Natural Resources News
Maryland Fishing Report – September 16
Photo by Jim Livingston
CLICK HERE FOR THE SEPT. 23 MARYLAND FISHING REPORT
September always holds promise for the outdoor enthusiast, as the cooler nights and days are like a sweet whisper in the ear about wonderful things to come. Recreational crabbing is at the season’s peak as blue crabs are plentiful, large, and heavy. Do not miss venturing out to enjoy the bounty of the Chesapeake.
Volunteer Angler Surveys Reel in Scientific Data
Any Fishing Trip Provides Valuable Information
This fall, Maryland anglers can turn their fishing experience into important scientific data.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed several volunteer angler surveys designed to encourage anglers to submit basic data directly from their smartphone or computer. Read more…
Dorchester County Angler Catches Record Florida Pompano
Species Added to Maryland Record Books in 2019
Photo courtesy David Schrock
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized 26-year-old David Schrock of Woolford as the second official state record holder for the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) in the Chesapeake Division. Schrock caught the record-breaking 5.05-pound fish on Tilghman Island during the Labor Day weekend. The pompano had a fork length — measured from the tip of the snout or jaw to the end of the middle caudal fin rays, or “fork” — of 18.5 inches. Read more…
Late August 2020 Hypoxia Report
Oxygen Conditions Better than Average
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were better than average in late August 2020. The hypoxic water volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.79 cubic miles compared to a historical late August average (1985-2019) of 1 cubic mile. Oxygen conditions continued to be better than average in 2020, with only late July results exceeding the long-term average.
Late August conditions ranked 12th best out of the 36-year monitoring record for the period. No hypoxia was observed in Virginia Chesapeake Bay mainstem waters. No anoxic zones — areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — were observed in the Maryland or Virginia mainstem. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Sept. 9
Bruce Strickland caught this blue catfish in the Chaptico Bay’s Bankhead Cove. It was 26.25 inches long and weighed about 10 pounds. Photo by Bruce Strickland.
With warm and dry summer weather through the Labor Day weekend, some anglers targeted the bay’s summer species such as Spanish mackerel and red drum, while others have gone back to targeting striped bass. All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers have reopened for striped bass fishing until Dec. 10 with a size limit of 19 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler.
Targeting invasive species such as blue catfish and northern snakehead remains popular.
Maryland Mentored Hunt Program Seeks Teachers and Learners
Department Initiative Connects Novices with Experienced Hunters
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to introduce the Maryland Mentored Hunt Program, a statewide program aimed to pair new, novice, or lapsed hunters of any age with skilled veteran hunters. The mentors will help guide new hunters throughout the process of building their skills, culminating in a hunt.
Both mentors and mentees can now submit applications for agency review and applicants will be paired based on geographic proximity, interests, and several other criteria. Once the pairing has been made, the mentor and mentee will work together at their own pace to schedule all aspects of the hunt.
“Many individuals throughout the state want to get into hunting for a variety of reasons, but just don’t know where to get started,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Hunting Specialist Chris Markin said. “We understand that people are very busy, so this opportunity allows individuals to pursue hunting with those who can share their passion and knowledge without any event constraints.”
All participants are required to follow the state guidance on preventing spread of COVID-19. The program encourages using video meetings, email, texts, and phone calls as much as possible. For in-person meetings, individuals must practice social distancing and wear masks when in close proximity. .
For more information or to apply visit the program webpage or contact Chris Markin at Christopher.markin@maryland.gov.
Resilience and Restoration Funds Available Through Grants Gateway
Department Accepting FY22 Grant Applications from Governments, Nonprofits
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the Grants Gateway application is open for local governments and organizations for Fiscal Year 2022. Through this process, funding is available for projects that restore local waterways, increase communities’ resilience to climate and storm impacts, strengthen local economies, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, and foster sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways with projects that benefit the general boating public. Read more…
Maryland Conservation Corps Graduates Class of 2019-2020
‘MCC Strong’ Members Completed 1,700 Service Hours
Maryland Conservation Corps members at Tuckahoe State Park in fall 2019
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 31 members of the 2019-2020 Maryland Conservation Corps during their virtual graduation program on August 5. The virtual 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 8,750 students, youth, and park visitors. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Sept. 2
Angler Tim Campbell qualified for the FishMaryland expert angler award when he caught this 24-inch Spanish mackerel, his fifth unique trophy species, in the Chesapeake Bay on Aug. 25. Photo courtesy of Tim Campbell
All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers have reopened for striped bass fishing until Dec. 10 with a size limit of 19 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler.
Many summer species should continue to be available for anglers the next few weeks.
On Sept. 3 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts its final weekly Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar on summer fishing. Biologist Chuck Stence will speak about his team’s efforts in both hickory and shad restoration. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.
Early August 2020 Hypoxia Report
Conditions Show Improvement Following Tropical Storm Isaias
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were better than average in early August 2020. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.92 cubic miles compared to a historical early August average (1985-2019) of 1.2 cubic miles. Oxygen conditions improved from late July to early August, with the early August hypoxic volume being nearly half the volume observed in late July. Early August conditions ranked 10th best out of the 36-year monitoring record for the period. An additional 0.24 cubic miles of hypoxia was observed in Virginia Chesapeake Bay mainstem waters. No anoxic zones — areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — were observed in the Maryland or Virginia mainstem.eyes Read more…
Six Charged with Striped Bass Violations Following Investigation
Department Cites Charter Boat Operators
Maryland Natural Resources Police have charged six charter boat operators with multiple fishing violations following a lengthy investigation into the use of prohibited fishing gear. The investigation began in October 2019 in response to tips received by concerned citizens.
During the investigation, police discovered several charter boats had violated the size and catch limit for striped bass, failed to use non-offset circle hooks while chumming or live-lining in tidal waters as required in Maryland, and committed other violations.
The Natural Resources Police has been working tirelessly to make sure that those fishing for striped bass are following the law. This investigation is in addition to the more than 800 citations written to recreational fishers this season related to striped bass violations. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 26
Melissa Schworm is all smiles with this beautiful dolphin caught on an Ocean City party boat. Photo by Monty Hawkins
Fishing opportunities abound in Maryland waters from the far western region to the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you are vacationing at Deep Creek Lake or Ocean City, be sure to make fishing part of your vacation plans — you will not regret it.
On Aug. 27 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts its weekly Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar on summer fishing. Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission member and recreational angler Eric Packard will discuss his fishing adventures throughout southern Maryland and all points in between. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.
All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers are closed to striped bass fishing from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31. This closure is done to lessen catch-and-release mortality that can be caused by high water temperatures and low oxygen values.
‘Welcome to Boating’ Clinics Available at Sandy Point
Reservations Available for Free Boating Basics
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is partnering with Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) and the Boat U.S. Foundation for Safety and Clean Water for a series of free “Welcome to Boating” clinics. These clinics will provide instruction on how to properly launch, load, retrieve, and dock a trailerable boat.
Currently scheduled clinics are taking place at the Sandy Point State Park boat ramps from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 27, Sept. 1, and Sept. 3. Only 30 reservations available for each date. Each reservation allows a boater to bring one additional family member. Read more…
Maryland Deer Archery Season Opens Sept. 11
New Primitive Deer Hunt Days in February
Photo by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 11, and continues through Jan. 30, 2021.
New for the upcoming deer season, archery and muzzleloader hunters may participate in Primitive Deer Hunt Days from Feb. 1-3, 2021. During this special season, hunters may use vertical longbows, vertical recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders only. Telescopic and electronic aiming devices are prohibited during this hunt. More information on these special hunt days is available in the 2020-2021 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
2020-2021 Commercial Fishing License Renewal Extended
New Deadline for Certain Licenses Sept. 30
Recognizing there have been unforeseen circumstances due to the pandemic, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is extending the deadline for certain 2020 -2021 Maryland commercial fishing license holders to renew their licenses and authorizations to Sept. 30, 2020. Read more…
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons 2020-2021 Set to Begin
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 1
Photo by Larry Hindman
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2020-2021 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2020-2021 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 19
Anyone who has encountered an American eel knows there is hardly anything harder to hold onto. Young Fhinn was fishing with his dad for northern snakeheads when he caught this American eel and he seems to be doing a pretty good job of hanging onto it. Photo by Nathan Zeender
Summer fishing trips with the kids are always filled with fun — one never knows what will occur.
On Aug. 20 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts another Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar on summer fishing. Biologist Matt Sell will discuss the unique and world-class fishing that can be found from Deep Creek Lake to some of western Maryland ‘s rivers and streams. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’s online calendar.
For anglers who also enjoy catching Maryland’s natural beauty on camera, the Department of Natural Resources 17th Annual Photo Contest is taking entries through Aug. 31. Instructions, rules, and other details are available on the DNR website.
All areas of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers are closed to striped bass fishing from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31. This closure is done to lessen catch-and-release mortality that can be caused by high water temperatures and low oxygen values.
Hunting Lottery Open for Chesapeake Forest Lands
Deadline for Hunt Clubs to Enter Lottery is Aug. 25
Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can now enter a lottery for individual, non-leased tracts in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2020. Read more…
New State Fishing Record Set for Sheepshead
A Dorchester County resident has officially been recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a new state fishing record, Chesapeake Bay Division, for sheepshead.
Daniel Mastronardi, Jr. caught the 14.1-pound record-breaking fish around noon on August 9, 2020 in the lower bay, with peeler crab for bait in about 15 feet of water near the target ship USAS American Mariner. Mastronardi’s catch breaks the 13.73-pound record that was set only three years prior by Deale resident, Dave Alveberg.
Targeting speckled trout and striped bass, 33-year-old Mastronardi said his catch came unexpectedly. “I really had no idea what I had on the line,” he said. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 12
Travis Lewis spent some time fishing in lower Dorchester County and caught this large northern snakehead. Photo courtesy of Travis Lewis.
Fishing opportunities are being found throughout Maryland during these warm days of August. From the smallest freshwater ponds to the Atlantic Ocean, all promise adventure and fun for those who take the time to seek them out.
On Aug. 13 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts another Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar on summer fishing. This week, DNR biologist Josh Henesy discusses Upper Potomac River fishing opportunities in Maryland. You can join the discussion through a link on the department’s online calendar.
Remember that all areas of the bay and tidal rivers will be closed to striped bass fishing from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31.
Throughout Maryland’s warmest months, the department’s online striped bass fishing advisory forecast provides a seven-day outlook to help anglers reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season.
Late July 2020 Hypoxia Report
Record July temperatures drive worse than average Bay oxygen conditions
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were worse than average in late July 2020. The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 1.75 cubic miles compared to a historical late July average (1985-2019) of 1.36 cubic miles. Virginia did not conduct late July Chesapeake Bay mainstem sampling. No anoxic zones (areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) were observed in the Maryland mainstem.
Based on historical data, bay hypoxia volumes normally peak during the early portion of July, but with Maryland experiencing its warmest July on record (NOAA, https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cag/statewide/mapping/18/tavg/202007/1/rank), conditions were ideal for promoting hypoxia throughout the month. Warmer waters hold less oxygen, and warmer surface waters can create a barrier to oxygen mixing into deep waters of the bay.
Maryland’s water quality data can be further explored with a variety of online tools at the Department’s Eyes on the Bay website (eyesonthebay.dnr.maryland.gov).
In mid-June, the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, United States Geological Survey, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and University of Michigan scientists released their prediction for slightly smaller than average 2020 hypoxic conditions based on slightly less than average water and nitrogen flows into the bay from January – May 2020.
Crabs, fish, oysters and other creatures in the Chesapeake Bay require oxygen to survive. Scientists and natural resource managers study the volume and duration of bay hypoxia to determine possible impacts to bay life. Each year (June-September), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources computes these volumes from data collected by Maryland and Virginia monitoring teams during twice-monthly monitoring cruises. Data collection is funded by these states and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program. Bay hypoxia monitoring and reporting will continue through the summer.
2021-2022 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Now Open
Original Work Submissions Taken Until Nov. 10
2020-2021 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp designed by Jeffrey Klinefelter
Artists are invited to submit their original works for the annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp design contest from now until Nov. 10, 2020. The winning entry will appear on the 2021-2022 Migratory Game Bird Stamp hunters purchase to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland. Read more…
Waterfowl Hunting Permits Available for Deal Island, Fairmount
Lottery Open for Wildlife Management Area Impoundments
Fairmount Wildlife Management Area
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced a new schedule and process for annual permit-only waterfowl hunting at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and Fairmount Wildlife Management Area impoundments, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The changes are being made to reduce crowding and improve the quality of waterfowl hunting during the regular duck season.
Applications for permits for both the Deal Island and Fairmount impoundments are now available on the Department’s website and are due Sept. 14. Permits for the regular duck season will be issued by lottery conducted in mid-September. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 5
Mia Spiker traveled to lower Trappe with her family to enjoy some fishing for white perch – and was delighted with the first fish she has ever caught. Photo by Herb Floyd
August seems to have arrived in the blink of an eye, and families are doing their best to fit in some outdoor summer recreation time. Be sure to stay safe and follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor recreation.
On Aug. 6 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts another Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar on summer fishing. This week, DNR biologist Mary Groves discusses blue catfish populations in Maryland, and you can learn how to fish for this invasive species from our recreational fishing experts. You can join the discussion through a link on the department’s online calendar.
Remember that all Maryland areas of the bay and tidal rivers will be closed to striped bass fishing from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31.
Throughout Maryland’s warmest months, the department’s online striped bass fishing advisory forecast provides a seven-day outlook to help anglers reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Welcomes New Cadets
Five Successful Applicants Begin Month-long Introductory Program
Clockwise from top left: Jodi Bentz, Jayden Carter, Hunter Darroch, Stephanie Gregor, and Ryan Whittington
The Maryland Natural Resources Police is proud to welcome five new entrants in its Cadet Program.
Akin to an internship, this month-long program provides an opportunity for eager men and women between the ages of 18-21 to learn first-hand the job of a Natural Resources Police officer. Cadets receive training in both the field and the classroom from officers themselves. Classes include boater and hunter safety courses, self defense, specialized units, and much more. Read more…
Qualification Shoots Scheduled for Managed Deer Hunts
Proficiency Tests Necessary to Participate
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2020-2021 Shooter Qualification Schedule which includes 20 qualification sessions at 15 locations across the state. Additional events are available upon reservation.
Hunters should note that several shooter qualification sessions are conducted by appointment only and that many charge a minimal fee to cover expenses. Additionally, hunters must adhere to all COVID-19 precautions that individual locations have in place. Read more…
From Forests to Fish: Brook Trout Resurgence is Made in the Shade
Photo by Ryan Cooper
The land and the water are connected in so many ways, and many of these connections are unseen or little known. What washes off the land surrounding waterways, from manure to fertilizer to soil particles with traces of chemicals–even at a microscopic level–can have long-lasting impacts on a variety of species inhabiting Maryland waters. Read more…
Maryland’s Ruby-throated Gems: Colorful Hummingbird Makes Annual Trek
Photo by Steve Brynes
Weighing just about the same as a penny, the mighty ruby-throated hummingbird makes a 1,000-plus mile journey each year. It travels from Central America back to the eastern United States in the spring to breed. The familiar hum of its flight and the flash of green are a welcome sight in gardens. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Telemetry
Biologist uses radio antenna to track tagged sturgeon.
Here’s a tough question. How do we know where fish go or which underwater habitats they prefer when they are out of sight? Biologists have developed some special techniques to monitor fish and track their whereabouts. One method that helps biologists monitor fish populations is telemetry, which is the process of obtaining data remotely by implanting a radio or acoustic transmitter in an animal. Read more…
Outside Perspective: Fall 2020
Autumn is a time marked by cooling weather, falling leaves, and, of course, elections.
While the pandemic has initiated an important discussion on how to hold elections, historically, Marylanders gathered in election houses to cast their votes. Election houses were small, purpose-built structures constructed specifically for voting. Today only a handful of them survive. One of oldest still standing in Maryland, and perhaps even in the country, is at Sang Run State Park, in Garrett County, Maryland – a site the Lt. Governor and I visited this past winter. In this edition of Natural Resource Magazine we highlight the story of the DNR team that worked to bring this dilapidated but historically significant structure back to its original, circa-1872 appearance.
Earth Day 2020: Love Letters to Earth
This graphic was posted to our social media channels to encourage our followers to share their Earth Day appreciation.
The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 marked the birth of the modern environmental movement. In response to the movement, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were all created and Congress authorized the Environmental Protection Agency.
On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we continue to focus our concern on sustaining our planet now and for the future. Read more…
Fishing for Conservation: Rules and Commonsense Tactics Protect Striped Bass
Photo of striped bass courtesy of David Redden
Here in Maryland’s section of the Chesapeake Bay, gamefish such as striped bass are under constant pressure both from fishing and large fluctuations in environmental conditions like high temperatures and low oxygen. Striped bass, known colloquially as rockfish, are Maryland’s state fish. Pursuing this fish for sport is a time-honored tradition, as is protecting them, ensuring striped bass remain in our waters for future generations to enjoy. Read more…
From the Field: Conservation Specialist Beth Schlimm
Beth with a tiger salamander during a survey in a Delmarva Bay wetland (photo by Kevin Stahlgren)
Born and raised in the Baltimore area, Beth Schlimm has always had an appreciation for Maryland’s wildlife. As a kid and aspiring herpetologist, she loved nothing more than spending days outside on the hunt for slimy and scaly critters like salamanders and snakes. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 29
White perch are a perfect species to target while fishing with your kids. Dylan Tawney caught these two nice white perch while fishing with his family. Photo by Andrew Tawney
Hot and dry weather continues across Maryland. These conditions put heat-related stress on the summer striped bass population, especially in the upper Chesapeake Bay. We ask anglers to focus their fishing on early morning hours, or target other species during the heat wave. Throughout Maryland’s warmest months, the department’s online striped bass fishing advisory forecast provides a seven-day outlook to help anglers reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season.
On July 30 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting our fourth Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar on summer fishing. This week, the Maryland Fishing Report team — including Maryland recreational fisheries specialist Erik Zlokovitz, Tom Parham of DNR’s Eyes on the Bay, and biologist Steve Doctor — will give tips on fishing in the Ocean City area. You can join the discussion through a link on the department’s online calendar.
All anglers can feel free to send any pictures of your catches to fishingreports.dnr@maryland.gov for possible inclusion in our fishing report or the daily Angler’s Log.
Stocked Pheasant Hunts Nov. 21-22 in Locations Across Maryland
Applications Taken Online Until Oct. 12
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all junior license holders, apprentice license holders, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunts. These do-it-yourself hunts will take place on 12 Maryland wildlife management areas and two state forests.
A lapsed hunter is someone who has held a Maryland hunting license in the past, but has not purchased a license in three of the past five years. A lapsed hunter can also be a new hunter (such as an apprentice hunter) who has not purchased a hunting license in any three of the past five years. Read more…
Early July 2020 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were average in early July 2020. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.35 cubic miles compared to a historical early July average (1985-2019) of 1.38 cubic miles. Low dissolved oxygen extended into the Virginia Chesapeake Bay mainstem for an additional 0.35 cubic miles of hypoxia, for a total baywide estimate of 1.7 cubic miles. Based on historical data, bay hypoxia volumes historically peak during the early portion of July. No anoxic zones — areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — were observed in the Maryland or Virginia bay mainstem.
Maryland’s water quality data can be further explored with a variety of online tools at the Department’s Eyes on the Bay website. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 22
Fhinn Zeender-Lawrence caught this nice pumpkinseed, along with croaker and catfish this weekend with bloodworms off a dock in Edgewater. Photo by Nathan Zeender
The weather is putting a lot of heat-related stress on both anglers and the summer striped bass population. We ask anglers to focus their fishing on early morning hours, or switch to other species during the heat wave. Throughout Maryland’s warmest months, the department’s online striped bass fishing advisory forecast provides a seven-day outlook to help anglers reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season.
On July 23 at noon the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting a webinar on summer fishing conditions, giving striped bass a break, and targeting alternative and invasive species. The Maryland Fishing Report team — including Maryland recreational fisheries specialist Erik Zlokovitz, Tom Parham of DNR’s Eyes on the Bay, and moderator Eric Wilson of Fishing and Boating Services — will discuss summer fishing opportunities in the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, Dr. Joe Love will tell you everything you need to know about snakeheads. You can join the discussion through Google meets or by phone at 1-443-671-4706, and use the PIN: 674 636 739. Details are also found on the department’s online calendar.
And don’t forget to take the kids fishing, even if it’s a short trip to a local dock. All anglers can feel free to send any pictures of your catches to fishingreports.dnr@maryland.gov for possible inclusion in our fishing report or the daily Angler’s Log.
Maryland Supports 120+ Local Projects for Water Quality, Resiliency
Department Awards $26.2 Million through Grants Gateway
Stream restoration
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the awarding of $26.2 million to improve water quality, increase flood resiliency, and help grow the next generation of Maryland’s environmental stewards. Read more…
DNR In-Person Safety Education and Certification Classes Will Resume
Safety Protocols Must Be Followed for Boating, Hunting, and Trapping Courses
Boating safety test being taken in 2019. Photo by Stephen Badger.
Beginning in August and September, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will resume in-person safety education and certification classes. For all classes, face coverings and social distancing will be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and assure the safety of students and instructors. Online hunting and boating classes will remain a regular option. Read more…
Maryland 2020 Black Bear Hunt Lottery Now Open
Application Deadline Aug. 31; Drawing Sept. 3
Photo by Bob Geary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2020 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season, which will take place Oct. 26-30 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The department will issue 950 hunting permits this year, an increase of 150 from the previous season.
The annual bear hunt is an important management tool used to slow the increase of Maryland’s black bear population and limit expansion of Maryland bears into the eastern suburbs and cities. Read more…
Deep Creek Lake Launch Stewards Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species
Boats with Zebra Mussels, Hydrilla Stopped Before Entering Water
Zebra mussel colony found on the underside of a pontoon boat at Deep Creek Lake.
Earlier this month, Deep Creek Lake Launch Stewards intercepted three boats carrying aquatic invasive species that were seeking to launch into the lake. While conducting vessel inspections, stewards noticed zebra mussels on two boats and hydrilla on a third.
The stewards informed the owners, who cooperatively agreed to properly clean and decontaminate their boats at local marinas, and be inspected again, before launching into the lake. Read more…
Maryland Fire Crew Mobilized to Combat Wildfires in the Rockies
DNR Team Makes First Interagency Deployment of 2020
Maryland wildland firefighters mobilize July 15 at the Maryland Forest Service Green Ridge Fire Center, preparing to deploy to Wyoming.
Maryland has dispatched a 10-person fire crew module to battle wildfires in the Rocky Mountains. Maryland State (MDS) #1 mobilized July 15 at the Green Ridge Fire Center in Allegany County. The unit arrived early Friday at Rocky Mountain Mobilization Center in Cheyenne, Wyo., and will deploy to Rawlins, Wyo., for the initial attack on a wildfire.
MDS #1 consists of representatives from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The wildland fire crew includes eight firefighters from the Maryland Forest Service, and two from the Maryland Park Service. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 15
Lucy Perez holds up her first northern snakehead and it is a whopper! Photo by Nick Perez
Taking kids fishing during the summer is a rewarding pastime — whether helping them fish for bluegills with a worm and a bobber at a local pond, or as they become more skilled, watching them cast their own lures and land their own fish.
Don’t forget that throughout Maryland’s warmest months, the department’s online striped bass fishing advisory forecast provides a seven-day outlook to help anglers reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season.
Department Introduces Online Process for Waterfowl Blind Site Licensing
Online Lottery, Virtual Appointments Replace In-Person Meetings
Photo by Richard Miller
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is introducing a new online-only process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2020-2021 waterfowl blind site license. The department is using this virtual process to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
From now through July 28 at 11:59 p.m, hunters may enter the lottery for the opening days of blind site licensing through the department’s Compass portal. Hunters can register to be entered into a random lottery for a county of their choice. Landowners who would like to license their property may also enter the same lottery. Read more…
Communities Across Maryland Receive 3,450 Free Trees
DNR and Clear Ridge Nursery Partner for Distribution
Clear Ridge Nursery, in partnership with the Maryland Forest Service, prepares a delivery of containerized trees for planting.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Clear Ridge Nursery in Union Bridge, Carroll County, is distributing more than 3,450 free containerized trees to help increase tree canopy across the state. The Maryland Forest Service identified 44 conservation groups, government agencies, community groups, and nonprofit organizations to receive the free trees for planting this summer. Read more…
June 2020 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem continued to be better than average in June 2020. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.56 and 0.90 cubic miles, respectively, during early and late June monitoring cruises, compared to historical (1985-2019) early and late June averages of 0.93 and 1.13 cubic miles, respectively. Both hypoxic volumes rank within the top third of best results observed in the historical record within their respective time frames. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 8
Todd Clark went crabbing near Kent Island and is all smiles with this large blue crab. Photo by Rich Watts
This is a marvelous time of year to enjoy Maryland’s outdoors, and recreational crabbing is just one way to get onto the quiet tidal creeks and rivers of the Chesapeake Bay.
Fishing the Chesapeake Bay is a time-honored tradition. While anglers often set their sights on striped bass there are several other species which provide just as much if not more excitement. Join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources July 9 at noon for a virtual discussion on summertime fishing — including alternative fish species, how to plan fishing trips at the most appropriate times, how to properly catch and release, and how to fish with circle hooks.
Our Maryland Fishing Report team – recreational fisheries staff Keith Lockwood and Erik Zlokovitz, with Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Director Tom Parham — will discuss how to reduce striped bass mortality during the summer.
You can join the discussion through Google meets or by phone at 1-443-671-4706, and use the PIN: 674 636 739.
Don’t forget that throughout Maryland’s warmest months, the department’s online striped bass fishing advisory forecast provides a seven-day outlook to help anglers reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season.
Maryland’s Underwater Grasses Resilient Against Severe Rainfall
Annual Report Shows Improvement in Several Areas and Tributaries
Photo by Brooke Landry
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports a second consecutive year of underwater grass loss in certain portions of the Chesapeake Bay in 2019 due to record high rainfall and stream flows into the bay. Some areas of Maryland’s portion of the bay, however, have shown improvements. During the annual survey, 39,151 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland, representing 49% of the state’s 2025 restoration target and 34% of its ultimate restoration goal of 114,065 acres. Read more…
Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards $13.5 Million
Projects Funded Statewide for Improved Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants in Fiscal Year 2021 to enhance and improve public boating access facilities, water safety, and navigation throughout the state.
This funding will go toward 43 projects in 17 counties, along with grants for statewide projects and emergency needs. Funded projects include renovations to public boating access infrastructure such as boat ramps, piers, pilings, bulkheads; dredging of navigable waterways; icebreaking and emergency water rescue vessels and equipment for emergency and first responders. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Enforcing ‘Operation Dry Water’
National Campaign Aims to Curb Impaired Boating
The Independence Day holiday weekend means more boaters on the water, which can also bring an increase in boating incidents and fatalities. From July 3-5, the Maryland Natural Resources Police partners with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Operation Dry Water campaign of awareness and enforcement to reduce boating under the influence.
During Operation Dry Water, Maryland boaters will notice an overall increase in police patrols on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints. The combined efforts of the participating law enforcement agencies will result in the removal of impaired operators from our waterways, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters. Read more…
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