State ··Forest - Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Green Ridge State Forest 

Ten Year Resource Management Plan 

Appendices 

Volume II - Support Materials 

RESOURCE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT ................................. 1 

Introduction and History of Green Ridge State Forest ....................... 1 

Minerals Assessment ................................................ 3 

Soils Assessment ................................................... 4 

Water Resources Assessment ......................................... , 6 

Nontidal Wetlands Assessment ........................................ 8 

Timber Assessment .. : '. '.' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12 

Wildlife Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28 

Historical and Cultural Resources Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60 

Recreation Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60 

SIL VICULTURAL MANAGEMENT METHODS .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 67 

NATURAL AREA DESCRIPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70 

MARYLAND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM {MROS} . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 75 

MARYLAND VISUAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MVMS) ....................... 82 

FOREST FIRE PROTECTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 87 

INSECTS AND DISEASE .... :............................................ 89 

GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 91 

BffiUOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 107 


Ten Year Resource Management Pltin 

Volume II - Support MAteriIIls

Appendix A 

RESOURCE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT 

Introduction and History of Green 

Ridge State Forest 

A forest is made up of variety of 

components. The mineral, soil and water 

resources provide a physical setting for a 

variety of living resources. The living 

resources interact in numerous complex ways 

with each other and their physical 

surroundings to form forest ecosystems. 

To even begin to develop a plan which 

addresses the long term viability of a forest 

system or one or more of its parts, it is 

necessary to first evaluate the present state of 

the forest resources. This appendix attempts to 

measure that current state through an 

independent look at some of the major 

components of the forest. 

This portion of the plan amounts to an 

inventory of the forest. Beginning with the 

. mineral, soil and water resources of the forest, 

the assessment next evaluates the forest flora 

and fauna with a special look directed at the 

rare, threatened, and endangered species either 

currently or historically found in or near the 

forest. The timber resources are also addressed 

specifically as a key component of the forest 

assessment. 

Each section contains a summary of the 

state of the resource and brief statements about 

the needs of the particular resources. As the 

plan develops, the assessment data will be 

evaluated in conjunction with the variety of 

demands placed upon the forest. A look at the 

supply and demands picture . 

will ultimately lead into strategy formulation 

for the Ten Year Resource Management Plan. 

SUMMARY OF CURRENT FOREST 

CONDITIONS 

The characteristics of the Ridge and Valley 

physiographic province and the past history 


Ten YeIU' Resource Management Plan 

Volume U - Support Materials 

creates the present forest. Prior to state 

ownership. the primary activities that have 

shaped the present forest were the large scale 

logging ventures between 1880 and 1914, the 

immense apple orchard venture from 1912 to 

1925, and the wildfires that occurred 

periodically throughout these eras. 

The forest that developed was comprised 

primarily of oak. White oak is the 

predominant species comprising approximately 

one third of the number of stems. Associated 

oaks are red", chestnut, black, scarlet, and post. 

Other hardwood species include maples, gums, 

poplar, locust, sassafras, hickories, cove 

hardwoods, walnut, birch, and other 

. appalachian species. Native conifers include 

shortleaf, pitch, virginia, table-mountain, white 

pine, hemlock, and red-cedar. White pine that 

has been sought after since early settlement is 

making a comeback over much of its former 

range. Virginia pine stands at Green Ridge are 

early successional in nature. This forest type is 

quickly declining and becoming a lesser part of 

the overall Green Ridge Forest landscape as 

they mature and are replaced by hardwoods. 

To reestablish hard pine stands, prescribed 

burning should be a part of the silvicultural 

prescription; 

On Green Ridge State Forest several 

ecosystems are in short supply; most notably 

those on either side of the spectrum - older 

aged stands and early successional stages. 

Factors that are adverse to forest health are 

the introduced gypsy moth that became 

epidemic in 1981 along with associated 

destructive agents such as the shoestring root 

rot and the two-lined chestnut borer. A series 

of severe droughts in the last decade has 

further put trees under stress. Losses from 

these agents comprise up to 100% mortality in 

some areas. There are no areas that do not 

show evidence of mortality of varying degrees. 

The decline of oak is indeed something to be 

1

Ridge Ro.ad divides the two. asso.ciatio.ns. The 

so.ils to the east o.f the ro.ad are in the Weikert 

Calvin-Lehew Associatio.n and tho.se to. the 

west are in the Weikert-Gilpin Asso.ciatio.n. 

The so.ils in bo.th associatio.ns are primarily silt 

lo.am Dr sandy lo.am soils. 

Weikert-Calvin-Lehew Association 

This asso.ciatio.n is the largest and mo.st 

extensive soil asso.ciatio.n in Allegany Co.unty. 

Abo.ut 42% is co.mprised o.f Weikert so.ils, abo.ut 

23% is Calvin, abo.ut 8% is Lehew, and the 

remaining 27% are mino.r so.ils. The Weikert 

so.ils are shallo.w and excessively drained. 

They are- co.mprised o.f shales and have lo.w 

available water ho.lding capacity. The limiting 

facto.rs fo.r plant life are the shallo.w depth to 

bedrock and the do.ughtiness characteristics o.f 

the so.il. Pro.ductivity ranges fro.m very goo.d 

to. very poor depending upo.n slo.pe po.sitio.n, 

aspect, and depth to. bedro.ck. Erosio.n o.f tho.se 

so.ils is classified as slight to. mo.derate o.n 

steeper slo.pes. 

The Calvin so.ils are mo.derately deep, well 

drained, and derived fro.m reddish shale, 

siltsto.ne, and fine grained sandsto.ne. These 

so.ils are mo.stly o.n ridges. Available water 

ho.lding capacity is moderate but tends to. dry 

o.ut during dro.ught perio.ds. Productivity fo.r 

tree gro.wth is fair to. good. Site indexes fo.r 

o.aks range fro.m 55. to 70 depending upo.n 

po.sitio.n o.n slo.pe and aspect. Ero.sio.n 

pro.blems are slight to. mo.derate depending 

upo.n slo.pe. 

Lehew soils are develo.ped fro.mred 

sandsto.nes, shales, and grey sandstOne. 

Fertility o.f these soils is lo.w and moderately 

productive. Available water ho.lding capacity 

is limited. These so.ils are similar to the Calvin 

so.ils but the fragmented material is mainly 

sandsto.ne instead o.f shale. The Lehew soils 

are mo.re shallow to bedrock. In this 

association there are 13 mino.r soil types. Mo.st 

o.f these are silt lo.ams o.f varying degrees o.f 

depth and parent materials. 

Weikert-Gilpin Association 


Ten Yellr Resource Management Plan 


This asso.ciation makes up abo.ut 27% o.f 

Allegany Co.unty. Abo.ut 60% is Weikert so.ils, 

13% Gilpin, and 27% mino.r .so.ils. The Weikert 

so.ils are the predo.minant so.ils as described in 

the previo.us asso.ciatio.n. 

The Gilpin so.ils are mo.derately deep, well 

drained soils derived fro.m add shale, siltsto.ne, 

and fine-grained sandsto.ne. Gilpin so.ils 

co.ntain ho.rizo.ns o.f evident clay accumulatio.n. 

Available water ho.lding capacity is mo.derate. 

These soils are mo.derately to. highly 

productive. On no.rth aspects Dr in favo.rable 

slo.pe po.sitio.ns very go.o.d pro.ductivity o.f . 

mixed hardwo.o.ds is po.ssible. Site indexes fo.r 

o.ak exceed 75. On So.uth aspects Dr upper 

slo.pes o.ak site indexes range between 65 and 

75. Ero.sio.n hazards o.n Gilpin soils are 

mo.derate o.n steep slopes and slight o.n lesser 

o.nes. 

The mino.r associated soils co.nsists o.f 

deeper, pro.ductive soils such as Allegheny, 

Chavies, Deko.lb, Laidig and Shelo.cta soils. 

The Buchanan, Co.o.kport, Ernest, and 

Mo.no.gahelia soils are so.mewhat limited in so.il 

drainage. The amo.unt o.f alluvial land is small. 

The so.ils o.n the Fo.rest are all capable o.f 

gro.wing fo.rest tree co.ver. The average 

productivity wo.uld be classified as moderate 

to. good. Oak site indexes average between 55 

and 75 o.n the average site. Wo.o.d pro.ducts o.n 

these sites at age 50 range from 7,500 to 18,000 

bo.ard feet o.f o.ak sawtimber per acre and fro.m 

30 to 60 co.rds o.f pulpwo.o.d Dr firewo.od. . 

Fertility o.f the so.ils is adequate fo.r the 

gro.wing o.f forests. There are no. kno.wn 

mineral deficiencies. The limiting facto.rs are 

po.o.r mo.isture ho.lding capacity and depth to. 

bedro.ck. On so.il with fragipans, roo.t 

develo.pment is restricted even tho.ugh the soils 

are deep to bedrock. 

The hazards o.f erosio.n are slight to 

mo.derate depending upo.n slope and amo.unt 

o.f humus removed. With implementatio.n o.f 

pro.per fo.restry practices sedimentatio.n o.f 

waterways is slight. 

5

The Romney shale is of middle Devonian 

age and lies on the flanks of the Stratford 

Ridge anticline and extends from the Potomac 

River to a point 10.5 miles northeast. The 

Romney is an olive-gray and black shale, 

interbedded with argillaceous limestone in the 

lower part, black shale in the middle part, and 

silty'mudstone and siltstone in the upper part. 

The thickness of the formation in Allegany 

County ranges from 350 to 1,660 feet. 

Ground water is obtained from the Romney 

shale quantities generally sufficient for· 

domestic and farm use. Wells yielding as 

much as 15 gallons per minute (gpm) are 

exceptional. The greatest concentration of 

drilled wells is in the Oldtown area. 

Jennings Formation 

The Jennings Formation of late Devonian 

age is the most widespread of the shale 

formations. The Jennings formation is a darkgray 

to black, platy shale in the lower part; a 

platy, siliceous shale with interbedded siltstone 

and conglomeratic sandstone in the upper part. 

The uppermost conglomeratic sandstone forms 

Green Ridge and Polish and Ragged 

Mountains. The thickness of the unit in 

Allegany County ranges from 3,000 to 4,800 

feet. 

Ground water is obtained from drilled 

wells, dug wells, and small springs. Well 

yields range from 0.2 to 36 gpm; many wells 

are in the range of 5 to 10 gpm. Some of the 

more productive drilled wells are in draws or 

valleys near major streams. One of.the best 

wells in this formation is situated on top of 

Green Ridge where it penetrates conglomeratic 

sandstone. Fractures in the sandstone may 

account for the relatively large (25 gpm) yield 

of this well. 

Hampshire Formation 

The Hampshire Formation of late Devonian 

age flanks the west side of Sideling Hill and 

the east and west sides of Town hill in milewide.bands 

of relatively uniform Width. The 


Ten Yair Resource Management Plan 

Volume H - Support MaterilJ1s 

Hampshire Formation is an interbedded red 

shale, red mudstone, and red to brown crossbedded 

siltstone and sandstone. The thickness 

of the formation ranges from 1,6'30 to 2,400 

feet. The formation is part of a syncline 

underlying Sideling Hill and Town Hill. 

The area of exposure of the formation is 

rugged, dissected by small streams, and is 

sparsely inhabited. Well data are sparse. 

Water is obtained generally in sufficient 

quantities for limited domestic and farm use 

from both dug and drilled wells and from 

small springs. 

Mississippian System 

Pocono Formation 

Exposures of the Pocono Formation are 

restricted to the crest of Sideling Hill and 

Town Hill in belts that average about 0.5 mile 

wide. The Sideling Hill exposure is continuous 

. for the length of the mountain, but the Town 

Hill exposure is incised by Fifteen Mile Creek. 

These exposures are buff shales containing thin 

coal beds at the base, and crossbedded arkosic 

sandstone and conglomerate, overlain by 

thickbedded coarse, white sandstone and 

conglomerate. The thickness of the formation 

in this province is about 550 feet. The tops of 

the mountains are remnants of synclines. 

Ground 'water from the Pocono Formation 

is obtained from drilled wells but the yields 

are not known. The fractured and creviced 

appearance of the sandstone in exposures 

suggests that the formation is moderately 

permeable. 

Springs 

The springs in all of the geologic units are 

of the contact or fracture type, and are in many 

places a combination of both types. The 

estimated range of.flow of several springs in 

the water province is from 2 to 50 gpm. 

Black Sulfur Spring on the northwestern 

side of Green Ridge is so-called because the 

7

Figure A-I 

surface with no surface water present. These 

hydrologic conditions promote the formation 

of hydric soils and the growth of wetland 

vegetation. 

There are at least 10 soil types in Allegany 

COWlty that are known to occur in non tidal 

wetlands. These soils are known as hydric 

soils. They usually develop because the 

amount of oxygen in the soil is limited due to 

standing water or saturated conditions. Other 

indicators of hydric soils are: 

- high organic content; 

- a gray color, varying from bluish to 

greenish shades within 12-18 inches 

below the surface, or gray with 

inclusions of rusty stains; 

- water-saturated with an odor of rotten 

eggs; or . 

- sandy with dark organic material in 

vertical streaks to approximately 12 

inches deep. 

Plants growing in nontidal wetlands, 

known as hydrophytic vegetation, are capable 

of living in hydric soils for at least part of the 

growing season. There are over 2,700 plant 

species that may occur in wetlands in 

Maryland. Some characteristics of nontidal 

wetland vegetation include roots growing 

above the soil surface on the pbmt stem or 


Ten Yellr Resource Mtlnagement Plan .. 


RlvOf' 

OVlrflow D •• pwater Overflow 

Wetland HIDltal Wetlancs 

GlouneWI,e, 

Olscftar;. 

S •• page W .... nC! on Slop. 

trunk, wind thrown trees having shallow root 

systems and sometimes trees having swollen or 

buttressed trunks. . 

The Value of Nontidal Wetlands 

Nontidal wetlands provide habitat for a 

variety of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. 

Many of the rare, threatened and endangered 

species make their homes in nontidal wetlands 

or are dependent upon them. Waterfowl and 

other birds use nontidal wetlands for breeding, 

wintering and migrating. Furbearers such as . 

muskrats and beavers also inhabit nontidal 

wetlands. 

The aquatic food chain is dependent upon 

nontidal wetlands to provide nourishment for 

the fish, shellfish and smaller organisms that 

spend periods of their lives in the wetland 

habitat Organic material, or food, is produced 

in the water by the breakdown of wetland 

plants. When critical reproductive areas are 

filled for development or choked by pollution 

and excessive nutrients, the populations of 

these species decline. 

Sedimentation decreases the penetration of 

sunlight needed by submerged aquatic plants 

and severely impacts reproduction and 

survival of aquatic life. Nontidal wetlands 

help to protect streams and other bodies of 

9

Nontidal Wetlands of Special State Concern 

which have exceptional ecological or 

exceptional value of statewide significance. 

However, not all wetlands existing on the 

forest have been mapped. Some wetlands 

such as vernal pools which are essential to the 

life cycles of some species will only be located 

by visits to the site, often in response to 

proposed human activity. 

Timber Assessment 

Green Ridge State Forest is the second 

largest state forest in Maryland. The most 

recent compilation of acreage shows the 

present forest to contain 39,358 acres. This is 

an increase of nearly 3,000 acres since the last 

forest inventory primarily due to obtaining 

private inholdings as they become available. 

The present total acreage may not be absolute 

due to some ongoing and, as yet, unresolved 

title and boundary disputes. 

The forest is primarily second growth, evenaged 

oak and pine forests characteristic of xeric 

upland areas, located in the Appalachian Ridge 

and Valley province. Green Ridge falls within 

the rain shadow of the Appalachians and 

receives the lowest annual rainfall in the state. 

Tree species include black, white, red, scarlet, 

and chestnut oaks. The major pine species are 

white, Virginia, pitch, table-mountain, and 

shortleaf. Many other species also occur (see 

Table A-5 for a more complete list of treeS 

occurring on Green Ridge). 

Many species of understory trees and 

shrubs also occur on the forest and· a list of 

known species is also included in Table A-5. 

Some of the more common of these are witchhazel, 

dogwood, serviceberry, redbud, 

spicebush, and paw-paw. 

The present second growth even-aged forest 

is the result of widespread timber cutting at 

the turn of the century and subsequent 

conversion of this land into what the 

developer, Frederick Mertens, promoted as the 

"largest apple orchard in the universe". The 

resulting forest of primarily 90 year old even- 

12 

aged stands is the direct result of these early 

development enterprises. 

The predominant type class is mixed oak 

with 58% of the forest in this type. A type is 

an association of forest trees of similar species, 

age class, condition, and similar growing 

conditions that is generally named for the 

predominant species or group of species that 

make up a majority of the population. 


Ten YeAr Resource Management Plan 

Volume II- Support Materials

Hem/N.Hdwd Poletimber 

Sub Total 

Other 

Total 

Sawtimber 

Other includes: 

622 acres (Comp. 61 - Wildlands) 

412 acres (Wildlife, food, plots) 

328 acres (Orchards) 

24 acres (Struckman fields) 

42 acres (Bullring lower fields) 

39 acres (Bickfields) 

54 acres (Bullring fields) 

16 acres (Malcolm Road field) 

1,537 acres 

TABLE A-2 

Comparison of Forest Size Class 

Distributions 1976 and 1987 

Forest· Inventories 

Size 1976 

Class Acreage 

Seedling/Sapling 805 

Poletimber 21,407 

Sawtimber 7,688 

Non-Forest/Other 6,538 

Total 36,438 

TABLE A-3 


Twelve Year Timber Cutting History 

16 

Pinus ngida 

Pinus strobus 

Pinus virginiana 

Plantanus occidentalis 

Populus grandidentata 

Populus deltoides 

Prunus pensylvanica 

Prunus serotina 

Prunus virginiana 

Quercus alba 

Quercus bicolor 

Quercus coccinea 

Quercus ilicifolia 

Quercus prinus 

Quercus palustris 

Quercus rubra 

Quercus stellata 

Quercus velutina 

Rhus copallina 

Rhus glabra 

Rhus typhina 

Robinia pseudo-acacia 

Salix nigra 

Sassafras albidum 

Tilia americana 

Tsuga canadensis 

Ulmus americana 

Ulmus rubra 

Exotic Trees Species of Green Ridge 

Abies balsemea 

Acer japonicum 

Acer plantanoides 

Ailanthus altissima 

22 

Pitch Pine 

Eastern White Pine 

Virginia Pine 

Sycamore 

Bigtooth Aspen 

Eastern Cottonwood 

Fire Cherry 

Black Cherry 

Common Choke Cherry 

White Oak 

Swamp White Oak 

Scarlet Oak 

Scrub Oak 

Chestnut Oak 

Pin Oak 

Northern Red Oak 

Post Oak 

Black Oak 

Shining Sumac 

Smooth Sumac 

Staghorn Sumac 

Black Locust 

Black Willow 

Sassafras 

American Basswood 

Eastern Hemlock 

American Elm 

Slippery Elm 

Balsam Fir 

Japanese Maple 

Norway Maple 

Tree-of-Heaven 



Volume H- Support Materials 

""'" 

"" 

filii' 

"""

Clematis virginiana 

Comus alternifolia 

Comus amomum 

Comus stolonifera 

Corylus americana 

Crataegus uniflora 

Diervilla lonicera 

Epigaea repens 

Euonymus americanus 

Euonymus atropurpureous 

Gaultheria procumbens 

Gaylussacia baccata 

Gaylussacia dumosa 

Hydrangea arborescens 

Hypericum. spathulatum 

Hex verticillata 

Kalmia latifolia 

Linderabenzoin 

Lonicera dioica 

Menisperumn canadensis 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia 

Physocarpus opulifolius 

Prunus allegheniensis 

Prunus americana 

Rhododendron maximum 

Rhododendron nudiflorum 

Rhododendron roseum 

Rhododendron aborescens 

Rhus aromatica 

24 

Virgins Bower 

Alternate-leaf Dogwood 

Silky Cornel 

Red-osier Dogwood 

American Hazelnut 

One-flowered Hawthorn 

Bush Honeysuckle 

Trailing Arbutus 

Strawberry Bush 

Wahoo 

Teaberry 

Black Huckleberry 

Dwarf Huckleberry 

Wild Hydrangea 

Shrubby St. John's Wort 

Winterberry 

Mountain-laurel 

Spicebush 

Smooth Honeysuckle 

Moon Seed 

Virginia Ceepers 

Ninebark 

Allegheny Plum 

Wild Plum 

Great Rhododendron 

Pink Azalea 

Mountain Azalea 

White Honeysuckle 

'Fragrant sUmac 

Gram Ridge State Forest 

Ten Yeru- Resource Mtmagement Plan 

Volume II- Support MAterials 

"'" 

(fI/I>.

Wildlife Assessment 

Step 1: Inventory of Current Land and Water 

Cover 

OBJECTIVE 

To collect land and water cover data for the 

purpose of determining habitat conditions for 

wildlife. 

JUSTIFICATION 

Wildlife resources are a product of the land 

and water. The types of land and water cover, 

to a great degree, determine the amounts and 

kinds of wildlife present in an area. A major 

component in the inventory and planning of 

wildlife habitat management is the 

identification of vegetative types and their 

dispersion within the forest ecosystem. In a 

managed forest, the land manager. ,often has a 

number of options available concerning the 

distribution and size of the timber harvest, the 

tree species to favor, and the schedule of 

timber harvesting. All of these management 

options directly affect the numbers and species 

of wildlife the land will support, because they 

alter three important components of vegetative 

communities: stand age, vegetative type and 

distribution of stands (U.s. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, 1979a). Hunting 

seasons and bag limit adjustments also playa 

key role in managing the numbers and species 

of game animals on the forest. 

PROCEDURE 

Estimates of the current type and amount of 

land and water cover within Green Ridge State 

Forest will be generated to support wildlife 

habitat evaluations. 

While forest inventories have provided a 

wealth of information on timber, they have not 

been designed to inventory the forests from the 

standpoint of multiple use. From this 

standpoint, the species composition, quantity 

and spatial arrangement of the lesser 

vegetation becomes as important as the trees. 

28 

Whereas rough, rotten, hollow, or dead trees 

might have little or no value for timber, these 

same trees are valuable wilPlife habitat (U.s. 

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 

1979b). Continuous forest inventory 

techniques currently in use could be adjusted 

to provide valuable information on 

understanding species which provide browse 

and cover for various species. 

Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(1979b) and the U.S. Department of the Interior 

(1977) have developed intensive and 

comprehensive procedures for the inventory 

and evaluation of wildlife habitats. 

For the purpose of this planning effoJ,"t for 

Green Ridge State Forest, wildlife assessment 

data was collected based upon resource 

inventory data presently on hand. Of major 

importance was the forest type and size class 

inventory which was completed for Green 

Ridge State Forest during the period of 1987 to 

1989. 

Step 2: Inventory of Current Wildlife Habitat 

OBJECTIVE 

To define the current quantity, quality, and 

distribution of habitat for wildlife resources. 

JUSTIFICATION 

A thorough assessment of the quality, 

quantity and distribution of existing habitat for 

the wildlife resources is essential to 

maintaining the cUrrent species population 

assessments, and providing a basis for the 

development of a functional wildlife 

management plan for the forest. 

PROCEDURE 

The assessment of current wildlife habitat 

conditions is based on land and water cover 

summaries as noted. Of. particular importance 

are summaries of the type and amount of 

forest, agricultural and riparian habitats on the 

Gram Ridge StlIte Forest 

Ten Yerar Raourt:e Mlm4gement PIIm 

Volume H- support MAterials 

-

Ruffed Grouse 

This game bird prospers in the early stages 

of forest succession, but occurs in mature 

stands as well. Grouse use fruit, seed, catkins, 

buds and green parts of over 300 plants for 

food. Broods require insects from late May 

through July. Thickets, vine tangles and dense 

shrub growth provide for escape cover. 

Nesting cover is usually open understories 

near drumming logs and openings or old 

logging roads that serve as brood range. 

Home range is 40 to 50 acres (U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, 1974). Ruffed grouse 

populations generally benefit from most 

silvicultural practices that encourage early 

successional stage forest habitat As with the 

whitetaUed deer, the present effects of gypsy 

moth could have a positive impact on grouse 

habitats. 

Gray Squirrel 

The gray squirrel inhabits hardwood and 

mixed coniferous-deciduous forests dominated 

by seed-producing trees. Its abundance is 

dictated by seed crop productivity rather than 

by a specific plant community. Habitats 

include tree species such as oak, hickory, 

beech, maple, popular and walnut The 

mainstay of the gray squirrel is nuts -acorns, 

hickory nuts, beechnuts, walnuts, and 

hazelnuts (Merritt, 1987). They require partial 

hardwood stands of trees old enough to 

produce mast and provide dens. Supportive 

foods and berries, soft mast, buds, seeds and 

fungi. 

Approximately 40% of GRSF consists of 

small sawtimber size (dbh

short life spans undergo more dramatic 

fluctuations in population numbers than do 

more long-lived species. 

The following ranking system was 

established to attempt to describe the relative 

abundance of wildlife population on GRSF. 

These judgments were made knowing the 

habitat needs of a given wildlife species and 

the quantity of habitat type which exists on the 

GRSF. Additional considerations that were 

used to rank species included: the known 

research that has been conducted on a given 

species, i.e., recent radio telemetry study for 

bobcat, harvest rates for certain game species,· 

Maryland breeding bird atlas data, public 

sightings, etc. 

The following five characteristics were 

established to quantify the relative abundance 

of a given wildlife species or species group on 

theGRSF: 

1. Unknown Status: Describes a species 

which has secretive habits, and/or has 

habitat needs which are unknown or 

limited on the Green Ridge State Forest, 

and for which existing data is not sufficient 

to determine its recent population status. 

2. Rare: Describes a species which is listed on 

the State and/or Federal Threatened and 

Endangered Species list, are potential 

candidates for listing and usually require 

further investigation into their rarity and 

endangerment status, or are thought to be 

secure at present but are worthy of 

attention because of limited distributions, 

declining populations, or ecological 

vulnerability. These native wildlife species 

of the GRSF are among the rarest and most 

in need of conservation and management 

3. Uncommon: Describes a species which has 

been documented to occur on the Green 

Ridge State Forest but too infrequently to be 

considered common. Most of these species 

have specific habitat requirements which 

are limited in availability on the Green 

Ridge State Forest at the present time. 

38 

Many of these species are known to occur 

on less than 25% of the Green Ridge State 

Forest. 

4. Common: Describes a species which has 

been documented to occur on the GRSF, but 

too infrequently to be considered abundant. 

Most of these species have specific habitat 

requirements which are limited in 

availability on the GRSF at the present time. 

Many of these species are known to occur 

on more than 25%, but less than 50% of the 

total forest. 

5. Abundant: Describes a species which may 

be described as a forest habitat generalist, is 

frequently reported, and probably occurs on 

50% or more of the forest. 

Green Ridge Slate Forest 


Volume 1I- Support Materials

Eastern Hognose Snake 

Northern Water Snake 

Smooth Green Snake 

Northern Brown Snake 

Northern Red-bellied Snake 

Eastern Ribbon Snake 

Eastern Garter Snake 

Northern Copperhead 

Timber Rattlesnake 

D. Amphibians 

Common Name 

Red-spotted Newt 

Jefferson-Salamander 

Spotted Salamander 

Marbled Salamander 

Northern Dusky Salamander 

Northern Two-lined Salamander 

Four-toed Salamander 

Valley and Ridge Salamander 

Northern Red Salamander 

Long-tailed Salamander 

American Toad 

Fowler's Toad 

Northern Cricket Frog 

Spring Peeper 

Gray Treefrog 

Upland Chorus Frog 

Bullfrog 

Green Frog 

Pickerel Frog 

Wood Frog 

E. Forest Game Birds Ie Mammals 

Whitetailed Deer (5) 

4 

4 

1 

3 

3 

2 

5 

4 

3 

Relative Abundance 

During the 1990-91 deer hunting seasons, one thousand three hundred and sixty (1,360) deer were 

reported harvested from GRSF. Reconstructing the total deer population based upon this harvest data 

the present deer population is estimated to the approximately three thousand five hundred and ninety 

(3,590). Currently, deer density on Green Ridge State Forest is estimated to be 35 to 45 deer per 

square mile. .' 

NOTE: These figures were calculated using the 1990-91 reported deer harvest rate for GRSF and 

assuming that the tQtal reported buck harvest is equal to 20% of the total deer population. These 

harvest rates were applied to the total 1990 Allegany County reported harvest to estimate the GRSF 

population.' - 

44 

3 

3 

4 

3 

5 

4 

3 

4 

3 

3 

5 

4 

3 

5 

4 

3 

3 

4 

4 

5 

Green Ridge Stale Forest 

Ten YI!IU' Resource Management Pltm. 

Volume II- SUf'port MJJterials

Ruffed Grouse (4) 

Based upon data from previous grouse hunter flushing surveys an estimated 0.5. to 1 grouse will 

usually be flushed per hour on GRSF in good grouse habitat. 

Gray Squirrel 

Fox Squirrel 

Red Squirrel 

Black Bear 

Wild Turkey 

(5) 

(3) 

(3) 

(1) 

(5) 

During the 1991 Spring arid Fall Turkey Seasons, a total of 115 turkeys were reported harvested on 

GRSF. During 1991, 25% of the total Allegany County turkey harvest was reported from GRSF. 

Both summer brood and winter track counts are periodically conducted on the GRSF. Based upon 

these indices and hunter harvest data, it is estimated that the wild turkey population on the GRSF is 

approximately 4-8 turkeys per square mile. 

F. Upland Game Bird and Mammals 

E. Cottontail 

Bobwhite Quail 

American Woodcock 

Mourning Dove 

G. Waterfowl 

(3) 

(4) 

(3) 

(3) 

Due to the transient and seasonal nature, the relative abundance of waterfowl in GRSF is difficult 

to detennine. Therefore, abundance ranking for the most commonly observed species are included. 

Canada Goose 

Mallard 

Black Duck 

Wigeon 

Pintail 

Blue-winged Teal 

Green-winged Teal 

Northern Shoveler 

Ring-necked Duck 

Ruddy Duck 

Lesser Scaup 

Greater Scaup 

Common Merganser 

Hooded Merganser 

Red-breasted Merganser 

Bufflehead 

Common Goldeneye 

Wood Duck 


Ten Year Resource Management PIan 


(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

45

. ., 

and, in our opinion, is the most useful measure 

of demand available to wildlife planners. 

The estimated number of people hunting 

and trapping wildlife species, and/or userdays 

of hunting or trapping effort, as well as 

the total harvest and harvest per person, will 

be summarized to the extent of the available 

information. Included in the latter are harvest 

and effort data from hunter surveys, deer and 

turkey harvest data, fur tagging records, and 

hunting license sales and future trends. 

Non-consumptive use levels will be difficult 

to determine. The type and amount of nonconsumptive 

use will be initially estimated 

from visitor use data on file at the Green Ridge 

State Forest office. Estimates will be reported 

as user days of effort. Where specific 

information is lacking, species should be 

grouped and their use evaluated in a subjective 

manner. 

Consumptive Wildlife Use 

Hunting is orte of the primary recreational 

uses of the Green Ridge State Forest Due to 

the proximity of the forest to the Baltimore 

Washington Area, GRSF has traditionalty been 

recognized for it excellent whitetail deer 

hunting opportunities. With the recent 

upgrades to Interstate 68, GRSF is only a two 

(2) hour drive from the metropolitan area, and 

is therefore easily accessable to the major 

population centers of the State. 

The demands of Maryland's increasing 

population will continue to have a negative 

impact on wildlife habitats. As more private 

lands are developed, there will be an 

increasing amount of pressure placed on public 

lands for wildlife recreational opportunity, 

espedally hunting and trapping. 

Whitetail deer and the eastern wild turkey 

are the primary game species pursued during 

the legal hunting season on GRSF. During the 

1991-1992 deer season, an estimated 1360 deer 

were taken on the forest The GRSF harvest 

represents approximately 27% of the total 


Ten Yerri" Resource Management pIiin 

Volume H - Support MaIer'Ws 

harvest for the entire county. In other words, 

approximately 1/4 of the county deer harvest 

occu...-red on approximately. 14% of the county 

land base. 

During the 1990 Spring and Fall Turkey 

Seasons, an estimated 150 turkeys were 

harvested from GRSF. This represents 

approximately 31 % of the total county harvest. 

Various other wildlife species are hunted in 

GRSF dUring the legal hunting seasons, 

however specific harvest data is not available. 

Hunters on GRSF pursue gray and fox 

squirrels, cotton-tail rabbits, ruffed grouse, 

woodcock, red and gray fox, raccoon and 

opossum. 

Little existing definitive data is available to 

accurately tabulate the total user-days of 

consumptive wildlife use on the Green Ridge 

State Forest. Limited data does exist for some 

species as follows: 

Whitetail deer 

Based on statewide hunter success rate 

statistics and applying these same rates to the 

deer harvest by season type on the GRSF, it is 

possible to determine the relative number of 

deer hunters who utilize the GRSF: 

1. Bowhunting 

The 1990 -1991 deer bow harvest on GRSF 

was 134 deer. Considering that the statewide 

bowhunter success rate is 15%, this would 

indicate that approximately 893 total people 

bowhunted for deer. 

2. Firearms 

The 1990 deer firearms harvest on the GRSF 

was 1112 deer. Considering that the statewide 

firearms success rate is 34%, this would 

indicate that approximately 3270 total people 

hunted on the GRSF during the .firearms deer 

season. 

3. Muzzleloader 

49

The 1990 - 1991 muzzleloader deer harvest 

on the GRSF was 114. Considering that the 

statewide muzzleloader success rate is 13%, 

this would indicate that approximately 877 

total people hunted on the GRSF during the 

muzzleloader deer season. 

To estimate the total number of user-days 

of recreation provided annually on the GRSF 

by deer hunting, the 1988, 1989 "Maryland 

Hunter Use Survey" data was used. This 

survey provided the average effort expended 

annually by each type of deer hunter, i.e., 

bowhunter - 13.8 U 10 per year, firearms deer 

hunters - 4.0 U 10 per year, and muzzleloader 

deer hunters - 3.7 U 10 per year. Using this 

data, the following estimate of the total 

number of user-days of recreation provided 

annually by deer hunting on the GRSF was 

calculated: 

1.) Bowhunting . 

893 bowhunters x 13.8 U 10 = 

12,323 

2.) Firearms 

3,270 firearm deer hunters x 4.0 

UIO = 13,080 UIO 

3.) Muzzleloader 

877 muzzleloader deer hunters x 

3.7 U 10 = 3,245 U ID 

Total = 28,648 user-days of deer hunting 

recreation annually. 

50 

Wild Turkey 

During 1990, 60 turkeys were harvested 

during the 6 day fall turkey seasons, and 90 

during the 4 week spring season. Based on 

statewide hunter success rates and the ''Hunter 

Use Survey" data, the following computations 

were made to estimate the annual user-days of 

turkey hunting recreation on the Green Ridge 

State Forest. 

1.) Statewide fall turkey success rate of .10 x 

fall harvest of 60 turkeys = 600 fall turkey 

hunters. 

Statewide spring turkey success rate of .13 x 

spring harvest of 90 turkeys = 692 spring 

turkey hunters. 

2.) Six hundred (600) fall turkey hunters x 

2.2 user-days of effort per year per 

hunter = 1,320 total user-days for fall 

turkey hunting. 

Six hundred ninty-two (692) spring turkey 

hunters x 2.9 user-days of effort per year 

per hunter = 20073 total user-days for 

spring turkey hunting. 

Total = 3,327 user-days of turkey 

hunting recreation annually. 

II. Hunter User I Day Recreation as 

Estimated from Reported Harvest and 

State-wide Hunter Success Ratios. 

Deer 

Bow 

Firearm 

Muzzleloader 

Subtotal 

Turkev 

Fall 

Spring 

Subtotal 

User/Days 

12,323 

13,080 

3245 

28,648 

User/Days 

1,320 

2,007 

3,327 


Ten Year Resource MAnagement Plan 

Volume ll- Support Materials

Non-consumptive wildlife use is presumed 

to be a major recreational activity on Green 

Ridge State Forest given the broad realm of 

opportunity and the number of forest visitors. 

We can conservatively estimate 50,000 userdays 

of non-consumptive wildlife recreation 

from Green Ridge State Forest. 

Nationwide trends indicate increasing 

numbers of non-consumptive wildlife users on 

public lands (U.5. Department of Agriculture, 

1989). As non-consumptive wildlife recreation 

increases it will be necessary to develop 

methodologies to better estimate current user 

demand levels. 

TABLE A-7 

Inventory of Current Land and Water Cover 

A. Wildlife Management Unit - Arbitrary designation used to identify various land tracts for wildlife 

planning purposes. May be a disjunct tract, individual watershed, or an area with a minimum 

amount of private land inholding. 

B. Total Acres - Includes the total acres of State owned land with the designated 'Wildlife 

Management Unit" (W.M.U.). 

C. Forest Management Compartments - Identifies the ''Forest Management Compartments"· which are 

located within the W.M.U. 

D. Total Acres of Forestland - Identifies the total number of acres of forestland cover within the 

W.M.U. 

E. Total Acres by Forest Type - Identifies the total acres of forestland cover located. within the W.M.U. 

by forest type. 

52 

Forest Type Code: 

o = non forest 

1 = hemlock 

2 = northern hardwooa 

3 = hardwood/hard pine 

4 = mixed oaks 

5 = cove hardwoods 

7 = black locust 

8 ;", mixed hard pine 

< 9 = hardwood/white pine 

13 = pine plantation 


Ten Year Rllsource Mmulgement Plan 

Volume 11- Support Materials 

- 

,.,.

shown by the diverse fish populations. A list 

of fish species collected in GRSF to date is 

contained in Table A-S. Fish species 

composition for water bodies surveyed in 

GRSF are presented in Tables A-9 through A- 

13. To ensure optimal fish habitat and water 

quality, watershed management must include 

minimal sediment loading by maintaining 

vegetated banks free from grazing and 

protected buffer zones, and by implementing 

rigorous sediment controls on all road 

construction and maintenace, agricultural 

activities, and timber harvest operations. 

Intensive stream surveys in GRSF are 

schedUled to be conducted beginning in 1992. 

Electro-shocking techniques will be used to 

collect fish in order to document species 

diversity and relative abundance. 

Water bodies in the GRSF scheduled to be surveyed for fish populations are: 

Water Body 

Potomac River 

Big Run 

Devil's Alley' 

Gross/Twigg Hollow 

Purslane Run Watershed 

Roby Hollow 

Fifteen Mile Creek 

Deep Run Watershed 

Flat Run Watershed 

Little Pine Lick 

Mudlick Hollow 

Piclic Run 

Pine Lick Hollow 

White Sulfur Run Watershed 

Town Creek 

Maple Run Watershed 

. Sideling Hill Creek 

Table A-S 

Area within GRSF (miles) 

Common and Scientific Names of Fish collected hom Water Bodies Within Green Ridge State 

Forest . 


Ten YerJr Resource MAnagement Plan 

Volume H - Support Mtlterials 55 

16.S 

4.0 

4.0 

5.0 

4.5 

3.0 

10.9 

10.9 

4.0 

4.0 

4.0 

3.5 

5.4 

14.9 

3.5 

17.9 

4.0

COMMON NAME 

America..n eel 

Rainbow b.'out 

BroY'm trout 

Chain pickerel 

Stoneroller 

Carp 

Silverjaw minnow 

Cutlips minnow 

River chub 

Golden shiner 

Comely shiner 

Common shiner 

Spottail shiner 

Roseyface shiner 

Spotfin shiner 

Bluntnose minnow 

Blacknose dace 

Longnose dace 

Creek chub 

Fallfish 

White sucker 

Creek chubsucker 

Northern hogsucker 

Golden redhorse 

Shorthead redhorse 

Margined madtom 

Yellow bullhead 

Brown bullhead 

Channel catfish 

Rock bass 

Redbreast sunfish 

Green sunfish 

Pumpkinseed 

Bluegill 

Longear sunfish 

Smallmouth bass 

Largemouth bass 

Greenside darter 

Rainbow darter 

Fantail darter 

Tessellated darter 

Yellow perch 

Walleye 

Mottled sculpin 

Table A-9 

56 

SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Anquilla rostrata 

Oncorhynchus mykiss 

Salmo trutta 

Esox niger 

Campostoma anomalum 

Cyprinus carpio 

Ericymba buccata 

Exoglossum maxillingua 

Nocomis micropogon 

Notomigonus crysoleucans 

Notropis amoenus 

Notropis comutus 

Notropis hudsonius 

Notropis rubellus 

Notorpis spilopterus 

Pinephales promelas 

Semotilus atratulus 

Semotilus cataractae 

Semotilus atromaculatus 

Semotilus corporalis 

Semotilus commersoni 

Erimyzon oblongus 

Hypentilium nigricans 

Moxostoma erythrum 

Moxostoma macrolepidotum 

Noturus insignis 

Ictalurus natalis 

Ictalurus nebulosus 

Ictalurus puntatus 

A.mbloplites rupestris 

Lepomis auritus 

Lepomiscyanellus 

Lepomis gibbosus 

Lepomis macrochirus 

Lepomis megalotis 

Micropterus dolomieui 

Micropterus sal.moides 

Etheostoma blenniodes 

Etheostoma caeruleum 

Etheostoma flabellare 

Etheostoma olmstedi 

Perca flavescens 

Stizostedion vitreum 

Cottus bairdi 



Volume II- Support Materials 

iii'< 

-

Catch per unit effort (individualslhr) of fish species collected in Town Creek, 7122192. 

COMMON NAME 

Brown trout 

Stoneroller 

Cutlips minnow 

Common shiner 

Bluntnose minnow 

Fallfish 


Yellow bullhead 

Rock bass 


Longear sunfish 


Greenside darter 


Table A-12 

Fish species collected in Sideling· Hill Creek, 1985. 

Common Name 

Common shiner 


Roseyface shiner 

Creek chub 

Fallfish 

White sucker 

Table A-13 

CPUE 

2.0 

52.0 

82.0 

66:0 

6.0 

64.0 

14.0 

2.0 

76.0 

154.0 

8.0 

16.0 

10.0 

6.0 

Common Name 


Rock bass 


Green sunfish 


Catch per unit effort (individuallhr) of fish spedes collected in Sideling Hill Creek, 7121192. 

58 

Common Name 

Stoneroller 

Comely shiner 

Common shiner 

Bluntnose ll1inp.ow 

Longnose dace 

Fallfish 

White sucker 

Creek chub sucker 

Rock bass 


CPUE 

60.0 

63.0 

129.0 

69.0 

9.0 

78.0 

3.0 

3.0 

51.0 

36.0 

GRell Ridge State Forest 

Ten Yell' Resource MJmagement Plan 

Volume H- Support MAterials 

... 

-.

Common Name 

Chain pickerel 

Common shiner 



Creek chub 

White sucker 

Rock bass 


Table A-17 

CPUE 

12.0 

12.0 

12.0 

102.0 

72.0 

12.0 

18.0 

90.0 

Catch per unit effort (individualsJhr) of fish species collected in Pine Lick Hollow, 7121192. 

Common Name 


Creek chub 



Historical and Cultural Resources 

Assessment 

Very little is left of early pioneer settlement 

on the forest. Historically abandoned 

buildings that escaped arson were left to 

deteriorate through lack of concern. The. 

foundations remain however and are 

considered as historic relics and therefore not 

destroyed or disturbed in management 

activities. Besides foundations, orchard 

reserviors, rock fences, cemeteries, moon shine 

sites, springs and similar structures are left 

intact. 

Buildings that become part of the forest 

through land purchase are razed if they are not 

habitable. Before razing, each building is 

studied for historical significance. 

The Maryland Historical Trust surveyed the 

forest in 1978 and identified several structures 

as significant. They are primarily CCC 

structures and represent a style of construction 

associated with this time period (1930's). The 

stone rings on Polish Mountain and the stone 

chimney in Chimney Hollow were· the two 

60 

CPUE 

522.0 

27.0 

9.0 

396.0 

significant sites worthy of preservation. The 

origin of the stone rings is unknown and 

warrants study. The Stone Chimney is the 

remains of a large industrial sawmill complex 

built in the 1830's. 

An archaeological inventory of 'the forest is 

lacking. Indian sites are common in the area. 

A large Indian village complex is known to 

exist near the Potomac River and Route 51. 

Similar areas are suspected inside the forest. 

As of this date no archeaological diggings or 

excavations have been done, nor are any 

planned for this planning period. Pt:otection of 

sites is through regulation that prohibit any 

relic hunting or digging without Deparbnental 

permission. 

Recreation Assessment 

IN1RODUCTION 

Maryland state forests are essential in 

meeting the demands for dispersed recreational 

activities. Unlike most Maryland state parks, 

which are generally much smaller in size and 

more intensively developed with designated 

Green Ridge Slate Forest 

Ten Year Resource MJuragement PlIm 

Volume 1I- SUJI110Ff Materials

use areas, state forests offer a refuge and 

alternative for those wishing to hike, hunt, fish 

or camp in relative solitude. 

Annual recreational use at Green Ridge 

State Forest has remained roughly constant 

over the past five years. Several activities, 

however, appear to be increasing. Perhaps the 

most significant is the advent of mountain 

bicycli,ng within Green Ridge. Other examples 

are horseback riding and off-road vehicle use. 

These uses have the potential for impacting 

forest resources as well as creating conflicts 

with other forest visitors. Planning and 

management considerations must address these 

types of varied demands and their potential 

impact on the forest's resources and 

. . experiences of other recreational user groups. 

In addition to field surveys and site 

analysis, the following assessment is largely 

based on annual recreational use data. Some 

of the challenges in interpreting current 

recreational use data. Some of the challenges 

in interpreting current recreational use and 

forecasting demand include varying counting 

methods and the difficulty in monitoring 

visitors in state forests who do not require use 

permits. Demand projections are limited to 

interpreting trends in recreational use figures. 

HUNTING AND TRAPPING 

Hunting was the most popular form of 

recreation at Green Ridge State Forest in 1991, 

accounting for 30 percent of all recreational 

use. The principle game species are whitetailed 

deer and wild turkey. Small game 

hunting for squirrel, mourning dove, 

woodchuck, ruffed grouse, woodcock and 

rabbit is also available. 

Hunting begins in September at the start of 

deer bow season and continues into October 

for a prolonged small game season. In early 

November, the fall turkey season begins. Deer 

rifle season begins in late No..vember and 

concludes in early December, which is 

followed by deer muzzleloader season, 

beginning in mid December and ending in 


Ten Year Resource Mlmagement Plan 

Volume II - Support Mllterials 

early January. The small game season is 

concluded in mid spring turkey season. 

Licensed trapping is also permitted on State 

forests within designated seasons and in 

accordance with other applicable regulations. 

Most fur-bearing animals of the forest are 

abundant, with the most common being 

opossum, raccoon, fox, skunk, weasel,· muskrat, 

mink and beaver. 

Four handicapped hunting trails are 

available at Green Ridge. These are Drake 

Road (.5 miles), Boyer's Knob Road (.6 miles), 

Yonker Road (.4 miles) and Double Pine gas 

Line (.8 miles). 

Hunting has always been a dominantrecreational 

use and, despite a recent decrease 

in the total number of hunters statewide, 

demand is increasing on public lands. The 

diminishing availability of open space and the 

increasing amount of private land being closed 

to hunting are reasons for increased pressure 

on public lands. 

The trend for hunting pressure on the forest 

increases yearly. Table 10 indicates that 1991 

saw the highest hunter use of the forest on 

record, with 86,319 user days, up from 47,107 

in 1987. 

Green Ridge is expected to continue to 

experience increased hunting pressure over the 

next decade. 

SHOOTING RANGE 

In 1990, a public shooting range was 

constructed on the site of an old dump within 

Green Ridge orth of Interstate 68. The range 

was built in response to local interest for 

public target shooting opportunities. Use of 

the range has thus far been light. Once word 

gets around of the facility's existence, use is 

expected to grow. 

Visitors under the age of 18 are charged 

$1.00; those over the age of 18 are charged 

61

General Description: Habitat for a State 

'Threatened plant and an exemplary natural 

community example. . 

Management Needs: Exotic weed monitoring. 

Currently, exotics are not a serious problem. 

ALTERNATE 40 SLOPE 

Location: Compartment #22C 

Area: 18 acres . 


Endangered plant. 

Management Needs: Monitor plant population, 

at least every three years. 

BLACK SULPHUR RUN 

Location: Compartment #11 

Area: 23 acres 


Endangered plant and a State 'Threatened 

plant. _ . 

Management Needs: Monitor succession. 

WHITE SULPHUR RUN 

L.ocation: Compartment #13 



Endangered plant and a State rare animal. 

ManaK.ement Needs: Monitor succession. 

FIFTEEN MILE CREEK SOUTH 

Location: Compartment #23 and #48 


General Description: Found within this area is 

a large variety of significant naturai . 

community types supporting a number of rare 

or uncommon species. These include one State 

Endangered plant, three State Threatened 

plants, one In Need of Conservation animal, 

and one rare animal. 

Management Needs: Identify any sources· of 

sedimentation, road run-off, etc. and try to 

remedy problem. Monitor, and if possible, 

control exotic weeds. This is of particular 

concern along the floodplain of Fifteen Mile 

72 

Creek. Delete from any gypsy moth spray 

program. 

DEEP RUN 

Location: Compartments #25 and #54 


General Description: The primary feature of 

this area is the representation of a large variety 

of different forest communities. The area has 

communities that are unusual for the Green 

Ridge State Forest along with other more 

frequent types. Other features include the 

presence of one State Endangered plant . 

(currently, only known site in Maryland), one 

State 'Threatened plant, one State rare animal, 

and a large variety of uncommon plants. The 

area also provides excellent habitat for a 

number of forest interior dwelling birds. The 

habitat quality wi! improve with age. 

Management Needs: The Endangered plant 

may require some active (but minor) habitat 

. manipulation to enhance reproduction. Also, it 

is suggested that the section of East Valley 

Road bordering to the east be closed. 

LONG POND 

Location: Compartments #47B, #49, and #50 


General Description: This area features several 

very significarit natural community types and a 

large number of unusual flora and fauna. 

These include one federally Endangered pIant, 

four State Endangered plants, two State 

'Threatened plants, two State In Need of 

Conservation animals, one State Endangered 

animal, and two unlisted, but rare animals. 

Management Needs: Identify any sources of 

sedimentation, road run-off, etc. and try to 

remedy the problem. Monitor, and if possible, 

control exotic weeds. Close and rehabilitate 

. timber haul road off of Howard Road. 

Planting native trees and shrubs will help this 

. process. Delete flom any gypsy moth spray 

program. 

MUDUCK HOLLOW 

Gm!n Ridge Stllte Forest 

Ten Year Resoun:e ManAgement l'1IIn 

Volume II- Support Materillls 

--



General Description: This area features an 

exemplary example of an unusual natural 

communi ty type. 

Management Needs: No known management 

needs apparent at this time. 

SPRING LICK HOLLOW 





community type. Also, provides habitat for a 

State Threatened plant. 



YONKERS BOlTOM 

Location: Compartment #46A 

. Area: 50 acres 



community type. Also, provides habitat for 

one State Endangered plant, two State 

1hreatened plants, plus numerous uncommon 

plants. 


needs apparent at this time with the possible 

exception of monitoring succession. 

CARROLL ROAD SLOPES 

Location: Compartment 52. Within Potomac 

Bends Wildland 



this significant area is the serioes of 

outstanding natural community examples 

harboring a number of sensitive species. These 

include tow State 1hreatened plants, several 

rare or uncommon plants, two animals listed 

as In Need of Conservation, and two rare 

animals. 

Management Needs: Two of the sensitive 

species need close monitoring. Delete from 


Ten Year Resource MAnagement Plan 

Volume Il- Support Milterials 

gypsy moth spray program. Further inventory 

for rare species is needed as well. 

TOWN HILL SOUTH 

Location: Compartments #64 and #65 


General Description:. This area provides 

habitat for one State Endangered plant, one 

State 1hreatened plant, and two State In Need 

of Conservation animals. 

Management Needs: Install gates at both ends 

of road that traverses this section of Town Hill 

and open only during hunting season. 

OUTDOOR CLUB SLOPES 

Location: Compartment 59. Within Potomac 




this significant area is trhe series of 

outstanding natural community examples 

harboring a number of sensitive species. These 

include two State 1hreatened plants, three 

State rare plants, two animals listed as In Need 

of Conservation in Maryland, and three State 

Rarae animals. 

Management Needs: Several of the sensitive 

species need close monitoring. Human activity 

originating from campsites along Outdoor Club 

Road needs monitoring. in the past, trash 

dumping, camping in undesignated sites, and 

illegal firewood cutting have been a problem. 

Delete from gypsy moth spray program. 

KASECAMP SLOPES 



General Description: This area features 

exemplary examples of two unusual natural 

community types. Also, provides habitat for 

two State 1hreatened plants, one unlisted, but 

rare, animal, and one animal which is quite 

unusual for this part of the State. 

Management Needs: Some manipulation to set 

back succession may be necessary at one site. 

73

SANDY FLAT RIDGE 

Location: Compartment 62? Within Potomac 



General Description: This area provides 

habitat for one State Threatened plant, three 

State rare plants, and two State rare animals. 



GRAHAM TUNNEL 

Location: Compartment 61? Within Potomac 



General Description: Within this area are a 

number of outstanding natral community 

. examples which support a large variety of 

uncommon and sensitive species. 


needs at this time, except that more thorough 

inventory for rare species is needed. 

TUNNEL HILL 

Location: Compartment 61? Within Potomc 



General Description: This area supports a 

number of uncommon and sensitive planyts 

and animals. One State Endangered plant 

found here is known from only one other site 

in Maryland. 

Management Needs: This area needs more 

thorough inventory for rare species, especially 

lepidoterans. The Endangered plant 

population needs close monitoring .. Delete 

from any gypsy moth spray program. 

HOOP POLE HOLLOW 



General Description: Keeping this small, but 

very important watershed undisturbed is part 

of a larger conservation strategy to protect the 

ecological integrity of Sideling Hill Creek. The 

Sideling Hill Creek ecosystem harbors 

74 

nationally significant populations of several 

very sensitive species. 




Ten Yerlr Resource Management Plan 

Volume H-Supporl MAterials

arrier-free. Conversely, travel ways should ideally be limited to a trail system when 

entering more primitive areas of the forest. 

--r-- --- -- I 

CLASS ONDICATED CROSS- NON-MOTORIZED MOTORIZED FULL ACCESS 

ONMAi'l COUNTRY TRAILS TRAILS 

TRAVEL 

I 

SEMI-l'RIMI1TVE INCONSISTENT INCOMPA11BLE 

NON-MOTORIZED 

SEMI-PRIMl11VE PARTlAU.Y 

MOTORIZED COMPATIBLE 

ROADED 

NATURAL 

DEVELOPED 

AIUlAS 

COMPATIBLE 

Setting Indicator: Remoteness 

Remoteness refers to the extent the forest visitor is removed from the sights and sounds of 

human activity and disturbance. A lack of remoteness is important for some setting 

experiences (See matrix on following page). The remoteness indicator can be used for 

example when locating a rifle range, or an area for intensive ORV use. 

CLASS (INDICATED OUT OF SIGHT &0: DISTANT SIGHT DISTANT SIGHT REMOTENESS 

ON MAP) SOUND OF HUMAN &o:IOR SOUND OF &o:IOR SOUND, OF OFUTTLE 

ACTIVITY < 114 HUMAN ACTIVITY HUMAN ACTIVITY RELEVANCE 

MILE WALK < 114 MILE FROM < 114 MILE FROM 

MOTORIZED ANY FULL ACCESS 

TRAVEL ROADS 

SEMI-PRIM111VE PARTIALLY PARTIALLY INCOMPATIBLE 

NON-MOTORIZED COMPATIBLE COMPATIBLE 

SEMI-PRIMITIVE PARTIALLY PARTIALLY 

MOTORIZED COMPATIBLE COMPATIBLE 

ROADED 

NATURAL 

DEVELOPED 

AREAS 

COMPATIBLE 

For criteria and definitions of limits of acceptable change, please refer to page 83. 

Setting Indicator: Social Encounters 

This factor refers to the number and type of encounters between recreation parties along 

travelways or camping areas within sight or sound of others. This setting indicator measures 

the extent to which an area provides experiences such as solitude, or ,the opportunity for 

social interaction. Increasing the number of visitors to an area changes the kind of recreation 

experience offered, attracting new users and callsing others to leave. As an example, camp 

sites that are designed to accommodate group camping, should ideally be situated in more 

developed areas of the forest. ' 

76 



Volume 11- Support MAterials 

-

This indicator refers to levels of site development. Few facilities and limited site 

modification are compatible in more primitive areas of the forest, and can enhance feelings of 

self-reliance and independence. Facilities that provide comfort, convenience, and 

opportunities for socializing, are appropriate in developed locations. 

CLASS (INDICATED NO fAClLmES SOME fACIUTIES fACILmES 

ON MAP) fOR USER fOR USER DESIGNED fOR 

COMfORT. CONVENIENCE, USER COMfORT, 

USE Of NATURAL BUILT fROM NON· INTENSIVE 

MATERIALS fOR SYNTHETIC RECREATION, 

SITE PROTECTION MATERIALS OFFICE AND 

ONLY MAINTENANCE 

SEMI-PRlMmVE 

NON-MOTORIZED INCOMPATIBLE 

SEMI-PRlMmVE PARTIALLY 


ROADED 

NATURAL 

DEVELOPED 

AREAS 

COMPATIBLE 

Setting Indicator: Visitor Imp,act 

Visitor impact refers to the adverse effects of visitor use on the environment. The relevant 

question for managers is not ''how can impacts be prevented", but rather, ''how much change 

will be allowed and which actions are appropriate for control." The following matrix suggests 

appropriate actions for controlling impacts on soil and vegetation. Impacts on wildlife 

habitat, air, water, and sound quality affect the visitor's experience as well. Visitor impacts 

can alter wildlife habitat or displace wildlife species, including indicator species, which 

provide an important means of monitoring recreation related impacts on fish and other 

wildlife. Maintaining air, water, and noise quality standards in the face of visitor impacts is 

important in all ROS classes. 

CLASS (INDICATED UNNOTICEABLE LIMITED SITE EXTENSIVE 

ON MAP) IMPACI'S HARDENING SITE HARDENING 

PRIMITIVE PARTIAllY 

NON-MOTORIZED COMPATIBLE INCOMPATIBLE 

SEMI-PRIMITIVE PARTIALLY 


ROADED COMPATIBLE PARTIALLY 

NATURAL COMPATIBLE 

DEVELOPED 

AREAS . 

Setting Indicator: The Natural Environment 

Refers to the degree of a human disturbance on the natural environment: for instance, it 

affects the visitor's experience when enjoying nature through birdwatching or hiking. This 

78 



Volume 11- Support Materials 

-

Experience Characterization 

Probability for experiencing affiliation with individual and groups is prevalent, as is the 

convenience of sites and opportunities. With the exception of managed vista points, these factors 

are generally more important than the setting of the physical environment. Opportunities for 

wildland challenges and test of outdoor skills are generally unimportant. 

Activity Characterization 

Examples include medium density camping, organized use, boat launch, multi-car parking, visitor 

center use, shooting range, interpretive services, ORV (off-road vehicle) use, ORV (off-highway 

vehicle) use, mountain biking, fishing, viewing scenery, hiking and walking, nature study, and 

general information. . 

Evidence of Human Criteria 

Developed areas allow the full range of management activities. 

limits of Change 

compatible: describes acceptable conditions found in the setting. 

partially compatible: represents conditions that are not generally compatible, but may be 

necessary under some circumstances to meet management objectives. 

incompatible: defines conditions that do not permit the creation or maintenance of a given 

setting; Where unacceptable conditions are unavoidable, a change in setting will often result. 

(The preceding material has been adapted from the USDA Forest Service, ROS PRIMER AND FIELD 

GUIDE, U.S. Government Printing Office 1990) 

Green JUdge State Forest 

Ten Year Resource Mmlagement PIan 

Volume U - Support Materials 81

Water fonns, streams 

Large defined stream or 

small streams with 

consistent flow 

characteristics. 

Sensitivity Levels 

Sensitivity levels are a measure of people's concern for scenic quality. Levels are 

determined for land areas viewed by those who are traveling through the forest on 

developed roads and trails, as well as those who are recreating at streams, and other water 

bodies. 

Three sensitivity levels are employed, each identifying a different level of user concern for 

the visual environment. These are: 

I 

Smaller streams with 

inconsistent flow 

I characteristics. 

LEVEL ONE - HEAVILY TRAVELLED ROADS \ TRAILS 

LEVEL TWO - MODERATELY TRAVELLED ROADS\TRAILS 

LEVEL THREE - LESS TRAVELLED ROADS\RAILS 

Little or no presence of 

water. 

The following table illustrates a hierarchy used to establish the criteria for determining 

sensitivity levels. 

TYPES OF TRAVEL LEVEL ONE LEVEL TWO LEVEL THREE 

ROADS INTERSTATES, STATE, COUNTY &: STATE, FOREST &: COUNTY ROADS FOREST AND COUNTY ROADS 

FOREST ROADS TIiAT FUNCTION TIiAT PROVIDE LESS IMPORTANT TIiAT 00 NOT PROVIDE 

FOR RECREATION ACCESS RECREATION ACCESS SIGNIFICANT ACCESS 

LAND/RIVER TRAILS POPULAR, WELL TRAVELED LESS TRAVELED BY THOSE LEAST TRAVELED BY UiOSE 

TRAILS SUCH AS CIRCUIT TRAILS WJUi A MAJOR CONCERN FOR WJUi MAJOR CONCERN FOR 

OR LONGER TRAILS AESTIJETlCS AESTIJETlCS 

SERVING TO CONNECT 

RECREATIONAREASTOGETIiER 

Definitions of Quality Objectives 

All forest lands have been mapped as to distance (foreground, middle ground, and 

background), sensitivity level (L¢vel 1, 2, or 3), and variety class (A- Distinctive, B- Common, 

C- Minimal). Designation of an area in the forest as fg1A for example, indicates that the 

viewshed is less than 1 \4 mile (foreground), the route is generally heavily travelled (1), and 

the scenery is significant (Class A). . 

Devising measurable standards or objectives for the visual management of these lands now 

becomes the primary task. The three visual quality ratings are mapped as High Value, 

Moderate Value, and Less Value, and correspona to the following recommended 

management activities in each area of the forest. It is important to emphasize that the 

delineations of the values are subject to change due to ongoing forest management and 

planning activities: 

84 



Volume H- Support Materials 

- 

""" 

-

• 

• 

• 

High Value 

Management activities strive to conform to the visual characteristics of the site or landscape. 

Activities attempt to repeat form, line, color, and texture which are frequently 

found in the characteristic landscape. Changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, 

direction, pattern, etc., should not be evident. 

Duration of visual impact: Impacts to form, line, color and texture contrast should be 

mitigated either during operation or immediately afterwards, as per part of normal forest 

practices. It may be done by such means as seeding vegetative clearings and cut/fill 

slopes, planting of large stock, painting structures, etc .. 

Types of management: Management that fulfills Retention objectives include many types 

selection and deferment harvests, provided they attempt to minimize changes to form, line, 

color or texture. 

Moderate Value 

Management activities introduce form, line, color, or texture which are found infrequently or 

not at all, but they should remain subordinate to the visual strength of the characteristic 

landscape. 

Duration of Visual Impact: Changes to form, line, color, and texture should be 

mitigated as soon after project completion as possible. 

Recommended management activities consistent with the Partial Retention objective include 

small, irregular shaped regeneration cuts, partial cuts and other practices that minimize color 

and texture contrast. 

Less Value 

Management activities may visually dominate the original characteristic landscape. However, 

activities that alter the landscape should consider impacts to form, line, color, or texture. 

Duration of impact: Changes to form, line, color, and texture should be mitigated 

as soon as possible after the project is completed. 

Two additional short-term management goals may also be used. The first, rehabilitation is 

used to upgrade landscapes containing visual impacts which do not meet the quality 

, objectives set for that particular area. The second, enhancement, is for landscapes having a 

potential for greater natural-app¢aring variety. Once the short-term goal is attained, the 

applicable quality objectives are then applied .. 

Implementation of the Visual Management System 

The following table shows how the three factors (distance, sensitivity level, and variety 

class) are combined to arrive at recommended. standards to help manage the forest landscape. 

The table is intended to serve as a guideline only. 

Green IUdge State Forest 

Ten Year Resource Mllnagement Plan 

Volume II - Support Materials 85

Variety 

CI ... 

HV.HIgh Value 

MV·Moderate Value 

LV·Lower Value 

(gl 

clallS A HV 

cJ_B HV 

cJ_C MV 

Sensitivity 

mgt bgl 

HV MV 

MV MV 

MV LV 

Level 

fg2 mg2 bJlZ 3 

MV MV MV MV 

MV LV LV LV 

LV LV LV LV 

The preceding has been excerpted from National Forest landscape Management, Volume 2, Chapter 

1, "The Visual Management System," USDA, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook Number 462. 

86 


Ten YeAr Resource Mlmagement P1IIn 

Volume H- Support Materials

Upon analysis of the foregoing data, it 

may be concluded that fire prevention should 

address the three predominant fire causes of 

campfires, incendiarism and smoking. 

Furthermore, with regard to hazard 

reduction, it should be mentioned that the 

Banner's Overlook Fire burned in forest 

composed of many dead trees; killed by gypsy 

moths. TIlis fire alone burned fifty-five percent 

of the total ten-year acreage. Hazard reduction 

should be directed toward these areas of tree 

mortality. 

Ill. Prevention 

A. Post the fire danger rating to inform the 

public. 

B. Inform visitors of the fire danger during 

personal contact. 

C. Place fire prevention posters on 

information boards. 

D. Educate Forest users in regard to fire 

safety with campfires, smoking, and 

equipment use. (e.g. chain saws, vehicles, 

ORV's, etc.) 

. E. Endeavor to prosecute incendiarists or 

arsonists. 

F. Ensure proper maintenance of power line 

right-of-ways. 

G. Thoroughly investigate the cause of all 

fires. 

IV. Presuppression 

A. Fire training and readiness will. be given 

. priority attention. The Fire Readiness Plan 

(Operations Order 84-204) will be 

followed. 

B. All fire ponds will be maintained and a 

map prepared showing their location as 

well as the location of fire roads. Copies 

of this map will be distributed to fire 

suppression personnel including local 

volunteer fire companies. 

C. Key fire roads will be identified on the fire 

map and maintained. 

88 

D. The Regional Fire Manager will ensure 

communication of the daily fire-danger 

rating to the State Forest office. All 

personnel will be advised of the firedanger. 

E. On class 2 days and above, the ranger 

assigned patrol duty will patrol in a fire 

suppression truck equipped to agency 

standards. 

F. All Forest vehicles shall be equipped to 

the standard outlined in Policy Number 

87-202 for On Call Fire Suppression 

Vehicles. 

G. On class 3 or higher days, boys camps will 

be placed on stand-by. 

H. Salvage harvesting should be done in 

areas where substantial tree mortality has 

occurred due to gypsy moths, other pests 

or natural disasters. 

I. Slash, resulting from tree cutting, must not 

exceed three feet in depth. Large, 

continuous areas of slash will be divided 

by fire roads. 

J. Prescribed burning may be conducted to 

achieve well-defined objectives. A 

prescribed burning plan and associated 

smoke management plan will be 

completed in accordance with agency 

policy. 

V. Suppression 

Policy: All wildfire will be suppressed on 

Green Ridge State Forest. There are 

approximately 5,000 acres of privatelyowned 

tracts scattered within the 

Forest, mostly in ten-acre holdings, 

many with structures. 1his fact alone 

necessitates a full suppression policy. 

Wildfires occurring within the 

designated wildland will be 

suppressed in accordance with the 

Public Lands wildland fire policy 

currently being developed. 

A. Consistent with agency policy, aerial 

detection should be initiated during 

periods of sustained, high fire-danger. 


Ten ¥erlr Resource Management Plan 

Volume 1I- Support Materials

Appendix H 

GLOSSARY 

Acquisition 

Obtaining land through purchase, exchange, 

and donation. 

Activity 

A measure, course of action, or treatment 

that is undertaken to directly or indirectly 

produce, enhance, or maintain forest outputs 

or achieve administrative or environmental 

quality objectives. 

Aesthetic, 

Generally, the study, science or philosophy 

dealing with beauty and with judgments 

concerning beauty. 

Age Class 

An interval, into which the age, range of 

trees is divided for classification purposes. 

Aggregate 

All of the coarse materials, such as sand, 

gravel, and crushed stone, that are used in 

base courses on roads. 

Allowable Cut 

The quantity of timber that may be sold 

from the area of suitable land covered by 

the forest plan for a time period specified by 

the plan. This quantity is usually expressed 

on an annual basis as the average annual 

allowable cut. 

Alternative 

One of several policies, plans, or 'projects 

proposed for decision making. 

Aquatic Eco-systems 

The stream channel, lake bed, water itself, 

and biotic communities that occur therein. 

Aspect (Slope Orientation) 

The direction toward whi

A special zone of largely undisturbed forest 

floor, maintained between a water body and 

any activity that disturbs the vegetative 

cover and exposes mineral soil. The main 

design function of a filters trip is to absorb 

overland flow and trap sediment before it 

enters the water body. 

Floodplain 

Low land and relatively flat areas joining 

water. The minimum area included is that 

subject to a 1% (100 year recurrence) or 

greater chance of flooding in any given year. 

Forage 

Portions of woody and herbaceous plants 

available to animals for food. 

Foreground (Visual Distance) 

The part of a scene, landscape, etc., which is 

nearest to the viewer, and in which detail is 

evident, usually within 1/4 to 1/2 mile from 

the viewer. 

Forest 

When used with a capital "F" this term 

refers to the Green Ridge State Forest, 

including the landbase and administrative 

staff. 

Forest Land 

Land at least 10% occupied by forest trees of 

any size or fonnerly having had such tree 

cover and not currently developed for 

nonforest use. Land developed for 

nonforest use includes areas for crops, 

improved pasture, residential, or 

administrative areas, improved roads of any 

width, and adjoining road clearirig and 

powerline clearing of any width. 

Forest Openings 

Openings maintained· to provide habitat or 

habitat components for plants and animals 

which require or are benefitted by early 

successional stages of vegetation. May 

include natural openings (barrens) and other 

openings with native or non-native 

vegetation. These openings are maintained 

by periodic treatments, such as mowing, 

94 

cutting, or prescribed burning. These 

included openings previously identified as 

"wildlife openings". 

Forest Plan 

A long range plan for management of a 

designated area of state forest lands. This 

plan will provide management direction for 

all management programs and practices, 

resource uses, and resource protection 

measures on these lands. 

Forest Road 

A road wholly or partly within, or adjacent 

to, and serving state forest land that is 

necessary for the protection, administration, 

and use of Forest land and the use of 

development of its resources. 

Forest Road System 

The inventory or network of roads, under all 

jurisdictions, that are needed for 

transporting forest products, accommodating 

planned motorized access for recreation 

purposes, and protecting and managing the . 

Forest now and in the future. 

Forest Type 

A natural group or association of different 

species of trees which commonly occur 

together over a large area. Forest types are 

defined and named after the one or more 

dominant species trees, such as the sprucefir 

and the birch-beech-maple types. 

Game Species 

Wild animals hunted for sport or food. 

GAP Analysis 

The evaluation of the protection status of 

plant communities, animal species, and 

vertebrate species richness by geographic 

information system overlay of biological 

distribution data on a map of existing 

biological reserves. 

General Zone 

ThiS zone consists of the operable areas 

remaining after all other zones are 


Ten Yair Resource Management Plan 


- 

-

accounted for. nus zone is available for 

most resource needs and multiple use. 

Goal 

A concise statement that describes a desired 

condition to be achieved sometime in the 

future. It is normally expressed in broad, 

general terms and is timeless in that it has 

no specific date by which it is to be 

completed. Goal statements form the 

principal basis from which objectives are 

developed. 

Goods and Services 

The various outputs, including onsite uses, 

produced from forest resources. 

Ground Water 

Aquifer: Any permeable underground 

formation which yields ground water. 

Ground Water: Water underneath the water 

table, in the zone of saturation, .from which 

. wells, springs, and base flow are supplied. 

Water Table: The upper surface of the 

ground water, below which saturated 

conditions exist. A perched water table is 

formed by impermeable layers lying above 

the surface of the main water table and 

tends to fluctuate considerably. 

Group Selection Cutting 

A cutting method used in uneven-aged 

management. It involves the removal of 

small groups of trees to meet a 

predetennined goal of size, distribution, and 

species in their remaining stands. 

Growing Stock . 

All the trees growing in a forest or in a 

specified part of it, generally expressed in 

terms of number or volume. 

Guideline 

An indication or outline of policy or 

conduct. 

Habitat 

The place where a plant or animal can live 

and maintain itself. 



Volume 11- Support Mtlterials 

Habitat Capability 

The estimated ability of an area, given 

existing or predicted habitat conditions, to 

support a wildlife, fish or plant population. 

It is measured in terms of potential 

population numbers. 

Hardwood 

A broad-leaved flowering tree, as 

distinguished from a conifer. Trees 

belonging to the botanical group of 

angiospermae. 

Headwater 

The small rivulets fonning the source of a 

stream or river. 

Herbicide 

A chemical compound used to kill or control 

growth of undesirable plant species. 

High-Quality Hardwoods 

Hardwood trees or stands that will yield 

high-value timber products such as veneer, 

knot-free lumber, furniture or specialty 

product stock, or flooring. 

High-Risk Stand 

Will not survive another 10 years, or will 

have a net loss of timber volume in the next 

10 years. 

Horizontal Diversity 

A comparative measure of occurrence and 

complexity of distribution of cover types 

over a wide area encompassing different 

cover types. Stand size, stand configuration, 

species composition, and a variety of age 

classes are some variables that make up 

horizontal diversity in a forested 

environment. 

Humus 

The plant and animal residues of the soil, 

liter excluded, which are undergoing 

decomposition. 

Improvement Cutting 

Cutting made in a stand past the sapllflg 

stage for the purpose of improving the 

95

-., 

A discernible natural landscape, such as a 

floodplain, stream terrace, plateau, or valley. 

Land Management 

The intentional process of planning, 

organizing, programming, coordinating, 

directing and controlling land use actions. 

Land Use 

The occupation or reservation of land or 

water areas for any human activity or any 

defined purposes; in these documents, the 

terms "use" and ''land use" are 

interchangeable. 

Leasable Minerals 

Coal, oil, gas, phosphate, sodium, 

potassium, oil shale, and geothennal steam. 

To be leasable on national forest lands the 

government must have complete mineral 

rights as well as surface rights. 

Utter 

The uppermost layer of organic debris on 

the ground under a vegetation cover, i.e., 

essentially the freshly fallen or only slightly 

decomposed vegetable material, mainly from 

foliage but also bark fragments, twigs, 

flowers, fruits, etc. 

Log Landing 

A site where logs are transferred or 

stockpiled. Generally, the ending of skid 

trails and the beginning of temporary or 

permanent local roads. 

Long-Term 

Action governed by the forest plan generally 

taking place over a period longei than 10 

years from the present. 

Long-Term Sustained-Yield Timber Capacity 

The highest uniform wood yield from lands 

being managed for timber production that 

may be sustained under a specified 

management intensity consistent with 

multiple-use objectives. 

Low Quality Stand 




Is made up of trees whose potential to 

produce timber products is poor. 

M 

1,000 units. 

Management Area 

An area with similar management objectives 

and a common management prescription. 

Management Concern 

An issue, problem or a condition which 

constrains the range of management 

practices identified by the forest service in 

the planning process. 

Management Direction . 

A statement of multiple use and other goals 

and guidance for attaining them. 

Management Indicator Species (MIS) 

A species that theoretically indicates the 

general helth of an ecosystem. A decline in 

its population signals decline for the rest of 

the species sharing the same habitat. 

Management Practice 

A specific activity, measure, course of action 

or treatment. 

Management Prescription 

Management practices and intensity selected 

and scheduled for application on a specific 

area to attain multiple use and other goals 

and objectives. 

Market Value 

Goods, services and uses which are 

commonly bought and sold and which are 

priced or valued directly from existing 

markets. 

Mast ' 

The fruit and nuts of such plants as oaks, 

beech, hickories, dogwood, blueberry and 

grape. 

MBF 

1,000 board feet of timber. 

97

silviculture is sediment washed from bare, 

disturbed soil. 

Objective 

A concise, time-specific statement of 

measurable planned results that respond to 

pre-established goals. An objective forms 

the basis for further planning to define the 

precise steps to be taken and the resources 

to be used in achieving identified goals. 

Off-Road Vehicle 

Any motorized vehicle designed for or 

capable of cross-country travel on or 

immediately over land, water, sand, snow, 

ice, marsh, swampland or other natural 

terrain. ORV's include vehicles such as 4wheel 

drive units, all-terrain vehicles, 

motorcycles, snowmobiles, amphibious 

vehicles and air cushioned vehicles. 

Old-Growth Forest 

Relatively old and relatively undisturbed 

forest stands with trees of all ages and sizes, 

but distinguished by a preponderance of 

larger diameter trees, a multi-layered canopy 

with standing dead or dying trees and an 

accumulation of dead woody material on the 

forest floor. Old-growth forests represent 

the latter stages of stand development where 

dominant trees in the overstory show signs 

of decline related to old age. 

Overmature 

A stand of trees that is older than normal 

rotation age for the type and provides 

important habitat conditions not found in 

younger stands. 

Parent Material 

The unconsolidated, more or less conically 

weathered mineral or organic matter from 

which the soils have developed by 

pedogenic processes. The C horizon mayor 

may not consist of materials similar to those 

from which A and B horizons developed. 

Partial Retention 

A visual quality objective which in general 

means management activities may be 


Ten Year Resource Mtmagement Plan 

Volume II - Support Materl4ls 

evident but must remain subordinate to the 

characteristic landscape. 

Perennial Stream 

A stream that contains surface water moving 

down gradient in the deeper parts of its 

channel throughout an average stream flow 

year. A stream is considered to contain 

surface water moving down gradient even if 

moving surface water can only be observed 

in pools, but its flow is insufficient to be 

seen on the surface of unconsolidated 

sediments in the riffle areas between pools. 

Perennial streams are generally shown as 

solid blue lines on the United States 

Geological Survey 7.5 minute series 

topographic maps. For the purposes of this 

management plan the designation "perennial 

stream" applies to, but is not limited to, all 

streams shown as solid blue lines on the 

United States Geological Survey 7.s minute 

series topographic maps. 

Pest 

A plant, animal or environmental stress 

which the land manager determines to be 

detrimental to achieving resource 

management objectives. 

Pesticide 

A general term applied to any substance 

used for controlling insects, weeds, rodents, 

fungi or other forms of plant or animal life 

that are considered pests. Includes 

insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, 

fungicides, etc. 

pH 

A quantitative measure of hydrogen in 

concentration. A pH of 7 corresponds to 

exact neutrality; a pH less than 7 indicates 

acidity; and a pH greater than 7 indicates 

alkalinity. 

Picnicking 

Eating meals in a forest environment for 

pleasure and relaxation. 

Plantation 

99

A forest crop or stand raised artificially, 

either by seeding or planting of young trees. 

Point Source Pollution 

Pollution traceable to a discharge of 

pollutants from a discernible, confined and 

discrete conveyance, such as an effluent 

discharge from a sewage treatment plant. 

Policy 

A guiding principle upon which is based a 

specific decision or set of decisions. 

Potential Old-Growth Forest 

Those portions of the forest where 

vegetative management is limited to the 

extent that, over time, an old-growth forest 

condition is expected to occur. 

Predator 

An animal species that obtains its food by 

hunting other animal species. 

Preparatory Cut 

The first phase of the shelterwood system 

which removes the lower crown class and 

defective trees to induce enlargement of 

crowns, which is conducive to seed 

production and wind firmness. 

Prescribed Bum 

Awildland fire burning under'specified 

conditions that will accomplish certain 

planned objectives. 

Preservation 

A visual quality objective that provides for 

ecological change only. . 

Primitive 

The term primitive is often used 

synonymously with dispersed or 

nondeveloped. recreation or c;:amping use. 

Program 

Sets of activities or projects with specific 

objectives, defined in terms of specific 

results and responsibilities for 

accomplishments. 

100 

Program Budget 

A plan that allocates annual funds, work 

force ceilings and targets among agency 

management units. 

Project 

An organized effort to achieve an objective 

identified by location, activities, outputs, 

effects and time period and responsibilities 

for execution. 

Property Line 

Accurately located. ownership line between 

forest land and adjoining land owned. or 

administered by others. 

Public Education 

Direct education on forest and park service 

activities or programs. Consists in part of 

exhibits, letters, descriptive publications, 

press publicity and show-me trips. 

Public Involvement 

A forest and park service process designed 

to broaden the information based upon 

which agency decisions are made by (1) 

informing the public about forest and park 

service activities, plans and decisions and (2) 

encouraging public understanding about 

and participation in the planning processes 

which lead to final decision making. 

Public Issue 

A subject or question of widespread public 

interest relating to management of the forest. 

Public Motorized Vehicle 

Public Motorized. Vehicle refers to any 

licensed, street-legal passenger carrying 

vehicle. This includes, but is not restricted. 

to, cars, trucks, busses, motorcycles, motor 

homes and the street-legal trailers towed by 

these vehicles. 

Public Participation 

Meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, 

tours, written comments, survey 

questionnaires and similar activities 

designed or held to obtain comments from 

the general public and specific publics. 

Green RUige State Forest 

Ten Year Resource Mlmagement Plan 

Volume H- Support MiJterials 

-

Public Road 

Any road under the jurisdiction of and 

maintained by a public road authority that 

is open to public travel. In the context of 

this definition, the forest and park service is 

not a public authority. 

Q Factor 

A term used in single-tree selection to 

describe the distribution of size classes. This 

is expressed in terms of the ration "q" 

between number of trees in successive 2" 

diameter classes. For example, a "q' of 1.5 

means that there are 1.5 times as many 10" 

trees as they are 12" trees; 1.5 times as many 

12" trees as there are 14" trees. The lower 

the "q" ratio the more large trees there are in 

proportion to small trees. 

Real Dollar Value 

A monetary value which compensates for 

the effects of inflation. 

Receipts to Local Governments 

The portion of receipts derived from forest 

resource management that is distributed to 

state and county governments such as the 

25% fund payments. 

Recreation Area 

A relatively small, distinctly defined portion 

of the forest where concentrated public use 

for the more traditional recreation purposes 

predominates, e.g. campgrounds, picnic 

areas, swimming areas, etc. 

Reforestation 

The natural or artificial restocking of an area 

with forest trees. 

Regeneration 

(1) The actual seeding and saplings existing 

in a stand. (2) The act of establishing young 

trees naturally or artificially. 

Regeneration Cut 

Removal of trees with the -intention of 

establishing a new crop of seedling$. 

Removal Cut 



Volume H - Support Materials 

The final cut of the Shelterwood System 

which removes the remaining mature trees, 

completely releasing the young stand. An 

even-aged stand results. 

Reserve Trees 

Trees left for wildlife in areas where timber 

is being cut. 

Retention 

A visual quality objective which in general 

means management activities are not 

evident to the casual forest visitor. 

Right-of-Way Easement 

A right to construct a road, trail or other 

improvements over the land of others. 

Riparian Areas 

Geographically delineable areas with 

distinctive resource values and 

characteristics that are comprised of aquatic 

and riparian ecosystems. These areas serve 

to modify flood peaks and are important in 

groundwater reg/charge, wildlife and fish 

habitat, timber production and recreation 

opportunities. The delineation of these 

areas is dependent on the water regime, soil 

and vegetation. 

Riparian Ecosystem 

A transition between the aquatic ecosystem 

and the adjacent terrestrial ecosystem, 

identified by soil characteristics and 

distinctive vegetation communities that 

require free or unbound water. The soils 

are wet and are usually saturated for 

portions of the year. Vegetation types are 

dominated by wet-site species. 

Road 

A general term denoting a way for purposes 

of travel by vehicles (either motorized or 

nonmotorized). 

Rotation 

The period of use betWeen the initial 

establishment of a stand of timber and the 

time when it is considered ready for cutting 

and regeneration. . 

101

Salvage 

Dead or dying trees which occur in excess of 

those needed for wildlife, aesthetics or other 

purposes. These trees are harvested for 

production. 

Sapling 

As used in timber survey, a size class 

definition, trees 1.0 to 4.9" at dbh. 

Sawtimber 


definition, softwood trees larger than 9" at 

dbh and hardwood trees larger than 11" 

dbh. 

Scarification . 

Loosening the top soil to prepare for 

seeding. 

Scenic Easement 

An acquired partial interest in non-national 

forest land obtained to maintain the area's 

natural beauty and prevent development of 

changes .that would mar or detract from 

such beauty. 

Sediment 

Solid materials, both mineral and organic, 

that are in suspension, are being 

transported, or have been moved from their 

site of origin by air, water, gravity or ice 

that has come to. rest on the earth's surface 

either above or below sea level. 

Seed Cut 

See "Shelterwood Cut'\ 

Seedbed 

In natural regeneration, the soil or forest 

floor in which seed falls. In nursery 

practices, prepared area which is seeded. 

Seedling 


definition, trees less than 1" at dbh. 

Sensitive Species " 

Sensitive species are those plants and 

animals identified by a regional" forester for 

102 

which population viability is a concern as 

evidenced by significant current or predicted 

downward trends in population numbers or 

density, or significant current or predicted 

downward trends in habitat capability that 

would reduce a species' existing 

distribution. 

Sensitivity Level 

As used in visual quality management: a 

particular degree or measure of viewer 

interest in the scenic qualities of the 

landscape (1) most sensitive, (2) sensitive 

and (3) less sensitive. 

Shade-Intolerant Species 

Those plant species which do not grow well 

in a shaded en¥ironment. 

Shade-Tolerant Species 

Those plant species which do grow well in 

shaded environment. Usually tolerance 

decreases with age. 

Shelterwood Cutting 

A cutting method used in even-aged 

management. It is the removal of a stand of 

trees through a series of cuttings designed to 

establish a new crop with seed and 

protection provided by a portion of the 

stand. 

Short-Term Road 

A facility developed and operated for a 

limited period of time which will cease to 

exist as a transportation facility after the 

purpose for which it was constructed is 

completed and the occupied land is 

reclaimed and managed for natural resource 

purposes. "The term "temporary road" is 

often used synonymously with short-term 

road. ' 

Silt 

(1) a soil separate consisting of particles 

between 0.05 and 0.002 millimeter in 

equivalent diameter; (2) a soil textural class. 

Silviculture 




- 

- 

-

Appropriate management actions will be 

taken to reflect that concern. 

Stand (Stand of Trees) 

A community of trees occupying a specific 

area and sufficiently uniform in 

composition, age, arrangement and 

condition as to be distinguishable from the 

forest on adjacent areas. 

Stand Condition 

A silviculture classification used to describe 

the present condition of a stand, particularly 

in relation to its need for treatment. Stand 

conditions are: mature, immature, low 

quality, space, high risk, uneven-aged, twoaged, 

etc. 

Standard 

A principle requiring a specific level of 

attainment, a rule to measure against. 

Stream Channel 

For the purpose of this management plan, a 

stream channel extends upstream or upvalley 

as far as channel cutting or sediment 

deposition can be observed on the surface of 

the land and includes the coarse of any near 

surface ground water thalweg the coarse of 

which can be determined from observations 

of the land surface. All buffer requirements 

shall be measured outward perpendicular to 

either side of the "stream channel". 

Structural Diversity 

The degree of variety, vertically or 

horizontally, in the herb, shrub and tree 

layers of vegetation of an area. 

Subsoil 

The layer below the soil surface in which 

roots normally grow. 

Succession 

The gradual development of a plant 

community. This involves an orderly 

process of biotic community development 

with changes in species, structure and 

community processes with time. 

104 

Suitability 

The appropriateness of applying certain 

resource management practices to a 

particular area of land, as determined by an 

analysis of the economic and environmental 

consequences and the alternative uses 

foregone. A unit of land may be suitable for 

a variety of individual or combined 

management practices. 

Surface Rights 

Ownership of the surface of the land only; 

right to use the surface of the land. 

Sustained Yield of Products and Services 

The achievement and maintenance in 

perpetuity of a high-level annual or regular 

periodic output of the various renewable 

resource without impairment of the 

productivity of the land. 

Temporary Opening 

A cutover area in which the vegetation is 

less than 20% of the height of the 

surrounding vegetation; it does not include 

roads. 

Thinning 

Cutting made in an immature crop or stand, 

primarily to accelerate the diameter 

increment (annual growth) of the residual 

trees, but also by suitable selection, to 

improve the average from the trees that 

remain. 

Threatened Species 

Species listed as nationally threatened by 

current Federal register Final Rule making. 

Timber Production 

The purposeful growing, tending, harvesting 

and regeneration of regulated crops of trees 

to be cut into logs, bolts or other round 

sections for industrial or consumer use. For 

planning purposes, the term "timber 

production" does not include production of 

fuelwood. 

Timber Sale 


Ten Year Resource Mtln4gement Plan 

Volume II- Support MateriAls 

-

and Animals of Maryland, Maryland 

Department of Natural Resources. 475 pp. 

Lynch and Corbett. Evaluation of Best 

Management Practices for Controlling Nonpoint 

Pollution from Silvicultural Operations. Water 

Resources Bulletin Vol. 26, No. 1. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 

1988. Maryland's Forest Resource Management 

Plan - Program Direction for Management 1988- 

1990. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 

Forest Service. 1981. Forest Resource 

Management Plan, Potomac-Garrett State Forests. 

Oakland, Maryland. 


Forestry Division. 1992. Maryland's Guide to 

Forest Harvest Operations and Best Management 

Practices. 


Public Lands Administration. 1991. 

Recreational Uses of State Forests (Table 10). 

Annapolis, Maryland. 


Public Lands Administration, Potomac-Garrett 

State Forests. 1991. The Resources of Potomac 

Garrett State Forests 1991. Oakland, Maryland. 


Public Lands Administration. 1992. Ten Year 

Resource Management Plan: Savage River State 

Forest. Annapolis, Maryland. 


Public Lands Administration, Green Ridge 

State Forest. 1992. Green Ridge State Forest 

Camping Policy. Allegany County, Maryland. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources; 

Forest, Park and Wildlife Service. 1989. Report 

of the Old Growth Committee. Annapolis, 

Maryland. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources; 

Forest, Park & Wildlife Service. 1991. Rare 

Green Ridge State Farest 


Volume II - Support MtlteriaJs 

Threatened and Endangered Animals of Maryland. 

9 pp. 

Maryland Natural Heritage Program. 1984. 

Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of 

Maryland . . Maryland Department of Natural 

Resources. 476 pp. 

Mash, John. 1981. Forest Management Plan: 

Green Ridge State Forest (draft). 

McManus, M.L. 1987. The Gypsy Moth 

Problem: History, Biology, Spread. Paper 

presented at Coping with Gypsy Moth in the 

New Frontier. Morgantown, West Virginia. 

Merritt, J. F. 1987. Guide to the Mammals of _ 

Pennsylvania. University of Pittsburgh Press for 

the Carnegie Museum of Natural HistOryl 408 

pp. 

Morgan II, R. P. 1988-1990. Development of a 

Coldwater Data Base for Allegany and Garrett 

Counties - Phase II. Final Report prepared for 

the Maryland Department of Natural 

Resources, Tidewater Administration. 

Norden, Arnold W. 1984. General Introduction. 

PP. 1 - 3 in The Maryland Natural Heritage 

Program. Threatened and Endangered Plants 

and Animals of Maryland. Maryland 

Department of Natural Resources. 475 pp. 

Norse, Elliott A., et. al. 1986. Conserving 

Biological Diversity in Our National Forests. 

Washington, D.C.: The Wilderness Society. 

Norton, Bryan G., ed. 1988. The Preservation of 

Species - The Value of Biological Diversity. 

Princeton, N.J.: Princeton Univ. Press. 

Norubeck, Martin Smith. 1986. Protecting 

Forest Streams During Whole-tree Harvesting. 

North J. Applied For. 3:97-100. 

Noss, R. F. 1983. A Regional Landscape 

Approach to Maintain Diversity. Bioscience 

(33)11:700-706. 

109

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