Maryland Fishing Report – April 30
This week holds promise for anglers across Maryland from the western mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Warmer weather makes being outdoors – and especially fishing – a fun experience.
Archive for April, 2025
Maryland’s Nontidal Fishing License Fees Increase June 1
New fees based on inflation expected to sustain services for anglers The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing changes to nontidal fishing license and trout stamp fees effective June 1, 2025. This represents the first adjustment to nontidal–or freshwater fishing–fees in almost 20 years, addressing the rising costs of maintaining conservation efforts and angler Read the Rest…
Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing for Maryland Riparian Landowners Open Though May 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service is now accepting waterfowl offshore blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) property owners. Riparian property owners may license their shoreline to establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, and/or prevent others from licensing and hunting the shoreline at a Read the Rest…
Maryland Park Service Launches ‘25 in 2025’ Adventure Challenge
Visitors to Maryland State Parks this year have a chance to win prizes such as a year-long admission pass and camping experiences by completing 25 parks-related challenges in 2025. The Maryland Park Service 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge encourages visitors to find and photograph special scenic and historic features in several state parks. Visitors can Read the Rest…
Prince George’s County Fifth Grader Wins Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest – And 15 Trees for Capitol Heights Elementary
Kaliyah Thorpe of Capitol Heights Elementary School in Prince George’s County won first place in the 2025 Maryland Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest, sponsored by the Maryland Forest Service. The annual event challenges fifth graders across the state to use their creativity, crafting artful posters capturing a terrific tree-related theme. The 2025 theme was Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 23
Warm springtime temperatures not only provide us with comfortable outdoor activities, but rising air temperatures and bright sunlight also warm our Maryland waters and cause many fish to become more active. The Chesapeake Channa, commonly known as the northern snakehead, is one of those fish that is responding to the weather. The Cooperative Oxford Laboratory Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves $15.7 Million for Recreation and Land Conservation in Baltimore, Carroll, Montgomery and Other Counties
Funding from DNR’s Program Open Space will enable Baltimore County to purchase waterfront property for a new park and help Carroll County improve three parks The Board of Public Works today approved more than $15.7 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve recreational opportunities Read the Rest…
Maryland DNR Welcomes Public Input to Help Shape the Future of Parks and Preserved Land
Staff will be on hand at family-friendly Earth Day events around Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a series of free public workshops taking place at Earth Day events throughout the state later this month. Guests can learn about Maryland’s unique geographies and share their thoughts to shape the priorities of Read the Rest…
Another Way to Hunt Deer: Join the Springtime Search For Shed Antlers
For those exploring Maryland’s outdoors this spring, the time is right for some great treasure hunting for the off-white tines of antlers left behind on the leafbed covering the forest floor. Shed antlers appear more frequently this time of year as white-tailed and sika deer drop their antlers after the breeding season. For hunters, families, Read the Rest…
Live Staking: How To Plant Hundreds of Trees Fast, Using Branches from Your Backyard
Technique takes advantage of tree biology—try it in these wet areas Trees are a great tool for restoration—they store carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, and prevent erosion with their root systems. But some types of trees hold a trick within their biology that makes them even more effective, a kind of shortcut that allows people Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 16
There are many fishing opportunities in Maryland this week for angler of all ages, from excellent trout fishing provided by generous stockings, to many different freshwater species becoming active statewide, to surf and offshore fishing in the Ocean City area.
Greenbrier State Park to Close Briefly for Major Improvement Project
The Maryland Park Service will temporarily close Greenbrier State Park from May 5-9 as contractors repave the entrance road as part of ongoing upgrades to the park’s front entrance and contact station. These upgrades will help reduce traffic backups on busy weekends and holidays.
Get Hooked on Blue Catfish! Comprehensive List of 2025 Blue Catfish Fishing Tournaments in Maryland
Maryland anglers can do their part to help the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem by catching and removing blue catfish from waterways. These nonnative fish are top predators that consume native species such as blue crabs, white perch, and menhaden. Avid anglers looking to put their skills to the test can register for tournaments and try to Read the Rest…
Funds Available for Outdoor Recreation Opportunities in Maryland through Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund
Program provides individual grants up to $2 million; webinar for applicants scheduled April 17 The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. This funding opportunity allows local governments with eligible projects to apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $2 Read the Rest…
As Maryland’s Black Bears Emerge from Winter Dens, Residents and Visitors Can Help Keep Them Wild
In portions of the state, black bears have vacated their dens and started exploring the areas around them. Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open – like birdseed, chicken feed, dog food and even trash – may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises residents and Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 9
Winter is not quite ready to release its grasp, but the fishing is good regardless of the air temperature, from the Atlantic coast to the western mountains. Trout fishing in the put-and-take areas is very popular this month with anglers of all ages. Meanwhile, hickory shad are showing up for some exciting catch-and-release action.
Haven Harbour South in Kent County Certified as Maryland Clean Marina
Marina and boatyard improvements improve local water quality and help restore the Chesapeake Bay The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has certified Haven Harbour South in Rock Hall as the newest Maryland Clean Marina. The department awards this designation to marinas that comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and voluntarily adopt a significant portion of Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Spring Turkey Season Opens for 2025
Junior Hunt Set for April 12-13; Regular season Begins April 18 Maryland’s statewide spring wild turkey season opens this month, beginning with the Junior Turkey Hunt on April 12. The regular spring turkey season opens for all hunters on April 18 and runs through May 23. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) anticipates that hunters Read the Rest…
Secretary’s Message: A Tree Grows in Maryland – Every One Counts on the Way to 5 Million
Maryland has just celebrated its own Arbor Day, well ahead of the national celebration on the last Friday of the month. This year, I’m glad to say we are catching up on an important initiative that will impact our future. Maryland made an ambitious commitment with the 5 Million Trees Initiative in 2021, and last Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Parks and Public Lands Welcome the Warmth with New Picnic Areas and Boat Launches, Upgraded Paths, and Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails
The Maryland Park Service and partners improved five miles of trail inside Patapsco Valley State Park’s McKeldin Area this winter with adaptive mountain bikers in mind. It is the first network of adaptive mountain bike trails in Maryland, an amenity state officials plan to improve and expand moving forward. Thanks to the efforts of Friends Read the Rest…
With Sonar and Some Patience, Maryland Geologists Paint a Picture of the Chesapeake Bay’s Bottom
Mapping project gives state insight into oysters, future restoration sites Not long after the sun came up, a team of Maryland geologists set out on the Patuxent River. As they approached the Upper Patuxent Sanctuary, the team prepared the sensing equipment and took preliminary measurements in the water. With a custom crank-and-pulley system, they lowered Read the Rest…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 2
Recent warm and sunny weather was all it took to encourage families and friends to be outside and enjoy the Maryland outdoors. The traditional opening day of trout season brought out anglers young and old this past weekend as well as other places to fish in Maryland.
Maryland Arbor Day 2025 Celebrates Growing Interest in Tree Planting
Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April 2, 2025 as the 142nd annual Maryland Arbor Day celebration. Following tradition, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Josh Kurtz,the Maryland Forest Service, and the Maryland Tree Farm Committee presented tree seedlings to the members of the Board of Public Works at their meeting, chaired today by Lt. Governor Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves $4.85 Million for Recreation and Land Conservation in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Frederick, Howard, Prince George’s, and Washington Counties
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure and CREP Permanent Easement programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $4.85 million in grants to local governments from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to improve recreation and protect a farm with a perpetual conservation easement. About $3.3 million Read the Rest…