The Critical Area includes all land within 1,000 feet of the mean high water line of tidal waters or the edge of tidal wetlands of the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. The Critical Area Buffer is at least 100 feet of natural vegetation landward from these water lines and is expanded to include sensitive areas. Maps delineating this area are available at local planning and zoning offices; contact Calvert County Community Planning and Building for confirmation.
All vegetation removal, including dead trees, requires a permit and possibly a Buffer Management Plan. Tree cutting on waterfront lots, regardless of tree size, is regulated, and removal within the 100-foot Buffer is restricted to certain conditions with a permit. Removal of invasive species is permitted with a Buffer Management Plan, and planting native vegetation is encouraged and sometimes requires approval.
- For permits in Calvert County, contact Robin Munnikhuysen at (410) 535-1600 ext. 2502.
- In St. Mary’s County, contact Amber Thompson at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1542.
