First Portion of Maryland’s Wildlife Action Plan Open for Public Comment

Department of Natural Resources Seeks Public Input

Red knot birds by Greg Breese

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the first portion of Maryland’s draft State Wildlife Action Plan. This first section focuses on threatened wildlife species and their habitat.

“The purpose of this document is to outline up-to-date, strategic conservation approaches for wildlife and wildlife habitats across Maryland,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “From biologists to hunters to local governments, collaboration among our stakeholders is critical to producing a successful, comprehensive State Wildlife Action Plan that will create and guide conservation management practices.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires that each state review and revise their action plan every 10 years. The department is leading this effort for Maryland, working with other federal, state and local organizations to describe recommended projects for wildlife conservation.

Public input is welcome on any part of the first six chapters through the online comment form, by email to mdswap.dnr@maryland.gov, or by mail to: Maryland State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, 580 Taylor Ave., E-1, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The complete draft of the Maryland State Wildlife Action Plan will be available for final public comment prior to March 1.