Natural Resources News
French and Indian War Muster at Fort Frederick State Park, August 24 and 25
Reenactors to Exhibit Life in Western Maryland During French and Indian War
Historical reenactors will take visitors on a journey back in time to the French and Indian War with volunteer living historians exhibiting the life of the French, British, and American Indian cultures during the French and Indian War Muster. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm.
“Activities throughout the weekend will give visitors a look into the lives of the people who fought on Maryland’s western frontier during the French and Indian War,” said Bob Study, Park Ranger at Fort Frederick State Park. Read more…
Maryland Celebrates Smokey Bear’s 75th Birthday
Fire Prevention Message Spreads Through Public Lands
The public is invited to join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Aug. 9 in honoring one of the country’s iconic conservation heroes on his birthday. For 75 years, Smokey Bear has served as a national symbol for wildfire prevention — the longest running and most recognizable public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.
“The importance of Smokey’s message is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago,” Maryland State Forester Donald VanHassent said. “The best birthday present anyone can give Smokey Bear is learning how to prevent forest and wildland fires — as Smokey says, only you can prevent forest fires.” Read more…
National Hunting and Fishing Day 2019 Focuses on Veterans
Maryland Dedicates Annual Event to Those Who Served
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all current and former service members and their families to Patriot Point in Dorchester County Sept. 21 to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day.
The annual event includes fishing, archery, shooting sports, and other activities centered on the outdoors and wildlife. A mentored dove hunt will also be offered for new and apprentice hunters.
Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2019 as the Year of the Veteran in Maryland. This year-long observance raises awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland and our country.
Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 7
Photo by Eric Packard
Just like us humans, fish are seeking relief from the summer heat wherever they can find it, and some fish are more tolerant of high temperatures than others. Many anglers have chosen to curtail fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay this month and are enjoying other fishing opportunities.
Spanish mackerel, bluefish, white perch and spot are providing plenty of fun fishing action for bay anglers. There is plenty of fishing action to be had in the Ocean City area, and species such as northern snakeheads, blue catfish, and other freshwater fish are providing plenty of often overlooked opportunities.
Secretary’s Message: August 2019
Natural Resources Careers Offer A Great Way Up
Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Senator George Edwards gear up to climb a tree at Hickory Environmental Education Center.
Two of the most important things that we can do for our young people is to teach them environmental stewardship and to provide them with opportunities for their future. I’m proud to say the Maryland Department of Natural Resources works hard to do both.
Recently I had the honor of speaking to 28 young men and women at their graduation from the Maryland Conservation Corps. This is such an important program – providing young adults crucial, hands-on, experience that supports community service and conservation stewardship. Read more…
July 2019 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were larger than average in July, as the result of many factors. The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 1.92 cubic miles in early July and 2.01 cubic miles in late July. The early July 1985-2018 average hypoxic volume is 1.36 cubic miles, and late July is 1.34 cubic miles. The most recent hypoxic volumes were respectively the fourth-largest for early July and second-largest for late July since 1985.
Larger than average hypoxia was predicted for this summer in part due to massive rainfall causing high flows into the Chesapeake Bay the past year, which delivered higher nutrient loads. Those nutrients fuel algal blooms, which die and are consumed by bacteria, which then deplete oxygen in bottom waters. Also, average winds were generally low in July, which prevented oxygen from mixing into deeper waters. Read more…
2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Now Open
Entries Judged at Easton Waterfowl Festival
“The Resting Place” by Gerald W. Putt, 2019-20 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winner
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites artists to submit their original works for the 46th Annual Migratory Game Bird stamp design contest by Nov. 1. The winning entry will appear on the 2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp hunters purchase to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland.
New this year, the contest will be held in conjunction with the 49th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Nov. 8-10. The Waterfowl Festival will hold a “People’s Choice Award,” which will let festival-goers cast their vote for their favorite entry. The department will officially judge the entries at noon on Nov. 10 to select the winner. Read more…
Graduation Day for Maryland Conservation Corps Class of 2019
Award-Winning Program Graduates 28 Young Men and Women
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 28 members of the 2018-2019 Maryland Conservation Corps during their graduation program July 31 at Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area in Queen Anne’s County. The ceremony commemorated the students’ 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 40,000 students, youth, and park visitors. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 31
Jeff Wright was fishing off Ocean City recently when he caught this 72.8-pound bull (male) dolphin, a massive fish by any standards. Congratulations to Jeff, captain and crew for such a fine catch. Photo by Alfred Hughes.
Maryland offers a wide variety of exciting fishing opportunities to those who fish her waters. We are pleasantly reminded of the amazing resources that are available to us when an extraordinary specimen is recognized as a state record. These listings keep a permanent record and help promote those resources.
Bloede Dam Removal Project Complete
Patapsco River Surges Back to Life
The former Bloede Dam was breached with explosives in September 2018; all removal work is now complete.
One of the most important dam removal projects in the Mid-Atlantic is officially complete. Project partners announced today that the Bloede Dam removal and river restoration is finished and a significant portion of the Patapsco River now flows freely through Patapsco Valley State Park.
After 18 months, often spent battling the elements during one of the region’s wettest years on record, crews have completed all construction work, including dam demolition, replacing portions of both Baltimore and Howard county sanitary sewer lines, and rebuilding the Grist Mill Trail. This area of the park re-opened just in time for the busy summer season. Visitors are enjoying the full range of outdoor recreation, anglers are fishing from newly emerging boulders in the former dam impoundment, and families are exploring the riverside trail. Read more…
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