Natural Resources News
Sunflowers Ready to Bloom at McKee-Beshers in Montgomery County
Thirty Acres Expected to Peak Late July to Early August
The McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville is getting ready for a burst of color, as 30 acres of sunflowers are expected to bloom within the next two weeks.
Ideal viewing times may begin July 22-23, and the peak time to see the sunflowers begins July 29-30. Sunflowers are usually in full bloom for two weeks. The sunflowers are taking longer than normal to bloom this year due to weather conditions and bloom times are only estimates. Updates will be posted here. Read more…
Maryland State Fair: Raptors and Reptiles and Resources, Oh My!
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Exhibits in the Mosner Miller Building
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce its displays, exhibits and programs for the 2017 Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds (Aug. 25- Sept. 4), including the ever-popular Scales & Tales Program.
Stop by the Mosner Miller building to check out birds and reptiles in action or browse through some of the other educational and informational exhibits, ranging from crawfish and snakes from the Resource Assessment Service to learning more about the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program from the Wildlife and Heritage Service. Read more…
Maryland’s New Off-Road Vehicle Trail Opens in Garrett County
Reservations Now Being Accepted for the St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can get ready to take on a new trail as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground in Garrett County.
Riders can now make advanced reservations for day use and overnight camping through the department’s online licensing and registration system.
The St. John’s Rock ORV Trail, located within Savage River State Forest, includes more than 12 miles of woodland trails professionally conceptualized and constructed specifically for recreational enjoyment and use. ORV enthusiasts and riders provided contractors and engineers feedback and input on the trail throughout the process.
Shooter Qualification Schedule Released
Proficiency Necessary to Participate in Managed Deer Hunts
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2017-18 Shooter Qualification Schedule which includes more than 25 qualification sessions at 15 locations across the state.
These events allow hunters to take the necessary proficiency test required to obtain a Shooter Qualification Card in order to participate in many of the managed deer hunts scheduled in the fall and winter.
Weekly Fishing Report: July 19
Our friends at Eyes On The Bay have always had valuable information about bay conditions that help fishermen, ranging from information on water quality to satellite imagery. They now have added a wonderful new site called Click Before You Cast which uses a simple to follow, step-by-step process to help anglers identify the best places to fish based on the water quality and habitat preferences of the fish they are trying to catch. Read more…
Speed Limit Feature Now Available to Boaters on AccessDNR App
Free Mobile Technology Enhances Enjoyment and Safety
A new mobile app feature is available from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to alert boaters of speed limits and zones on state waterways.
The new service on the department’s free AccessDNR app covers the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays west of Ocean City, Potomac River and Deep Creek Lake.
Two Howard County Men Charged with Animal Cruelty, Illegal Trapping
Two Howard County men have been charged with multiple counts of illegal trapping and animal cruelty for activities over a two-year period, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported.
Eugene William Iager, 70, and Terry Lee Altman Jr., 28, both of Fulton, maintained as many as eight traps at a time at Maple Lawn Farm in the 11700 block of Scaggsville Road. Read more…
Zebra Mussels Found on Boat Destined for Deep Creek Lake
Department’s Launch Steward Program Successfully Interdicts Aquatic Invasive Species
For the second consecutive year, Deep Creek Lake State Park launch stewards successfully interdicted zebra mussels – an aquatic invasive species of shellfish – before they entered Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County.
On the evening of July 9, a launch steward was conducting a standard and voluntary inspection of an inboard ski boat when he came across what appeared to be a zebra mussel in a fragment of milfoil found in the boat’s intake system. Following the find, the steward informed the owners of the apparent presence of the invasive species and informed them to thoroughly clean their boat before it entered the lake, which the owners did.
The samples were later analyzed and examined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which confirmed the presence of zebra mussels. Read more…
Fort Frederick Brings Pontiac’s War to Life This Weekend
Living History Highlights Historic Event July 15-16
Fort Frederick State Park invites citizens to experience what life was like at the fort more than 250 years ago during Pontiac’s War, as it presents “Repair to the Fort” July 15-16.
Visitors will get a firsthand look at what life was like for Western Maryland settlers who came to the fort for refuge from the threat of attacks by Native American tribes in the summer of 1763. Living historians and staff will demonstrate musket firings, hearth cooking and military drills, as well as host talks on Fort Frederick’s role during Pontiac’s War.
Waterfowl Blind Site Licensing Dates and Locations Announced
Applications Taken and Lottery Begins Aug. 1
Photo by Chuck Prahl
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will soon allow the state’s resident hunters to apply for a 2017-18 waterfowl blind site license.
Beginning Aug. 1, applicants will be entered into a lottery for a chance to select their blind sites. Each site license is assigned to a designated location in Maryland waters, where hunters can anchor their boats to hunt waterfowl.
From 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Aug. 1, applications will be accepted at locations listed below. Anyone arriving after 8 a.m. will not be eligible for the lottery.