As owner of the "Big Woods," the Bay Ridge Civic Association is responsible for complying with the Conservation Easements. In 2004, the BRCA established the Forest Management Committee (FMC) to develop and implement plans to restore our woods to the healthy coastal plains forest it once was.

As required by the Easements, the committee made arrangements with the State Department of Natural Resources to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan for our woods. This plan was completed for the BRCA in January 2005 by State Forester Brian Stupak.
 
Forest Stewardship Plan

The Forest Stewardship Plan divides our ninety-plus acres of woods into five major tree stands. The plan describes the age of each forest stand, and the trees dominant in the overstory and the dominant understory species. It recommends practices for each of the five tree stands.

The plan recognizes that the BRCA wishes to manage the property to improve the soil and water attributes, as well as to preserve the natural heritage of the property. In order to accomplish this, the plan calls for removal of invasive species and outlines specific steps to accomplish this.

The Forest Stewardship Plan is comprehensive and contains a wealth of information on wildlife management practices, timber stand improvement, forest buffer management and conservation of Forest Interior Dwellers (FIDS). The Forest Stewardship Plan is available on this web site. A map delineates the location of the various tree stands.

BRCA Forest Management Committee (FMC)

With the Forest Stewardship Plan as its guide, the BRCA and FMC developed a committee charter that prioritizes the list of actions that the committee should pursue. This plan is a work in progress as the committee refines its tasks. Bill Harmeyer is chairman of the FMC. He holds a degree in biology, is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, and spent years managing the natural resources at Fort Meade

Priority

Members of the FMC recognize the value of a healthy coastal plain forest. Healthy trees filter pollutants in the air and on the ground. The pervious forest floor improves the quality of the surrounding waterways and recharges the aquifers. The immediate priority is control of invasive species. Invasive species will be attacked in two ways: first, by volunteer days organized by FMC and trained volunteers working on their own; and second through hired contractors, such as the company that worked on the north side of Farragut.

Community Properties

Bay Ridge has many community properties. They include the BRCA Herndon Avenue wooded area, the Lands of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), and the Bay Ridge Commons.

BRCA Herndon Avenue Property: This 2½ acre site affords all Bay Ridge residents with parking for and access to the pool, the beach and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation land.

The Lands of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF): CBF has made its land available to all Bay Ridge residents subject to an agreement that we do not interfere with CBF activities.

The Bay Ridge Commons: The Bay Ridge Commons area is for the exclusive use of Bay Ridge residents and guests. It includes all the land and beach between Bay and River Drives and the water.

>> Full Description of the Bay Ridge Community Properties