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Contents

1. 1 Our Mission
2. 2 About our site
3. 3 Spotlight
4. 4 Related Web sites

Click on any of the items in the Table of Contents to go to a particular section. Use the 'Ctrl+Home' key chord to return to the Table of Contents.

Hunting Creek Lake (Photo by S.H. Cipperly)

Our Mission

1. To collaborate with local, state, and federal officials and organizations to enrich the experience of visitors to the public lands of the Catoctin Mountains by enhancing public communication, outreach, and educational programs to inform and engage the public; foster dialogue and feedback; and encourage volunteer participation;
2. To promote, maintain and preserve the historical significance of the Catoctin forest region and the existing historic displays and structures;
3. To protect and preserve the integrity of environmental processes, wildlife habitat, air quality, healthy soil, vigorous forests and understory, and to strive for a pollutant-free watershed;
4. To motivate all potential public and private support groups to develop an ecological and economically sustainable land management strategy; and
5. To expand the base of public and private resources for routine and extraordinary needs in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes.
   

Spotlight

• Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Deer Spotlight Surveys
  
  October 23, 2009
  Becky Loncosky (301) 416-0536
  
  National Park Service personnel will be conducting deer spotlight surveys during the week of November 2, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.  The purpose of the surveys is to obtain a current deer population density estimate for the park.  All roads that are within or along the boundary of the park will be included in the survey.  This includes Park Central Road, Manahan Road, Foxville/Deerfield Road, Quirauk School Road and Route 77.  All roads will remain open during the surveys.  Spotlighting will only take place on park property and will be conducted from a marked National Park Service vehicle. 
  
  If you have any questions concerning this survey, please contact Biologist Rebecca Loncosky at (301)416-0536.
  
  Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Park Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
  
  Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788 at www.nps.gov/cato.  
  

• 
  

   Growing Native – Get Nuts for Clean Water!

   

  Growing Native is a year-round volunteer project that collects hardwood seeds and plants trees to help restore and protect rivers and streams in the Potomac River watershed. Growing Native is a project of the Potomac Watershed Partnership, which is managed by Potomac Conservancy, and made possible by the generous support of its partners and sponsors.

  Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds participate in Growing Native by collecting native tree seeds and planting trees along streams and rivers across the region. Not only are participants creating forests for tomorrow, they are also learning the important connection between healthy, forested lands and clean waters http://growingnative.org/pcgn_value.html .
  
  Since Growing Native’s inception in 2001, nearly 30,000 volunteers collected more than 94,000 pounds of acorns, walnuts, and other hardwood tree seeds. These seeds have generated seedlings that will be used to restore sensitive streamside lands.

  In addition to providing native tree stock, Growing Native builds public awareness of the important connection between healthy, forested lands and clean waters, and what individuals can do to protect them. If your unit is looking for a conservation project, consider collecting nuts and acorns for Growing Native.  Once the collections are done, click on the following address to see a list of drop off sites in Frederick County.  http://growingnative.org/nearestsitemd.html#Frederick
  

• A review of the 2009 Supplemental Gypsy Moth Program 
  

  The Frederick County Gypsy Moth task force met during the fall of 2008 and determined that a supplemental gypsy moth suppression program would again be needed in 2009 given the expected levels of infestation throughout the county. Parkton Woodland Services was once again retained to provide administrative support and, the task force submitted bid requests to numerous spray contractors.  Helicopter Applicators provided the successful bid and were chosen as the spray contractor.  

  To publicize this program the Task Force sent out individual mailings to previous year’s participants, submitted articles to local newspapers, and held a gypsy moth informational meeting at the C. Burr Artz Library  in Frederick City on December 4, 2008.

  The failing economy of 2008 – 2009 had a fairly significant impact on this program.  Given budget constraints Frederick County was unable to offer monetary assistance to provide cost sharing.  In addition, the State of Maryland had to drop some of their anticipated spray blocks due to reduced funding levels thereby increasing participation in the supplemental program in some cases.  In addition, many private individuals cited poor economic conditions as reason for not participating in the 2009 program.  

  Spraying for the Supplemental Program began on May 12, and concluded on June 1, 2009.  In total, nearly 300 landowners participated in this program treating some 5,400 acres.  All of these properties were sprayed with the insecticide Confirm at 3.5 oz/acre. The spring and summer of 2009 was characterized by cool, rainy weather.  These environmental conditions benefit the naturally occurring virus and fungus that suppress gypsy moth numbers.  The result of the public and private spray programs along with the prevailing climatic conditions  is that that gypsy moth populations had declined significantly without causing much defoliation.
  

  These ground observations were confirmed after The Maryland Department of Agriculture, Forest Pest Management Section conducted its summer flight to determine levels of defoliation and noted no significant defoliation in any section of the county.  In addition, the Forest Pest Management Section is in the midst of their gypsy moth egg mass surveys and reports that no significant populations exist to warrant developing a spray block in 2010.  This survey is not yet complete so this might change. For now it appears that the gypsy moth populations have crashed and it looks like no significant spaying will be necessary in 2010 or the foreseeable future.  

  Special thanks go out to those private citizens who assisted with this effort especially members of the Gypsy Moth Task force many of which spent significant time and effort on this project with no monetary gain.  Also thanks go out to the local jurisdictions who assisted  with this program especially Frederick County, legislators who helped acquire diminishing funds for this work, and those individuals in the MD Department of Agriculture, MD Department of Natural Resources, Parkton Woodland Services, and Helicopter Applicators that assisted with the spray effort.

  Mike Kay
  
  
  
• Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Possible Delays along Maryland Route 77
  Catoctin Mountain Park News Release September 11, 2009
  
  During the hours of 8am and 3pm September 14 – 18, 2009 travelers may experience periodic delays and one-way traffic along the approximately four miles of Maryland Route 77 within the boundaries of Catoctin Mountain Park.  During this period, tree contractors will be removing hazardous and standing dead trees along the north road shoulder, as well as trimming large dead limbs that overhang the roadway.  This work is performed annually to ensure the safety of visitors traveling through the Park.  Route 77 will remain open during the hazard tree work and delays are expected to be of short duration.
  
  Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato.  General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
  
  
• Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Fall Activities Schedule
  The following interpretive programs are scheduled for the fall season at Catoctin Mountain Park.
  
  
  

  • Thurmont/Emmitsburg Community Show – Friday, September 11 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Catoctin High School, Thurmont, Maryland
    
    
  • The staff of Catoctin Mountain Park is proud to be part of the Thurmont Community. Join us at the Community Show to interact with park personnel and view our exhibit outlining strategies designed to protect our natural and cultural resources. Displays featuring National Park Service jobs and natural resource projects at Catoctin Mountain Park are highlights of this year’s exhibit. Smokey Bear will make a special appearance on Saturday afternoon. Enter your name to win a free stay at Camp Misty Mount and other special prizes!
    
    
  • Blacksmith Shop Demonstration – Saturday, September 19, and Saturday October 17 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at the Blacksmith Shop in Camp Round Meadow
    
    
  • Before the days of mass production, every community needed a skilled blacksmith. The smithy forged nails, and hardware, sweated wagon rims, shod horses and repaired broken metals implements. The Blacksmith Shop played a vital role in the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area. Hardware and tools needed to build the cabin camps were manufactured on this forge, actively used by the National Park Service for over 40 years. Now the forge is fired to show visitors this vanishing art. Our volunteer blacksmith will demonstrate and explain how metal is heated and shaped into useful and decorative objects. The Blacksmith Shop is located in Camp Round Meadow on Manahan Road. Please call the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388 for further information. Directions to Camp Round Meadow can be found at www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/directions.htm .
    
    
  • Whiskey Still Talks – Sundays, September 13, 20 and 27, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Blue Blazes Still
    
    
  • Alcohol played an important role in the early settler’s lives, not as a beverage but as a form of currency, an efficient way to get crops to market and for medicine and fuel. Meet a ranger at the site of the original Blue Blazes Still for an informal talk that explains how an excise tax took whiskey stills from the family farm to moonshine operations tucked in mountain coves and hollows.
    
    
  • National Public Lands Day – Saturday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m. 
    
    
  • Catoctin  Mountain Park invites visitors of all ages to join in National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands. Individuals and groups are encouraged to meet a ranger at the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26 to assist with projects benefitting the park they enjoy.  Anticipated projects include general trail maintenance and the removal of alien invasive plants. Projects require more enthusiasm than skill and are a great way to learn more about the challenges of managing a forested recreation area. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring adequate water and snacks. The event will conclude at 12:00 noon.  Please contact Resource Manager Sean Denniston at (301) 416-0536 for further information.
    
    
  •  Fall Color Walks – Saturdays, October 17 and 24, and Sundays, October 18 and 25 at 1:30p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Hog Rock Parking Area
    
    
  • How will this year’s growing season affect the fall colors in Catoctin Mountain Park? Meet a ranger at the Hog Rock Parking Lot at 1:30 or 3:00 p.m. on any of the above dates for a short walk to learn why the leaves change in the fall and how weather affects fall color. Is there a scientific reason or does mysterious Jack Frost deserve the credit?
    
    
  • Orienteering (Map and Compass Reading) - Saturdays, November 7 and 21 and, Sundays, November 15 and 22, at the Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.
    
    
  • Orienteering classes consist of an indoor slide program that introduces maps and their components as well as the orienteering compass that allows the user to determine the direction of travel. After learning how to use the compass in conjunction with the map, participants are given the opportunity to complete a short outdoor course. The outdoor course requires going off-trail in varied terrain so wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Maps and compasses are provided for the day. The program is free but class size is limited so reservations are required. Please make your reservation by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
    
    
  • Owens Creek Campground – Open for family camping through November 15
    
    
  • Owens Creek Campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis though November 15. Each site is limited to one camping unit (tent or trailer) and a maximum of 5 people. Maximum tent size is 9’x12’. Trailers up to 22’ in length are accepted but there are no hookups. The fee is $20.00 per night.
    
    
  • Camp Misty Mount – Cabin rentals available through October 31
    
    
  • Cabins may be rented in historic Camp Misty Mount through the end of October. Rustic chestnut cabins constructed by the Works Progress Administration are available to individuals, families and groups. Please call the Misty Mount office at (301) 271-3140 to make your reservation or for further information.
    
    
  • Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The  Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato.  General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.

  
  
  
  
• The National Parks: America's Best Idea
  
  
  
  Photos from PBS National Parks Web site
  
  Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales — from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska — The National Parks: America's Best Idea is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background — rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration - set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable. The National Parks: America's Best Idea is a six-episode series directed by Ken Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan. Visit the PBS National Parks site for more details.
  
  
  
• Fred Archibald Nature Sanctuary
  Saturday, August 15th
  9 to 11 a.m.
  
  August is a great time to view summer wildflowers and the butterflies that nectar on them.  Many late brood swallowtails, skippers, and monarchs are beginning to fly so we should have a good opportunity to see (and perhaps photograph) a sampling of our butterfly fauna.
   
  Fall migration will also be getting underway for some of our songbirds.  Early migrant species could include vireos, warblers, orioles, and tanagers.  And there will still be some of our summer resident birds finishing up their breeding activities (field sparrows, cardinals, catbirds, chipping sparrows) or just starting them (goldfinches).
  So come on out to the Fred Archibald Sanctuary for a couple of hours on August 15th and see how the wildlife are beating the August heat.
  
  Directions: Meet at the sanctuary entrance at 9 a.m. The sanctuary entrance is on the east side of Boyer's Mill Road, just one mile north of Rte. 144 in New Market. People of all ages are welcome. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and bring a hat and sunscreen. There are no rest room facilities at the sanctuary, and the walk will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
  For more information, contact David Smith at lacsmith12@comcast.net or Bob Schaefer at 301-831-5660 or robert.schaefer@gmail.com
  

• CFA is featured in summer issue of Maryland Life.
  

• The latest page on the CFA Web site, Hemlock Restoration Project, contains information about an exciting new proposal for restoring Hemlocks that have recently declined in the Catoctin Forest. The loss of hemlocks along streams represent a threat to local trout because of a raise in water temperature.
  

• Catoctin Mountain Park Announces the Availability of a White-tailed Deer Management Plan, Record of Decision
  
  Catoctin Mountain Park News Release for Release: July 10, 2009  Contact:  Mel Poole, Superintendent
  
  The National Park Service announces the availability of the Record of Decision for the White-tailed Deer Management Plan for Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, Maryland.  On April 17, 2009, the Regional Director, National Capital Region approved the Record of Decision for the project. As soon as practicable, the National Park Service will begin to implement the Preferred Alternative contained in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) issued on December 12, 2008. 
  
  The final plan/EIS analyzed four alternatives, including a no action alternative (Alternative A), to support forest regeneration and provide long-term protection, conservation, and restoration of native species and cultural landscapes at Catoctin Mountain Park. The three action alternatives each used different combinations of non-lethal and lethal management tools to reduce the deer population and thus address declining forest regeneration and ensure that natural processes (including the presence of deer) support native vegetation, wildlife, and the cultural landscape of the park. All action alternatives included limited fencing, use of repellents around landscaped areas, deer and vegetation monitoring, data management, and research, as currently implemented under the no action alternative. Action alternatives also utilize an adaptive management strategy to better manage the changes deer population densities will have on vegetation recovery. By using an adaptive management approach, park managers may change the timing or intensity of management treatments to better meet the goals of the plan as new information is obtained.
  
  Alternative B combined several non-lethal actions including large-scale exclosures (fencing), additional use of repellents in limited areas, and reproductive control of does to gradually reduce the deer population in the park.  Alternative C, the selected alternative, includes lethal actions that will be used in combination to reduce and control deer herd numbers. Qualified federal employees or contractors will conduct sharpshooting to reduce the deer population.   Individual deer will be captured and euthanized in certain circumstances where sharpshooting is not appropriate. Alternative D combined elements from alternatives B and C to include sharpshooting, capture and euthanasia, and reproductive control of does. For all alternatives, the full range of foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed and appropriate mitigating measures were identified. 
  
  The Record of Decision includes a description of the project’s background, a statement of the decision made, synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, findings on impairment of park resources and values, a description of the environmentally preferred alternative, a listing of measures to minimize environmental harm, and an overview of public involvement in the decision-making process.  Copies of the Record of Decision may be obtained from the contact listed below or online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/cato
  
  Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Park Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 
  
  Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato. General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
  
  

• First Public Meeting of CFA
  
  An article covering the first public meeting of the Catoctin Forest Alliance appeared Frederick News-Post is shown below.
  
  

  Catoctin Forest Alliance has first public meeting

  By Karen Gardner
  News-Post Staff
  Originally published June 04, 2009
     
  Thurmont -- Members of the Catoctin Forest Alliance hope the forests of Frederick County's Catoctin Mountains are around when their grandchildren have grandchildren.
  
  But members of the newly formed group's board of directors realize they have a challenge ahead. The group had its first public meeting Sunday at the Thurmont Regional Library.
  
  Representatives of Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, local property owners and outdoor enthusiasts met to discuss how to preserve the region. The Catoctin Forest covers about 100 square miles, nearly one-sixth of Frederick County's land area. It is home to the Camp David presidential retreat.
  
  About 25 percent of the county's land area is forested, and the alliance hopes to at least keep it at that level.
  
  The group's president, Michael W. West, said outdoor education programs are often among the first to be cut when school districts face budget shortfalls. "I think they should be among the last to be cut," he said at the meeting Sunday.
  
  Spreading awareness about preserving the Catoctin area will take networking, he said. "We're going to form alliances, make connections between local parks and landowners, get more memberships and get corporate sponsorships."
  
  The alliance has a $20,000 grant to use as seed money. This grant came from the Irons family, owners of the Catoctin Mountain outdoor resort Ole Mink Farm.
  
  Holly Rife, chief ranger at Catoctin Mountain Park, said she meets many people who fondly remember when Frederick County Public Schools provided overnight stays at Camp Greentop in Catoctin Park.
  
  Those outdoor-themed field trips lasted several days. The overnight visits were replaced with day trips because of budget problems in the early 1990s.
  
  The New Forest Society was the alliance's predecessor.
  
  "Our little group has morphed into this larger group," said Elizabeth Prongas, an Emmitsburg resident who was one of the founders of the society. That group focused on replanting forested areas to boost the area's forest cover.
  
  "We found what is needed is a place-based organization," Prongas said.
  
  The alliance's membership includes landowners interested in managing forests for timber, along with preservationists and educators.
  
  The first meeting featured a videotaped lecture by Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods," who said experiences in nature can often prevent bigger problems in the lives of children. The trouble is, he said, many people have forgotten that.
  
  

  
  

• Weeds and Trash Be Gone!
  
  When you gather 170 talented and motivated high school youth from across the state, you have some real muscle and energy for restoration projects!  Cunningham Falls State Park staff members and volunteers from the Catoctin Forest Alliance and the Friends of Cunningham Falls joined in welcoming the students and their counselors at 8 am, Saturday, May 23rd.  Ranger Andy Vecchio told the young people about safety concerns from snakes, bears, poisen ivy and other concerns as a part of their orientation. 
  
  The students were divided into a number of teams to help clean up Little Hunting Creek and to remove invasive plants along trails and roadways in the Furnace and Manor area of the park.
  
  

  

    
  Photo by K. Schultz, 5/23/09, in NPDES/photo/Youthvolunteersfrom HOBY Leadership Seminar.  Ranger Andy Vecchio orienting students for work day.
  
  The 31st annual Hugh O’Brian Youth Maryland Leadership Seminar was held at Mount St. Mary’s University during Memorial Day weekend.  The seminar brings together select students to interact with leaders in business, government and education areas to discuss present and future issues.  Only one student per high school is nominated by a principal or advisor to participate in the Seminar.
  
  Volunteers Marilyn Miller and Kay Schultz represented the Catoctin Forest Alliance.  Catherine Kelleher represented Friends of Cunningham Falls.  Cunningham Falls staff included Ranger Andy Vecchio, Adrienne Kurtz, Danielle Hulse, Dave Haines and Angie Pease.
  
  

  

    
  Pulling the garlic mustard without touching poison ivy was quite a challenge!
  
  The invasive removal teams rotated in thirds:  with one-third of the kids cutting down ailanthus saplings with bow saws, another third using lopers on multiflora rose bushes, and the final group working to pull garlic mustard in either its first year phase without blossoms and seeds or its second year phase, ready to disburse thousands of seeds for future plants!
  
  The students and their college aged counselors were interested and energetic.  Allie Smith, a sophomore from Kent Island,said that she thought the Seminar program and the work session was “awesome!”  She said that she loved being outdoors, cutting down trees, interacting with bugs and getting dirty and wants to pursue a career in environmental science.  She was pleasantly surprised by how little trash her group found in Little Hunting Creek [other volunteers had also been helping keep trash under control in the stream].  The counselor, Kristen Sproutte, is a junior at Villa Nova.  She is enjoying interacting with the high school students and learning more about the natural ecosystem of the forest.  The many natural resources of the beautiful Cunningham Falls State Park are described on its web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/CunninghamFalls.html .
  
  

  

  
  Student volunteer Allie Smith and Counselor Kristen Sproutte.
  
  The Catoctin Forest Alliance mission is to preserve and promote the health of the Catoctin Mountain forest for the enjoyment of present and future generations.  The new nonprofit group is seeking projects and members as it sets its short term goals and welcomes participation from individuals and organizations interested in promoting the health of the Catoctin Forest. 
  
  
• The upcoming grant application period for the Maryland & Urban Community Forestry Committee’s (MUCFC) $1,500 grant awards for communities interested in planting and/or maintaining trees is now available. The next due date for applications is June 15. Visit the MUCFC Web page for more information.
  
  
• Annapolis, MD (April 14, 2009) - With 6 hours remaining in the 2009 Session, the Sustainable Forestry Act of 2009 (Senate Bill 549) passed both Chambers of the General Assembly and awaits enactment into law, via signature of the Governor. The Act is intended is to promote retention and better management of Maryland's remaining forest lands with emphasis on privately-owned forest lands. See the Maryland Sustainable Forestry Act of 2009 for details.
  
  
• FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Board of County Commissioners yesterday appointed 13 citizens to the inaugural Sustainability Commission.  The appointees were selected from a strong and diverse applicant pool comprised of 47 applications.
  
  The board formally established the Sustainability Commission by resolution on March 26, 2009, as a fundamental component of the county’s programs in sustainability and environmental leadership.  The commission will evaluate, promote and advance issues related to the long-term environmental, social and economic health of the county. The members will guide the development of the county’s sustainability plan and encourage community action with regard to sustainable living.
  
  Board President Jan Gardner commented, “We were very pleased with the outpouring of interest and support for the Sustainability Commission, which points to the importance Frederick County citizens place on sustainability and preserving the quality of life we enjoy in our county.  While we could not appoint every applicant to this special commission, all are welcome to attend the open meetings and we invite them to contribute their ideas and time to the projects that will benefit all of our citizens.”
  
  Members appointed to the Frederick County Sustainability Commission are: Don Briggs, Steve Chafitz, Annemarie Creamer, Sally Fullmer, Lisa Gaver, Mark Lancaster, Margie Lance, Richard Maranto, Lisa Orr, Winifred Palmer, Kim Roberts, Fred Ugast and Janice Wiles.
   
• Frederick County high school students interested in forestry can apply now for the Natural Resources Careers Conference (NRCC) July 19-25, 2009. The purpose of this week long hands-on educational conference is to introduce high school students to the many career options and college programs available in forestry and natural resources. Contact Mike Kay 301-473-8417 or MKAY@dnr.state.md.us . Visit the Frederick County Forestry Board Web site Education programs page for more information about this excellent opportunity.
  
  
• As part of the 2009 Junior Ranger Essay Contest, the National Park Foundation is asking students aged 9 to 12 this question: Why are our national parks important to you and what is your best idea to protect our parks for the future?
  
  The first prize winner will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card and the opportunity to direct a $5,000 contribution from the National Park Foundation to his or her favorite national park. This contribution will be used help to put into action big ideas like those included in the winning essay.
  
  Kids aged 9 to 12, with the help of a parent or guardian, have through May 1, 2009 to submit an essay of no more than 500 words. Entries may be submitted on-line (see link above) or by mail at:
  
  National Park Foundation
  ATTN: 2009 National Park Foundation Junior Ranger Essay Contest
  1201 Eye Street N.W.
  Suite 550-B
  Washington, D.C. 2005
  
  
  
• Gypsy moths may destroy fewer trees this spring, thanks to help from the City of Frederick . The city will spray about 1,000 acres in the municipal forest, also known as the city watershed, with an insecticide later this month. This area seems to serve as an incubation spot for the leaf-munching pests. (See the Frederick News Post article entitled 'Gypsy moth hot spots targeted' for details).
  
  
• Catoctin Mountain Park Announces the Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment to Relocate a Hiking Trail for Review and Comment
  
  For Release: April 3, 2009                       
  Contact:  Mel Poole, Superintendent
  
  The Draft Environmental Assessment for relocating a hiking trail in Catoctin Mountain Park is available for public review on-line at the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) web site and on the Catoctin Mountain Park web site.  Bound copies are also available for review at the Park Visitor Center located at the intersection of Maryland Route 77 and Park Central Road, at Park Headquarters located approximately 2 miles west of Thurmont on Maryland Route 77, and at the public libraries in Frederick, Thurmont, Smithsburg, and Hagerstown.
  
  This Environmental Assessment (EA) will provide decision-makers with information and analysis of alternatives and potential impacts of reconfiguring the hiking trails at Catoctin Mountain Park in order to provide for the safety and enjoyment of Park visitors.  The proposed alternatives include a no-action alternative (Alternative A) and two action alternatives (Alternatives B and C). Alternative B (the preferred alternative) calls for rerouting of an existing trail to parallel Maryland Route 77 from the Park Headquarters to the Park Visitor Center.   Alternative C proposes an existing trail be rerouted to eliminate a confusing trail intersection and provide a more direct route back to the Park Visitor Center.
  
  We encourage comments to be submitted on-line at the PEPC web site. In the PEPC web site select Relocate Hiking Trail from the list of Park projects to download the document and submit on-line comments.
  
  Written comments can also be submitted to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788.  Comments will be accepted until May 4th, 2009.
  
  For questions or further information, please contact Sean Denniston, Resources Manager, Catoctin Mountain Park at (301) 416-0536.
  
  Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Park Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 
  
  Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato.  General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
  
  
• Catoctin Mountain Park Announces a Public Meeting to solicit comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment to Relocate a Hiking Trail
  
  April 9, 2009
  For Immediate Release
  Sean Denniston (301) 416-0536
  
  National Park Service staff will conduct a Public Meeting on the Draft Environmental Assessment for relocating miles of hiking trails at Catoctin Mountain Park.  The meeting will be held in the Auditorium at the Park Visitor Center on Saturday April 18, 2009 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. The Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center is located at 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788.  Directions can be found at the Catoctin Mountain Park web site..
  
  The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public with information about the proposed trail relocation at Catoctin Mountain Park.  Comments will be taken at this meeting on the Draft Environmental Assessment for this project, which is under review until May 4th, 2009.  This Environmental Assessment (EA) will provide decision-makers with information and analysis of alternatives and potential impacts of reconfiguring the hiking trails at Catoctin Mountain Park in order to provide for the safety and enjoyment of Park visitors.  The proposed alternatives include a no-action alternative (Alternative A) and two action alternatives (Alternatives B and C). Alternative B (the preferred alternative) calls for rerouting of an existing trail to parallel Maryland Route 77 from the Park Headquarters to the Park Visitor Center.   Alternative C proposes an existing trail be rerouted to eliminate a confusing trail intersection and provide a more direct route back to the Park Visitor Center.
  
  For those unable to attend this meeting, comments will be accepted on-line at the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) web site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/cato and on the Catoctin Mountain Park web site at www.nps.gov/cato.  Written comments can also be submitted to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788, or cato_superintendent@nps.gov. 
  
  For questions or further information, please contact Sean Denniston, Resources Manager, Catoctin Mountain Park at (301) 416-0536.
  
  Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Park Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 
  
  Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato.  General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
  
  
• Discounts for Planting Trees

  As part of the “Marylanders Plant Trees” initiative, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has partnered with participating vendors to offer discounts for buying trees at local nurseries and garden centers to help increase tree cover across the State.  The goal is to encourage citizens to plant 50,000 new trees by 2010.  Additionally, the Marylanders Plant Trees Web site provides advice on where, how and what type of trees to plant, and discount coupons. Individuals can also register their planted trees on the site and calculate the benefits for our environment. Join us in creating a greener future for our One Maryland.
  

• Alice Nemitsas, the County’s Naturalist at the Fountain Rock Nature Center is hosting a Nature Fest on Saturday, May 30th from 10 am – 4 pm.  The theme for the event is Back to our Roots, Nature and History at Fountain Rock Park.  Among the present exhibitors committed are Summer Creek Farm, MD DNR, Fred Co Beekeepers, 4-H Bug Patrol, Trout in the Classroom, Walkersville Southern Railroad, Fiber Artist Diana Wilson, Friendly Acre Farm Petting Zoo, Scott Key Center Rain Barrels, and Fountain Rock Nature Council among others.
  

• How will alternative forest futures be affected by changing demographics and values and how will these futures alter certain social and economic benefits in the South?
  

  • How are population, demographics, and values changing and what might these changes mean for forests futures?
  • How and where will population growth, changing demographics ownership and land use affect supply and demand for different types of forest-based recreation?
  • How and where might forest-based employment and income be affected by anticipated futures?

  To see a discussion of these questions visit the Web site of the Southern Forest Futures Project and learn more about how these southern foresters are addressing these issues.
  

• Richard Louv  - Last Child in the Woods
  
  The recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal, Richard Louv identified a phenomenon we all knew existed but couldn't quite articulate: nature-deficit disorder. Since its initial publication, his book Last Child in the Woods has created a national conversation about the disconnection between children and nature, and his message has galvanized an international movement. Now, three years later, we have reached a tipping point, with the book inspiring Leave No Child Inside initiatives throughout the country. Visit the Richard Louv Web site to learn more about this author and his works.
  
  View a short video of Richard Louv on Last Child in the Woods. The video is a five-minute walk in the woods with Richard Louv as he discusses nature-deficit disorder and the themes of his book Last Child in the Woods.
  
  

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