Stop deforestation in Howard County

Recent signers:
Meghan Mizrahi and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Growing up in Howard County, I've always loved the lush greenery surrounding our gorgeous community. Trees aren't just a part of the landscape—they're the backbone of our ecosystem, providing habitat for countless species, filtering our air, and maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Yet, as I get older I watch the increasing deforestation occurring in our area, I can't help but feel a huge sense of loss and concern for the future.

Deforestation is not an isolated incident, it's actually a global crisis, and its consequences are huge. Here in Howard County, the daily clearing of trees has led to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and a decline in biodiversity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, about 10 million hectares of forests are lost each year globally, resulting in dire environmental impacts.


We are at a the breaking point. Without immediate change , we risk damage to our environment, our wildlife, and our quality of life. To combat this, I urge local authorities, including the Howard County Council and the Department of Environmental Services, to implement strict regulations on land clearing and prioritize sustainable land management practices.

Let's work together to create a sustainable future for Howard County, where development coexists with the preservation of our natural heritage. It's time for us to stand up for our trees and our community's well-being.

By signing this petition, you join me in calling for an immediate halt to deforestation in Howard County and a commitment to preserving our precious greenery for generations to come. Please sign to lend your voice to this critical cause.

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Recent signers:
Meghan Mizrahi and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Growing up in Howard County, I've always loved the lush greenery surrounding our gorgeous community. Trees aren't just a part of the landscape—they're the backbone of our ecosystem, providing habitat for countless species, filtering our air, and maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Yet, as I get older I watch the increasing deforestation occurring in our area, I can't help but feel a huge sense of loss and concern for the future.

Deforestation is not an isolated incident, it's actually a global crisis, and its consequences are huge. Here in Howard County, the daily clearing of trees has led to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and a decline in biodiversity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, about 10 million hectares of forests are lost each year globally, resulting in dire environmental impacts.


We are at a the breaking point. Without immediate change , we risk damage to our environment, our wildlife, and our quality of life. To combat this, I urge local authorities, including the Howard County Council and the Department of Environmental Services, to implement strict regulations on land clearing and prioritize sustainable land management practices.

Let's work together to create a sustainable future for Howard County, where development coexists with the preservation of our natural heritage. It's time for us to stand up for our trees and our community's well-being.

By signing this petition, you join me in calling for an immediate halt to deforestation in Howard County and a commitment to preserving our precious greenery for generations to come. Please sign to lend your voice to this critical cause.

The Decision Makers

Howard County Council
4 Members
1 Responded
Christiana Rigby
Howard County Council - District 3
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing this petition. I appreciate the opportunity to respond. I share these concerns and am committed to ensuring that our community continues to balance thoughtful growth with strong environmental stewardship. I am proud to have supported legislation that has made Howard County’s Forest Conservation laws among the strongest in Maryland, helping to better protect our tree canopy and sensitive habitats. I also strongly support prioritizing redevelopment, such as repurposing existing parking lots and previously developed land, rather than disturbing undeveloped areas. In addition, I have supported funding and implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan, including the goal of planting 5 million trees by 2031. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and I welcome continued engagement from residents on this issue. Community voices are an important part of shaping policies that preserve our natural resources while supporting a sustainable future for Howard County. Sincerely, Christiana Christiana Rigby – she/they Councilwoman, District 3 Serving North Laurel, Savage, Columbia, Jessup, Elkridge, and Guilford
Deb Jung
Howard County Council - District 4
Opel Jones
Howard County Council - District 2
Liz Walsh
Liz Walsh
County Council Member D1
Responded
Thank you petition signers! We share your deep concern about the direction the County is heading. Since she began her first term on the Council in 2019, Councilwoman Walsh has introduced at least 20 bills on this issue alone, including a moratorium on development in the watershed area, requiring more transparency from the County in approval of waivers to cut down more trees, and much more. We have also intervened in other ways including stopping a so-called stream restoration project that would have stripped the ecosystem bare and stopping new developments — or at least endeavoring to reduce their damages. We're so happy to see citizens getting involved, because it takes a lot of voices to overcome the powers that be: money and influence from developers; the County repeatedly approving waivers to take trees down and irresponsible overdevelopment that causes increases in stormwater, pollution, and erosion; and the Board of Appeals consistently siding with developers and overturning decisions of Hearing Examiners that sided with the community. There are still big challenges coming up with big developments coming in such as Miller's Farm in Ellicott City and the stream restoration at Font Hill Wetlands Park. We will continue doing everything we can to work on this issue, and we're grateful to know that this community will be there working alongside us. Please never hesitate to reach out to our office if you have more specific questions, concerns, or suggestions (CouncilDistrict1@HowardCountyMD.gov).
Calvin Ball
Howard County Executive
Yosef Kebede
Yosef Kebede
Director, Howard County Department of Public Works

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Petition created on February 5, 2026