Applications Being Accepted By Frederick County For The Creek Releaf Program

The County will plant native species of trees on a participant’s property.Frederick, Md (KM) Property owners in Frederick County can begin applying for the Creek ReLeaf reforestation program. The Division of Energy and the Environment says those land owners who are accepted can have native trees planted on their properties at no cost to them. In addition to planting native trees on local properties, the county provides maintenance at no cost.Other features of the program include payments  to owners  for keeping  a permanent easement on their  re-planted land.The County says since 2017, the Creek Releaf program has helped protect the watershed through reforestation of more than 575 acres.The project is subsidized with grants from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.  County officials say forested lands provide stormwater control, improve air and soil quality, lessen temperature impacts on county streams, increase wildlife habitat, help prevent  soil erosion, reduce water pollution and contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.Residents can apply for the program between now and December 31st of this year.(Apply on line at www.frederickcountymd.gove/reforest)By Kevin McManus