DNR Announces Snakehead Contest Winners
Dave Gedra of Fairfax Station, Va., caught his snakehead fishing in Mattawoman Creek
Three anglers won nearly $300 in prizes for catching and killing snakehead fish in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2012 Snakehead Contest. Through the contest, 256 anglers removed nearly 600 fish from the Potomac River system. To enter, participants shared their experiences on the Department’s Angler’s Log, reporting how they caught the invasive fish, where they found them, some even sharing delicious ways to prepare them. Read more 
Last Call for Color Maryland Green Entries
2012 Winner: Camping by Tyler Rong, 3rd Grade, Potomac, MD
Calling all young poets, photographers, artists and producers! Students in grades kindergarten through 12 still have time to submit their works of art to the 2013 Color Maryland Green contest ─ but entries must be postmarked by the close of business Friday, March 1. Read more
DNR to Host Bounty of the Bay Dinner
This Dogfish Po’ boy is one of the many featured dishes.
From smoky plates of roasted oysters to baked rockfish filets, next week’s third annual Bounty of the Bay is sure to be a crowd pleaser, delighting diners’ taste buds with some of the best seafood in the nation. Hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Rockfish restaurant, the dinner will include a raw bar and a five-course meal featuring local oysters, striped bass, dogfish and blue catfish. Tickets are limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register today. Read more
Elk Neck State Forest Gun Ranges to Close Mondays in March
3-26-13 Update: All ranges are open
Elk Neck State Forest staff will be closing the rifle and shotgun ranges on Mondays in March (March 4, 11, 18 and 25) for routine repairs to the ranges’ safety baffles. The pistol range is open. The ranges may open sooner if the work is completed ahead of schedule.
2012-13 Deer Season Results Are In
Photo from FWS.gov
Maryland hunters harvested 87,541 deer during the bow, muzzleloader and firearm seasons combined (September 7, 2012 through January 31, 2013). The harvest shows an 11 percent decline compared to last year’s total of 98,029 deer. Biologists attribute the drop to multiple factors, including reduced hunter participation, an abundant acorn crop that changed deer movements, and a lower deer population in some areas. Read more
Montgomery County Receives $19.8 Million for Stormwater Projects
Stormwater projects like this rain garden collect and filter polluted runoff.
The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund has awarded the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection a $19.8 million grant to construct and carry out stormwater management projects in the Anacostia River and Rock Creek watersheds, in coordination with other local, State and federal partners. Read more
Recreational Projects in Baltimore, Carroll and Somerset Counties to See Enhancements
photo from baltimorecountymd.gov
Recreational projects in Baltimore, Carroll and Somerset counties will soon receive funding for necessary upgrades and additions through Program Open Space. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis. Read more
Maryland Names Wildlands area in Honor of Eugene Piotrowski
Gene Piotrowski (1953-2012)
Piotrowski was dedicated employee of DNR
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Board of Public Works today officially renamed St. Mary’s River State Park Wildlands in honor of Eugene “Gene” Piotrowski, a dedicated employee of DNR and natural resource advocate. Read more
MET Hosts Land Trust Roundtable, The Challenge of Capacity
Who: Land trust staff, board members, volunteers; Others interested in land conservation
What: Latest in a series of MET Roundtables
When: Thursday, March 14 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Where: Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes (Baltimore County)
Contact: Michelle Johnson at mjohnson@dnr.state.md.us
Cost: Free
The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) is hosting an informal roundtable discussion on the capacity and long term survival of small land trusts. Read more
Trail Closed at Elk Neck State Forest
The Pete Bond Hiking Trail and Scenic Overlook at Elk Neck State Forest have been closed indefinitely due to a fire at the shooting range complex. Read more
