The November Woods Committee (WC) meeting will be held by remote access via Zoom meeting on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 7:30 PM. Our meetings are routinely held on the first Monday of each month. Our next online meeting will be held on Monday, December 7th.
To join the WC meeting, please use Meeting ID: 865 2028 7974
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86520287974?pwd=SWloRHloMjhhaEd5bVFFOTRzYTgrUT09
By phone: 301 715 8592 / Password: 578334
The WC continues working to improve trail identification and maintenance. To that end, wood chips have been added to more trail sections and the unnamed East Woods trail connecting the Challstrom and Cherry trails has been named the Dogwood trail. The WC is discussing the importance of installing trail signs with trail names and activities not permitted in the Woods Preserves. We also remind hikers to stay on the authorized trails and keep dogs on leash. Please help us to preserve our forests for the enjoyment of current residents and future generations.
Recently, several of our resident red foxes have been seen in the East Woods and Woodward Park. Keeping dogs on leash and cats indoors protects their safety and prevents uncontrolled interactions with foxes and other native wildlife. Pet-wildlife confrontations may result in bite injuries and unintended consequences for both.
The volunteer Bow Hunter Firefighters of Maryland (BHFFMD) continue a Town-approved managed deer hunt in the East and West Woods. The 2020-21 Maryland archery deer hunting season began, September 11, 2020 and extends until January 30, 2021. BHFFMD are usually in the woods an hour before or after sunrise or sunset, at the beginning or end of the day. There is no reason to close the woods or to restrict residents’ use of the trails in the woods when the BHFFMD is there because they are careful and experienced working in populated areas. The Montgomery County Deer Management Program does not close the County parks when their volunteer archers, including BHFFMD, bow hunt to help reduce the deer population. BHFFMD harvested one (1) buck in the East Woods in October. Metrics to evaluate successful outcomes towards restoring the health of our forest ecosystem will include monitoring native plant re-establishment. We hope you continue to enjoy our East and West Woods forest preserves. Stay healthy and happy!