DNR Announces Changes to Leadership Team
Three agency veterans promoted as Griffin heads to State House
Following Governor Martin O’Malley’s appointments of John R. Griffin as Chief of Staff and Joseph P. Gill as Secretary of Natural Resources, the two this morning announced additional changes to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) leadership team. Read more 
DNR Secretary Griffin Receives Environmental Award
DNR Secretary John Griffin
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters honored Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin with the 12th annual John V. Kabler Memorial Award on the evening of October 11, 2012 in Annapolis. Griffin was recognized for his many years working asa powerful leader and dedicated advocate of Maryland’s environment.
“I want to congratulate my good friend and colleague, John Griffin, on his receipt of the John V. Kabler Memorial Award, a well deserved honor,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “For four decades, in both the public and private arena, John has worked tirelessly, passionately and wholeheartedly to serve our citizens and protect our natural resources. For the past six years he has been at the heart and soul of Maryland’s environmental agenda, lending his wisdom, expertise, kindness and humor to the progress we have made in protecting and restoring our land, water, fish and crabs.” Read more
Annapolis Woman Wins Top Prize in 2012 DNR Photo Contest
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin today announced the winners of the 9th Annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. Nearly 200 photographers entered approximately 1,000 photographs this year. Christine Edwardsof Annapolis took overall top honors with her bird photograph, Black Crowned Night Heron, with the bright, white-bodied bird in a dark shadowy tree.
DNR Launches New Interactive Newsroom
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office of Communications today unveiled the brand new AccessDNR Newsroom─ a more interactive, user-friendly way for DNR to share its latest news and happenings with the public and members of the media.
“The internet and social media have opened the stream of information directly to our customers and stakeholders,” said Josh Davidsburg, DNR senior communication manager. “Through this new format, we’re going to make it easier ─ and more importantly, faster ─ for the public to get critical information directly from our scientific experts, resource managers and policy makers.”
DNR Provides Teachers with Wildlife Education Trunks
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a tool for educators across the State to teach their students about Maryland’s wildlife. Teachers are invited to borrow wildlife education trunks, which feature unique, hands-on, interdisciplinary lesson plans on white-tailed deer, black bears and the State’s 14 furbearer species. Read more
DNR Certifies New Clean Marina in Deale
Bay Harbor Boatyard, a family run facility on Rockhold Creek off of Herring Bay, has been certified as the newest Maryland Clean Marina.
“We really wanted to make our place the best it could be, so we decided to go for the Clean Marina Award,” said Co-owner Denise Klein. “The improvements are noticeable as soon as you walk in.” Read more
From the Bay, For the Bay is Back!
More than 70 Restaurants Have Signed Up
Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the return of the From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out, a week-long celebration of Maryland seafood benefiting the Oyster Recovery Partnership. More than 70 high-profile restaurants have already signed up, including Ryleigh’s Oyster House, Woodberry Kitchen, Equinox, and Matchbox. Last year’s inaugural promotion proved a success, raising $25,000 for oyster restoration projects.
DNR Dedicates Fred W. Besley Demonstration Forest
Fred Besley, Maryland’s First State Forester
To honor Maryland’s first State forester, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officially dedicated the Fred W. Besley Demonstration Forest in Dorchester County on April 20. The ceremony, held in Linkwood, recognized Besley for his influence on the future of forestry conservation.
“As Maryland’s first State Forester, Fred Besley built a legacy of conservation and sustainable forestry management, which the Maryland Forest Service still follows to this day,” said State Forester and Director Steven Koehn. Read more
Junior Hunter Field Days Set For The Eastern Shore
Young people interested in wildlife and the outdoors are invited to join staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local conservation groups to learn about a variety of topics related to wildlife management and stewardship during Junior Hunter Field Days on June 2 in Sudlersville and June 16 in Princess Anne.
“This is an opportunity for Maryland youth interested in wildlife activities to discover and connect with their natural world,” said Patricia Allen, information & education program manager for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service. “It gives children the chance to become involved in the management of our natural resources and to learn about hunting and the important role it plays in wildlife conservation.” Read more
Juvenile Blue Crab Population Skyrockets
Governor Martin O’Malley Announces Chesapeake Bay Juvenile Blue Crab Population Highest on Record
Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the Chesapeake Bay’s juvenile blue crab population is at the highest level on record, and the overall blue crab population is at its highest level since 1993.
Joined by stakeholders and elected officials, Governor O’Malley revealed the results of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) annual winter dredge survey at Mike’s Crab House overlooking the South river.
