SMITHSBURG – The Smithsburg Town Council held a special session Tuesday, Jan. 20, to discuss urban forestry recognition and a potential environmental restoration project, alongside routine municipal business.
Representatives from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service presented options for the town to pursue Tree City USA status and transform a stormwater management area with native plantings.
Tree City USA
Anna Twigg from the Forest Service outlined the Tree City USA program, a national recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation that highlights municipal commitment to urban tree care.
They explained the four eligibility standards: maintaining a tree board or equivalent body, adopting a public tree care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita annually on community forestry activities (with volunteer hours credited at $35 each), and issuing an Arbor Day proclamation or observance.
Twigg noted Smithsburg’s active involvement in volunteer tree plantings at Geyser Way near Smithsburg Elementary School, Veterans Park and Lions Park, suggesting that the town already meets, or could easily satisfy, most criteria.
She encouraged applying for the 2026 designation by the Dec. 31, 2026, deadline. Benefits include entrance signage, public plaques, eligibility for growth awards and alignment with Arbor Day events.
The presentation highlighted synergy with Maryland’s Bird City program, with local interest from a resident active in bird conservation. Council members expressed support for integrating these efforts into broader sustainability initiatives, possibly through a green team or committee.
Stormwater retrofit proposal
The discussion turned to a proposed retrofit of the 4.55-acre Whispering Hills Stormwater Management Area at the northwest corner of Geyser Way and Main Street, a town-owned parcel currently maintained as mowed turf grass.
The project would shift from conventional water impoundment to infiltration-based practices using native trees, shrubs and meadows to improve water quality, recharge groundwater, reduce downstream flooding and erosion and create habitat for wildlife.
Funding would combine a Chesapeake Bay Trust Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns grant (up to $50,000 in the community greening track) with matching resources from the Antietam Watershed Afforestation Program through the Catoctin Land Trust.
Environmental, social and financial benefits include better stormwater management, enhanced aesthetics and shade along a public walking path to Smithsburg Elementary School, screening from roads and long-term reductions in mowing costs.
The grants could cover up to five years of maintenance, including weed control and replanting. Landscape architect Helene Korbalas provided conceptual designs featuring meadows, forested areas, loop paths and retained open play space, all using native plants while avoiding infrastructure conflicts.
The presenters requested a council letter of support for the grant application, due March 13, 2026, with a draft targeted for early March feedback, plus input on designs. Council members offered general backing but preferred reviewing more detailed plans before formal action, scheduling further discussion for the Feb. 3 regular meeting.
Mowing contract extension
The council approved proceeding with its town mowing contract, extending the base term to three years with one optional extension year, for a potential total of four years, and adding 1.12 acres to the scope.
Discussion addressed the town’s historical responsibility for maintaining certain steep swales in Whispering Hills, stemming from past resident complaints and safety concerns. Council members noted ongoing work with consultants to address drainage issues and floated the idea of future bioswale conversions for problematic areas.
250th anniversary ad hoc committee
The council established an ad hoc committee to coordinate Smithsburg’s participation in America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The group will plan distribution of 1,500 commemorative Smithsburg coins provided by Washington County, potentially at town events, a July 4 celebration at the county agricultural center, and through local businesses.
Council members Bonnie Renard and Kathy McCormick were appointed to the committee, with McCormick serving as council liaison. Outreach will continue to interested residents, including Economic Development Commission representatives.
No parking for fire lanes
The council authorized no-parking signs in the fire lane at the volunteer fire company to improve safety and access. Members expressed openness to additional measures, such as concrete bollards funded through excise tax revenue, if further requested by the department.
Appointments and resignations
The council accepted Amber Dwyer’s resignation from the Economic Development Commission with thanks for her service. Appointments were approved for Benjamin Buss to the Zoning Appeals Board and Lee Zom as chair of the Election Board.
