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Annual Rite of Spring Lasts Through May 15 in Most Areas The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the state’s trophy striped bass season will begin April 20 and last through May 15. Anglers may catch one striped bass per day, with a minimum size of 35 inches, in the Chesapeake Bay from Read the Rest…
Partners to Provide Free Seedlings April 23-26 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Queen Anne’s County Forestry Board will hold their annual tree seedling giveaway program the week of April 22. These seedlings are available to the citizens of Queen Anne’s County as an educational effort promoting the planting of trees, in celebration of Read the Rest…
Public invited to comment on draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan A draft plan for continued progress in restoring Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay is now available for public review and comment. The draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan represents the next step in Maryland meeting its commitments as part of a multi-state bay Read the Rest…
Partners to Name Poster Contest Winners, Provide Free Seedlings The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is partnering with Kent County Commissioners and the Kent County Forest Board for the annual Arbor Day celebration, at 1:15 p.m. April 23 in the Kent County Courthouse Courtyard, 103 N. Cross St., Chestertown. As part of the event, partners Read the Rest…
The generous stocking of trout by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hatchery program has brought countless smiles to the faces of trout fishermen, young and old. These fish are being stocked in waters near you.
Regular Registration Ends April 22 The 2019 Maryland Land Conservation Conference will be held May 16-17 at the Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum. This annual event brings together land trusts, conservancies, local and state government agencies, heritage organizations, members of the agricultural community and other partners for a comprehensive discussion about the future Read the Rest…
Youth Hunters Get First Opportunity This Weekend The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off Saturday, April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 18-May 23. For the first part of the regular Read the Rest…
Order Deadline is April 26 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners in Somerset and Worcester counties who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess Read the Rest…
Maryland Forest Service Prepared for Wildfire Activity Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across Maryland to prepare and help prevent wildfires. “Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions are at the optimum for fire spread,” Maryland Forest Read the Rest…
Put-and-take trout fishermen had a successful opening day of the 2019 trout season. Beautiful weather prevailed, the trout hatchery program provided generous stocking of healthy trout and a great time was had by all! Fishing for a variety of catfish species is very good right now. Channel catfish are spread throughout the upper Chesapeake Bay Read the Rest…
Day to Highlight Trees and Those Who Help Them Grow Following an annual tradition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored Maryland Arbor Day by delivering tree seedlings to state leadership. The department celebrates the first Wednesday of April every year by giving away trees for planting and honoring the achievements of individuals who have Read the Rest…
Honor the Past by Investing in the Future This past month marked the passing of a friend and mentor — former Governor Harry Hughes. I feel privileged to have known Governor Hughes, a fellow Eastern Shore resident, who was a man of integrity. He was also a leader who greatly influenced the mission of the Read the Rest…
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild After a long winter slumber, black bears are now emerging from their dens, and human residents of Maryland’s bear country should take steps to keep both species separate and safe. Adult and newborn bears will emerge hungry and seeking natural food sources, but many of their preferred foods — Read the Rest…
Annual Event Offers Insight Into Park’s Significant Past Volunteers are invited to Point Lookout State Park April 6 help maintain and restore the park’s historic Civil War Fort #3 and prison pen, as part of the annual Park Day preservation event sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust. Hosted by The Friends of Point Lookout Inc., Read the Rest…
First Time Species Officially Recognized by Maryland A Baltimore County man has established a record by catching a 2.07 pound fallfish, marking the first time this freshwater species has been recognized by the state. Adam Aghion of Pikesville caught this impressive fallfish March 20 on the Maryland side of the upper Potomac River, using a Read the Rest…
Maryland Tradition Springs to Life The recreational crabbing season in Maryland officially opens April 1 for the Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries as well as in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries. Recreational crabbing in Maryland can be done a variety of ways, with or without a license depending on the equipment and Read the Rest…
Applications Must Be Submitted by May 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian, or waterfront, property owners. A license allows the shoreline owner, or anyone who has the owner’s permission, to hunt waterfowl from their own blind in state waters or to prevent other waterfowl hunters Read the Rest…
“Off the Beaten Path” Adventures Begin May 1 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens registration April 3 for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. This year’s theme is “Off the Beaten Path — Arts, Activities and Adventures in Maryland State Parks.” Park Quest aims to engage families in Read the Rest…
Volunteer Surveys Engage Citizen Scientists As spring fishing season begins in earnest, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks anglers to help track scientific data by using the mobile-friendly Volunteer Angler Survey. Anglers of all ages can become citizen scientists by recording some basic information from their catch such as species, location and size directly Read the Rest…
The traditional opening day of trout season is this coming Saturday, March 30. Anticipation is always high for any opening day, and Maryland’s put-and-take trout fishermen will be out all across the state.
Partners Preserve Scenic Land on Little Patuxent Maryland Environmental Trust and Scenic Rivers Land Trust have permanently protected 111 acres of forestland, wetlands and meadow along the Little Patuxent River from development. Owner Linda Egolf granted a conservation easement on the property, which has been in her family for more than 100 years, forever protecting Read the Rest…
Order Deadline is April 12 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to St. Mary’s County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak Read the Rest…
Annual Contests Draw Attention to Wildlife Management The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Black Bear Conservation and Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests. A panel of judges chose the winners on March 16 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in front of an enthusiastic crowd of contestants Read the Rest…
It’s the first full day of spring — winter is losing its grip on the Maryland landscape and warmer weather is tangible. The honking of migrant Canada Geese has been replaced by the chirping of ospreys, heralding a changing of the guard. Although the Western Maryland counties may be the last to give up to Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Provides Funds to Convert Former Office Site The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item to commit $2.14 million in Program Open Space funds toward developing a local park at the former Consumer Product Safety Commission site in Gaithersburg. The city plans to improve the Read the Rest…
Grants Supports Communities, Projects and Schools Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), a unit of the Maryland Department of Resources, has awarded 71 grants totaling $215,505 toward environmental education, community cleanup and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. These annual grants are funded by Maryland Environmental Trust, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Read the Rest…
Class Size Limited, Register Now The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class March 26, 28 and 30 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland. Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 26 and 28, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30. The class Read the Rest…
Orders Taken Until April 26 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to Wicomico County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Investigation Completed for Incident on Choptank River Maryland Natural Resources have charged a Caroline County sheriff’s deputy with rape and other charges stemming from a July 2018 incident on a boat in the Choptank River. Kevin John Nagyiski was charged March 13 with second degree rape, third degree sex offense, fourth degree sexual contact and second degree assault.
March is a time of fluctuating weather, a sort of back-and-forth pull between seasons. Spring is beginning to win out and signs are seen everywhere. Daffodils are opening up, spring peepers are calling out on warmer nights and anglers are fishing for stocked trout and other freshwater fish and even trying their luck on the Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, which would drastically cut funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration: “As Governor of Maryland and Chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, protecting the Chesapeake Bay remains one of my top priorities. The EPA Administrator himself called the Chesapeake Bay Program Read the Rest…
Crews to Stock 133 Locations in 18 Counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is gearing up to release more than 300,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state during its annual spring trout stocking. Regular spring stocking is done by department crews in lakes, rivers and streams from early March through June. Read the Rest…
Seedlings Available for Large or Small Trees The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, along with Calvert Master Gardeners and the American Chestnut Land Trust, is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Trees and shrubs planted along waterways Read the Rest…
Additional Time for Weather-Dampened Regions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a week to the state’s muskrat trapping season in Eastern, Southern and portions of Central Maryland. The revised season will now close March 22 in the affected counties to make up for unfavorable weather conditions — an extremely cold winter and recent tide fluctuations — Read the Rest…
Required Courses for Maryland Boaters The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host two free Boating Safety Education classes on March 16 and March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover. Attendees need only attend one class to get their certification. Courses will be taught by Read the Rest…
Innovative Projects Can Access Funding Through New ‘Grants Gateway’ The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that $24.75 million in funding is available for local governments and nonprofit organizations seeking to restore local waterways, increase climate resilience and develop the next generation of environmental stewards. To streamline the grant application and management process, the department Read the Rest…
Stories, Events and Art Honor Tubman at Her Namesake Park In celebration of Harriet Tubman Day on Sunday, March 10, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to free, family-friendly programs. The park, located in Dorchester County, marks its second anniversary on this Harriet Tubman Day, a national observance with special Read the Rest…
Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 29 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering Read the Rest…
Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, Read the Rest…
Public Meeting March 13; New Deadline March 15 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled the last of its public meetings regarding white-tailed deer management, and also extended the deadline for accepting public comment on the state’s deer management plan. The meeting in Wye Mills, which had been previously postponed due to weather, will now Read the Rest…
Garrett County Youth Awarded Grand Prize The judging is complete for the annual fifth-grade Arbor Day poster contest sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Three schools in Maryland that are home to the top winners will benefit with tree plantings this spring. The contest is judged annually by a panel of forestry experts and Read the Rest…
Public Meeting on March 6; Comment Accepted Until March 15 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on the proposed 2019-2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The comment period continues until noon on March 15. Proposed season dates for all migratory game birds can be viewed on the department’s website. The seasons Read the Rest…
Public Input Accepted Through March 19 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on a draft Maryland Oyster Management Plan, the first updated fishery management plan since 2010 for one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most ecologically- and economically-important natural resources. The public comment period will continue until March 19.
Free Events Statewide Encourage Youth to Get Outdoors The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again is offering opportunities for young people to experience fishing through 44 youth fishing rodeos in 15 counties statewide. Youth fishing rodeos in the state connect 6,000 thousand young people with the Maryland outdoors each year. Events start in March Read the Rest…
Annual Survey Counts Maryland’s Ducks, Geese and Swans In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources made visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along most of the state’s Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River and Atlantic coast shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 566,300 waterfowl. Maryland’s mid-winter waterfowl Read the Rest…
February is often thought of as a time for fishermen to keep busy by going over tackle, fly tying or attending outdoor shows. But others know there are fish out there and many know how to find them. The preseason trout stocking program has started in earnest, and there is good fishing for yellow perch Read the Rest…
Public Meeting to be Scheduled for Spring The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Worcester County signed a Project Partnership Agreement Feb. 14 to start work on a navigation improvement project to address sediment accumulation, or shoaling, within the Ocean City Inlet. This navigation channel is regularly used by commercial Read the Rest…
Sunday Hunting Accounts for More than Ten Percent of Total Harvest The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that deer hunters harvested 77,382 deer during the combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 7, 2018, through Jan. 31, 2019. The statewide harvest included 29,699 antlered and 44,249 antlerless white-tailed deer; and 1,609 antlered Read the Rest…
FishMaryland Offers Recognition for Various Skill Levels The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a new award program to celebrate the state’s anglers and the diverse species of fish they catch. FishMaryland is a multifaceted award program designed to encourage anglers to take advantage of Maryland’s year-round recreational fishing and enjoy the state’s accessible, affordable Read the Rest…
Enrollment Deadline is April 30 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces open enrollment for Maryland Climate Leadership Academy courses at Montgomery College in June and July. This cohort will offer prep courses for a Certified Climate Change Professional credential. The Montgomery College classes will be held in three sessions: Class 1 on June 3-4; Class 2 on July Read the Rest…
