Natural Resources News
2021 Photo Contest Winners Announced
Fan Favorite Winner to Be Chosen on Facebook
A Raven Having Breakfest by Nathaniel Peck
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2021 Natural Resources Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to Nathaniel Peck of Flintstone for his dramatically captured photo of nature in action, “A Raven Having Breakfast.” Read more…
Fall Foliage Report Template DRAFT
“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.
Maryland’s Early Teal Season Opens Sept. 16
Special Season Provides Additional Waterfowl Opportunity
Last year’s Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp featured a pair of blue-winged teal, painted by Jeffrey Klinefelter.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the September teal-only hunting season will be open from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30. Shooting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset, the daily bag limit is six teal (blue or green-winged), and the possession limit is 18 teal, or three times the daily bag limit.
Seasons and bag limits for all other migratory game birds can be found in the 2021-22 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Two Pheasant Hunting Opportunities Available in Maryland Via Lottery
October Deadlines for Online Applications
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be offering two opportunities for hunters to pheasant hunt throughout Maryland. The department invites all junior license holders, apprentice license holders, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunts and/or apply for the mentored pheasant hunt event.
The stocked pheasant hunts are do-it-yourself hunts that will take place on 12 Maryland wildlife management areas and two state forests on November 20 and 21. The mentored hunt event will take place at Wild Wings Hunting Preserve in Friendsville on Nov. 6 and 7. Please note these are two separate opportunities. More information and detailed descriptions can be found on the department’s website. Read more…
Friends of Maryland State Parks Fund Conservation and Education Projects
‘Small Grants, Big Impact’ Program Launched in 2020
Work is done on the “Trail of Change” at Pocomoke River State Park in spring 2021. Photo courtesy Friends of Maryland State Parks.
Maryland State Parks are completing 15 projects with the assistance of a new grant program of the Friends of Maryland State Parks, improving trails and habitats and enhancing opportunities for kids and adults to learn about aquatic river life, pollinators, terrapins and more.
Launched in 2020, the Small Grants, Big Impact! Program is designed to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate, and support Maryland State Parks and their community-based programs. Through its Small Grants program the nonprofit provides $1,000 grants to state parks to help them achieve their mission. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 8
Howard Petty is all smiles with this beautiful red drum he caught and released recently. Photo courtesy of Howard Petty
Maryland anglers will gradually begin to see their varied fisheries react to cooling water temperatures through September. Currently the summer migrant species in the Chesapeake Bay and offshore waters are present in good force, and freshwater anglers have plenty of fishing action across the entire Maryland landscape.
Natural Resources Police Report — August 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced charges for individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including boating while intoxicated, drunk driving, illegal fishing, and more. Read more…
Maryland Deer Archery Season Opens Sept. 10
Popular Hunting Opportunity Continues Through Jan. 31
Photo by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 10, and continues through Jan. 31, 2022. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2022 during the second annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Read more…
‘Welcome to Boating’ Clinics Scheduled for September
Free Basic Instruction Program Back by Popular Demand
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Marine Trades Association of Maryland, Annapolis School of Seamanship, and the Boat U.S. Foundation for Safety and Clean Water are sponsoring free “Welcome to Boating” clinics at Sandy Point State Park. The clinics — held on Friday September 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 18 from 10 am to 4 p.m. — will provide instruction for new and experienced boaters on how to properly launch, load, retrieve, and dock a trailerable boat.
The instruction on docking, launching and boating safety will run for 30 minutes starting at 12:30 p.m. on September 17 and starting at 10 a.m. on September 18 (repeating 4 times each day). Read more…
Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting 2021-2022 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 2021-2022 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2021-2022 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 1
Zack Minnick was fishing below Great Falls on the Potomac River and managed to land this whopper of a blue catfish last weekend on his birthday. Photo by Sam Minnick
There are many fishing opportunities in Maryland and many anglers are taking full advantage of the late summer fishing scene.
Although the Labor Day weekend is traditionally the end of the summer vacation season, Marylanders know that great fishing will continue for the months to come.
Be sure to check the Maryland striped bass fishing advisory forecast and continue taking caution to help us protect this iconic species.
Elk Neck Shooting Ranges Scheduled for Maintenance in September
State Forest Facility to be Closed Four Weekdays to Allow Work
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
All three shooting ranges at Elk Neck State Forest — rifle, pistol, and shotgun- – will be closed to the public on Monday, Sept. 13, and Tuesday, Sept 14 and again on Monday, Sept. 27, and Tuesday, Sept 28 to allow a contractor to complete work at the range complex. At the same time, department staff will make any repairs to range infrastructure.
The shooting ranges will be open normal hours all other times. The facilities are popular for hunters to practice ahead of the fall hunting seasons. Questions about the range closing can be addressed to the Elk Neck State Forest office at 410-287-5675.
Record-breaking Half Million American Eels Navigate Eel Ramp at Conowingo Dam To Deliver Cleaner Water for Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay
Maryland’s Agreement with Exelon Will Bring Even Greater Results in Eel Passage and Increased Numbers of Water-filtering Mussels
American eel. Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announce that more than half a million eels have passed from below the Conowingo Dam to be placed in the river above this year, bringing key clean water benefits to the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Now Open
Artists can Submit Original Work until Nov. 5, 2021
Scott Calpino’s rendering of a hen and a drake redhead won Maryland’s 2021-2022 migratory game bird stamp contest.
Artists are invited to submit their original works for the annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest, which is open to residents and nonresidents until November 5, 2021. The winning entry will appear on the 2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Stamp required to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland.
Each contestant may submit up to three entries with a fee structure of: $15 for one entry, $20 for two and $30 for three. Proceeds help fund game bird and waterfowl research and projects. Read more…
Maryland State Fair Comes Alive Aug. 26 through Sept. 6
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Exhibits in the Mosner Miller Building
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will bring displays, exhibits and programs about our state’s forests, fish, waters, and wildlife to the 2021 Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds from Friday, Aug. 26 – Monday, September 6. Read more…
Department of Natural Resources Highlights Deep Creek Lake Partnerships; Announces $2.2 Million in Additional Funding
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio Presents ‘State of the Lake’ Address
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio discusses updates and issues related to Deep Creek Lake. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio on Tuesday delivered a “State of the Lake” to homeowners, officials, and stakeholders with interest in Deep Creek Lake. The secretary also announced $2.2 million in additional funding for dredging as part of her presentation.
Speaking to the group at Garrett College, Secretary Riccio discussed the state’s long-term commitment to water monitoring at the lake, ongoing efforts to prevent and combat aquatic invasive species, and work to protect and expand the lake’s freshwater fisheries. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 25
Brayden Castigilia holds up a northern snakehead he caught recently near Smallwood State Park. Photo courtesy of Katy Kaufmann
Mother Nature is dealing Maryland some hot daytime temperatures this week, and many of those seeking some relief will flock to the water. Fishing for a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish could hardly be better as we approach the zenith of our summer fisheries, from the cool mountain streams of Western Maryland to the warmer waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast.
One fish that has been providing a lot of fun and exciting action are northern snakeheads. This invasive species is certainly plentiful and they are rapidly expanding their range, making them available to anglers throughout the Chesapeake watershed.
As the summer heat continues, please continue checking the Maryland striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species.
Maryland State Record Blue Marlin Caught at Ocean City
Florida Man Recognized with 1,135-pound Catch at Tournament
Billy Gerlach (behind sign, holding dorsal fin) stands with his record blue marlin. Photo by Craig Weedon. Maryland Department of Natural Resources
A Florida angler is the new Maryland state record holder for a blue marlin, which he caught in an August 20 tournament at Ocean City. Read more…
Women’s Equality Celebration Aug. 28 at Sang Run State Park
Rededication of Restored 1872 Election House Part of Community Event
The Sang Run Election House, seen here in the 1930s, is being rededicated following a complete restoration as part of Women’s Equality Day 2021.
The Maryland Park Service joins with Garrett County organizations on Aug. 28 to host a Women’s Equality Day Celebration including a historic march reenactment and event at Sang Run State Park from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. This event commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report — July 2021
Dissolved Oxygen Conditions Remain Better than Average Through July
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 continued to be better than average in July. The hypoxic water volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.02 and 1.20 cubic miles during early and late July monitoring cruises, compared to historical early and late July averages (1985-2020) of 1.64 and 1.63 cubic miles. The early and late July reports rank as the 7th and 8th best in their respective time periods, out of a total of 37 years of monitoring. The effects of Tropical Storm Elsa were not captured in July’s monitoring, as early July sampling occurred just prior to the storm passing through the Bay watershed. Read more…
First Lady Yumi Hogan Joins Call to Protect Assateague’s Wild Horses
New Safety Measures and Outreach Campaign Highlighted at State Park
Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Assateague Island National Seashore staff, and other guests at Assateague State Park, urging island visitors to drive carefully and “Give Wild Horses a Brake,” part of a new outreach campaign design to reduce horse injuries and #ProtectOurPonies.
A freely roaming herd of wild ponies is one of the major attractions at Assateague, a barrier island that is divided into Maryland’s Assateague State Park and the federal Assateague Island National Seashore. Unfortunately, humans feeding the horses or otherwise encouraging them to come near campgrounds and vehicles has left the horses unafraid of people and cars, making them more susceptible to dangerous situations on the Assateague roads.
The First Lady, Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza, and members of the nonprofit friends group Assateague Island Alliance visited the State Park on Friday. The Alliance also presented the First Lady with a conservation award for her continued support and work protecting wildlife.
Gambrill State Park to Co-host 2021 Marathon Mountain Bike National Championship in October
State Partners with City and County of Frederick, Cycling Group to Secure Bid
Maryland DNR photo
Gambrill State Park and the Frederick City Cooperative Wildlife Management Area have been chosen by USA Cycling as the venue for the 2021 Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships on Saturday, October 23. The Maryland Sports Commission will serve as the event host, working closely with officials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Gambrill State Park staff, TEAM Maryland partner Visit Frederick, the City of Frederick, Frederick County Government, and the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts Inc. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 18
Jhong Vitao holds up a nice northern snakehead for a selfie that he caught in lower Dorchester County recently. Photo by Jhong Vitao
These late summer weeks hold a lot of fishing opportunities for anglers across the state. Our summer migrant fish species in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters are in full swing and other fish are active.
Northern snakeheads are on the prowl in many areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and entertaining anglers with plenty of action and good table fare.
Throughout the summer, anglers should continue to check the Maryland striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species.
Maryland Department of Health and Department of Natural Resources to Provide COVID-19 Vaccinations at Sandy Point State Park
This weekend’s vaccine availability is the latest stop on the GoVAX Summer Tour
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the availability of free COVID-19 vaccinations at Sandy Point State Park this weekend, Aug. 14-15. The event is the latest stop on the GoVAX Summer Tour, which continues to bring free mobile clinics and vaccine outreach to popular destinations across Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 11
Photo by Jim Livingston
Life on the Chesapeake is all about family and friends, a good boat, a good dog, and getting out on the water to enjoy it all. In many cases, this involves catching some blue crabs for a crab dinner together.
Throughout the summer, anglers should continue to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species.
Secretary’s Message — August 2021
Outdoors Career Training Offers a Lifetime of Growth
Governor Hogan with Secretaries Riccio and Schulz visit Black Girls Dive Foundation, Randallstown, in May. This organization empowers and encourages young black women to be involved in recreational swimming and diving; ocean-related science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academic pursuits; and environmental stewardship.
Outdoor recreation has become more welcome than ever as we seek safe activities to do with our friends and family. Recognizing its importance even before the pandemic, Governor Hogan charged Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz and me with co-chairing the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission (MOREC). Since then, Secretary Schulz and I have been traversing the state and working to implement the recommendations of the commission. Among those recommendations is naming Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors to help position Maryland as a top destination for world class outdoor recreation experiences. So far we have recognized 33 ambassadors in four counties and counting.
Several other recommendations of the MORE Commission centered around opportunities for workforce development and job creation in the outdoor recreation industry in Maryland. Three of DNR’s own programs, the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), Conservation Jobs Corp (CJC), and Veteran’s Conservation Corps (VCC), are excellent examples of that. Each of these programs provides an opportunity to explore natural resources career paths while gaining on-the-job training and professional certifications. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — July 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) recently charged several individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including impaired boating, having a concealed machete, illegally harvesting striped bass during the season closure, and other violations. Read more…
Angler Breaks Newly Set Maryland Swordfish Record
Previous Record Held About Two Weeks
Jacob Bertonazzi, second from left, stands with his record swordfish. Photo by Gary Tyler, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
A New Jersey angler is now the second officially recognized state record holder for swordfish, which he caught in a tournament August 6 at Ocean City.
Jake Bertonazzi broke the state’s nearly two-week-old record for the Atlantic Division with a 318.5-pound swordfish — Xiphias gladius — caught while participating in the White Marlin Open, roughly 60 miles offshore in Poor Man’s Canyon. Read more…
DNR Graduates Maryland Conservation Corps Class of 2021
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 29 members of the 2020-2021 Maryland Conservation Corps during their graduation program on August 5. 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 1,700 hours of service. This year’s crews planted thousands of trees, bay grasses and native plants; treated trees against harmful insects and diseases; and taught environmental education programs to more than 7,915 students, youth, and park visitors. Read more…
Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors Named in Talbot County
‘Deputized’ Organizations Help Promote Maryland Outdoor Recreation
A century-old yacht club, a historic ferry, a YMCA and senior center, and two outdoor retailers have been named Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors in Talbot County for their efforts to promote and expand access to the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz, and Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio named the ambassadors during site visits to their facilities this week. As part of their responsibilities, the ambassadors will continue working to promote the state’s status as a leading destination for outdoor recreation. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 4
Evelyn Wike spent a weekend morning fishing for white perch with her dad near Annapolis. The smiles in this selfie say it all. Photo by Christopher J. Wike
Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and few things can be more rewarding than fishing with sons and daughters.
With striped bass fishing resuming this week, anglers should continue to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.
Governor Hogan Announces Additional $3.4 Million In Relief Funds For Maryland Fishing Industry
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Governor Larry Hogan, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), today announced an additional $3.4 million in economic relief funds for the state’s commercial seafood industry through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.The funding will support activities previously authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, for those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are proud to continue helping Maryland’s seafood industry access much-needed assistance during these difficult times,” said Governor Hogan. “Our goal is to ensure that these relief funds provide direct aid for today, but also make Maryland’s economy more resilient by strengthening markets for the future.”
Read more…
From the Field: Shakira Johnson, Administrative Officer, Maryland NRP
Maryland Department of Natural Resources employees take pride in the work they do—and they are noted for choosing their profession out of a love for protecting, conserving, and restoring our state’s natural treasures for the benefit of fellow Marylanders. Read more…
Chessie the Manatee Still Making Waves
Wandering Marine Mammal Came to Maryland 27 Summers Ago
The ailing Chessie is captured by the FWC Marine Mammal Rescue Team.
Not many visitors to the Chesapeake Bay garner a cult-like following like Chessie. Two books tell his tales, and he has even made a film cameo. His story began nearly two decades ago, back in the summer of 1994, when this nearly 1,100-pound Florida manatee was spotted wandering the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. Read more…
Five Easy Tips to Help Beach Wildlife
If you love Maryland’s Atlantic beaches, you’re not alone—eight million people visit Ocean City every year; that’s more people than the populations of Maryland and Washington, D.C. combined. But when large numbers of people visit the beaches on Assateague Island and Ocean City, it can present challenges for the wildlife that live there year-round. Here are a few easy tips to make your beach vacation as relaxing for wildlife as it is for you. Read more…
Vessel Discharge Regulations Explained
Docked for Sunset by Adrian James Testa
Boats come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing is universal on land or sea — “when you gotta go, you gotta go.”
Small boats that only go out for a few hours probably won’t have an installed toilet but larger boats with enclosed areas usually have an installed toilet or “head.”
What does the law say about proper disposal of sewage? Read more…
Ahoy, Maryland! A Guide to Responsible Boating
Splashing Under The Bridge by Theressia Shoup
Anyone who lives in Maryland knows we are a water state. With 623 square miles of inland waterways plus the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays behind barrier islands to the Atlantic Ocean, and three miles offshore of the ocean itself, it’s no wonder that 160,000-plus boats were registered in Maryland last year. Read more…
Maryland’s Most Wanted: Join the Hunt for the Spotted Lanternfly
Since August of 2020, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has conducted 64 different hunting seasons covering a variety of animals, seasons, and locations. But there’s one animal in particular that the DNR is very interested in, which has no hunting restrictions. For this species, you won’t need a spring trap or a rifle. A net to catch it with and a camera works much better. Read more…
Maximize Your Experience, Minimize Your Impact: Leave No Trace in Maryland State Parks
Photo by Avi Bender
If there is one thing that the global pandemic has shown us, it is the value of fresh air and open space. Visitors to Maryland State Parks cashed in on that value in record-breaking numbers in 2020. At the same time many businesses, attractions, and sporting events were restricted or shut down, state parks in Maryland saw a 45% increase in visitation last year, and 2021 is on track to meet or exceed these unprecedented numbers of park visitors. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery
Pine seedlings
The Maryland Forest Service produces millions of tree and shrub seedlings each year for reforestation and other plantings across Maryland and Delaware. The first state nursery, near College Park, was founded in 1914 primarily to grow trees for roadside planting. The state nursery later evolved and expanded to grow seedlings for conservation purposes including wildlife habitat, watershed and soil protection, and forest products. Read more…
Outside Perspective
In this edition of our magazine, I am proud to share with you excerpts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annual Report, highlighting achievements in the year 2020. Every year, we share an annual report of DNR activities from the previous calendar year. It is a great way to keep the public informed of our activities, but it is also a great testament to the dedication of our staff, our partners, and our volunteers. Read more…
Maryland Record Set with 301-Pound Swordfish off Ocean City Coast
Annapolis Resident and Team Mount 8-Hour Fight to Land Record Fish
Peter Schultz, second from left, and his team stand with the new state record swordfish. Photo courtesy Big Fish Classic, used with permission.
An Anne Arundel County angler is now the first officially recognized state record holder for swordfish, which he caught in a tournament July 23 at Ocean City.
Annapolis resident Peter Schultz, 36, is the first record holder for the Atlantic division – Swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Schultz caught the 301-pound swordfish while participating in the Big Fish Classic Tournament, landing the record-breaking catch roughly 50 miles offshore at Washington Canyon. Read more…
Qualification Shoots Scheduled for 2021-22 Managed Deer Hunts
Proficiency Tests Necessary to Participate in Lottery for Hunts
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2021-2022 Shooter Qualification Schedule, which includes 20 qualification sessions at 10 locations across the state. Additional events are available upon reservation. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 28
Angler Garrett Bucy, age 14, caught this pretty sea bass while fishing with his dad off Ocean City.
The striped bass fishery will reopen Sunday, August 1. During the closure, anglers are targeting alternate species such as catfish, perch, spotted sea trout, red drum, bluefish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. Sea bass have been a reliable target fish for ocean anglers with the warm weather and calm seas.
Throughout the summer, be sure to check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.
Lingering Impacts from Extreme Weather Events Affect Chesapeake Bay Underwater Grasses in 2020
Annual Report Shows Overall Decline with Improvement in Several Areas
Photo by Brooke Landry, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports a third consecutive year of underwater grass loss in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay in 2020. During the annual survey, 34,882 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland, representing 44% of the state’s 2025 restoration target and 30% of the ultimate restoration goal of 114,065 acres.
Record high rainfall and stream flows into the Chesapeake Bay in 2018 and 2019 led to higher levels of nutrient and sediment pollution, changes in salinity, and poorer water clarity in many of Maryland’s waterways. Habitat conditions remained poor in 2020, and underwater grass abundance declined 13% overall from the previous year. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 21
Ethan Zlokovitz caught this channel catfish from shore on a menhaden chunk near the mouth of the Magothy River.
With the striped bass fishery currently closed, anglers are targeting alternate species such as catfish, perch, spotted sea trout, red drum, bluefish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel.
Anglers are reminded that the striped bass fishery is closed in the Chesapeake Bay until August 1 to lessen catch-and-release mortalities of undersized striped bass. Throughout the summer be sure to also check the striped bass fishing advisory forecast to help protect this iconic species during harsh conditions.
Trio Loses Hunting Privileges for Poaching Antlerless Albino Deer
Three Garrett County men were convicted of multiple counts of deer poaching and had their hunting privileges suspended following charges filed by the Maryland Natural Resources Police for the illegal killing of an albino deer in fall 2020. Read more…
A Reminder to Marylanders: Keep Wildlife in the Wild
State Reminds Residents to Observe Wildlife from a Safe Distance and to Not Feed or Pet Wild Animals
Photo by Jessica Nelson, submitted to the 2018 annual Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Each year during the spring and summer months, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receive reports of captive wildlife situations in which residents attempt to care for or possess wild animals. These attempts are often made with good intentions but pose serious risks to both the animals and humans involved.
Any wild animal, especially young wildlife, should be left alone in their natural environment. It is safe to observe wildlife from a distance, but do not attempt to feed, pet, or rescue any wild animal. Maryland law prohibits residents from possessing certain wild animals, including deer, raccoons, and foxes. Attempting to “rescue” any young wild animal, even those that appear vulnerable or to have been abandoned, risks interfering with the animals’ natural adaptation to their environment and the development of their basic survival skills. Additionally, attempting to care for wild animals potentially exposes caregivers to diseases that may cause human illness. Read more…
Nesting Platform Initiative Launched for Endangered Birds in Coastal Bays
Conservation Partnership Deploys ‘Island’ for Colonial Nesting Waterbirds
Photo by Dave Brinker, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Audubon Mid-Atlantic, and Maryland Coastal Bays Program are partnering in research and monitoring efforts to preserve three of Maryland’s state endangered colonial nesting waterbirds — the common tern, royal tern, and black skimmer. Read more…
Maryland Partners to Create Delmarva Woodland Stewards Program
Initiative Funded to Promote Wildlife and Fire Protection, Wood Markets
Seedlings growing at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has awarded funding of $280,852 to the Maryland Forest Service to work with the University of Maryland Extension and many public and private partners across the Delmarva Peninsula to establish a new training and outreach program, the Delmarva Woodland Stewards.
Funding from the federal Landscape Scale Restoration Grant program will be used by the partnership to demonstrate, educate, and provide outreach that will enhance forest and wildlife management practices, promote the ecological benefits of prescribed fire, pursue tree planting opportunities for water quality, and highlight the need for low grade/biomass markets in forest health, restoration, and sustainability. Read more…