Natural Resources News
Maryland Fishing Report – September 21
Angler Philip Wyatt Wieland caught a 30-inch Spanish mackerel in the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy Philip Wyatt Wieland
As summer fades into fall, anglers are enjoying milder temperatures and good fishing for a variety of species.
If you enjoy beautiful scenery to go with your fall fishing trips, check out the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage Report to find out where the trees are displaying their natural wonder. Sign up at the DNR website to receive the weekly report by email.
NRP Shares Waterway Protection Knowledge with Indonesian Delegation
Visit Arranged as Part of Information-Sharing Initiative
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Natural Resources Police recently welcomed a seven-person delegation of maritime professionals from Indonesia, to showcase how officers protect the Chesapeake Bay’s marine resources. This engagement was arranged through the World Trade Center Institute and the U.S. Department of State, sharing information on protecting natural resources at maritime borders. Read more…
Maryland Recognizes Importance of Seafood Industry on Eastern Shore
Cabinet Secretaries Honor Businesses for Their Efforts
A showcase of Maryland seafood at Chesapeake Seafood and Prime Meats in St. Michael’s. In recognition of their contributions to Maryland’s seafood industry, Chesapeake Seafood and Prime Meats received a Secretary’s Citation from DNR and a Certificate of Appreciation from MDA. MD DNR Photo.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio along with key staff from DNR and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) visited Maryland’s Eastern Shore to recognize wholesale commercial and retail businesses in the seafood industry last week.
The tour included stops at Wittman Wharf Seafood in Tilghman and Wittman, where owner Nick Hargrove talked about their efforts in seafood processing, aquaculture, and recycling oyster shells; P.T. Hambleton Seafood in Bozman, a family business spanning four generations over 68 years; along with Chesapeake Landing, a St. Michael’s restaurant buying seafood directly from local harvesters, in business for more than 30 years; and Chesapeake Seafood and Prime Meats, a new market opened in January 2022 specializing in seafood, along with prime meats, also in St. Michaels. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – September 2022
Step Up to Serve, Engage in Maryland Traditions
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed Sept. 11 a day of service and remembrance across the state of Maryland in memory of those lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The proclamation is part of an initiative that Governor Hogan, the Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism, and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives observe to mark the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The announcement also launches the “Just Serve” initiative, an annual monthlong initiative to promote service and volunteerism statewide through October 10.
The justserve.org web site and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiative’s website provide additional information on opportunities to support this initiative including charitable work that benefits our state’s natural resources. Read more…
Fall Foliage Preview for 2022
Overview
Welcome to the fall foliage report for 2022. Fall officially begins on Thursday, September 22 at 9:04 p.m. and the outlook for this year is positive. It’s hard to predict what kind of season Maryland will have, but there are a few factors that affect fall foliage, helping us to develop a science-based forecast. In western Maryland we’re already seeing the falling black gum leaves decorating the dark forest floor with pops of pink. There are similar reports from Southern Maryland, where the yellow poplars are also joining in, as summer waves its last goodbye.
Black Gum leaves – Photo: Melissa Carson, Maryland Park Service
Monarchs and Milkweed Festival Returns to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Migrating Pollinators Take Center Stage September 24
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate the fall migration of the monarch butterfly with the annual Monarchs and Milkweeds at Merkle event on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Activities in this free event include tagging and releasing monarchs, hayrides, guided hikes, face painting, crafts, a native plant sale, and a monarch butterfly costume contest. Food will be available for purchase. Read more…
Maryland DNR 2022 Photo Contest Winners Announced
Fan Favorite Winner to Be Chosen on Facebook
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2022 Natural Resource Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to David Terao of Silver Spring for his captivating and intricate photo of a jumping spider.
This year’s grand prize package includes $500, a Maryland State Park and Trails Passport, a subscription to Maryland Natural Resource magazine, and five copies of the 2023 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover.
This year’s contest received nearly 2,500 photos submitted by 500 photographers. In addition to the overall grand prize winner, the judges selected first through third place winners in four seasonal categories—winter, spring, summer, and fall. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 14
Angler Nochienna Agubuzo caught a 31-inch northern snakehead in the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Prince George’s County. Photo courtesy Nochienna Agubuzo
As we move through September, the thrill of beautiful weather beckons everyone to get outside. There are lots of fishing opportunities to be found this week in Maryland waters, from the western mountains to the Atlantic coast, and everywhere in between.
Design Contest for 2023-2024 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Now Open
Artists Can Submit Original Work by November 3, 2022
Last year’s winning painting, “Snow Geese” by Jim Taylor, adorns the current Migratory Game Bird Stamp.
Artists are invited to submit their original works for Maryland’s annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This popular competition combining artistic skill with knowledge of Maryland’s wildlife is open until November 3, 2022. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 7
Hunter Smith caught and released this fine-looking speckled trout recently in Tangier Sound. Photo courtesy Hunter Smith.
Cooler air temperatures will start lowering water temperatures this month and fish behavior will begin to change, for the better in most cases. Freshwater fish will become more active during the day, summer migrants to the Chesapeake and coastal bays will begin to feel the urge to move south, and fall migrations of offshore ocean species will begin.
Anglers can register now for the Rod and Reef Slam, a tournament that focuses on restoring oyster reefs throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. This annual event, sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Association, starts at 6:30 a.m. on October 8 and runs through noon on October 16. The grand prize is awarded for most species caught. Registration, which includes food and drinks, is available on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation website.
Archery Hunting for Deer Starts September 9 Statewide
Bowhunting Open Through Jan. 31, Plus Primitive Hunt
Photo by Matthew Doged
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 9, and continues through Jan. 31, 2023. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2023 during the annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report — Summer
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) this summer issued citations for illegal possession of coyotes, boating safety violations, poaching fish in a state park, and more. Read more…
Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting 2022-2023 Begins
Mourning Dove, Early Canada Goose Seasons Now Open
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2022-2023 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 31
McKenna Rayne Gingell has good cause to smile after catching this nice Spanish mackerel, one of Maryland’s summer visitor species. Photo courtesy of McKenna Rayne Gingell
Labor Day is almost upon us, and with September comes small changes in weather that will affect fishing in Maryland. Cooler water temperatures will cause some of our summer migrants to start heading south, and local fish species will become more active throughout the day.
This week is our final Striped Bass Fishing Advisory Forecast of the season, but we all know there will still be hot days ahead. Please be aware that such days are stressful on undersized striped bass that you catch and release, and use caution when fishing in hot weather.
Board of Public Works Approves More Community Parks & Playgrounds Funding
Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland
Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request to fund a second group of Community Parks & Playgrounds Program for Fiscal Year 2023. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Overall, Governor Larry Hogan included $5 million to 39 local projects statewide, providing greater access to outdoor recreation for all Marylanders. The Board of Public Works has approved 18 projects in August, including four today, and previously approved 16 projects in July 2022. The Board will review the remaining funding items during the coming fiscal year. Read more…
Maryland State Parks Receive Grants for Important Conservation Work
Nonprofit Provides ‘Small Grant, Big Impact’ Funds for 15 Projects
Rocky Gap State Park Nature Center. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Park Service was awarded 15 improvement project grants by the Friends of Maryland State Parks through the organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!” This funding is for projects that focus on conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation, and are important additions benefitting Maryland State Parks and their millions of visitors.
Through its small grants program, launched in 2020, the nonprofit provides $1,000 grants to various state parks to help them achieve their mission. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 24
Spanish mackerel, photo by Travis Long
Summertime fun continues across Maryland, and it is a great time for dads and moms to spend special moments while fishing with children and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Remember to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast for excessively hot weather, and help protect our smaller catch-and-release fish for future seasons.
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – July 2022
Conditions Were Positive to Average As Month Progressed
Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Old Dominion University show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia were mixed in July 2022, with early July hypoxic volumes well below average, and late July near average. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.66 and 1.74 cubic miles during early and late July monitoring cruises, compared to historical early and late July averages (1985-2021) of 1.63 and 1.62 cubic miles. Read more…
DNR at Maryland State Fair for 2022
Exhibits Now Open in the Mosner Miller Building
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will bring displays, exhibits and programs about our state’s forests, fish, waters, and wildlife to the 2022 Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds from Thursday, Aug. 25 through Monday, September 11.
Fairgoers are invited to stop by the DNR room at the Mosner Miller building every Thursday evening starting at 5 p.m., and all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day during the fair. Guests of all ages can talk with experts and enjoy fun, educational, and informational exhibits about fishing, hunting, forestry, state parks, protecting our shorelines and natural resources, and more. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 17
Photo courtesy Daniel McCarter
The summer days keep rolling along – be sure to enjoy what time we have now with kids before they are back to school.
Soon it will be September, exciting times for anglers as water temperatures cool and fishing kicks into high gear. But until then, remember that hot weather creates tough conditions for undersized striped bass that are caught and released. Be sure to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to plan your trip and help save the smaller fish for future seasons.
Secretary’s Message – August 2022
Working to Protect Our Resources for Generations to Come
Photo by Luke Terrell, Maryland Park Service
I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but one of my favorite programs at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is our conservation corps. These important programs provide workforce and leadership training to youth and veterans, which is important not just for our department, but for the future of our state. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 10
Photo of angler Addison Rowe by Tiffany Rowe
Families are fitting in those last summer vacations and simple relaxing times close to home. From local ponds and tributaries to the waters off Ocean City, Maryland’s waters are ideal places to spend time with children and allow them to experience the joys of fishing.
Remember that hot weather creates tough conditions for undersized striped bass that are caught and released. From now until September, DNR once again will run its striped bass fishing advisory forecast so anglers can better plan their fishing for striped bass to lessen mortalities.
Macro Mini Maryland
Maize calligrapher fly by Edwin Guevara
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~Dr. Wayne Dyer
Have you ever looked at someone you’ve known your entire life and realized you never noticed something about their appearance? For many of us who have lived in Maryland a long time, it’s easy to leave our homes and walk right past a wealth of natural beauty without so much as a second glance. A few years ago, as the constant use of cell phone cameras was becoming the norm, I discovered a nifty little gadget that forever changed the way I look at the natural world: a clip-on macro lens! Read more…
Chlorophyll Leaf Prints in 5 Easy Steps
The art of leaf printing has been around for hundreds of years, with the first example discovered in the year 1,228 CE. From the 13th to the 19th century, botanists, herbalists, and doctors all over the world used herbal prints for medical research and identification. In this country, Benjamin Franklin began printing a leaf on the back of paper money in 1739. He had noticed in leaf prints created by his friend, botanist and artist Jacob Breitnall, that no leaf had identical veins. That made leaf printing a great way to combat counterfeiting. Fast forward to modern times, and both fingerprints for adults and footprints for newborn babies are actively used to maintain unique identities. Read more…
Habitat Tip: Helping Birds Beat The Heat
Blue jays in bird bath by Mike’s Photos (CC BY-SA 2.0)
As we move into the sultry dog days of summer, don’t forget our feathered friends. Birds don’t have sweat glands like people, so they’ve evolved other ways to cool off. Panting, like your dog, is one way, especially for our smaller songbirds. Their fluffy down feathers insulate from the heat, as they do from the cold. Birds will change their schedules to be out and active during the cooler parts of the day, and take a siesta in the shade during the peak heat. And birds like to splash in shallow water to cool off and rehydrate. Be it streams, puddles, or bird baths, a nice dip in cool waters is refreshing! Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Yours Frondly, Ferns
Northern maidenhair fern by Sarah Witcher
Who needs flowers when you have fiddleheads? Ferns not only provide foraging space for ground-feeding birds, but they create vital shelter for numerous species of Maryland wildlife. Let’s explore a bit about why ferns are fascinating and look at some of the benefits of planting them in your home habitat. Read more…
Natural Heritage Program Spotlight: Maryland’s Natural Areas
Wild Rice Flower by Kerry Wixted
Government land management titles are often a tangle of acronyms, with federal and state programs differing in their terminology, but remaining just similar enough to be confusing. Generally each defining term has meaning when it comes to things like how a land parcel was chosen, what it intends to conserve, and how it’s managed for the future. One of the lesser-known recognitions highlighted by the Department of Natural Resources is a Maryland Natural Area (for more on this, check out this page). Despite their quieter existence, Natural Areas are something pretty special. Read more…
What’s New in Maryland State Parks?
With record levels of investment in recent years, Maryland State Parks are expanding, with new parks and facilities being opened and existing properties undergoing upgrades. Statewide, landscape restoration projects are also underway to improve wildlife habitat, restore streams and shorelines, and plant trees.
These efforts are designed to ensure that Maryland’s award-winning state park system serves as a model of natural resource conservation that will inspire all Marylanders to join along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources mission–to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance our environment for this and future generations. Read more…
Terrapin Station: Deal Island Partners Create Protective Barrier for Traveling Turtles
Carrie Samis
Wild turtles are on the move in spring and summer, looking for love and a place to nest. During nesting season female turtles don’t travel far from their typical homes, often attempting to cross busy roads to reach ideal nesting habitat. Deal Island Road in the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one such location, and local residents have expressed concern about multiple occurrences of turtle mortality on the road. Read more…
From the Field: Letha Grimes, Natural Resources Biologist
Letha with the department’s new First Catch Fish Trailer
Letha Grimes grew up exploring nature. As a young angler, she loved fishing local farm ponds and the upper Potomac River. The outdoor experiences of her childhood inspired Grimes to take an entry level job as a conservation technician at the Albert Powell Trout Hatchery in Hagerstown. At this Maryland Department of Natural Resources facility, which hatches more than 600,000 trout eggs every year, Grimes engaged in fisheries training, including an independent four-year project. Read more…
Worth Its Salt: Maryland’s Free Saltwater Angler Registration
Ocean Sunrise by Dennis Garcia
More than a decade ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began requiring anglers to pay a fee and register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry before fishing for anadromous species–those that move between saltwater and freshwater habitats. The registry is a tool that helps NOAA survey anglers to estimate recreational fishing effort and impacts. Read more…
Whale Watch: Offshore Monitoring to Protect Marine Mammals
Photo by Mark Baumgartner
The waters off the Maryland coast are home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles and marine mammals such as dolphins, porpoises, and whales.
Marine mammals, including humpback whales, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972; this and other species such as sei, right, and fin whales are also listed as endangered. In fact, current population estimates of the North Atlantic right whale suggest there are fewer than 350 individuals remaining, making it a critically-endangered species. Since 2016 and 2017, respectively, increased numbers of dead or seriously injured humpback and North Atlantic right whales have been observed along the Atlantic coast from Canada to Florida. Read more…
Dry Hydrants
The success of fire suppression operations depends on having a readily available watersource. In cities and developed suburban areas, fire hydrants are connected to public water systems and are readily accessible for firefighters. But many rural areas of the state do not have pressurized fire hydrant systems. In many cases, firefighters require water to be shuttled by tanker from the closest available source, usually from a town pressurized system, and it can be difficult for firefighters to maintain an uninterrupted water source at the scene. Read more…
Outside Perspective
Every summer since I have been Secretary, I have been proud to share with you excerpts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annual Report. We have long produced this document highlighting the achievements of our multiple operating units during the previous year in an effort to keep you informed of our activities. Since 2019, the 50th anniversary of our department, we have also made it a feature of this magazine. Read more…
Waterfowl Hunting Set at Deal Island and Fairmount Impoundments
Permit Applications for Somerset County Wildlife Management Areas Now Available
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area, photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the annual schedule and process for waterfowl hunting at the Deal Island and Fairmount Wildlife Management Area impoundments. The current program is being managed to reduce crowding and maintain the quality of waterfowl hunting opportunities during the regular duck season. Read more…
DNR Graduates Maryland Conservation Corps Class of 2022
Program Provides Career Training for Environmental Stewards
Photo by Sara Marcinak, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) honored 35 members of the 2021-2022 Maryland Conservation Corps during their graduation program on August 3. The ceremony commemorated the members’ completion of 10 months of job training, conservation work, and stewardship with the Maryland Park Service.
Members from across the country, all between the ages of 17 and 25, completed at least 1,700 hours of service. This year’s crews planted more than 10,046 native trees, bay grasses and plants; treated almost 7,000 trees against harmful insects and diseases; and taught environmental education programs to more than 21,565 students, youth, and park visitors. Read more…
Conservation Jobs Corps Graduates Class of 2022
Maryland Teens Complete Outdoor Jobs Skills Program
Photo by Luke Terrell, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
More than three dozen young Marylanders celebrated their graduation from the Conservation Jobs Corps August 2 after five weeks of job training, conservation education, hard work, and fun.
The ceremony was held at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County with former Veterans Conservation Corps crew leader Calvin Ogburn as the keynote speaker. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 3
Christine Virgin holds up a big red drum for a picture before slipping it back into the Bay. Photo courtesy of Christine Virgin
This is an exciting week for fishing and crabbing in Maryland! The Chesapeake Bay striped bass season has reopened, and more seasonal fish are arriving in the Bay, rivers, and Atlantic Ocean.
Remember that hot weather creates tough conditions for undersized striped bass that are caught and released. From now until September, DNR once again will run its striped bass fishing advisory forecast so anglers can better plan their fishing for striped bass to lessen mortalities.
Grants Gateway Open for Resilience and Restoration Funds
Department Accepting Grant Applications for Fiscal Year 2024
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the Grants Gateway application is open for local governments and organizations for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins July 1, 2023. Through this process, funding is available for projects that restore local waterways, increase communities’ resilience to climate change and storm impacts, strengthen local economies, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, and foster sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways with projects that benefit the general boating public. Read more…
June 2022 Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report
Chesapeake Bay Dissolved Oxygen Conditions Better than Average
Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Old Dominion University show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia were better than average in June 2022. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.51 and 0.98 cubic miles during early and late June monitoring cruises, compared to historical early and late June averages (1985-2021) of 0.87 and 1.31 cubic miles.
During their respective time periods, the early June volume ranks as the 8th best on record and late June was 12th best. Additionally, a small volume of less than 0.1 cubic miles of anoxia – waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen – was observed during the late June cruise. Hypoxia was essentially zero (0.0002 cubic miles) in May. Read more…
DNR Awards Outdoor Environmental Education Grants for Watershed Studies
Funding Supports Projects Fostering Science and Stewardship
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced $128,000 in awards for student and youth outdoor science, and watershed education in the state. The following schools and nonprofit organizations will receive funding during Fiscal Year 2023. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 27
Eleven-year-old Kierce Thompson shows off a beautiful and large rainbow trout caught recently in a Frederick County trout stream. Photo by Brittany Vance
As we approach the end of July, families are enjoying vacations and anglers of all ages are fishing together. Sometimes the unbounded hope of angling offers up some surprises.
For those anglers who are also photographers, be sure to enter your best shots in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest. Entries for the 2022 contest are due Monday, August 1, and details are on the DNR website.
Salisbury University, in partnership with DNR, is hosting the Nanticoke River Invasive Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 30 at Cherry Beach Park in Sharptown. There is no fee to enter the tournament. A tournament registration form is available online, and more information is available on the Salisbury University website.
The Bay and its tributaries will reopen for striped bass fishing on August 1. The annual July two-week closure is to protect striped bass from summer’s warm water and air temperatures that cause unacceptable catch-and-release mortalities. To further help protect the fishery, we resume our striped bass fishing advisory forecast for the reopening of the season.
Board of Public Works Approves Community Parks and Playgrounds Funding
Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland
Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request to fund the first group of Community Parks & Playgrounds Program for Fiscal Year 2023.
Overall, Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget included $5 million to 39 local projects statewide, providing greater access to outdoor recreation for all Marylanders. The first round included 16 of the projects. The Board of Public Works will review the funding items during the coming fiscal year.
Once the funding is released, DNR provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment. Read more…
Maryland Awards Climate Resilience Grants to 12 Communities
Funds Support Planning and Design of Green Infrastructure Solution
Deal Island’s living shoreline and marsh enhancement work was supported by a 2021 climate resilience grant. Photo by Nicole Carlozo, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the award of more than $2 million to 12 climate resilience projects to help communities prepare for, and recover from, climate-related impacts. These competitive grants are designed to help communities plan and design solutions to withstand flooding and other weather-related events.
The projects selected will identify and prioritize vulnerable communities, incorporate climate change data and information into existing plans and policies, and develop nature-based or natural solutions to control flooding. Funding is provided by Governor Hogan’s Resiliency Through Restoration Initiative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Read more…
Maryland Underwater Grasses Hold Steady in 2021
Annual Report Shows Overall Improvement in Chesapeake Bay
Photo by Brooke Landry, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the 2021 underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay remained stable compared to the previous year, with a slight decrease of 1%, or 350 acres. Baywide, underwater grasses increased by 7%.
Despite record high rainfall and stream flows in 2018 and 2019, long-term monitoring by DNR has identified major reductions in polluted runoff entering the Bay as a result of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay restoration activities. These improving trends in cleaner water provide multiple benefits including being beneficial to the Bay’s underwater grasses. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 20
Photo by Bob Bruns
Chesapeake Bay anglers received a welcome surprise this week with the arrival of wonderful numbers of speckled trout, bluefish, and spot. These offer great alternatives during the striped bass closure in the Chesapeake Bay through July 31 and the tidal Potomac River until August 21.
Elsewhere, the waters off Ocean City are offering excellent fishing for a mix of species including black sea bass, tuna, and white marlin. There is also plenty of great fishing throughout Maryland waters for freshwater anglers.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is always looking to encourage more Marylanders to take up the exciting sport of fishing. DNR invites college students and adults aged 18 and older to free mentored fishing training and practice sessions in August. The program will comprise four sessions in various locations in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, culminating with a fishing tournament on August 13. Space is limited – check the DNR website for details.
Fishing Mentorship Offered by Maryland Department of Natural Resources
College Students and Young Adults Can Get Free Instruction, Gear
Photo by Tristan Bapst
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites college students and adults aged 18 and older to free mentored fishing training and practice sessions in August. The program will comprise four sessions in various locations in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, culminating with a fishing tournament on August 13. Read more…
Maryland 2022 Black Bear Hunt Lottery Now Open
Application Deadline August 31; Drawing Sept. 7
Photo by Bob Geary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for the 2022 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the 6-day hunting season, which for the first time includes a Saturday. The hunt will be open October 24-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
The annual bear hunt, now in its 19th year, is an important management tool used to slow the increase of Maryland’s black bear population and limit expansion of Maryland bears into the eastern suburbs and cities. The department will once again issue 950 hunting permits this year. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 13
Photo by Eric Packard
Kayak fishing has gained many converts in the past few years. These small, human-powered watercraft are portable and offer easy access to waters throughout Maryland, and for our younger anglers provide an opportunity to be the captain of their own vessel.
Read more…
Waterfowl Blind Site Licensing Process Now Available for 2022-23
Online Lottery, Virtual Appointments to Secure Hunting Locations
Photo by Jake McPherson, Ducks Unlimited
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is again offering an online-only process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2022-2023 waterfowl blind site license. From now through July 26 at 11:59 p.m., hunters may enter the annual lottery for the opening days of blind site licensing through the department’s Compass licensing portal.
Hunters can register to be entered into a random lottery for a county of their choice. Landowners who would like to license their own property may also enter the same lottery. Read more…
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