Natural Resources News
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 17
Split Season Ends Jan.1, Resumes Jan. 13
Photo by Larry Hindman, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opens Friday, Dec. 17. The season contains two segments, Dec. 17 through Jan. 1, 2022, and again from Jan. 13 through Jan. 31, 2022. Read more…
Water Temperatures Pose Danger to Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals
Marylanders Asked to Report ‘Cold-Stunning’ of Sea Creatures
Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Aquarium staff returned three sea turtles to the Atlantic Ocean in September 2020, after months of rehabilitating the animals from near-fatal cold-stunning. Maryland DNR photo.
As soon as water temperatures dip in the fall, sea turtles and some marine mammals that frequent the Chesapeake Bay are susceptible to cold-stunning or hypothermia.
The immediate impacts can cause some species to become slow and unresponsive, making them dangerous to themselves and boaters. Read more…
Maryland Announces Opening Weekend Deer Firearm Season Results
Hunters Find Success Despite Windy Conditions
Photo by Duane Tucker
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 10,419 deer taken on the opening weekend of the 2021 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 27-28. The overall harvest was 6% lower than last year’s official opening weekend harvest of 11,123 deer, as windy conditions prevailed.
The harvest total included 4,780 antlered and 5,289 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 168 antlered and 182 antlerless sika deer. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 11. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – December 1
Gary Budny holds up a beautiful chain pickerel he caught and released at Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Gary Budny
Everywhere in Maryland, colder weather is setting in as we enter December. Some species of fish will begin to hunker down for the winter months while others relish the colder water temperatures. Fishing for blue catfish, trout, and chain pickerel often excels during the winter months, and saltwater fishing for sea bass and tautog provide plenty of action along the coasts.
Board of Public Works Approves $26 Million in Rural Legacy Program Grants
Funding Will Protect 6,000 Acres Statewide
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved more than $26.2 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easements in 17 counties. Funding from these grants will permanently protect about 6,000 acres of working farms, forests, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and historical resources — throughout the state.
Additionally, the board approved designation of a new Rural Legacy Area in Charles County, the 64,000-acre Nanjemoy-Mattawoman Forest Rural Legacy Area. Designation will provide the opportunity to protect farmland, forests, natural areas, and historic properties within the Nanjemoy and Mattawoman watersheds. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Community Parks and Playgrounds Funding
Program Provides $5 Million for Outdoor Recreation Statewide in Fiscal 2022
The Board of Public Works today approved the last of 31 Community Parks and Playground projects for this fiscal year, totaling $5 million in grants for new and upgraded outdoor facilities in communities across Maryland.
Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included funding for these projects, through which the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – Year-End 2021
Divided Season Results in Near Average 2021 Hypoxia
Monitoring of dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia showed a tale of two different halves for the 2021 season. The Bay experienced below average hypoxia — areas with less than 2 mg/l of dissolved oxygen — from May through July, followed by above average hypoxic volumes August through October. When averaged over the full 2021 season, hypoxic volume was slightly below the historical seasonal average, consistent with forecasts made in the spring. Read more…
Maryland Fifth Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters for 2022
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until January 21, 2022
Luke Etter of Carroll County won first place honors in the 2021 Arbor Day Poster Contest, with a prize of 15 trees to his school for planting.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2022 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Maryland Forests Are Too!” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 24
There are many outdoor opportunities to be thankful for in Maryland. Bryant Smith and his children show off a mixed bag of wood ducks and a large northern snakehead.
Marylanders are beginning to hear Old Man Winter knocking on the door this week, with repeated temperatures below 30 degrees in some areas. Water temperatures are declining in all areas, changing the fishing conditions. Dress appropriately and enjoy the exciting fishing opportunities. All of us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wish everyone a happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
Fall Foliage Report – November 24, 2021
The meteorological fall season comes to a close on December 1, and we are beginning to experience consistently cooler temperatures and brisk winds across Maryland. Fall foliage enthusiasts who bundle up and head east will be rewarded with leaves of crimson, amber, and gold adorning the Eastern Shore’s beautiful waterfront landscapes. A few pops of color remain in the central part of our state, and our citizen reporters spotted gorgeous burgundy-red leaves in Frederick and mellower tones of yellow and orange at Seneca Creek State Park. We’d like to thank all of the Marylanders that submitted photos capturing the fall season this year. We were thrilled with the response, and your photos helped us with our foliage forecasting.
Maryland Offers ‘Gift of Trees’ for Holiday Shopping List
Native Tree Planting with Certificate Available for Purchase
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers holiday shoppers the opportunity to buy one gift for a loved one, for future generations, and for the environment.. The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees — for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration, or observation.
A Gift of Trees certificate suitable for framing will be issued and mailed out within a week or two of an order. All trees will be planted in the next growing season – either spring or fall – to promote optimal growth and survival. Orders must be placed by Dec. 17 to ensure certificate delivery in time for Christmas. Holiday discounts are available for early shoppers.
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Season Set to Open Nov. 27
Another Chance for Hunters to Put Venison in Their Freezers
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 27 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 11. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 18, 2021
GO EAST! Western portions of the state have passed peak conditions and even had a little snow. Although there are still patches of fall scenery in the central part of the state, the fall color has shifted east of I-95 in Maryland. Based on our reports, the last of fall’s glory can be seen in bright reds, oranges, and yellows; even driving around the neighborhood can provide some beautiful views. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore there are also plenty of conifers, and the pops of green mixed in with traditional fall colors make for great scenic landscapes in vast open spaces.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 17
Photo by Monty Hawkins
As we move through November there are plenty of excellent fishing opportunities to be had. The western mountain streams and rivers hold trout, smallmouth bass, and muskellunge. The small lakes and ponds that dot Maryland are providing a variety of fish that are feeding aggressively. The striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay are also feeling the urge to build up body stores. In the waters of the Atlantic, fishing for black sea bass does not get any better, with limit catches the norm.
Secretary’s Message: November 2021
Make Maryland’s Outdoors Part of Your Gatherings
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
As we enter the final two months of the year, our thoughts turn to the holiday season and gatherings with family and friends. To supplement those traditional dishes we often serve, I am pleased to share with you the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online cookbook Wild Maryland. The cookbook includes recipes with ingredients that can be hunted, trapped, caught, or foraged in Maryland’s outdoors – just in time for Maryland’s fall hunting and fishing seasons.
Wild Maryland also showcases our heritage and our way of life, through recipes that can be shared and passed down for generations to come. Feel free to try our recipes or submit one of your own by sending an email to Recipes.DNR@maryland.gov! Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — October 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) filed charges in October for a variety of conservation law violations including illegal bear hunting, striped bass violations, and deer poaching. Read more…
‘Boatload of Toys’ Underway for 2021 Holiday Season
Natural Resources Police Toy Drive Returns
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) is renewing its commitment to helping the state’s children have a joyful holiday season with its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive. In November and December, staff will be collecting donations of new and unopened toys, for local children up to 18 years of age.
Officers and civilian staff manage this program each year as part of the national Marine Toys for Tots program to collect and distribute toys to children in need during the holiday season. After suspending the program last year due to the pandemic, NRP is eager to resume collecting hundreds of gifts to distribute. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 11, 2021
The corn mazes are wrapping up, farmers markets are shifting to their winter offerings, and the trees across Maryland are preparing for their winter break. But there are still opportunities to see fall color, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. A good way to enjoy the remaining fall days is with a drive along one of Maryland’s Scenic byways. At this point, the Roots and Tides, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Chesapeake Country, Religious Freedom, and John Wilkes Booth trails are your best bets for capturing fall’s final curtain call. Colors are still muted compared to previous years but there are plenty of beautiful spots that make it worth the trip.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 10
Lucy Perez went fishing with her dad and holds up her prize, one keeper-sized striped bass. Photo by Nick Perez
Many of Maryland’s fishing opportunities are at their zenith as cool water temperatures have fish feeling the urge to build up body stores for the coming winter months. This is good news for anglers.
Read more…
Maryland Reports Early Deer Hunting Season 2021 Results
Muzzleloader Season Sees Increase; Slow Start for Archery
Photo by Terri Abramovitz
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that hunters harvested 16,281 deer during the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 17% decrease from last year’s official harvest of 19,616 deer for the same period. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Officer Prevents a Suicide in Cecil County River
Five-Year Veteran Dives into Cold Water to Rescue Woman
Officer First Class Jacob Gerczak. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
A Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer rescued a suicidal woman who jumped into the Bohemia River in Cecil County.
Officer First Class Jacob Gerczak was on patrol in the Chesapeake City area at about 5:20 p.m. on October 31 when he observed a woman standing on the end of a pier overlooking the Bohemia River. The five-year veteran officer knew something was suspicious. Moments later, the woman jumped from the pier into the river. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 4, 2021
The fall foliage this year has been a moving target, and we find ourselves entering November with some lackluster conditions. We are generally seeing a pattern from western Garrett County in the past peak stage to lots of green with pockets of color in far eastern Maryland. With the recent wind and rain, we’re seeing an end to prime foliage colors in most of the state mainly because of leaf drop. Generally speaking, fall foliage seekers should go far north where there has been more change and your best bet will be along the Blue Ridge mountain range (Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties). It’s still a great time to enjoy the cooler weather outside as the leaves fall! We had lots of photo submissions this week from citizen forest watchers across our state so look to see what’s happening on the ground through their lenses.
Controlled Burn Planned for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Smoke May Be Visible from Nearby Highways
Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Allegany County. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a controlled burn on Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area on a date to be set in December as weather and other conditions allow. Residents or drivers who see smoke in the area southwest of Rawlings should be aware that it may appear to be a forest fire, but is deliberate and controlled and there is no need to report it to authorities.
The fire will create smoke but it will be a controlled flame targeting underbrush and ground cover debris. Access to the wildlife management area at its primitive camping area and at Middle Ridge Road will be limited during the burn, due to potential for low visibility, but will reopen as soon as the burn is completed. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 3
Jacob Baczeski went trout fishing with his dad on Deer Creek and proudly holds up a rainbow trout he caught. Photo by Stanley Baczeski
November is upon us and many areas of central, southern, and eastern Maryland have experienced their first frost. The waters are cooling and providing excellent fishing opportunities as many species of fish are feeding aggressively. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources trout program made an all-out effort to stock waters last week, providing exciting fishing. Read more…
Maryland 2021 Black Bear Hunt Harvest Results Released
Weather and Abundant Food Prove Challenging for Hunters
Photo by Bob Geary
Hunters harvested 54 black bears during Maryland’s 18th annual black bear hunt. Official results have been compiled and reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources following the five-day hunt held Oct. 25-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
Abundant natural food in the mountains of Western Maryland slowed bear movements, and warm and sometimes wet weather conditions made hunting difficult. Hunters harvested 34 female and 20 male bears under these less-than-ideal conditions. Read more…
Maryland Sport Fishing Achievement Awards Presented for 2021
Second Annual Awards from Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio (center) presents the 2021 Sport Fisheries Achievement Award to Robert Wall, joined by his wife Vicky, at right. Also picture from left are Maryland DNR biologist Letha Grimes and Mary Helen Sprecher, who nominated Wall for the award. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presented annual awards for recreational fisheries lifetime achievement to Robert Wall and the late Joseph W. Brooks. The presentations were made in a ceremony held October 20 at Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden in Annapolis.
The Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award was established by the commission to honor individuals who have provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit recreational fishing in Maryland. The inaugural 2020 award recipients were the late fishing legend Bernand “Lefty” Kreh, and Baltimore County resident Dr. Kenneth Lewis. Read more…
Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Held Second Weekend of November
Opportunity for Youngsters to Learn Traditions of Deer Hunting
Ava H. took a 170-pound, seven-point white-tailed buck during the November 2019 Junior Deer Hunt in Caroline County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce youth to this time-honored cultural and sporting tradition.
The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 13. The is also open on Sunday, November 14 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Also on November 14, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, may hunt on designated public lands. Read more…
Fish and Let Live: Catch-Photo-Release Tournaments Support Bass Conservation
Photo taken during tournament showing a fish being measured
Tournament bass fishing began in earnest in the 1960s with the formation of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and other groups. Anglers competed for a limit of black bass to bring to scales, and the winner had the heaviest bag. At the time, tournament fish were kept after weigh-ins, and piles of dead fish were commonplace. Beginning in the early 1970s, however, the focus of bass tournaments shifted to conservation and returning sportfish to the water alive. Read more…
Hollywood Story: Complex Conservation Effort Preserves Valuable Land
Forester Rob Dyke walks the property’s trails.
In late December 2020, the Maryland Forest Service added 905 acres of hardwood forest to the Stoney Demonstration Forest, a state forest in southern Harford County, permanently protecting a significant area of tree canopy and wildlife habitat.
This significant conservation success is the result of a multi-year partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The Conservation Fund (TCF), Harford Land Trust, and Aberdeen Proving Ground. Read more…
Finding ‘Ben’s 10’: Maryland Archaeology Team Races Elements for Major Harriet Tubman Find
Dr. Julie Schablitsky examines artifacts alongside the archaeology team. Photo by Tim Pratt.
As fog burned off the wetlands at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge one March morning, Dr. Julie Schablitsky trudged deep into the muck. Water inundated the roads, and phragmites grew alongside. Trees succumbing to rising waters—collectively called “ghost forests”—loomed overhead. Read more…
#ProtectOurPonies: First Lady Yumi Hogan Joins Call to Protect Assateague’s Wild Horses
Photo by Alan Wilder
Each year, more than one million visitors cross the Verrazano Bridge to the narrow strip of barrier island that is Assateague, which is divided into Maryland’s Assateague State Park and the federal Assateague Island National Seashore. One of the major attractions here is the freely roaming herd of wild horses. Often referred to as ponies due to their small stature, these horses are actually more closely related to standard breeds and quarter horses. After years of living in the harsh barrier island environment, they have adapted by maintaining shorter, stockier builds that allow them to better navigate the unstable grounds of a marsh. Thick winter coats help protect them from strong ocean winds and the many insects found on the island. Read more…
What’s in a Name? Many Maryland State Parks Have Notable Namesakes
From Assateague Island to the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area, Maryland’s public lands are named after a lot of geographic, historical, and cultural landmarks. Several parks are named after Marylanders who had a hand in their creation or made notable contributions to the Old Line State that others found worthy of remembrance.
Here are a few of their stories. Read more…
From the Field: Melissa Acuti, Chief of Interpretation for the Park Service
It’s hard to find a bigger fan of Maryland’s state parks than Ranger Melissa Acuti. As Chief of Interpretation with the Maryland Park Service, she creates and supports statewide park-based programs like First Day Hikes, Junior Rangers, Scales & Tales, Es Mi Parque, and Park Quest. Anyone who has participated in any of these programs has enjoyed some of Melissa’s handiwork and passion first-hand. Melissa was even a Maryland Junior Ranger herself as a youngster! Read more…
‘Present Arms!’: Service on the Maryland Natural Resources Police Color Guard
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) Color Guard is composed of disciplined officers tasked with safeguarding and displaying the flags—known as colors—at ceremonial events for law enforcement officers and civilians, including memorial services, inaugurations, and parades. The color guard honors a tradition that respects those serving in law enforcement, both present and past; and their history is rooted in the military. Read more…
Resiliency Through Restoration: Natural Defenses in a Changing Climate
With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, Marylanders are accustomed to living in and around water. In Annapolis and many coastal communities, high tide or “nuisance” flooding has increased dramatically since the start of the century, and scientists expect that trend to continue as rising water and sinking land impacts these low-lying areas. More frequent and stronger rain events have caused devastation and disruption in coastal and non-coastal communities alike. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Virtual Environmental Education
Screenshot from virtual environmental educational program hosted by staff
Environmental educators throughout the Department of Natural Resources depend on being outdoors to share our passion and love for Maryland’s flora and fauna with our constituents. Some of the important services we provide to Marylanders include providing field experiences for school children, coordinating the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, training Master Naturalists and teachers, as well as providing environmental education in our state parks. Read more…
Outside Perspective
While the Maryland Department of Natural Resources may be best known for conservation of Maryland’s natural resources, our mission also includes the preservation of Maryland’s historical and cultural resources. For example, Fort Frederick State Park features an active fortification from the French and Indian War. North Point State Park commemorates one of the most significant battles during the War of 1812. Merkle Natural Resources Management Area includes interpretation and programming focused on Maryland’s indigenous people and Native American heritage, and our historic preservation efforts do not stop with the assets and information we are aware of today. Our department is continually working with partners to research and explore our public lands to discover even more about our history. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 28, 2021
Overview
Halloween week is here and this year’s fall foliage has been full of tricks and treats. We’re seeing a wide range of conditions based on location, elevation, and tree types. The wild weather has been throwing things off kilter too, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Regardless, with the uptick in wind and rain, it looks like things will be wrapping up within a few weeks. As in past weeks, you’ll find varying conditions within individual regions. A thirty-minute drive in one direction or another can make a difference.
DNR Introduces ‘Wild Maryland’ Cookbook Online
Recipes Feature Foods Fished, Foraged, and Hunted
Snakehead Etouffee by Peter Turcik
For anyone who likes their food on the wild side, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has published a new online cookbook. Wild Maryland includes recipes submitted by Maryland residents and featuring the state’s waterfowl, seafood, deer, and other wild game that can be hunted, trapped, or caught. The book also includes a section of recipes that features ingredients found while foraging in the wild. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 27
October offshore fishing opportunities include fish such as this beautiful golden tilefish. Photo by Monty Hawkins
Maryland offers a wide variety of fishing adventures this time of year. Many anglers are enjoying the excellent trout fishing or other freshwater species. Fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay remains at the top of the list for many anglers.
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunt Set for 2021-22
First Opportunity November 6
Photo by Brandon Kessler
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel are once again afforded the opportunity to experience the thrill of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 6, 2021 and Feb. 5, 2022. Read more…
Managed Goose Hunts Scheduled in Garrett County Nov. 22-24
Permits, Reservations Taken for Deep Creek, Broadford Lake Sites
Photo by Larry Hindman, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presents an annual Canada goose hunting opportunity on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunting at Broadford Lake in Garrett County in November. These hunts are done by permit and reservation only on November 22, 23, and 24, 2021. Permits can be obtained online now, and registration for blinds sites can be done within four days of the hunt date. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 21, 2021
It’s mid-October here in Maryland and we have something to offer every fall foliage enthusiast. Crossing our state from west to east, you will experience it all — glorious autumn jewel tones decorating the skyline in the west —breathtaking sunrises and local critters basking in the last warm days of fall in the east. We cover it all this week, and we’ve received some of the best photos yet from our park managers, forestry staff, and loyal readers to beautifully illustrate this magical time of year.
Maryland Fishing Report – October 20
Bergen Kline certainly was thrilled to catch this 41-inch northern pike at Deep Creek Lake recently while fishing with his dad. Photo by Sean Kline
This week is an exciting time for family and friends to be out fishing and enjoying the outdoors, as daytime temperatures become more moderate and a wide variety of fish become more active as waters cool.
Fall Hunting for Small Game and Turkey Offers Abundant Opportunities
Maryland’s ‘Other’ Hunts Provide Active Enjoyment
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources remind hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. These species offer generous seasons and bag limits and a chance to make some great memories this fall and winter. Read more…
State Nursery Has Trees Available for Spring 2022
Time is Now to Plan Spring Planting
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Orders are being accepted for the spring 2022 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: October 2021
Positive Change for Maryland’s Outdoors
Cunningham Falls State Park in fall. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland DNR
Maryland’s landscape is starting to showcase the vibrant colors of fall. Along with cooler, more pleasant weather, it is a spectacular and inviting backdrop that signifies the changing of the seasons. Governor Larry Hogan has also given us a reason to enjoy Maryland’s outdoors by proclaiming October as “Walktober” month in recognition of Maryland’s official exercise—walking. We are pleased to join the Governor, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland Department of Planning in encouraging Marylanders to enjoy the benefits of walking. Whether it is a leisurely stroll through your community, wandering through a local orchard or pumpkin patch, or hiking on Maryland’s world-class trail system, it is a great time to get outside.
Chesapeake Bay 2021 Young-of-Year Survey Results Announced
Striped Bass Reproduction Below Average, Other Species Strong in Rivers
The Department of Natural Resources has monitored the annual reproductive success of striped bass in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay since 1954. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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 2021 young-of-year index is 3.2 which is slightly higher than last year but still below the long-term average of 11.4.
The coastal striped bass population has decreased in size, but is still capable of strong reproduction with the right environmental conditions. Variable spawning success is a well-known characteristic of the species. The index is slightly higher than 2020 but consecutive below average indices are a concern, and biologists continue to examine factors that might limit spawning success. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — September 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) filed charges in September for a variety of conservation law violations including boating while intoxicated, possessing live snakeheads, illegal fishing and hunting, and selling potentially unsanitary crabs and oysters. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 14, 2021
Here we are, mid-October, and reports indicate that the leaves are dropping quickly. With wet conditions the past few days and some wind in the forecast for the weekend we may see significant leaf loss through the next week. Fall seems to have taken hold across the state with the west near or at peak foliage and areas east slowly following suit. Most of the Eastern Shore has yet to substantially change, but we see signs that will change soon.
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