Nomination deadline January 3
Governor O’Malley Announces Innovative Oyster Restoration Partnership with CSX
Fossilized oyster shell from Florida to become home to Maryland oysters
Governor Martin O’Malley was joined by more than 100 partners and stakeholders at the Port of Baltimore this morning for a first-hand look at approximately 2,750 tons of fossilized oyster shell en route to Harris Creek in the Chesapeake Bay. Today’s barge load was the first shipment of material from a Florida quarry that will be used to rebuild habitat in two Maryland oyster sanctuaries, made possible through an exciting new partnership with CSX. Over the next nine months, CSX will transport 112,500 tons of the fossilized shell by train – at cost – to complete planned reef restoration in Harris Creek and make major progress on similar efforts in the Little Choptank. Read more 
Muzzleloader Deer Season to Reopen December 21
The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season begins on Saturday, December 21 and runs through January 4, 2014. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a Muzzleloader Stamp, or are exempt from the Maryland hunting license requirements, may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during this season. Read more
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police Thursday charged a Frostburg man with multiple hunting violations after a citizen complaint. Read more
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police Tuesday charged two Allegany County men with multiple natural resources violations. Read more
DNR Names Kent County Duo Farmer of the Year
The Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission named the father/son team of F. Tyler and Webb Johnson 2012 Farmer of the Year December 9 at the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention in Ocean City. The Johnsons, who reside near Chestertown, sustainably manage farms totaling more than 2,300 acres in Kent County. Read more
NRP Officers Play Santa’s Elves in ‘Shop with a Cop’ Program
Trevor Spellman, 14, and NRP Cpl. James “Junior” Johnson share a laugh on the Walmart checkout line at the ‘Shop with a Cop’ event on Saturday.
Armed with wish lists and wearing big smiles, eight children from the Baltimore area accompanied by Natural Resources Police officers took part in Saturday’s annual Shop With A Cop outing.
“This is really great, getting to pick stuff out yourself,” said Trevor Spellman, 14, of Brooklyn, as he planned with NRP Cpl. James Johnson what to get for his father and two older brothers. Read more
New Germany State Park Sign Pays Tribute to Civilian Conservation Corps
Park Technicians Sean Rafter (left) and Mark Beals stand beside the new sign.
New Germany State Park has created an entrance display that fuses past and present, bolstering a brand new sign with stones hand-cut by Civilian Conservation Corps members nearly 80 years ago. This tribute is significant, as the park’s lands were once home to one of the Corps’ many nationwide camps. Read more
Recreation Areas in Baltimore and Montgomery Counties to See Enhancements
Recreational areas in Baltimore and Montgomery counties will soon receive funding for upgrades through Program Open Space. Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at Wednesday’s meeting in Annapolis. Read more
NRP Investigating Death of Rockville Boater
The Maryland Natural Resources Police is conducting an investigation concerning the death of a Rockville man whose body was found Wednesday night in the water next to his sailboat moored at a Calvert County marina. Read more
Martinak State Park to Host Santa’s Magic Workshop
Ranger Steve Shortall welcomes guests to Santa’s Magic Workshop
When: December 7, 8 & 14, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Martinak State Park, 137 Deep Shore Road, Denton Who: Open to the Public Cost: Free, Nonperishable food donation encouraged Contact: 410-820-1668Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to Santa’s Magic Workshop! Guests are invited to visit with Santa in the old cabin, check out an array of festive train displays, take a hayride through the illuminated forest and create their own tree ornaments and pinecone birdfeeders. Read more
