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 
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police issued citations over the last week for illegal striped bass fishing, turkey hunting and brush burning. Read more
Assateague State Park Project Puts Hold on Campsite Reservations for 2015
Assateague State Park is holding off on accepting reservations for the 2015 camping season until it has a more finite schedule for a proposed winter project. The park will announce an update on the project’s status and designate an opening date on its website October 6. Staff will not have any further information until this time. Read more
State Approves Recreation Upgrades for Park in Garrett County
Garrett County families will benefit from Maryland’s signature Program Open Space with today’s Board of Public Works’ approval of funding for recreational upgrades to Eastern Garrett Park.
“Through Program Open Space, in coordination with our local partners, we continue to improve existing recreation areas, ensuring they remain safe and well-maintained, and meet the changing needs of our local communities,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, who presided over the meeting. Read more
The Maryland Environmental Trust Awards $27,000 in Grants
DNR Secretary Joe Gill giving the event’s Keynote Speech
2014 Maryland Land Conservation Conference Sees Record Attendance
As part of its annual awards, the Maryland Environmental Trust granted a total of $27,000 to land preservation groups statewide. MET announced the award and grant winners to a record number of guests during the 14th annual Maryland Land Conservation Conference, held April 3 and 4 at the Claggett Center in Adamstown. Read more
Invasive Catfish Trigger Public Awareness Campaign in Maryland
The kick-off included a catfish cooking demonstration by Chef James Barrett of Azure in Annapolis.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today launched a statewide campaign to educate citizens about invasive Blue and Flathead Catfish – their impact on native species and what anglers can do to help. Partners and stakeholders joined DNR staff at Smallwood State Park on the Potomac River for a catfish cooking demonstration and tasting to kick off the effort. Read more
Register Now: Wye-Tri Adventure Race at Wye Island NRMA
Who: Ages 14 and older
When: Saturday, May 3, Race begins at 8 a.m.
Where: Wye Island NRMA, 632 Wye Island Road, Queenstown
Cost: $15 per person
Contact: 410-827-7577
Register now to run, paddle and ride through the Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) during the 3rd annual Wye-Tri Adventure Race. This year, the race is returning to the popular 2012 format, which includes three segments: running, kayaking and mountain biking. Read more
