The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests (IYOF) to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. At Forestry for the Bay, our goal is to provide all forestry stakeholders in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with ideas and resources to participate in the celebration over the next year. Whether you live near an established forest, a newly forested area or just have a spot in your yard for a new tree, we need you to participate at the community level! In the Chesapeake Bay our forests not only provide clean air and filter our water, but they support the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of residents.

Looking for more information? Visit the U.S. Forest Service website: Celebrate Forests, Celebrate Life to learn about the Unites States’ Campaign for the year of the forest and discover how you can participate, learn more about forests and trees and all they do for you and more!

Four Chesapeake Forest Champions were honored last weekend at the 2011 Chesapeake Watershed Forum held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. The U.S. Forest Service and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay sponsored the inaugural Chesapeake Forest Champion contest in honor of the International Year of Forests. The awards recognize groups or individuals that have made a difference to people and/or the Bay through their promotion of trees and forests.

The Chesapeake Watershed Forum brings together representatives from local watershed organizations and governments to learn the latest restoration science and direction, network with other groups facing similar challenges, and be inspired to continue the work of preserving and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• United Nations - IYOF Website
• About Chesapeake Forests
• The State of Chesapeake Forests Report
• Growing Native Trees
• Watershed Forestry Resources
• Maryland DNR IYOF Website

If you are a woodland owner in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed please be sure to explore the Forestry for the Bay website and check out all the resources for you!