Color Maryland Green Contest Names Winners
(L to R) MDE Secretary Bob Summers, Grand Prize Winner Kern Lee of Gaithersburg, and DNR Secretary Joe Gill
Grand prize artwork to be featured on Bay Game cover
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Joe Gill, and the Department of the Environment Secretary Bob Summers, today announced the winners of the Color Maryland Green contest at an award ceremony at Tawes Garden in Annapolis. The top 10 creations were chosen from 120 contestants, grades K-12, who submitted original artwork and poetry inspired by their appreciation for the State’s natural world. The grand prize winner was Fragaria and Oriole by Kern Lee of Gaithersburg, which will be featured on the cover of the 2014-2015 Maryland Bay Game. Read more 
Last Call for State Tree Nursery Orders
Who: Private Landowners in Maryland and Delaware
When: Now through May 1, 2014
Where: Online at dnr.md.gov/forests/nursery
Contact: 1-800-873-3763 or seedlingsales@dnr.state.md.us
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery is still accepting seedling orders, now through Thursday, May 1. There are many tree species available to meet a variety of aesthetic and environmental needs. Read more
NRP to Participate in Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
When: Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Select NRP Offices
Who: Open to the Public
Cost: Free
Contact: 1-800-882-9539
The Maryland Natural Resources Police warns that keeping outdated medication could lead to abuse or accidental ingestion and flushing it can harm Maryland’s water quality and underwater life. NRP encourages citizens to bring their unwanted medicine to select area offices as a part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Read more
Dan’s Mountain State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo
Who: Youth 16 and under
Where: Dan’s Mountain State Park, 17410 Recreation Area Road SW, Lonaconing
When: Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-895-5453
Young anglers of all skill levels are invited to enjoy a morning of fun and fishing at Dan’s Mountain State Park’s annual Youth Fishing Rodeo.
“The Fishing Rodeo is a great opportunity for kids to learn and enjoy the sport of fishing in a pressure-free environment,” said Park Ranger Luke Mongrain. Read more
Patapsco Valley State Park to Host Family Fun Day
Ranger Bode shows a screech owl at a Scales & Tales Program
When: Sunday, April 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. Where: Patapsco Valley State Park, 5120 South Street, Halethorpe Cost: Free with coupon Contact: 410-465-3287 Who: Open to the Public
Patapsco Valley State Park staff invites visitors to join them for an afternoon of crafts, a Scales & Tales live animal display, relay races, tree plantings, disc golf, nature programs and more!
“We invite everyone to help us kick off spring and summer at Patapsco Valley State Park with free entry, family-friendly activities, and exploration of the park’s diverse outdoor opportunities,” said Volunteer Coordinator Donna Seymour. “We have something for all ages and interests so come by and check it out!” Read more
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police charged three men with hunting and boating violations this past weekend. Read more
Maryland, Virginia Team Up to Halt Internet Oyster Operation
A Princess Anne man was charged Thursday, April 17, with selling oysters without a license after an investigation by Maryland and Virginia natural resources police officers.
Christopher Shawn Jester, 31, was advertising on the Internet that he was selling “wild-caught” oysters harvested in Virginia. Jester has a Virginia aquaculture license that allows him to sell oysters from aquaculture beds only to a licensed seafood dealer.
Lanham Man Pleads Guilty to Poaching 228 Undersized Striped Bass
A bucket of striped bass.
A Lanham man pleaded guilty Friday, April 18, in Annapolis District Court to charges he caught 228 undersized striped bass during a fishing trip last summer.
Jose R. Amaya Chicas, 34, was fined $2,000 and given probation before judgment.
NRP Honors Officers, Promotes 25 in Annual Awards Ceremony
NRP Officers at Annual Awards Ceremony
L-R: Sgt. Charles Simmons, Cpl. Rick Starliper, Officer First Class James Seward and Senior Officer Hubert Brohawn III
The Maryland Natural Resources Police promoted 25 officers and recognized the outstanding work of two dozen other officers and allied agencies at its annual awards ceremony Thursday night, April 17, at Chesapeake College.
“Your service, your commitment, your dedication make all of us proud to call ourselves Marylanders,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley in a recorded address. “Every time you put on your uniforms and walk out the door, you do so in order to serve our citizens and you personify the core values of the NRP: Integrity, dedication, professionalism and courtesy.”
NRP, Good Samaritans Rescue Six Boaters from Magothy River
Mishap serves as a reminder to always wear a life jacket
A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer and two Good Samaritans in a sailboat battled gusty winds, three-foot waves and bone-chilling water temperatures to rescue six people, all of whom were wearing a lifejacket, from a sinking boat in the Magothy River last weekend. Read more
