State Approves Recreation Enhancements at Parks throughout Maryland
Maryland families will continue to benefit from the State’s signature Program Open Space with today’s Board of Public Works’ approval of funding for recreational upgrades in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Frederick, Montgomery and Somerset counties, and Baltimore City. Read more 
NRP Wins Conservation, Boating Court Cases
The Maryland Natural Resources Police gained convictions last week on seven men charged with conservation and boating crimes. Read more
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police issued citations this month for illegal crabbing, alcohol-impaired boating and driving, and responded to the report of a shark bite. Read more
Qualification Shoots Scheduled for Managed Deer Hunts
by Don Biresch
Maryland’s 2014-2015 Shooter Qualification Schedule is now available and includes more than 35 firearm qualification sessions at 18 locations across the State. These events allow hunters to take the shooting proficiency test that is required before they can participate in many of the managed deer hunts held in Maryland. Read more
Public Meeting: State of Deep Creek Lake and Watershed
The “State of Deep Creek Lake and Watershed” will be presented on Thursday, July 24 at Garrett College Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
The meeting will be hosted by Secretary Joe Gill of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Garrett County Commissioners. It will include updates on the current state of the lake and its natural resources, the current state of growth in the watershed, and the official release of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan. The public comment period for the Plan will be July 25 – August 23. Read more
NRP Recovers Bodies of Two Men Missing Since the Weekend
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers Tuesday recovered the bodies of two men missing since the weekend. Read more
Notice: Elk Neck State Forest shooting ranges to close for repairs
7/18 update: The rifle and shotgun ranges have reopened. The pistol range is still closed.
Elk Neck State Forest shooting ranges will close for repairs starting July 16 at 1 p.m. It is anticipated that this closure will last for one to two weeks. The archery range will remain open. Visitors can contact the office at 410- 287-5675 for status updates.
Additionally, the rifle and shotgun ranges will be closed Saturday, July 26 until 1 p.m. for a DNR outreach program. Details.
NRP, State Parks Officials Urge Water Safety after Deadly July 4 Weekend
Officer assists a boater who fell from a speeding jet ski on the Severn River
Cool, refreshing, inviting—and potentially deadly.
“Maryland is blessed with many lakes and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay that are perfect spots to gather with friends and family to cool off,” said DNR Secretary Joe Gill. “But those places also can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared or you don’t respect the power of water.”
DNR Announces Blind Site Licensing Dates and Locations
Waterfowl hunters may apply to receive their blind site licenses for the 2014-2015 hunting season starting August 5. A lottery for the opportunity to choose blind sites will occur at the locations listed below. Dates and instructions are as follows: Read more
NRP Patrols to Emphasize Safety this July 4 Weekend
NRP patrolling National Harbor
The goal this July 4th weekend for the Maryland Natural Resources Police is simple: fewer boating accidents.
The game plan is direct: officers will be going all-out on the State’s waterways, from the Atlantic Ocean to Deep Creek Lake.
“Our officers will be aggressively targeting reckless and negligent boaters and those whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs,” said Col. George F. Johnson IV, NRP superintendent. “We want to ensure that Maryland families and our visitors have a safe and happy holiday.” Read more
