Natural Resources News
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Spring 2026
A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer inspects a turkey hunter in Somerset County during the spring turkey hunt. Police conducted surveillance for illegal baiting of turkeys and charged numerous people statewide. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action on alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from April through May of this year. During the spring months, individuals were charged for violations including illegal hunting, weapons charges, fishing violations, littering on state lands, crimes on public lands, and other offenses.
NRP officers also conducted successful search and rescue operations of hikers and boaters. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves $1.2 Million for Park Land, Trail Improvements, and Communication Boards in Three Maryland Counties
Board also approves $9.73 million in Program Open Space Stateside funds for protection of more than 1,100 acres
Among today’s approvals is a 200-acre addition to Warrior Mountain Wildlife Management Area to expand public recreation opportunities. Maryland DNR photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for parkland acquisition, trail improvements, and new recreational communication boards in Prince George’s, Somerset, and St. Mary’s counties. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 17
This happy angler holds up a keeper-sized striped bass caught in the Kent Narrows area. Photo by Craig Roberts
Maryland anglers are enjoying a wide range of fishing opportunities this week. Striped bass anglers are having a good week in all regions of the Chesapeake Bays, freshwater anglers are finding a variety of fish, and the fishing action at Ocean City is pleasing vacationers and locals.
This weekend marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year – Sunday, June 21. More daylight hours and warmer temperatures can be great for outdoor recreation, but it’s important to protect our natural resources so we can enjoy them for many summers to come.
The Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign aimed to reduce striped bass mortality from catch-and-release fishing in hot weather.
The Department of Natural Resources will monitor temperature forecasts and issue a general recommendation for each day of the coming week.
DNR Seeks New Nominations for Prestigious Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Award
Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz and Governor Wes Moore present Professor Thomas Miller with the 2025 ‘Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay’ Award in the governor’s office. Photo by Polly Irungu, Office of the Governor.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again hosting a public nomination process for the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Award this year and is now accepting new nominations for potential awardees.
Instituted by Governor J. Millard Tawes in 1959, the admiral is a lifetime achievement award bestowed by the governor upon individuals who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
DNR is looking for nominees who have dedicated their careers to organizing communities, leading restoration efforts, deepening our understanding of Bay science, or otherwise helping to improve the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Read more…
Flood Reduction and Restoration Projects Throughout Maryland Funded with $690,000
A newly constructed living shoreline on Tilghman Island with vented marsh sill and oyster structures protects a tidal wetland and adjacent community infrastructure from coastal flood impacts. Maryland DNR photo by Maggie Cavey.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources awarded competitive grants for nine flood reduction and restoration projects to help communities plan and design solutions to withstand flooding and other weather-related events.
The selected projects will reduce risk for vulnerable communities, incorporate changing environmental conditions into existing plans and policies, and develop nature-based or natural solutions to help manage flooding and erosion.
Funding is provided by the state’s Resilience Through Restoration Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Following eight years as a pilot program, the Resilience through Restoration Initiative was successfully codified through 2026 legislation, transforming it into a permanent fixture for protecting communities from flooding, erosion and storm events. Read more…
Maryland DNR Seeks Charter Boat Captains and Guides to Participate in Blue Catfish Program
The Reel in the Blues Bonanza will pay guides and captains to fulfill blue catfish trip giveaways
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering Maryland charter boat captains and guides up to $1,500 per trip to take winners of the Reel in the Blues Bonanza on chartered trips during the summer and fall of 2026.
To participate, captains or guides must fill out an interest form by June 22. The purpose of this giveaway is to remove blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay, empower people to harvest this invasive fish species, and support the charter boat and guided fishing trip industry.
DNR will announce an opportunity for the public to be randomly picked to receive free Chesapeake Bay blue catfishing trips beginning June 24, 2026. Information about how to enter to win one of the charter trips will be publicized on the DNR website, through email, and on social media.
Winners will receive a list of participating captains and guides to contact operators directly to schedule trips. Qualified captains or guides who are chartered by winners will be reimbursed by DNR for up to $1,500 per trip within 30 days. This amount may be above the normal cost of a charter or guided trip, but it also includes a tip for mates. Read more…
Watershed Education and Stewardship Grants Support Programming in Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties
Funded by a previous grant, Anacostia Watershed Society partnered with Prince George’s County Public Schools to engage middle and high school students in hands-on mussel restoration work and education. Students learned about local watershed health and mussel biology. Maryland DNR photo.
Two Maryland organizations will receive support for education and stewardship programming to enhance environmental education in the state.
Outdoor education and stewardship funding is made possible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. Specific amounts will be contingent upon federal funding availability and approval. Read more…
Community Parks and Playgrounds Program to Invest $5 Million in Local Outdoor Recreation for Fiscal Year 2027
DNR also currently accepting applications for FY28 Community Parks and Playgrounds funding; virtual workshops scheduled June 23 and July 23
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Gov. Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $5 million in Community Parks and Playgrounds grant funds for 26 projects in municipalities across 15 counties.
This competitive grant program managed by the Department of Natural Resources provides funding to municipal governments to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks; create new parks; or purchase and install playground equipment. Read more…
Governor Wes Moore Announces $31.5 Million for Ecological Restoration Projects to Improve Water Quality in Local Waterways and the Chesapeake Bay
Natural Lands Project. Photo Courtesy of Dan Small
Governor Wes Moore today announced the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is awarding $31.5 million in grants from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund for 25 ecological restoration projects encompassing 188 sites throughout the state that will improve water quality and wildlife habitats.
“The Chesapeake Bay is the centerpiece of our tourism and seafood industries in Maryland,” said Governor Moore. “It’s a key part of our cultural identity and the place where countless family memories are made. These new investments represent our commitment to continuing to improve the Bay, its surrounding watershed, and the rivers and streams that connect our communities.” Read more…
Free Pumpout Adapter Kits Available to Maryland Boaters and Marinas
DNR develops free kit to help keep waters clean
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Pumpout Grant Program is offering boat owners and marinas free pumpout adapter kits, which department staff developed to help boaters empty holding tanks securely at area pumpout stations.
The kit has a plastic adapter that screws into the existing waste discharge deck fitting on a boat, which is secured by a cam lock found on most pumpout hoses. The free kit also contains instructions, protective gloves, a storage tube, and a QR code to a list of pumpout stations in Maryland.
Maryland residents can request a pumpout adapter kit using an online form. Supplies are limited. Kits are provided with funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Clean Vessel Act Grant funding and the Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 10
Jenna Barben was fishing in the lower Susquehanna when she caught this impressive Chesapeake Channa. Photo courtesy of Jenna Barben
There are plenty of fishing opportunities this week in Maryland waters from Ocean City surf to the cool waters of the western Maryland mountains.
Saturday, June 13 will be the second free fishing day this year where anglers over the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to legally fish in all of Maryland’s waters. July 4 will be the third and final day for anyone who does not have a fishing license to give fishing a try for the day. If you have a license, bring a friend!
As temperatures rise, the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast is an awareness campaign aimed to reduce striped bass mortality from catch-and-release fishing in hot weather. The Department of Natural Resources will monitor temperature forecasts and issue a general recommendation for each day of the coming week.
Striped Bass Fishing Advisory (June 10 – June 16)
Maryland Landowners Encouraged to Become Certified Tree Farmers
Tree farmer Don Grove gives an overview during a tour of his farm sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension and supported by the Maryland DNR Forest Service. Photo by Sam Crane.
The Maryland Forest Service is encouraging landowners to become certified tree farmers to access resources to help them manage their land sustainably. The Forest Service is an official co-sponsor of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), which certifies small sustainable tree farms and works to connect tree farm owners through events and education programs.
Landowners who own between 10 and 10,000 acres of forestland are eligible to participate in the program. Many join to protect their land’s long-term forest health, create a family legacy, access tax incentives, and market certified sustainable wood products. Read more…
Three Fishermen Earn FishMaryland Master Angler Award in May
Anglers from Somerset, Frederick, and Anne Arundel counties recognized
From left to right: Joshua Bernstein, Alex Gaillardo Perez, and George Cropper all achieved the Master Angler Milestone Award in May. DNR collage from submitted photos.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized George Cropper of Princess Anne, Joshua Bernstein of Frederick, and Alex Gaillardo Perez of Millersville with Master Angler Milestone Awards under the FishMaryland program in May 2026.
These men respectively are the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd anglers to achieve the highest milestone in the FishMaryland program since its inception in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch 10 trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – We Are Opening More Doors to Maryland Natural Spaces
Secretary Josh Kurtz leads Gov. Wes Moore and Chesapeake Bay Foundation President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk on a 2024 tour of what is now Holly Beach Natural Resources Management Area. Maryland DNR photo.
When I was appointed Secretary of Natural Resources in 2023, I made clear that we would follow through on Gov. Wes Moore’s promise to expand access for all to Maryland’s nature spaces and outdoor recreation.
Since then we have opened several new parks and areas that provide access to Maryland’s natural beauty along with its profound history–and there is much more to come.
Maryland State Parks and Other Public Lands Expand Traffic Flow and Park Entrance Technology
Weekend and holiday day-use reservations are now available for Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman beach area, Rocky Gap State Park, and Swallow Falls State Park
Rocky Gap State Park is among the parks now taking reservations for weekends and holidays during the busy season to better manage traffic and assure visitors can access the park. Photo by Ranger Sarah Milbourne, Maryland DNR
As summer crowds return to Maryland State Parks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is expanding its traffic flow management and park entrance system to help visitors avoid long entrance lines, traffic backups, and unexpected capacity closures on busy weekends and holidays.
Some of the parks have also experienced parking overflow issues that have impacted the surrounding community and limited visitors’ access.
Through this system, day-use reservations are currently required on weekends and holidays at Greenbrier, Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, North Point, and Sandy Point State Parks, all of which introduced the system in 2025.
Additional state parks that are now accepting reservations for weekends and holidays include Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman beach area in Middle River, Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, Swallow Falls State Park in Oakland, and Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls area in Pylesville, all of which experience significant traffic backups or overflow parking issues during busy times.
Same-day reservations can be made if parks are not at capacity.
At these new locations, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays starting on the weekend of June 27 through Labor Day. Reservations can be made at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. Read more…
Maryland Forest Service’s Large-Scale Tree Planting Expands Riparian Buffer at Newtowne Neck State Park
Maryland Forest Service staff oversaw the planting of nearly 32,000 native seedlings at Newtowne Neck State Park in April. Freddy Bascom (left) was the Forest Service’s lead specialist for the project. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completed a 71-acre planting project at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County in April that will help prevent rain runoff from reaching the Potomac River.
The Maryland Forest Service oversaw the planting of 31,990 native seedlings across 15 fields along the park’s edge. The project expanded the riparian buffer, the area of trees and vegetation near the shoreline, from 100 to 300 feet in most areas.
Newtowne Neck is a 794-acre peninsula surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay, and the Potomac River. The park’s seven miles of waterfront make buffer protection central to safeguarding Maryland’s waterways.
Riparian buffers intercept sediment and filter pollutants, including pesticides and fertilizers, before they reach the water. Tree roots stabilize banks and reduce erosion. The expanded buffer will also increase habitat and food sources for wildlife. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 3
John Green taught his grandson Gus Petrakis the finer points of catching yellow perch at Deep Creek Lake recently. Photo courtesy of John Green
Maryland offers free fishing days on June 6, June 13, and July 4, the perfect time to introduce a friend to freshwater or tidal fishing, with no fishing license or trout stamp needed. In this wonderful time of the year for fishing, it is great to have a mentor who can guide you, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Children under 16 don’t need a license, so anytime is right for someone in their life to introduce them to the joys of fishing.
On June 13, there will be a free Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) fishing derby and outreach event, Snakes on the Dundee V, at Gunpowder Falls State Park and Dundee Creek Marina. Information about the derby can be found on the DNR website.
Striped Bass Fishing Advisory (June 3 – June 9)
Board of Public Works Approves $3.35 Million for Outdoor Recreation and Land Conservation in Four Maryland Counties
In the Anne Arundel South Rural Legacy Area, the county will acquire an easement to preserve a 136-acre farm, protecting more than 3,000 feet of stream buffers. Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $3.3 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for outdoor recreation and land conservation in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Montgomery, and Washington counties.
More than $2 million in Program Open Space – Local funding was approved for two recreation projects. Calvert County will receive funds to purchase 1.1acres of waterfront property to expand the Calvert Marine Museum campus. Potential future improvements may include a boardwalk extension and improving the greenspace for recreation and educational purposes.
Montgomery County will use its funds to improve Stonehedge Local Park by renovating the playground and basketball court and constructing a community garden.
In land conservation, $1.26 million of Rural Legacy program funding was approved to acquire permanent conservation easements in two Rural Legacy Areas. In the Anne Arundel South Rural Legacy Area, the county will acquire an easement to preserve a 136-acre farm, protecting more than 3,000 feet of stream buffers along Lyons Creek and its tributaries in the Middle Patuxent watershed. In the Mid-Maryland Washington Rural Legacy Area, the county will acquire an easement on 61 acres of agricultural and forested land. This easement will protect water quality by preserving 840 feet of forested stream buffers along tributaries to Marsh Run, a waterway that flows directly to the Potomac River. Read more…
Paddlefest Returns to Janes Island State Park June 6-7
An attendee paints on the water during Paddlefest 2024.
The annual Paddlefest at Janes Island State Park takes place June 6-7, offering an opportunity to explore the salt marshes and water trails of Maryland’s southernmost park.
Janes Island State Park boasts more than 30 miles of water trails, weaving in and out of the 2,900 acres of salt marsh which compose the island. This park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy both the beauty and bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Paddlefest includes nine scheduled paddles, as well as events for non-paddlers – pontoon boat tours, kids crafts, an afternoon concert and s’mores in the evening. There is something for everyone at this family-friendly event, and paddles are open to kids, as long as they have an adult with them. A full schedule of Paddlefest events is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Shooting Qualification Sessions for Managed Deer Hunts Scheduled for 2026 Season
Demonstrating proficiency hitting targets is part of the shooter qualification program to participate in managed hunts. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2026 Shooter Qualification Session Schedule for hunters. Many of Maryland’s managed deer hunts scheduled in fall and winter require hunters to obtain a Shooter Qualification Card, which begins by attending these sessions before taking a proficiency test.
There will be at least 27 shooting qualification sessions at 11 locations across the state from June through December. Additional sessions may be available upon reservation.
Hunters should note that several shooter qualification sessions are conducted by appointment only and that many charge a minimal fee to cover expenses. Additionally, a photo ID as well as eye and hearing protection may be required at some locations. It is recommended that hunters contact the organization hosting the session to receive more detailed information prior to your attending a qualification session. Read more…
Greenspace Equity Program Now Accepting Applications for the Fiscal Year 2028 Grants
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting grant proposals for the Fiscal Year 2028 Greenspace Equity Program.
The goal of the Greenspace Equity Program is to preserve, create, and improve public greenspaces that enhance the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities. The competitive grant program provides funding to land trusts, nongovernmental organizations, and local governments to acquire and/or develop public greenspaces in overburdened and underserved communities.
Interested applicants should visit the Greenspace Equity Program webpage for more information about this grant opportunity, including the Grant Proposal Guide, the Application and Project Agreement, and the MDEnviroScreen tool which maps the qualifying areas throughout the state.
DNR staff will hold a virtual Grant Workshop via Google Meet at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to review the grant requirements and answer any questions. Questions about this grant opportunity may be directed to: Stephanie Benavides at [email protected] or 443-510-4572. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Read more…
Maryland Spring Turkey Hunters Report Harvest of 5,094 Birds
Photo by Tessa Farley, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Maryland hunters harvested a total of 5,094 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring season. This year’s harvest was 5% higher than last year but remained below the record harvest of 5,356 set in 2023. Read more…
DNR Seeks Input on Land Preservation Plan to Guide Conservation and Recreation Priorities for Next Decade
New Germany State Park. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now seeking public comment on the draft Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP). This report outlines statewide priorities for land conservation over the next decade and identifies recreation needs across the state. The public comment period will remain open through June 28, 2026.
For the past year, DNR has worked in partnership with a public lands planning firm, Agency Landscape and Planning, to gather data about existing land preservation and recreational amenities in Maryland. The planning team also gathered input through two surveys, four regional public events, and four stakeholder focus groups. Read more…
Public Asked to Report Marine Mammal and Turtle Sightings and Strandings to DNR this Summer
Dolphins are regular summer visitors to the Chesapeake Bay – such as these enjoying the waters off Tilghman Island – but unfortunately some can get stranded in shallow water. Photo by Dennis Raulin, submitted to the 2018 Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks residents and visitors enjoying coastal and tidal waterways to remain alert for marine mammals and sea turtles throughout the summer and into early fall.
Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and other marine wildlife are regular seasonal visitors to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, the Atlantic Ocean, and coastal bays.
Anyone who sees a distressed or injured marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters is encouraged to report it via the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944 or by using a simple online form to report deceased marine mammals or sea turtles. Anglers, boaters, and beachgoers should especially be on the lookout for stranded, dead, sick, injured, or entangled animals. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 27
Brian Buckman is all smiles with this northern pike that he caught and released recently. Photo courtesy of Brian Buckman
It was a cloudy and overcast Memorial Day Weekend, not ideal for the beach and picnics, but a great one for fishing. Anglers across Maryland enjoyed a variety of different fishing adventures.
Starting Monday June 1, fishing for striped bass will get a lot easier to understand when all waters of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers will open to striped bass fishing until July 31. A 19-inch to 24-inch slot will still be in effect, with a one fish per day limit for anglers.
This weekend we’ll see the second full moon of this month, designating it a blue moon. This will trigger the annual May worm swarms and fish will take full advantage of the nutritious feast. Spot have arrived in many portions of the Bay and anglers are reminded that they must use non-offset circle hooks when targeting striped bass with live bait or cut bait.
Anglers Can Explore Maryland’s Diverse Waters During License-Free Fishing Days
License-free fishing days are great opportunities to give fishing a try or bring a friend who doesn’t have their license. Maryland DNR photo.
All state residents and visitors can fish without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration on June 6, June 13, and July 4.
Annual license-free fishing days provide a unique chance to explore the state’s diverse fishing opportunities. They are also a great time for licensed anglers to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on Independence Day to take advantage of peak spring and summer fishing. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. Read more…
Maryland DNR Announces Major 2026 Update to Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant List
Among the notable findings, the list highlights the rediscovery of the wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) in Allegany County after 118 years. Photo by by R.H. Wiegand
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its updated 2026 Rare, Threatened, and Endangered (RTE) Plants of Maryland list, an important resource reflecting significant conservation efforts by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.
This document, available in list-only and expanded versions, is a vital resource for botanists, researchers, naturalists, and plant enthusiasts. It contains a unique assemblage of global and local conservation rankings, historical records, natural histories, and local knowledge of all plant species known in our state. The 2026 update incorporates extensive work and hundreds of edits to species information, reflecting the most current understanding of Maryland’s plant populations. Read more…
DNR Unveils New Features on Maryland Public Lands for 2026
A dozen new showers were installed at Assateague Island State Park, ready for use this summer.
As summer begins, there are new paths to follow, new places to explore, and old history to learn about in Maryland state parks and public lands.
Throughout this past fall, winter, and spring, hundreds of rangers, engineers, builders, historians, planners, and other professionals with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have worked to bring a new state park online, to forge new trails, to restore historic structures, and to make safer harbors for the public. Here are some highlights of this ever-growing list.
The Maryland Park Service has two adventure challenges running this year, both with prizes available for completion – Miles for Maryland, a challenge to hike 250 miles in state parks in 2026, and America in Miniature, a photo scavenger hunt across state parks to honor the semi-quincentennial of America. The Park Service encourages anyone up for meeting these challenges to purchase an Annual State Park and Trail Passport to enjoy a full year of Maryland’s outdoor adventures.
New Law Eases Path for Living Shoreline Loans in Maryland
Legislation modernizes DNR’s shoreline erosion loan program
A living shoreline at Windy Hill Farm in Queen Anne’s County that was built with support of DNR’s Shore Erosion Loan Program. Maryland DNR photo
A new state law will remove financial barriers and make it easier for Maryland residents to build living shorelines on their property.
Governor Wes Moore signed the Supporting Inclusive Community Adaptation Act into law April 14. The legislation, which was supported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, evolves and modernizes a program DNR uses to provide funding and technical assistance for shoreline protection. The law will alleviate upfront costs, which will increase access to more property owners, and establish a framework for partial loan forgiveness. Read more…
Reminder: Day-Use Reservations Required for Several Maryland State Parks Beginning Memorial Day Weekend
Photo by Winn Brewer, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
NOTE: This announcement has been updated with additional parks: Visitors planning to attend Greenbrier State Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman beach area, Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck State Park, North Point State Park, Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls aream Rocky Gap State Park, Sandy Point State Park, and Swallow Falls State Park are required to make reservations at parkdayuse.maryland.gov prior to arrival,
The Maryland Park Service is using the same reservation system as last year to prevent sudden capacity closures and long entrance lines. Under the system, advance reservations are required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead when visiting Maryland State Parks by checking the online Park Status Dashboard, which confirms if a park is open or has any important information for visitors. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 20
Young Emerson Desmond and family went out with a Chesapeake Bay fishing guide and he caught this striped bass. Photo by Travis Long
Summer is knocking on the door with the recent hot weather and the Memorial Day weekend upon us. Increasingly, families and friends will be out fishing and enjoying quality time together.
Board of Public Works Approves $9.2 Million for Park Pavilions, Playgrounds, and Land Conservation in Four Maryland Counties
Board also approves Program Open Space – Stateside funds for protection of 244 acres of forest in Frederick and St. Mary’s counties
A conservation easement will be preserved within the Mid-Maryland Rural Legacy Area, which borders South Mountain to the east and is within the viewshed of the Appalachian Trail, to protect 1,700 feet of forested stream buffers. Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $9.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and a land trust for park pavilions, playgrounds, and land conservation in Allegany, Baltimore, Frederick, and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Migration Arriving in Maryland
Photo: “Horseshoe Crab Family Gathering” by Willy Conley, submitted to the 2023 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have started landing on Maryland’s shores this spring for what is believed to be the world’s oldest wildlife migration. Dating back an estimated 350 million years, the annual spawning occurs from May through July, peaking with high tides on or around the full and new moons in June.
One spawning female horseshoe crab will deposit an average of 20,000 eggs into the sand, with a mate grasping onto her shell and fertilizing the eggs. In addition to perpetuating the ancient species, the eggs are a seasonal buffet for migratory shorebirds preparing to return to their summer nesting grounds in northern Canada. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reports Increase in Juvenile Blue Crabs and Total Population in 2026 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey
Blue crabs counted and measured by blue crab biologists during the Winter Dredge Survey in Maryland. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/DNR
The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, estimates a total of 349 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2026, a 46% increase over the estimate of 238 million crabs last year.
The survey also estimated 228 million juvenile blue crabs, an increase of 121% from last year. This above-average abundance is a promising result to fisheries biologists, after what had previously been six consecutive years of below-average juvenile recruitment. The total abundance and juvenile abundance were at the highest levels since 2019. Read more…
Marylanders Reminded to Leave Fawns Alone – ‘Rescuing’ Them is Unnecessary, Dangerous, and Illegal
Photo by Terry Taylor, submitted to the 2018 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle it.
Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland in order to protect animal welfare and ensure public safety. Even if no adult deer are seen, the fawn’s mother is likely near, and the fawn requires no assistance.
Deer are born with specialized physical and behavioral adaptations, which have helped their species survive for ages. Born in late spring, fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators, relying on their adaptations to help them hide. Their virtual lack of odor, natural camouflage (reddish-brown and spotted coat), and freezing behavior help them avoid danger. These adaptations serve them well, as evidenced by the abundance of deer across Maryland’s varied landscapes.
Despite this effective strategy, inquisitive fawns will sometimes explore new surroundings and may appear to be lost or orphaned. There is usually no need for human intervention since in most cases, the doe is nearby foraging and will return to nurse the fawn when it is safe. Read more…
Maryland Park Service Dedicates Montgomery County’s Freedman’s State Park in Honor of Howard Family, African American History
Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw (center) leads a short hike during the dedication of Freedman’s State Park. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland DNR
Today, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Governor Wes Moore, and local partners dedicated a new Maryland state park that pays tribute to a significant chapter of the state’s African American history.
The newly dedicated park—Freedman’s State Park in northeastern Montgomery County—comprises a little more than 1,000 acres of park land. Restored buildings and new displays planned for the park will tell the story of the African American family that overcame enslavement to become a prosperous and influential family in northern Montgomery County, Baltimore, and Canada.
The park encompasses farmland once owned by Enoch George Howard, his wife Harriet, and their family, who helped shape the Civil Rights Movement in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Forest Service Releases Annual Wildfire Report for 2025
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The number of wildfires in Maryland in 2025 remained steady but total acres burned nearly doubled, largely due to arson, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report. The report covers wildfires across 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the Maryland Forest Service.
In Maryland, 172 wildland fires burned 8,167 acres during 2025. In 2024,164 wildfires burned approximately 953 acres. Compared to the 5-year average, 2025 saw 13% more wildfires and 126% more acres burned. The busiest month was March, when wildfires were double the five-year average. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Annual Survey Detected 69 Deer with Chronic Wasting Disease in 2025
All Maryland detections originated within the state’s existing management area
Maryland Department of Natural Resources image
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that 69 white-tailed deer sampled in 2025 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease found in deer, elk, and moose that the department monitors annually.
All the positive samples came from within the existing seven-county Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area.
The deer were found in Allegany (27), Baltimore (2), Carroll (2), Frederick (13), Howard (1), Montgomery (3), and Washington (21) counties. A total of 2,072 samples from 2025 were submitted for laboratory testing. The number of detections is consistent with 2024, when 62 positive samples were found. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 13
David Strum caught and released this beautiful chain pickerel in Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo courtesy of David Strum
A lot of moms celebrated Mother’s Day last weekend fishing with sons, daughters and husbands, a wonderful way to celebrate time together. There continue to be a lot of fishing opportunities this week. Fishing for black sea bass offshore of Ocean City to striped bass in the Chesapeake and freshwater fishing for a variety of species, including chain pickerel.
Starting May 16 striped bass closure boundaries will move up the tidal rivers a bit, allowing anglers more access into the bay’s tidal rivers. Although the current lack of rain has been tough on gardens, lawns, farmers and some spawning runs; the bay’s water clarity is a sight to behold. In many areas, five to six feet of visibility is not unheard of. Chesapeake Bay grasses are coming on strong.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries management programs encourage anglers to help fisheries managers understand catch effort and harvest information from anglers participating in the various volunteer angler surveys, which can be found on the DNR website.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Launches “Roots for Resilience” Initiative To Strengthen Climate Adaptation on the Eastern Shore
New initiative will invest grant funding toward wetland restoration, living shorelines, other nature-based projects through collaboration with local and regional partners
From left to right: Suzanne Biemiller, Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Mid-Atlantic; Matt Heim, Director of Lower Shore Land Trust; Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; and Dr. Mike Sieracki, Director of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland DNR
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a new initiative called Roots for Resilience: Strong Roots for a Changing Landscape to help Maryland’s Eastern Shore adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
Through this initiative, which is supported by $42.5 million in federal grant funding, DNR will invest in nature-based climate solutions including tree planting, sustainable forest management, coastal wetland restoration, and living shoreline projects.
The initiative was officially launched Wednesday at an event with DNR staff and partners at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Campus, overlooking the Choptank River in the Eastern Shore’s Dorchester County.
“Roots for Resilience will be a major initiative for the environment and people of Maryland,” DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “This work will focus on the Eastern Shore, where vulnerable rural areas are already managing the effects of rising sea levels and more intense storms. The new investments will make ecosystems and communities more resilient by protecting people, homes, and infrastructure while also improving wildlife habitat.” Read more…
Lenny Rudow Named 2026 Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award Recipient
Lenny Rudow (center) with his sons David and Max, enjoying the Chesapeake Bay on Christmas in their very favorite way. Photo by Zach Ditmars, submitted to Maryland DNR
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission has named Lenny Rudow as the 2026 recipient of the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award.
Rudow is an Anne Arundel County-based author and the founding editor of FishTalk magazine. Rudow is a tireless advocate for fisheries conservation and sustainability who shares information through podcasts, in-person presentations, and involvement in fishing tournaments throughout the state. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – Natural Solutions Provide Strength Against Rising Waters
The living shoreline project in Deale, Anne Arundel County, was completed with plantings in 2023. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
Spring is a season when we celebrate nature’s emergence and revival, and it’s also when we recognize its awesome and sometimes devastating power. In April, we celebrated Arbor Day with a renewed purpose to plant more trees and at the same time recognized Flood Awareness Month with goals to better protect our lives and communities.
In fact, the planting of trees and resilience against rising waters are closely linked. The roots of native trees and shrubs absorb water, prevent erosion, and serve as a sustainable, renewable means of flood remediation. The Maryland Forest Service website has a list of recommended buffering trees and shrubs for residents dealing with recurring flood issues.
On a larger scale, trees and grasses are essential parts of living shorelines, which use nature-based erosion control, such as marsh plantings, breakwaters, and other natural features to reduce erosion and flooding, protect infrastructure, lower long-term costs, support working waterfronts, and strengthen coastal resilience. Read more…
New Natural Resources Police Patrol Boat Honors Legacy, Expands Fleet Capabilities
The Harry L. George, also known as NRP 130, is NRP’s newest patrol vessel. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police dedicated its newest vessel, the patrol boat Harry L. George, in honor of the agency’s former second-in-command who was killed in the line of duty in 1978.
During a ceremony Wednesday attended by the former lieutenant colonel’s son and daughter, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and NRP Superintendent Col. Orlando Lilly unveiled the boat’s name and marked a renewed commitment to recognizing those who gave their lives while serving Marylanders. The dedication renews a past NRP tradition of naming vessels in honor of the agency’s fallen officers.
“The dedication of our newest patrol boat not only honors the sacrifice and service of Lieutenant Colonel Harry L. George, but also ensures his legacy will never be forgotten,” said Col. Lilly. “We are proud to continue this esteemed tradition of commemorating the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to Maryland’s parks, waterways, and communities. The George family has been deeply supportive of this effort, and it is a privilege to resume this practice in his honor.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 6
Dylan Shirk holds up a big Channa that he caught in a Kent County creek. Photo courtesy of Dylan Shirk
Maryland anglers have a wide range of fish to target this week. The 2026 striped bass season is now open in many portions of the Chesapeake Bay. The 2026 black sea bass season is open off the shores of Ocean City. Trout are still being stocked in waters around the state, and a wide range of freshwater fish are available, including the Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead).
Board of Public Works Approves $1.8 Million for Park Lights, Trail, and Land Conservation in Eight Maryland Counties
Board also approves Program Open Space – Stateside funds for protection of forested properties
The Department of Natural Resources will add forested property to Wills Mountain State Park in Allegany County, which is planned to open later in 2026. Maryland DNR photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.8 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for park lights, trail, and land conservation in Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Cecil, Dorchester, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, and Washington counties. Read more…
Maryland Forester Melissa Nash Named National Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
Melissa Nash, center, green outfit. The Maryland Forest Service participated in the Autumn Glory Firemen’s Parade in Oakland in October 2024.
The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has recognized Maryland Department of Natural Resources forester and project manager Melissa Nash as the nation’s top tree farm inspector for 2026. She was recognized at the ATFS leadership conference in Colorado this March.
“Melissa has a heart for helping landowners, practicing good forestry, and building partnerships,” Maryland State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang said. “We are very proud that she has received this recognition; she is a real credit to DNR and public service in Maryland.” Read more…
Maryland Forest Service Launches “Maryland 250” White Oak Contest
White oak located in Tawes Garden, Annapolis. Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Forest Service and the Maryland Forestry Foundation are launching the “Maryland 250” White Oak Contest in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The contest invites residents and visitors to search Maryland’s State Forests for the largest white oak trees. Cash prizes of up to $500 will be awarded to the individuals who find the largest five trees on public lands.
The contest runs from May 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Participants will identify and measure specimens of the white oak (Quercus alba), Maryland’s state tree, within eligible State Forest lands. State Forests are distinct from State Parks. For Chesapeake Forest Lands, only white oaks located on public hunting lands are eligible. The contest is administered by the Maryland Big Tree Program committee. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources to Develop Climate Resilient Fisheries Management Plan
Project funded by Blue Convergence Fund’s Climate Resilient Fisheries Engagement Grant
Photo by Erika Fawcett, submitted to the 2020 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fishing and Boating Services Unit has been awarded $96,572 from the nonprofit Blue Convergence Fund to develop a climate resilient fishery management plan for the state. This project was funded in February 2026 as part of the 2025 Climate Resilient Fisheries Engagement Grants and is one of only 11 proposals accepted globally.
In 2025, the Maryland General Assembly passed, and Governor Moore signed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act. This legislation helps expand climate resilience planning and implementation efforts across state-managed fisheries. In response to this expanded authority, DNR will develop a fishery management plan that provides a framework for using adaptation and resilience strategies and enables fisheries managers to prepare for environmental and climate change. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 29
Scout McNamara is all smiles with this beautiful rainbow trout he caught at a fishing rodeo event at a Westminster community pond. Photo by Gordon McNamara
There is much excitement in the Chesapeake Bay fishing community this week, as many areas will be open to striped bass anglers to keep a fish within the slot size. Starting Friday, May 1, anglers can keep one striped bass per day measuring 19-24 inches in the Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line, excluding all bays, sounds, tributaries, creeks and rivers, except Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds and all Potomac River tributaries downstream of the Nice Memorial Bridge (U.S. 301). The spawning rivers will still be off limits to all fishing for striped bass. Anglers trolling will still be limited to six lines, barbless hooks and no stinger hooks.
Freshwater anglers are enjoying trout fishing, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass fishing is good, and our younger anglers are enjoying fishing with family members.
Maryland DNR Recognizes Two New FishMaryland Master Anglers
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized Josh Porter of Baltimore City and Hien Tram of Burtonsville as FishMaryland Master Anglers for catching 10 different species of fish at trophy size in Maryland.
These fishermen are the 29th and 30th people to achieve the Master Angler milestone since the program began in 2019.
FishMaryland is Maryland’s recreational fishing award program promoting year-round recreational fishing and affordable, accessible, diverse, and high-quality fishing opportunities. More information on the Master Angler Milestone Award and the FishMaryland program is available on the program’s website. Read more…