What is MFA?
Incorporated in 1976, the Maryland Forests Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) citizens' organization whose membership includes more than 500 individuals and companies from throughout Maryland and the tri-state area.
Our MembershipOur members are dedicated to promoting the maintenance of a healthy and productive forest land base. They are people who want to see "Forests Forever" in Maryland to enhance the economic, environmental and social well-being of all Marylanders. MFA is directed by a Board of Governors and its officers who constitute the Executive Committee. An Executive Director serves as staff to the all-volunteer Board.
Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions. More than seventy-five percent of our membership is composed of individuals who have joined MFA because it is the only organization in Maryland that brings together and represents individuals, forest landowners, natural resources professionals, businesses, and others in both the private and public sectors of the Maryland forest community. They joined because MFA serves as an advocate for them by working on existing problems and identifying new issues of concern as they arise. MFA also works to educate Marylanders on the role of forests, forestry and the forest products industry in our state. (Profile Chart)
Forest landowners and natural resources professionals comprise the two largest categories within MFA membership. Many of our forest landowner members are also Maryland Tree Farmers. Those members listed as natural resource professionals include consulting foresters, industrial foresters, state government employees, wildlife biologists, forest ecologists and hydrologists.
Member dues and monies donated by our business and corporate sponsors financially ensure MFA's future. These funds support the various informational and educational programs that MFA offers. Thousands of volunteer-hours are given annually by MFA's members to guarantee the success of these programs.
Our business members include both small businesses that have been family owned and operated for generations and larger companies and corporations that are the backbone of the forest products industry in Maryland. These companies and their employees are dedicated to assuring the supply of needed forest products while working to protect the environment and sustain the forest resource.
Our corporate and small business members recognize their responsibility to the stewardship of natural resources and the use of recycling technology. They are committed to acting responsibly with respect to the environment and continually intensify efforts to minimize environmental impact. They are committed to protecting the health and safety of their employees, customers, and suppliers, and to the support of the communities in which they operate.
MFA, the Maryland Resources Conservation and Development Council, and the MD DNR Forest Service, work with these businesses to support the Sustainable Forestry Initiative through supporting the Maryland Master Logger Program. The Master Logger Program trains loggers to be the best in their profession.
Click MFA Accomplishments to read more about MFA's goals and objectives.
