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Planning commission approves Bear Branch Phase 3 forest conservation plan
Summary
The Laurel Planning Commission approved a county-funded forest conservation plan for Bear Branch Phase 3, a stream-restoration project that will clear 3.24 acres and replant 3.82 acres to stabilize banks and improve water quality; staff said the proposal exceeds the city and state replanting requirements.
The Laurel Planning Commission on Thursday approved Forest Conservation Plan FCP 20 26 0102 for Bear Branch Phase 3, a Prince George's County–funded stream-restoration project on the parcel between Van Dusen Road and Conte Road.
Raven Nee, deputy director of the Department of Economic and Community Development, told the commission staff had approved the project’s forest delineation on July 7, 2026, and found the application met state and city requirements. "The applicant is proposing to clear 3.24 acres on tax ID Lot 304881," Nee said, noting that the project proposes to replant 3.82 acres — far more than the 0.1-acre minimum required under the Unified Land Development Code section 20-41.8.
Jignesh Sheth, project manager for the Prince George's County Department of the Environment, described the work as part of the county's MS4/NPDES water-quality program and said the project will help the county claim required impervious-acre credit. He said the restoration will stabilize an eroding channel and support “full forest restoration.”
The staff presentation emphasized that the wetlands and upstream project extent will be protected, that a two-year maintenance agreement and planting details are included in application materials, and that staff recommends approval. The chair opened and closed a brief public hearing before a motion to adopt the plan and the associated resolution was approved by roll call.
The commission’s approval allows the county project to proceed with the forest conservation plan and related site work; the application materials note that the replanting target and maintenance commitments are part of the approval conditions. The county and city will follow up on implementation and the required maintenance reporting.
Action and next steps: the commission approved the forest conservation plan and accompanying resolution; staff and the county will implement the plan per the approved application and the maintenance agreement.
