Natural Resources News
Fall Foliage Report – October 27, 2022
The majority of our state is resplendent in fall color right now, with most of Maryland’s counties experiencing peak or near-peak conditions. Our resident photographers are capturing the moment, producing these gorgeous shots from Rocky Gap and Greenbrier State Parks and Thurmont, Maryland.
State Record Smooth Dogfish Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Pennsylvania Angler Reels in 18-Pound Shark at Ocean City
Fay Ganster with her record smooth dogfish. Photo by Captain John Forman
Fay Ganster of Reading, Pennsylvania has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with an 18-pound smooth dogfish she caught off the coast of Ocean City on October 22. Read more…
Maryland State Tree Nursery Has Trees Available for Spring 2023
Multiple Species for Planting Ready to Order
Loblolly pine (pictured here) and many other species are grown at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery. Maryland DNR photo
Orders are being accepted for the spring 2023 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Trees benefit the environment as well as enhance natural habitat for birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Almost all trees and shrubs available for sale are native, and many are also pollinator-friendly. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 26
Reed Spires proudly holds up striped bass he and his dad each caught in Eastern Bay recently. Photo by Jason Spires
Summer temperatures are a distant memory, but the splashes of fall colors and excellent fishing opportunities throughout Maryland more than make up for it. This is a wonderful time to be out with family and friends fishing for everything from trout to striped bass.
Get Outside at Night: Experimenting with Light
During the autumn months the days begin to get shorter. Take advantage of our extra hours of darkness with these light-generating experiments. An outside place like your own backyard provides the perfect laboratory to learn about flammability, the piezoelectric effect, and triboluminescence. Read more…
Natural Heritage Program Spotlight: Fall Swamps
Cranesville Swamp in fall by Matt Tillett
At this time of year, leaf watchers are enthusiastically traveling the region to catch the best show of color on our deciduous trees (and you can too—follow our Fall Foliage Reports here)! Nature certainly puts on a show of a bedtime routine before the winter snooze, but fall beauty does not only lie in the falling leaves. Smaller plants and conifers go through transitions of their own, or sometimes just provide an enduring and welcome carpet of green in an otherwise browning landscape. Wetlands in particular are enjoyable in the fall, having lost the crowds and blood-sucking bugs that may be a summer nuisance. Wetlands are often split into four types, each defined by its own set of soil, water, and vegetation characteristics. Here in Maryland we are fortunate to have all four to appreciate. Read more…
Habitat Tip: Glow-In-The-Dark Backyards
King’s hairstreak biofluorescence by Jen Selfridge
As winter approaches, many of us dread the shortening hours of daylight and increasing darkness. In this spookiest of seasons, I like to focus on ways to appreciate the nighttime and the bits of unexpected light hidden in the natural world. Plenty of living things have unique ways to glow in the dark! Read more…
Native Animal Profile: Our BFFs, Bats
Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) by Dana L. Limpert
When people think of Halloween a few things may come to mind: pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, candy, monsters, and of course, bats! As the only true flying mammals in existence, bats face a lot of misconceptions. You may have heard folks saying things like “blind as a bat” and mentioning that they could fly and get tangled in your hair. The truth is that bats can see out of their eyes but rely mostly on echolocation, a mechanism that works much like sonar. There are many species of bats around the world, and you may have heard of species like fruit bats, flying foxes, and even the spooky-sounding vampire bat. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 20, 2022
Maryland has been called “America in Miniature” – you can find just about any kind of natural feature here, except a desert. This has extended to the weather in recent days, with snow falling in Western Maryland and sunny, 70 degree days and blue skies on the Eastern Shore. The snowfall caused the loss of a lot of leaves, leaving areas in western and northern Garrett County past peak conditions. In other areas of the state we’re seeing color changes in a pattern consistent with past years, just with the fall colors turned up a welcome notch.
Chesapeake Bay 2022 Young-of-Year Survey Results Announced
Striped Bass Reproduction Remains Low; Spot Abundance is Highest in Decade
Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists conduct the annual young-of-year survey each summer. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of the iconic fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2022 young-of-year index is 3.6, which is slightly higher than last year’s result, but remains below the long-term average of 11.3. Read more…
Maryland Delivers $27 Million in Rural Legacy Program Grants
Funding Will Protect 7,100 Acres Statewide with Largest Appropriation in Decades
An expansion of Calvert Creeks Rural Legacy Area was among the grants approved this year. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Board of Public Works on October 12 unanimously approved more than $27.1 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easement acquisitions, reflecting the highest annual amount appropriated since 2002. Funding from these grants will permanently protect 7,100 acres of working farms, forests, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and historical resources — throughout the state. Additionally, the Rural Legacy Board approved an expansion of more than 36,000 acres in six Rural Legacy Areas. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 19
Species like this northern pike caught at Deep Creek Lake by Angela Pitzer are active. Photo by Duffey Pitzer
Anglers are bundling up and enjoying fall fishing at its finest out on the Chesapeake Bay and in Maryland’s freshwater locations, which offer a variety of species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources fall trout stocking program is in full swing.
DNR and the Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are proud to announce Captain Bruno M. Vasta and the late Jim Gracie each as recipients of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Awards for 2022.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Graduates 13 New Officers
Members of 63rd Basic Recruit Class Complete 36-Week Training
Photo by Lauren Moses, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) welcomed 13 new officers following graduation of its 63rd Basic Recruit Class on October 14.
The ceremony at Sandy Point State Park was the culmination of 36 weeks of training and coursework at the Maryland Police and Corrections facility in Sykesville. Their coursework included Maryland conservation law, criminal procedure, vehicle and traffic laws, physical conditioning, firearms, wildlife identification, emergency vehicle operations, search and rescue, land navigation, and boating navigation. The recruits faced challenging tasks that tested their strength, such as enduring OC spray and undergoing water survival training. Read more…
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days Set for 2022-23
Two Dates Reserved in Fall and Winter
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience Maryland’s tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 5, 2022 and Feb. 4, 2023.
On these two days, hunting for ducks, geese, and coots on public and private lands in Maryland will be offered exclusively to eligible hunters 16 years of age or younger, military veterans of any age as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 13, 2022
This fall season is shaping up to be a memorable one, and if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit Western Maryland right now, you’ll soon know why. The fall foliage show is on in mountainous Western Maryland with a full spectrum of fall colors on display. This week we have an extended report from our park staff and foresters out west to help you figure out what’s happening where and plan your visits accordingly.
Maryland Fishing Report – October 12
Corey Brummel caught this 36-inch Northern snakehead in Higgins Meal Pond. Photo by Corey Brummel
Anglers returned to fishing with some relatively warm and sunny weather following the previous week’s storm. Across the state, cooling water temperatures should cause both freshwater and saltwater fish to feed more aggressively prior to the winter months. Many boats are seeking striped bass on the Bay, fall trout stocking is underway, and the invasive Northern snakehead continues to provide action.
Fall Foliage Report – October 6, 2022
“The sun after the rain is much more beautiful than the sun before the rain.”
–Bill Watterson
Last week we mentioned one of the biggest impacts on fall foliage – weather. Ian brought a lot of wind and rain to our region, resulting in a wet forest floor and cooler temperatures, and thankfully not a lot of leaf drop due to the early fall timing of the storm. And while the trails in our parks may be muddy, folks, weekends like this are made for the fall.
Secretary’s Message – October 2022
Find an October Treat in Maryland’s Outdoor Spaces
Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
October is a time when the natural world puts on a spectacular show; and outdoor activities in Maryland provide a great opportunity to enjoy it! It is an ideal time to visit the public lands throughout our beautiful state. Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and I recently joined a group of veterans and staff from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs for a wellness hike at Patuxent River Natural Resource Management Area in Hughesville. The hike was organized to raise awareness for suicide prevention and the new Veterans Crisis Line, which can be accessed by dialing 988 (then pressing 1) or texting 838255.
Similarly, DNR participated again this year in Maryland’s multi-agency Walktober campaign to highlight the health benefits of walking – our official state exercise – and to remind everyone of the responsibility we share regarding pedestrian safety on our roads and in our recreational areas. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 5
This group of happy anglers each caught a striped bass prior to the big storm. Photo by Travis Long
Welcome to the great month of “Rocktober!” The recent wind and rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian has created difficult conditions, but the weather should be improving soon. Anglers saw some exciting fishing action prior to the storm and are anticipating some good fishing in the coming days. Across the state, cooling water temperatures should cause both freshwater and saltwater fish to feed more aggressively prior to the winter months.
Federal Funds Available through DNR for Outdoor Recreation Space
Land and Water Conservation Fund Provides Up to $1 Million
Photo by Kristine Lochart
The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program. This process enables local governments to receive grant funding to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors. DNR is accepting applications through November 1, 2022. Read more…
Maryland Fall Turkey, Small Game Hunting Seasons Beginning
Numerous Opportunities to Hunt Statewide
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Hunters are also reminded that changes have been made to ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail seasons. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens in Late October
First Segment of Season Starts October 20
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 20-22 statewide.
Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 24-29 for antlerless deer only.
The popular season typically coincides with pleasant fall weather and is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state. Read more…
Maryland Black Bear Activity Increases Throughout Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions
Photo by Black Bear by Ryan Van Nosdeln
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food.
During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – August 2022
2022 Oxygen Conditions Remain Better than Average
Water monitoring 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 slightly better than average in August 2022, with early and late August having less hypoxia than usual.
The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.34 and 0.98 cubic miles during early and late August monitoring cruises, compared to historical early and late August averages (1985-2021) of 1.37 and 1.08 cubic miles. Read more…
Applications Open for 2023 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$92,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening, and Environmental Initiatives
“Trees Not Trash” is a community initiative for planting trees in urban areas, and was funded by a 2021 Keep Maryland Beautiful grant. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
Applications are now being accepted for the Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program, managed by Forever Maryland in partnership with the Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Three different grants are being offered to help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities, and land trusts to support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship, and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 15, 2022. Awards will be announced in spring 2023. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – September 29, 2022
“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”
-Delia Owens
The maples and black gums continue to lead the fall transition, however most of Maryland is still seeing little change. Three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, weather, and most importantly, length of night. The timing of color changes is primarily regulated by the calendar, and as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, biochemical processes in the leaves begin to reveal autumn’s palette of colors across Maryland’s landscape.
Nesting Platform Initiative for Endangered Birds in Maryland Coastal Bays is a Big Success
Conservation Partnership Celebrates Successful Breeding Season for Common Terns
The artificial island after deployment in May 2022, complete with bird decoys to attract nesting waterbirds. Photo by Archer Larned, Maryland Coastal Bays Program
The partnership of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Audubon Mid-Atlantic, and Maryland Coastal Bays Program, announced another successful year for the innovative conservation project to preserve three of Maryland’s state listed endangered colonial nesting waterbirds — the Common Tern, Royal Tern, and Black Skimmer, The floating, wooden-framed platform deployed in Maryland’s Atlantic Coastal Bays produced a highly successful Common Tern colony this summer before volunteers safely returned it to shore this week.
The project, now in its second year, is providing a floating wooden-framed platform as a nesting site for endangered colonial waterbirds, which have declined by a staggering 90-95% since the mid-1980s due to sea level rise and the erosion of their natural barren sand nesting islands in the coastal bays. The second year of the project was a resounding success. The platform was successfully used for nesting by 155 pairs of Common Terns, an increase of 132 pairs over the initial year, and making it the largest breeding colony of this species in the Coastal Bays in 2022.
“This June I had the great pleasure to ride out with the partners to view this island from a safe distance, and I applaud the ingenuity behind this important effort,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “Watching as the birds adopt this island was an incredible experience, and offers hope for the future of these species.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 28
Photo courtesy of Jeff Jacobs
Photo courtesy of Thomas Bodmer
As we reach the end of September, anglers are seeing some exciting fishing action – cooling water temperatures are transitioning some marine fisheries and spurring freshwater fish to feed more aggressively.
The end of summer brought some excitement to the Atlantic Coast. Two new state record fish were caught out of Ocean City – a 339-pound swordfish was caught by Jeff Jacobs and a 77- pound albacore by Thomas “Tad” Bodmer.
Fall Trout Stocking to Begin Across Maryland
Fishing Spots to Receive Allotments in October
Photo by John Mullican
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin fall trout stock in early October. The department will be stocking thousands of hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout in select creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds across the state.
Anglers are encouraged to sign up to receive stocking updates. Anglers can also call the trout stocking hotline at 800-688-3467 on Fridays starting in October for a weekly update on all locations stocked. DNR also publishes daily stocking updates on our website as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Due to several variables that can alter schedules, stocking sites and times are not announced in advance, but are available afterward. Read more…
Trapping Bid Packets Now Available for Eastern Shore Public Lands
Deadlines in October for Opportunities in 2022-23 Season
A muskrat den at Taylor’s Island Wildlife Management Area. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2022-2023 trapping season at several Wildlife Management Areas and other public lands. Deadlines for submitting bid packages are in October. The individual with the highest bid for each area will be awarded annual trapping privileges. Read more…
Maryland State Record Albacore Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Montgomery County Resident Breaks Record Held 18 Years
Photo courtesy Sunset Marina.
Thomas “Tad” Bodmer of Poolesville has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Resources as the new state record holder Atlantic Division for albacore, or long-fin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), with his 77-pound catch. Read more…
Maryland State Record Swordfish Caught off Ocean City
Calvert County Angler Lands Fish After Five-and-a-half-Hour Fight
Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobs
Jeff Jacobs has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with a 393-pound swordfish (Xiphias gladius) he caught in the canyons off the coast of Ocean City. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report September 22, 2022
“It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue, you could drown in it.”
– Diana Gabaldon
Cooler temps bring crisp mornings and the hope of finding signs of fall in the treetops. Keep checking back each Thursday for the latest information. Read more…
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.