett County. |
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A Mighty Tree Has Fallen - Passing of Mike Minnick |
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We are heartbroken to share that our chair Mike Minnick passed away this summer after battling several health issues. Mike had been a member of the Board since 2013 and served as chair since 2015. Mike was a 1996 graduate of Northern Garrett High School and received his AA degree from Allegany College of MD in Forest Technology. Mike left a legacy and impact that will be seen for many years to come. He was the driving force behind our chestnut project, college scholarship and was a tireless supporter of Natural Resources Careers Camp. In honoring his memory, we are committed to continuing the work he was so passionate about. We'll miss you, Mike. |
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Mike's life was like a tree, with roots deeply entwined in the rich soil of our community. From those roots sprang a strong trunk and branches that reached out to touch the lives of everyone around him. |
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Understanding Drought and Wildfire Risk |
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Garrett County has been experiencing severe to extreme drought since mid-summer. During a drought, there is less moisture in living plant material and leaf litter and duff layers on the forest floor will burn actively if ignited. As a result, there is a greater than normal potential for significant wildfires through October. Falling dry leaves will continue to contribute to available fuel as we move through the fall season. Please refrain from outdoor burning if possible. There is currently not a ban in place as of the writing of this newsletter (9/17/24), however for outdoor burning (other than small recreational/campfires) a permit is required from the Garrett County Health Department. For daytime burning before 4pm (other than small recreational/campfires) a permit is required from the MD Forest Service. The Garrett County office of the MD Forest Service has announced they will not be issuing or renewing such permits until conditions improve. |
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Natural Resources Careers Camp |
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NRCC was another huge success! Students from across the state (including 3 from Garrett County) gathered at the Hickory Environmental Education Center in late July to explore career options in natural resources. While traditional forestry is a main focus of the camp, students gain exposure to GPS & GIS technology, urban forestry, wildlife habitat management, fisheries and watershed ecology. Students also had the opportunity to interact with representatives from a record 8 regional colleges during the NRCC College Night. |
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Students may also choose to earn 2 college credits from Allegany College of MD by attending the entire week and completing an exam. The camp is open to high school students, and the Garrett County Forestry Board offers tuition sponsorships for interested students from Garrett County! Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 NRCC, which will be held July 20-26. | | |
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Burning Firewood? What Should You Know? |
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About 23,000 Maryland households use wood as their primary heat source. When selecting a firewood dealer you should take several things into consideration. |
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Are They Licensed?
If the dealer is in the firewood business, they shall have a Forest Products Operators License issued by the MD DNR - Forest Service. If you have found a potential dealer, you can easily check if they are properly licensed at the link below. | | |
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Get References!
If you haven't worked with a particular dealer before, they should be willing to offer you references of customers they have delivered wood to before. If they're not willing to offer you a list of customers, those customers may not be happy ones. Maryland law states that firewood must be sold by a cord or a fraction of a cord. A cord, neatly stacked, equals 128 cubic feet of wood. This stack measures 4 ft tall x 4 ft wide x 8 ft long and equals 128 cubic feet. |
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Be Sure to Burn Dry Wood
The more moisture in your wood, the less heat you will get from it. It takes energy to burn the water out of wood (it may make a hissing sound). This is energy that should be used in warming your house.
Know what size wood your woodstove or fireplace can use. Most dealers will cut wood into certain lengths (for example 18"). To get special lengths you may have to special order it early or pay a premium. |
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Not All Wood is Created Equal!
Different woods have different qualities. Oak creates a lasting fire and splits easily. But oak may be expensive and other woods may work just as well. Some woods are less dense and have different splitting and coaling qualities. |
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