State Forester

To contact a state forester, contact the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service office in your county: DNR Forest Service County Directory

Private Forester

To contact a private forester for consulting or industrial purposes, use the Maryland Consulting and Industrial Forester directory provided by the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service.

About the Types of Foresters

Maryland is one of the few states in this region that requires licensing to be considered a Maryland Professional Forester. The forester has a number and stamp. To be licensed the forester must have a 4-year forestry degree, experience, and acquire 8 continuing education credits every two years.

• Public Forester (DNR) - County-based forester who work for the state. Develop forest stewardship plans but will not handle commercial timber sales.

• Consultant Forester - Independent forester hired by you, who works as your agent representing your interests. Works on commission or fee basis. Offers a broad range of services related to marketing timber, developing forest stewardship plans, and other services. Since this person represents your interests and is paid on commission, it is important that you feel comfortable with their decisions on your behalf. Interview a few consultants or get references from other forest landowners before you make a decision.

• Industrial Forester - Forester who works for a particular mill and represents the interests of that mill.