Natural Resources News
Department of Natural Resources Issues Guidance on Governor Hogan’s Stay at Home Order
Governor Larry Hogan has issued an executive order on March 30, 2020, which institutes a Stay at Home directive and says that no Maryland resident should be leaving their home unless it is for an essential job or reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes.
While the order does allow for outdoor exercise recreation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reaffirming the need for members of the public who engage in outdoor recreation to follow all rules and guidelines in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Hogan has stressed that safely practiced outdoor recreation time is essential to health and well-being. Most Maryland state parks and other public lands remain open, and residents may engage in safe, isolated activities. Updated guidance has been issued effective May 7, 2020. Read more…
Leave Maryland’s Spring Wildlife Wild
Handling Fawns is Usually Unnecessary, Often Dangerous, and Always Illegal
Photo by Pam Perna
Fawns are a sight to behold. Born helpless in late spring, they rely on their camouflage and virtual lack of odor to help them hide from danger. Fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators. This behavioral adaptation has helped white-tailed deer survive for ages.
Despite this effective strategy, curious fawns will sometimes wander around new surroundings and may appear to be lost, distressed, or orphaned. In most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to care for her young when it is safe.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to handle or feed it. For the safety of both humans and wildlife, removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 25
Mason Bair went fishing with family and caught this large red-ear sunfish. Photo by Zack Stough
A lot of people find themselves with extra time on their hands. We encourage anglers to take advantage of the incredible fishing opportunities Maryland has to offer, provided everyone practices social distancing, avoids crowded areas, and minimizes social interaction. This is an especially good time to safely take youngsters out of the house to enjoy some fishing together, again being careful and thinking everything through when planning your trip.
Department biologists have instituted several volunteer angler surveys to help them understand and better manage some of the important fish species to anglers as well as blue crabs and horseshoe crabs. This information is very important to the biologists who manage the species listed in the surveys, which are available on our website.
Anglers are reminded that all catch and release of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay ends March 31 and will not open to striped bass fishing of any kind until May 1. A review of catch-and release-tips can be viewed on our website.
In order to protect public health and safety and to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, all Licensing and Registration Centers are now closed. Governor Hogan has issued an executive order related to licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations that may be expiring or up for renewal during the state of emergency. The executive order immediately grants a grace period of 30 days after the date of termination of the state of emergency — this includes fishing and boating licenses.
Our online COMPASS portal provides 24/7 self service access to our entire product catalog of recreational licenses, permits, and stamps plus many other Maryland Department of Natural Resources programs.
Pumpout Grants Available for Maryland Marinas for 2020 Boating Season
Applications Due April 15
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the availability of Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grants for the 2020 boating season. This program assists marinas in offering reliable pumpout service to Maryland boaters. Applications are due April 15.
State and federal laws prohibit the discharge of raw sewage from boats. Maryland law requires marinas with more than 50 slips, as well as any new or expanding marina, to have a pumpout station.
Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grants are made available through the federal Clean Vessel Act and state Waterway Improvement Fund, which are both funded by fees and taxes paid by boaters. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 18
Michael Novak Jr. caught this beautiful crappie recently while fishing with his dad. Photo by Michael Novak
We face extraordinary times and everyone must make decisions regarding the safety of ourselves and those we love. Given Maryland’s current State of Emergency, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has made adjustments as well.
After careful consideration, the department decided to suspend spring trout stocking to protect the health and safety of our state employees and also the public and angling community. We need to avoid a situation that encourages anglers to gather near stocked locations. The department may also cancel or postpone fishing-related events this spring, including youth fishing rodeos and fishing tournaments due to the Executive Order prohibiting gatherings of 50 people or more.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t go fishing. In fact, the department has already stocked 82,700 brown, golden, and rainbow trout across the state. While it is unknown at this time when trout stocking will resume, we do encourage anglers to safely take advantage of incredible fishing opportunities Maryland has to offer.
For those looking for ways to occupy children stuck at home, consider a peaceful fishing adventure — obviously taking care to keep your proper social distance from others and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Please keep an eye on the department’s website and social media for updates, and we will resume regular operations once we are safely able.
Be safe, be responsible, be kind to each other, and we will get through these trying times together.
DNR Activities During State of Emergency
Information for our Patrons, Customers, and Friends
Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are taking proactive steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland.
Following Governor Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will remain operational, but we are implementing changes to certain department activities, customer service functions, and scheduled events to minimize the spread of the virus. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 11
Julia Kennedy got to spend a fun afternoon fishing with her mom and sister on a sunny afternoon and caught her first bluegill sunfish. Photo by Carrie Kennedy
The signs of spring are everywhere and the warm sunny weather has families outside, enjoying the outdoors together. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is busy stocking local waters with trout and all are preparing for the grand event — the traditional opening day of trout season at 5:30 a.m. on March 28. Local community ponds are an ideal place to enjoy family fun and get our younger anglers started. Bluegill sunfish have been the most common fish youngsters start out with, they are feisty and usually a sucker for a garden worm and bobber.
The Chesapeake Bay striped bass catch-and-release season is underway and will be open through March 31. Regulations can be found on the department’s website.
When using fish, crabs, worms, or processed bait, recreational anglers in the Susquehanna Flats and Northeast River may only use a circle hook, or “J” hook with a gap of less than or equal to 1/2 inch between the point and the shank. Eels may not be used as bait.
For trollers, stinger hooks are prohibited, barbless hooks are required, and no more than six lines are allowed while trolling.
The proposed summer-fall Chesapeake Bay striped bass regulations are in the scoping stage and comments are being solicited at this time. The comment period is open now and will close at 11:59 pm on March 18, 2020. Send your comments to the department by email to fisheriespubliccomment.dnr@maryland.gov or submit online.
And finally, our biologists have instituted several volunteer angler surveys to help them understand and better manage some of the important fish species to anglers as well as blue crabs and horseshoe crabs. This information is very important to the biologists who manage the species listed in the volunteer angler surveys.
Maryland’s Endangered Tiger Salamanders Stage a Comeback
Rare Amphibians Rally in Newly Restored Habitat
A tiger salamander seeks a mate in a restored Delmarva bay habitat. Photo by Kevin Stohlgren
Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists are reporting a dramatic increase in the reproducing population of the tiger salamander — the largest American terrestrial salamander — in the department’s spring 2020 surveys.
“They are having a great year and it’s great to see them concentrated in the areas where we have restored the natural wetlands they need to survive,” department biologist Scott Smith said.
Maryland’s Eastern Shore provides a unique type of depression wetlands called Delmarva bays. In their natural state, Delmarva bays have few trees, are seasonally flooded, and usually dry out in late summer. However, most of these singular wetlands have been altered and no longer provide habitat for the many rare plant and animal species they once supported. Read more…
Wildfire Risk Heightens as Spring Approaches
Maryland on Alert for Dangerous Conditions
Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires.
Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are most conducive for the spread of fire. On days when this threat is most likely, the department will issue a “red flag” status. Read more…
Spring Trout Stocking Season Begins in Maryland
Hatcheries Providing 300,000 Fish Across State
With spring right around the corner, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is set to release hundreds of thousands of brown, golden, and rainbow trout across the state for its annual spring trout stocking. Crews will stock more than 300,000 trout in lakes, rivers, and streams in 18 Maryland counties and more than 130 locations from March through early June.
The department raises the majority of these trout in the state’s hatcheries, including the Albert M. Powell Hatchery and Bear Creek Hatchery, and through a partnership with the privately owned Mettiki Hatchery.
Read more…
Annual Photo Contest Now Taking Submissions
2020 Contest Runs Through Aug. 31
This photo of a female red-winged black bird by Larry Helms earned second place in the Spring category of the 2019 Photo Contest..
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Photographers, novice or professional, can enter for the chance to win cash and other great prizes.
Winning entries will be posted online, featured in an issue of the seasonal Maryland Natural Resource magazine, and placed in the 2021 wall calendar. Read more…
Maryland Hunter Safety Education Class Offered in Garrett County
Three-Session Class Begins March 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a Hunter Safety Education class on March 31, April 2, and April 4, 2020 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland, Garrett County.
Classes on March 31 and April 2 will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and class on April 4 will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants must attend all three sessions and the class is limited to 30 students. Any student under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 4
Photo by Eric Packard
There are many different signs of spring that we notice — for some, it might be the first blooming daffodil or spotting the first osprey. One of the most popular harbingers of spring in Maryland for anglers is the much anticipated yellow perch spawning runs that occur in many of the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries this month. Those spawning runs are underway and should peak within the next week.
This should be a very good year for Maryland anglers based on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources survey results. Fisheries biologist Paul Piavis reports that the 2011 year class of yellow perch was a strong one, and those perch will measure 13 inches or more this year. He also reports a strong 2015 year class, and those perch will measure 10 inches or better, followed by a strong 2014 year class.
Yellow perch fillets are a real treat and are often fried. If you have a pre-spawn yellow perch, try and find a home for the roe, which many people enjoy eating.
There are a few different ways to fish for yellow perch based on where they are holding. In the more open waters, they tend to hold in deep channels before they get the urge to spawn and ascend the tidal rivers. Fishing with enough weight to hold bottom and a two-hook bottom rig baited with small minnows, grass shrimp, or perhaps small jigs is a good way to catch them.
As the yellow perch move far up the rivers and into small and more confined waters, fishing with ultra-light tackle is the name of the game. Casting small shad darts, beetle spins, and small grub-type jigs is a fun way to catch them. Fishing small minnows and grass shrimp on a small shad dart or a bait hook is also very effective. Thin, low-poundage braid line with a 4- to 6-pound fluorocarbon leader is a real asset for casting light jigs — some can be as light as a 1/32 ounce. It also pays to have a lightweight fluorocarbon leader to break off from snags. There usually are a lot of hidden submerged branches and tree limbs in the more confined waters that tend to gobble up anglers’ lures.
When fishing with lightweight jigs, it pays to cast slightly upstream and walk the jig along the bottom in a sweeping motion, keeping a slight belly in your line to detect twitches that indicate a strike. Placing a little piece of red felt that has few dabs of anise or your favorite fish attractant can also provide an advantage. A small section of fresh minnow placed on the shad dart hook is one of my favorites, especially when the action is hot and heavy and you’re watching your bait supply evaporate.
Keep an eye on fishing conditions. Check the tide tables listed on the department website for where you want to fish – a low flood tide is best. Generally, 46 degrees is when yellow perch feel the urge to move into the spawning areas, and once the water hits 48 degrees it is on. The run can happen fairly quickly, often at night, and once it is over the post-spawn yellow perch depart quickly. Anglers who arrive late are often greeted with, “you should have been here yesterday, you really missed it.”
Dorchester County Angler Catches Record Longnose Gar
Prehistoric Fish Tips Scales at 18.3 Pounds
Samson Matthews with his record longnose gar. Photo courtesy of Doug Ruth.
A Hurlock fisherman is the new Maryland state Chesapeake Division record holder for longnose gar, with a catch that weighed 18.3 pounds.
Samson Matthews, 22, was fishing for blue catfish with a friend March 2 near El Dorado Bridge along Marshyhope Creek. After about 10 minutes of fishing in 20 feet of water with small chunks of gizzard shad as bait, Matthews felt a strong pull, a tight line, and lots of thrashing. Read more…
Secretary’s Message — March 2020
In Maryland, Fishing Springs Eternal!
Each March I look forward to the return of the osprey. While this generally happens before spring’s official arrival on the equinox, it makes me feel that spring – and fishing season – have arrived.
March is also when the Department of Natural Resources resumes our weekly Maryland Fishing Report, available on our website, through our email newsletter, and also via your Amazon Echo device by saying “Alexa: open the Maryland Fishing Report.”
Regularly scheduled stocking of trout in Maryland’s streams, rivers, and ponds occurs across the state. And anglers are awaiting the beginning of the yellow perch run which will start as soon as water temperatures start rising in Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland creeks and rivers. Read more…
Backyard Birding Tips
There is no better time to connect with wildlife in your backyard than now. With spring underway, many bird species are increasing their activity. Winter birds like dark-eyed juncos are heading north while migrants like ruby-throated hummingbirds are returning to Maryland.
Birdwatching by Aniket S CC by 2.0
Native Plant Profile: Maple-leaved Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)
By Uli Lorimer CC by NC SA 2.0
Maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) is one of our native, short shrubs in the moschatel family (Adoxaceae). It has medium growth that maxes out at heights of 3-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It often will form a short colony, making it a great plant to use as a low hedge or border. The leaves are deciduous and, as its name suggests, they resemble maple leaves with three main lobes.The leaves are oppositely arranged and grow up to five inches in length. Read more…
Maryland Native Wildlife: Mining Bees
Andrena bee covered in pollen by Judy Gallagher CC by 2.0
With spring underway, many species are emerging from their winter rest, including our local bees. By far, the most well known bee is the non-native European honey bee (Apis mellifera). However, Maryland is home to over 430 species of bees, many of which are native and all of which provide important roles in pollination. Read more…
Estuaries by the Sea: Maryland Coastal Bays Program Builds on Partnerships
Sunset at Sinepuxent Bay by Mary Miller
Dedicated to protecting the five coastal bays behind Ocean City and Assateague Island, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) conducts research, restoration, monitoring, and education and outreach opportunities thanks to powerful partnerships.
Maryland’s coastal bays make up one of the richest, most diverse estuaries on the eastern seaboard. For more than a century, agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and more recently tourism have sustained ways of life built on the land and water resources in this coastal community. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Electrofishing
Electrofishing in the Patapsco River by Stephen Badger
It’s electric!
Electrofishing is a technique used by fish biologists to collect fish in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes.
This tool uses an electric field, emitted from a pulser, to temporarily stun fish. The fish can then be collected via dip net for identification. Data collected from electrofishing can be used to determine abundance, density, species composition, and health of fish populations. Read more…
Outside Perspective
As we conclude the 50th anniversary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, we head into commemorating more important milestones. This April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Throughout this edition of The Natural Resource, we highlight the important work our staff, volunteers, and partners are doing on behalf of our mission to conserve our land, water, fish, and wildlife. Read more…
The Nature of Change
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day; a time to renew our commitment to the responsible stewardship of our environment. Maryland is fortunate to be home to countless natural assets, and our administration has made it a top priority to protect them. Read more…
Flow of Information: Surveying the Health of Maryland Streams
Gunpowder River by Tim Ray
Maryland has more than 10,000 miles of freshwater streams—an extensive system of waterways flowing downstream where (depending on their geography) they ultimately contribute freshwater to the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Coastal Bays, the Ohio River, or the Delaware River. The condition of these streams is vitally important to downstream waters. But these streams also possess significant inherent value. Read more…
Clear Sailing: Twenty Years of Maryland Clean Marinas
Somers Cove Marina by Stephen Badger
For more than 20 years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Clean Marina Initiative has offered marina and boatyard operators an awards-based approach to protecting Maryland’s natural resources and the technical assistance needed to do so. Read more…
Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitat While Sheltering in Place
Toad abode by Brenda Davis
Did you know? You probably have a lot of materials around the house and yard that can be repurposed to create backyard wildlife habitat. Don’t let quarantine hold you back from creating habitat! The following list contains some ideas on how to create habitat with limited supplies. Read more…
From the Field: Curatorship Program Manager Peter Morrill
From an early age, Peter Morrill has had a love for old buildings. Growing up in an 1870s-era Victorian house in Delaware City, Delaware, he developed this love as his parents restored the house throughout his childhood. His appreciation for cultural resources management and interpretation grew during years of seasonal work at Fort Delaware State Park until he headed south to the College of Charleston, where he obtained a degree in Historic Preservation and Community Planning. After graduation, he worked as a maintenance mechanic and carpenter with the National Park Service before making his way to Maryland to start a new job with the Maryland Historical Trust’s Preservation Easement Program. Read more…
Investing in Resilience: Trust Fund Shores Up a Successful Decade
Assateague shoreline site after restoration
For decades, environmental advocates have been working to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Recognizing the detrimental impact of impervious surface and forest loss on the watershed, this group of passionate scientists, engineers, fishermen, and others pulled together shoestring budgets and devoted hours to lay the groundwork for a restoration economy in Maryland. They worked to improve water quality and create better habitat for brookies. They worked to ensure future watermen and recreational anglers have a sustainable resource. They worked to save the largest and most productive estuary in the nation. Read more…
A Hunter’s Story: Novice Nabs Her First Turkey
The author after a successful hunt. Photo courtesy of Ann Marie Foster.
Oh, how I love to turkey hunt! Now I love to guide as well, having run my first paid guided turkey hunt. I’d been asked in the past and was always too busy with my own hunting, or scheduling other shooting and hunting events for my business. I decided I’d try it; after all, nothing pleases most hunters—myself included—more than turning others on to hunting and enjoying the great outdoors. I had no idea about the fantastic first hunt I would experience. Read more…
Restoration Update: Status Report on the Chesapeake’s Essential Bivalve
Spat-on-shell ready for planting
The 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement committed Maryland and Virginia to restore native oyster habitat and populations in 10 bay tributaries by 2025—five in each state. The five Maryland tributaries containing these sanctuaries are:
• Harris Creek, a tributary of the Choptank River, Talbot County
• Little Choptank River, Dorchester County
• Tred Avon River, Talbot County
• Upper St. Mary’s River, St. Mary’s County
• Manokin River, Somerset County Read more…
Restoring a Treasure: Maryland Makes Progress on Chesapeake Goals
Thomas Point Lighthouse by Stephanie Brown
The Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, has been at the core of Maryland’s culture and economy since the dawn of history. Unfortunately, by the 1960s it became apparent that the health of our bay had fallen on difficult times. At first, there was little agreement on what the problems were, and much disagreement on what to do about them. But as science was brought to bear on the issue, it became clear that the primary problem was far too many nutrients and sediment running off of the land and into our waterways as a result of a growing and impactful human population. Still, how to solve the problem remained far less clear. Read more…
Planting for Success: Forest Service Helps Marylanders Get Trees in the Ground
Maryland Forest Service’s Francis Smith consults with landowner. By James Mackey, Jr.
Ah, springtime. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and foresters across Maryland are planting trees! Whether it’s through the Maryland Forest Service’s seedling giveaway program Backyard Buffers, or getting students and schools planting through Tree-Mendous, the Forest Service’s mission of getting trees in the ground never stops. With at least 72% of forests in Maryland owned by private landowners, our citizen woodland stewards are yet another valuable partner in tree-planting efforts. Here we take a closer look at several programs that help people plant trees. Read more…
Sailing into History: Department’s Largest Vessel Ready for Retirement
The J/M Tawes
For more than four decades, the waters of the lower Eastern Shore have had a large protector.
The J. Millard Tawes is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ largest vessel at 100 feet long and 167 tons. The boat was originally commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1942 under the name Barberry; the federal government surplussed the vessel and it was brought into the department’s service in 1972. Read more…
Department Accepting Submissions for ‘Wild Maryland’ Recipes
Anglers, Hunters Sought for Cookbook Contributions
Photo by Stephen Badger
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is putting out a call to all wildlife and cooking enthusiasts to submit their favorite recipes featuring Maryland species for possible inclusion in a cookbook. Read more…
Gov. Hogan Urges Congressional Leaders to Protect and Increase Funding for Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Governor Larry Hogan, chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, wrote to congressional leaders today calling for a reversal of proposed cuts to federal funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration. Maryland is urging an increase in funding to $90.5 million, while the Trump administration’s proposed FY21 budget cuts funding for these programs by more than 90 percent, to $7.3 million. Read more.
Department Urges Congress to Address Rules Hindering Market for Invasive Blue Catfish
Maryland DNR biologists catch blue catfish — a highly invasive species that ferociously consume native fish and crab species — to gain understanding of their impact on Maryland waterways.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is supporting a joint resolution proposed by the Maryland General Assembly that will move the state closer to controlling the invasive blue catfish population by commercial harvest.
A native of the Mississippi River basin, blue catfish were introduced to the mid-Atlantic in the 1970s. Since then it has exploded in population and range, and can now be found throughout Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River watersheds. Blue catfish are a significant threat to the ecosystem because of their rapidly increasing populations and capacity to consume significant amounts of native species, like crabs and striped bass.
House Joint Resolution 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 3 – Natural Resources – Fishing – Wild-Caught Blue Catfish urges the United States Congress to oppose certain inspection rules promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has drastically impeded the harvest and sale of blue catfish. Because of this, Maryland has been unable to adequately use the commercial harvest as a form of control over the invasive blue catfish. Read more…
Harriet Tubman Day Celebrated in March
Music, Games, and Learning Honor a Maryland Legend
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to participate in free, family-friendly programs March 7 to celebrate Harriet Tubman Day. This national observance has special significance in Maryland where the famed abolitionist and suffragette was born and raised; leading dozens to freedom from the Choptank River Region where the park is located.
The actual date of Harriet Tubman Day is March 10 — also the third anniversary of the state park’s opening — but since it falls during the week, events are held on the weekend to allow more people attend.
Visitors can enjoy live music, educational programs, and self-guided activities as the park honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, and the Year of the Woman in Maryland. Read more…
Golden Anniversary for Cunningham Falls Maple Syrup Festival
Due to ongoing efforts by the state of Maryland to contain the effects of the COVID-19 virus, both weekends of the annual Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park have been cancelled.
Annual Event Takes Place March 14-15 and March 21-22
Turning sap into syrup
The public is invited to celebrate the 50th annual Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park this March. This popular event takes place during two weekends, March 14-15 and March 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the park’s William Houck Area.
Sugarmakers will demonstrate the traditional way of simmering sap to syrup starting every half hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. For an additional cost, guests can enjoy Maryland-made maple syrup served over a hot pancake and sausage breakfast. Live bluegrass music will fill the heated tent with familiar tunes while kids can join in nature-based crafting.
Every hour of the festival, guests can take a hayride through the park’s Maple Grove to see exactly how rangers collect sap for the syrup. And as part of the festival’s 50th anniversary, the park will have an antique tractor display. Read more…
2020 Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners Announced
Carroll County Youth Awarded Grand Prize
Standing with the winning 2020 Arbor Day poster art, from left to right: Tree-Mendous Maryland Coordinator Anne Gilbert; Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Acting State Forester Kenneth Jolly; First Lady Yumi Hogan; and Urban and Community Forestry Supervisor Marian Honeczy. Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Office of the Governor
The judging is complete for the annual fifth-grade Arbor Day poster contest sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Three schools in Maryland that are home to the top winners will benefit with tree plantings this spring. The poster contest is judged annually by a panel of forestry experts and special guest judge, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan.
Lola Lugard of Sykesville, Carroll County was awarded First Place, and her school will receive 15 trees for planting.
Second Place, with a prize of 10 trees, was awarded to Angela Webb of Easton, Talbot County. Third Place honors went to Annelie Kolbe of Hancock, Washington County. Her school will receive five trees. Read more…
Free Seedlings for Kent, Queen Anne’s County
‘Backyard Buffers’ Available to Riparian Homeowners
Loblolly pine seedlings growing at John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in targeted Eastern Shore communities.
Landowners in Kent and Queen Anne’s counties who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream, or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffer program. Read more…
Youth Fishing Rodeos Scheduled for 2020
Program Rounds Up Next Generation of Anglers
More than 4,000 children and young adults will have the opportunity to catch their first taste of fishing thanks to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and partner organizations throughout the state. From early spring to fall, the state will host 41 youth fishing rodeos in 14 counties. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest nearly 80,000 Deer during 2019-2020 Season
Final Harvest Numbers Higher than the Previous Season
Photo by Steve Edwards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that deer hunters harvested 79,457 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 6, 2019 through Jan. 31, 2020.
The statewide harvest included 29,233 antlered and 46,777 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,552 antlered and 1,895 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 3% higher than the 2018-2019 total of 77,382 deer.
Hunters harvested more than 5,000 deer on Sundays. Hunting deer on Sunday is only permitted during certain weeks in 20 of Maryland’s 23 counties. Read more…
Department Builds Fish Habitat at Cunningham Falls
Reused Materials Restore Spawning and Feeding Areas
Staff deploy fish habitat made from recycled materials into Hunting Creek Lake.
Crews from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources this winter helped expand fish habitat in Cunningham Falls State Park’s Hunting Creek Lake.
Staff joined with the Maryland Conservation Corps to help construct the artificial habitat using upcycling debris and recycled materials found around the park, including PVC tubing, rubber garden hoses, wooden pallets, and five-gallon buckets filled with cement.
“These habitat structures attract baitfish, which in turn attract larger fish,” Ranger Travis Watts said. “They can be very productive locations for anglers.” Read more…
Striped Bass Conservation Regulations Set for Spring 2020
Maryland Spring Trophy Season Begins May 1
Photo courtesy of David Redden
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced new striped bass conservation measures for the Spring 2020 fishing season to meet a coast-wide conservation target.
The 2018 benchmark stock assessment for striped bass indicated declines, so the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has determined that conservation measures are needed for the 2020 fishing season. ASMFC is a management entity comprising 15 member states on the East Coast, including Maryland. Read more…
New Clean Marinas Certified in Kent County
Facilities in Rock Hall Meet Award Standards
Two marinas in Rock Hall recently passed inspection by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to earn the Maryland Clean Marina Award. Gratitude Marina and Osprey Point Marina met the award criteria, bringing the total number of Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners to 151 — about a quarter of the marinas in Maryland. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: February 2020
Black History Month Offers Lessons From Maryland’s Past
Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, and Deputy Secretary Charles Glass visited Patuxent River State Park with Ranger Shea Neimann
In my home county, we are very proud of the legacy that Talbot County native Frederick Douglass left for our region, our state, and our nation. We are equally proud of the fact that we are the home of “The Hill,” which dates to 1790 and is the oldest known community of freed African Americans in the entire country.
In our neighboring county of Dorchester, there are many tributes to one of their natives, Harriet Tubman, including the Harriet Tubman State Park and Visitor Center and the Harriet Tubman mural just outside of Cambridge. And while the Eastern Shore is rich with African American history, so is the rest of our state. Read more…
Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Shows Rise in Bird Count
Annual Survey Estimates Number of Wintering Duck, Geese, and Swans
Photo by Orietta Estrada
In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources made visual estimates of the ducks, geese, and swans along most of the state’s Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic coast shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 627,000 waterfowl, which was higher than the 566,300 birds observed during 2019, but lower than the five-year average of 738,440 birds. Read more…
Suspect Charged with Illegal Hunting in State Park
K-9 Ruckus Helps Track Down Clues
Maryland Department of Natural Resources K-9 Ruckus locates a loaded weapon on the ground.
Following an investigation of illegal hunting and baiting in Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a Glen Burnie man with 17 infractions, including several weapons-related violations.
On Nov. 25, officers responded to a report of deer stands and bait within the park. With the help of a tip, they located three subjects, including Richard Brown Sr., 38, near an ATV at the hunting site. Read more…
State Forest Work Plans Open for Public Comment
Input on 2021 Plans Accepted Through Feb. 28
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2021 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period concludes Feb. 28.
Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management. They address composition, establishment, growth, health, and quality along with construction and maintenance projects. Read more…
Upgrades Coming to Maryland Park Service Reservation Site
Brief Interruption to Service While Work is Done
The Maryland Park Service is upgrading its online reservation system with new features that will make it easier for customers and park staff to use. The new version of the online reservation system will be available to customers Feb. 13.
The online reservation system will be unavailable Feb. 6-12 while the upgrade is completed. The work is scheduled during the least busy time of year for the system. Also, the updates will not affect customers’ existing reservations, account information, or history.
The online reservation system on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website is used by customers to reserve campsites, cabins, pavilions, and other amenities at dozens of parks around the state. Read more…
Tree-Mendous Offerings Ready for Spring Planting
Native Trees and Shrubs Available for Public Spaces
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state, offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on community lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program.
Offerings through Tree-Mendous are high-quality, native shrubs and trees, which are grown and provided by American Native Plants in Baltimore County. Church, civic, community and school groups, homeowners associations, local governments, nonprofits, and others are eligible to purchase plantings from the program, as long as the shrubs and trees are planted on community and public land with prior approval from the landowner.
“Now is the time to prepare for spring planting,” acting Maryland State Forester Kenneth Jolly said. “The state is proud to provide affordable, attractive, and beneficial greenery suitable for every public property and space.” Read more…
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