Forest Conservation

The forest conservation regulations for development review are set forth in Chapter 108 Article VI of the Code of the Town of La Plata.

When Is a Forest Conservation Plan (FCP) Required?

Any activity requiring an application for a subdivision, grading permit or sediment control permit that propose to disturb an area of 40,000 square feet or greater is subject to the Forest Conservation Act and will require a Forest Conservation Plan and a Forest Stand Delineation.

Who Can Prepare an FCP?

Forest Conservation Plans and Forest Stand Delineations are required to be prepared by a qualified professional. For more information on becoming a qualified professional please go to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Conservation Act website.

Exemptions

Exemptions for forest conservation requirements are set forth in §108-43 of the Code and in these instances a declaration of intent is required. A declaration of intent is a statement signed by the landowner certifying the activity on the property is for the described activity and does not conflict with any other declaration of intent or a previously approved Forest Conservation Plan.

Process

A preliminary forest conservation plan (FCP) and forest stand delineation (FSD) will be reviewed concurrently with a subdivision or site plan and will receive preliminary approval once all comments are addressed.

Upon submission of a final subdivision plat, site development permit or site plan a final forest conservation plan and simplified forest stand delineation will be required. All forest conservation plans will require a two-year maintenance agreement and a long-term binding easement agreement to be submitted and recorded as stated in §108-50 of the Code of the Town of La Plata.

To submit an application for a Forest Conservation Plan and Forest Stand Delineation please refer to the Development Review Application (PDF) on the Applications page.