Van Hollen Hails County Action to Impose Stiffer Penalties for Tree Cutting

Van Hollen Hails County Action to Impose Stiffer Penalties for Tree Cutting

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) hailed the Montgomery County Council's passage of a resolution to increase the maximum penalties allowed under Montgomery County's Forest Conservation Law. The resolution was drafted by the C & O Canal Stewardship Task Force, which was formed by Congressman Chris Van Hollen in the wake of the tree-cutting along the C&O Canal last year by Daniel Snyder.

"I am pleased that the County Council acted quickly on our Task Force's recommendations to improve our forest conservation laws," said Van Hollen. "Today's vote is an important step in protecting the vital resources of the Park for current and future generations. I'd also like to thank the members of the Task Force for their steadfast dedication to protecting the C & O Canal Park and other forested areas in our community."

The adoption of this resolution followed the approval by the Council last Tuesday of legislation strengthening the Forest Conservation Law by, among other provision, adding the possibility of criminal penalties for willful and knowing violations of the law. That legislation was also based upon recommendations of the Task Force.

The C & O Canal Stewardship Task Force meets monthly to address such issues as educating Park users, landowners and government officials with regard to the regulations of the C&O Canal National Historic Park; reviewing the enforcement of existing laws protecting the Park; strengthening communication and cooperation between levels of government; and evaluating the allocation of resources for the Park.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/md08_vanhollen/Tree_Cutting.html