Natural Resources News
2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Winner Announced
Indiana Artist’s Blue-Winged Teal to Adorn Hunting Stamps
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind. won the 46th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Judges selected his stunning depiction of a hen and a drake blue-winged teal, complete with leg band and mirror-like reflection in the water, aptly named “Quiet Waters.”
The artwork will be featured on the stamps that hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds in the state, with the proceeds funding migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on public lands.
The winner was chosen by a panel of judges on Nov. 10 at the 49th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton in front of art enthusiasts, as well as some of the entrants and their families.
Read more…
Natural Resources Police Put Spotlight on Illegal Hunting Practices
Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged individuals throughout the state for illegally using spotlights for hunting — known as “jacklighting” — along with bear-baiting and other outlawed practices. Read more…
Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals At Risk From Low Temperatures
Anglers, Boaters, and Beachcombers Should Report ‘Cold-Stunning’
Photo courtesy NOAA Fisheries
When water temperatures decline, sea turtles and some marine animals can be caught off guard. Since sea turtles are cold-blooded animals, a dramatic decline in water temperatures can cause hypothermia or cold-stunning. The immediate impacts can cause some species to become slow and unresponsive, making them dangerous to themselves and boaters.
Cold-stunning can also be lethal to marine mammals such as the Florida manatees. While rare, some manatees will trek northward into the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months and stay until fall. As with sea turtles, cold snaps can cause severe hypothermia in manatees and could even be fatal. Last year alone, marine animal rescue organizations responded to nearly 1,000 cold-stunned animals along the east coast.
“Cold-stunning to sea turtles and marine mammals can occur from late October to early winter,” said Amanda Weschler, coordinator of Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program. “While cold-stunning is a natural occurrence, it’s very important to report any sightings to the department.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 20
Photo courtesy of Eric Packard
The chill of late November is beginning to lay its hand upon the Maryland landscape. Freshwater species such as trout, walleye, and chain pickerel seem to love the cold. Our blue crabs are seeking the perfect mix of deep water sand and mud to take a winter’s nap.
White perch and resident striped bass are moving into the deep waters of the Chesapeake to snooze out the cold winter months. The late fall offers plenty of good fishing as fish feed heavily to build up winter stores, so don’t miss it.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary Hosts ‘Greeting of the Geese’
Department, Tribal Leaders Welcome Winter Migration
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe present the annual Greeting of the Geese at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. This event celebrates the return of Canada geese to Maryland as part of their winter migration, and the role the Prince George’s County sanctuary plays in it.
The event features demonstrations of traditional Native American dances and crafts, and a presentation of ancient oyster roasting techniques. Activities will also include a guided hike through the sanctuary, hayrides, and a visit from Scales & Tales. Read more…
Grants Gateway Open for Community Resiliency and Environmental Restoration
Department Accepting Grant Applications from Governments, Nonprofits
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that up to $30 million is available for local governments and organizations seeking to restore local waterways, increase their resilience to climate and storm impacts, strengthen local economies, and develop the next generation of environmental stewards.
The department’s Grants Gateway provides a streamlined, single point of entry to several state and federal programs, maximizing the resources available to restore the Chesapeake Bay and help coastal communities. The system, now in its second year, enables communities better access to financial resources and a more intuitive reporting and management process. Read more…
Maryland Reports Early Season Deer, Turkey Hunt Results
Favorable Weather Improves Deer Harvest
Photo by George Hook
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested 21,073 deer during the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons.
The harvest was a 12% increase from last year’s official harvest of 18,839 deer for the same period. More favorable hunting conditions this year contributed to the increased harvest. Read more…
‘Boatload of Toys’ Getting Underway for 2019
Natural Resources Police Starts Annual Toy Drive
The Maryland Natural Resources Police invites everyone aboard for its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive, collecting donations of new and unopened items for children in need. As part of the drive, a Natural Resources Police patrol boat will be set up outside several retailers in Maryland beginning Nov. 23, with the goal of filling the entire boat.
Officers and other staff manage this program each year as part of the national Marine Toys for Tots program, which was created at the behest of the U.S. Marine Corps to collect and distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 16-17, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 16 and 17 brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 13
This fine looking crappie is held up by a proud Henry Gessford who was fishing in a lower Dorchester County river recently. Photo by Jody Gessford
The colder weather has descended upon the Maryland landscape and few know it better than our furry, finned, and feathered friends who call the outdoors their home. All are on a bit of a feeding binge to prepare for the cold winter months ahead.
Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 30
Maryland’s Most Popular Hunt Runs Through Dec. 14
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearm hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 14.
Sunday deer hunting is available in all but three counties for the deer firearm season and remains a critical component to deer population management and provides recreational opportunities for all resident and visiting hunters. Read more…
‘One Fort, Three Wars’ at Fort Frederick State Park Nov. 9-10
Explore the Life of America’s Soldiers Through History
Historic Fort Frederick State Park offers visitors a look at life in the fort this Veterans Day weekend as volunteers exhibit the varied roles the fort played during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Events run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
The program takes a deeper look at the uses of the fort and the roles of the people serving in the wars that shaped our nation. Highlights of the weekend will include live firing of vintage 18th and 19th century weapons, demonstrations of percussion vs. flintlock firing, volunteer company drills, and demonstrations of life of the soldier at Fort Frederick from 1756-1865, including a look at 18th century medicine, soldiers’ rations of the two centuries, and more. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Offers Resources to Veterans
Benefits, Discounts Provided for Those Who Serve
Members of the Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars State Honor Guard present the colors Nov. 6 at a Veterans Day commemoration in Tawes Garden.
In recognition of Veterans Day, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces its numerous resources available to veterans.
In February 2019, joined by more than 100 veterans, Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2019 as the Year of the Veteran in Maryland. This yearlong observance honors United States veterans and military families and celebrates their contributions to Maryland and our country.
“We can never do enough to raise awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland for our nation,” said Governor Hogan. “Our state is proud to be home to 380,000 veterans, including 8,000 World War II veterans and an additional 30,000 active military, 19,000 reservists, and more than 6,000 members of our National Guard. These heroes serve as a reminder every single day of the immeasurable cost of war and the immense price of freedom.” Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 9-10, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 9 and 10 brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 6
Photo courtesy of Mike Glyphis
November has started off with lots of exciting fishing opportunities. Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews have stocked generous amounts of trout in waters throughout the state, as our fall stocking program comes to an end. Chesapeake anglers are enjoying fishing for striped bass and coastal anglers are experiencing excellent fishing for sea bass. Mike Glyphis was fishing 16 miles off Ocean City when he hooked up with a 5.6-pound gray triggerfish, which is now recognized as a new state record inching out the previous record of 5.2 pounds set in 2014.
Secretary’s Message: November 2019
A Natural Expression of Gratitude to Our Veterans
Governor Larry Hogan declared 2019 the Year of the Veteran, a yearlong observance to raise awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland and our country. While our nation will celebrate on Veterans Day, the governor’s declaration is an important reminder that we should appreciate our veterans every day. It also inspired us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to reaffirm our commitment to Maryland’s 380,000 veterans.
At DNR we directly benefit from the dedication of approximately 90 individuals that served our country and have chosen to continue their public service through full-time careers at our department. I was proud to host a special ceremony on Nov. 6 with Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings at our Annapolis headquarters to honor these distinguished individuals and all who have served. Read more…
Ocean City Angler Catches Record Gray Triggerfish
Maryland State Record Stood for Five Years
Ocean City resident Mike Glyphis set a new Maryland state record for gray triggerfish. Glyphis caught the 5.6-pound fish Oct. 30 while fishing 16 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Read more…
Prescribed Burn Planned for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Action to Improve Wildlife Habitat, Protect Trees
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plans to conduct a prescribed burn on Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area between Nov. 4 and Nov. 21, weather permitting.
Access to the east side of the wildlife management area — at the primitive camping area and at Middle Ridge Road — will be limited during the burn, but will reopen as soon as the project is complete. The burn will involve a low, controlled flame targeting underbrush and ground cover debris, and smoke is expected to be minimal.
The purpose of the burn is to improve habitat for wildlife and to restore a stand of pitch pine and table mountain pine that is more than 90 years old. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 2-3, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 2 and 3, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 30
Herb Floyd takes one last look at this Choptank River striped bass being carefully released to fight another day. Photo by Herb Floyd
As October comes to a close, Maryland anglers will find there are plenty of treats and no tricks awaiting them. The fall stocking program has released a very generous amount of trout across Maryland; Chesapeake Bay anglers are enjoying some of the season’s finest light-tackle action; and sea bass fishing off Ocean City has been excellent.
Black Bear Hunt Concludes in Western Maryland
145 Bears Harvested in Four Counties
Painting by Rebecca Latham
Favorable weather conditions helped bear hunters enjoy success during Maryland’s 16th annual black bear hunt.
Official results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources show that 145 hunters harvested a bear during the five-day hunt held in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
The largest bear taken weighed 539 pounds and was harvested in Garrett County by Carl Lee of Swanton. Other notable bears included a 529-pound bear, also taken in Garrett County, by Tyler Minnick of Grantsville, and a 422-pound bruin taken in Washington County by Robert Droneburg of Rohrersville. Read more…
Maryland Introduces Tool for Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials
Department Initiative Boosts Restoration and Resilience
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed a new conservation tool to identify opportunities for the beneficial use of clean dredged sediments. Beneficial Use – Identifying Locations for Dredge (BUILD) is a mapping tool that will support the state’s Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, protect infrastructure and investment, and enhance coastal resiliency. Read more…
Junior Deer Hunting Days Set for November
Young Hunters Can Learn Sporting Skills and Traditions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to the time-honored cultural and sporting tradition of deer hunting during two Junior Deer Hunting Days in November.
The hunts will be held Nov. 16, on private and designated public land in all counties, and Nov. 17 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. In Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, the hunt is also open on designated public lands Nov. 17. Read more…
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced
Opportunities for Young Hunters to Hone Skills
Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Nov. 2, 2019 and Feb. 8, 2020.
Read more…
Maryland Renews Partnership with ‘Every Kid Outdoors’
Federal, State Parks Offer Free Admission for Fourth Graders
Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio in announcing that for the fifth consecutive year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide free admission to national public lands and state parks to fourth-grade children and their families. The program, called Every Kid Outdoors, is a partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior.
All 75 state parks in the Maryland Park Service system will honor the federal passes, valid through Aug. 31, 2020. The passes also grant access to 18 national parks, six national natural landmarks, and two federal heritage areas in Maryland.
“Maryland’s state parks are family-friendly destinations that provide an unlimited number of learning opportunities for children of all ages,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “We are pleased to yet again partner with the Department of the Interior for this program in the hopes that even more families can take advantage of our beautiful state parks and other public lands.” Read more…
Invasion Lands at Point Lookout This Weekend
Stand With Maryland’s Defenders Oct. 26-27
Visitors are invited to Point Lookout State Park the weekend of Oct. 26-27 to witness “Invasion,” a living history reenactment of American forces during the War of 1812.
Volunteers in period costumes and uniforms will interpret the life of soldiers and other Marylanders during the War of 1812, along with small arms demonstrations, drills, and other events throughout the weekend. Camps at the historic fort area and on the beach at Point Lookout are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27. There will also be a Saturday evening program beginning at 7 p.m. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Oct. 26-27, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Oct. 26 and 27, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Fall Turkey Season Opens in Western Maryland
Higher Turkey Population Anticipated This Year
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 26 and continue through Nov. 3 in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
“Although many hunters are focused on deer this time of year, the fall turkey season can provide an equally exciting and enjoyable opportunity for those who give it a try,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Wild turkeys are abundant in the western region, so hunters should have ample opportunity to find a fall bird.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 23
Photo by Steve Doctor
The stormy weather during September and October often bring fishy friends from southern waters to the coast of Ocean City. Don Whittington of Bivalve, Wicomico County, was fishing near some offshore lobster pot buoys recently when he caught an 11-pound tripletail, a new addition to our state record species list.
Read more…
State Record Set with Tripletail Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Wicomico County Angler Holds First Record for Species
Angler Don Whittington of Bivalve reeled in the state’s first-ever record tripletail off the coast of Ocean City. The 11-pound, 25.25-inch long fish was caught Oct.19 near Baltimore Canyon in the Atlantic Ocean. Read more…
Department Certifies Two New Maryland Clean Marinas
Facilities in Calvert and Queen Anne’s Counties Meet Standards
Boatel on Kent Narrows, Queen Anne’s County
Two facilities recently passed inspection by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ voluntary Clean Marina program, earning the Maryland Clean Marina Award. Solomons Landing Marina and Kent Narrows Boatel met the award criteria, bringing the total number of Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners to 147. This is roughly a quarter of the marinas in Maryland.
Department staff evaluate participating marinas or yacht clubs on areas such as emergency preparedness, waste containment/disposal, and stormwater management. To pass, the marina must score from 75 – 85% in each area of the award checklist by implementing practices from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook. Read more…
State Nursery has Trees to Order for Spring Planting
The Time is Now to Think Spring!
Orders are being accepted for the spring 2020 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Trees benefit the environment as well as enhance natural habitats for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Almost all trees and shrubs available for sale are native, and many are also pollinator-friendly. Read more…
The Cultivar Question
While searching for the best plants to include with a garden, you have likely come across cultivars for sale. The use of native cultivars (aka nativars) has been growing as the popularity of native plants surges.
In Mt. Cuba trials, Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace’ was favored by butterflies. Photo by cultivar413 CC by 2.0
Native Animal Profile: Sweat Bees (aka Halictid Bees)
Sweat bee pollinating rare single-headed pussytoes in Maryland by Kerry Wixted
Maryland is home to 437 species of bees, just over a quarter of which are members of the family Halictidae: sweat bees. Unlike other bee families, like the Andrenids (mining bees), sweat bees are often generalists, visiting whatever flowers pique their interest. While this may seem like an advantage, sweat bees have to navigate different flowers to extract pollen and nectar, while also possessing the ability to metabolize pollen from multiple plant species. Both techniques are no easy feat for small and short-lived insects! Despite their generalist nature, sweat bees are important pollinators for many wildflowers and crops including sunflowers, stone fruits, apples and alfalfa. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
New England aster by Dan Mullen NC ND 2.0
With lilac purple rays and a bright yellow center, New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) brings a pop of color to fall gardens. This tall, branching aster can reach heights up to six feet if allowed to grow to its full potential. Each stalk can have over a dozen composite flowers at its tips that bloom from August through October in Maryland. Each composite flower is actually made up of multiple flowers, from yellow disk flowers in the center to purple ray flowers on the edges. Read more…
Seek and Destroy: the Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternfly by Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org CC by 3.0
Despite its name, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) isn’t a fly, rather it is a plant hopper, which is native to China, India and Vietnam. The first infestation in the United States was reported in Pennsylvania in 2014; this insect has now been detected in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York. The first Maryland record was found in 2018 in Cecil County and subsequent records have been found in northeast Maryland this year. Read more…
Department Graduates Class of New Forest Wardens
Thirty Employees Trained for Education and Enforcement
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently graduated a class of 30 new Forest Wardens, a special commission that authorizes employees to perform educational and enforcement activities. The warden training school was held at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury and attendees included current Maryland Forest Service employees ranging in years of service from four months to nine years. A graduation ceremony was held Oct. 3. Read more…
Striped Bass Index Documents Below-Average Year
Spawning Down Among Several Species
Scientists carefully conduct a seine net survey along the Chesapeake Bay during the summer.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the results of the young-of-year striped bass survey, which tracks reproduction of the species in Chesapeake Bay. The 2019 juvenile striped bass index is 3.4, below the 66-year average of 11.6.
The young-of-year striped bass survey measures the annual spawning success of the state fish, commonly known as rockfish. The index represents the average number of recently hatched striped bass captured in samples taken during the survey.
During this year’s survey, biologists collected more than 51,000 fish of 54 different species, including 445 young-of-year striped bass. While the abundance of some important forage species like silversides, spot, and menhaden increased in Maryland waters, the survey showed that white perch and yellow perch experienced below-average reproduction. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Oct. 19-20, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Oct. 19 and 20, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 16
Photo courtesy of Jim Livingston
Without a doubt we are now in a fall weather pattern, and those sunny days will become less and less frequent. Some are taking advantage of these remaining warm days and catching the last of the Chesapeake Bay’s summer bounty of blue crab. Read more…
Department Names First FishMaryland Master Angler
Nottingham Resident Catches Ten Species to Earn Award
Gary Simpson caught this carp on his way being named a FishMaryland Master Angler.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized its first FishMaryland Master Angler Award recipient. Gary Simpson of Nottingham, Baltimore County, caught a total of 10 different species meeting all the minimum set requirements of the department’s new recreational fishing award program.
Simpson’s award-sized catches include: chain pickerel, largemouth bass, white perch, walleye, striped bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, blue crab, red drum, and the common carp. Read more…
Deer Muzzleloader Season Set to Begin
Traditional Firearms Hunt Remains Popular
Photo by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 17. This is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 17-19 statewide. Hunters in Region B (the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions) can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 21-26 for antlerless deer only. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Oct. 12-13, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Oct. 12 and 13, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 9
Sarah Chlebnikow is all smiles after catching her first northern snakehead. Photo by Barry Browning
Pleasant daytime temperatures make ideal conditions for taking our younger fishermen out for some family fun close to home. Community ponds usually offer plenty of freshwater species such as bluegill sunfish. The fall trout stocking program is underway and community ponds are one of the many places fish will be stocked near your home. Northern snakeheads offer some exciting fishing this time of the year as they have moved out into more open waters, and a simple bobber with a minnow offer plenty of fishing fun for our younger anglers.
Fort Frederick State Park to Host “For the Defence of this Province” Program
Everyone Can Join the Action Oct 12-13
Fort Frederick State Park welcomes visitors this weekend to experience military life during the French and Indian War with the men and women of the Maryland Provincial Companies of Foot.
Highlights of the event include cannon firing demonstrations, musket firing presentations, hearth cooking, military drills, and a special children’s drill demonstrating an 18th century military exercise. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Read more…
Maryland Reminds Motorists to Stay Alert for Deer
Wildlife Activity Ramps up for Fall
Photo by Penny Ingles
Fall means cool weather and colorful foliage. It can also mean unpredictable wildlife. Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife as these animals seek food supplies and mates before winter. Read more…
Managed Goose and Waterfowl Hunts Held in Garrett County
Hunters Can Apply for Opportunities in Late November
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presents opportunities for Canada goose hunting on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunting at Broadford Lake, both in Garrett County, on Nov. 25, 26, and 27.
Hunters can participate in these hunts by permit and reservation only, during select days of the season. Applications are available for individuals to hunt one of three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and one of four blind sites on Broadford Lake. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: October 2019
Taking The Lead on Protecting Our Natural Resources
I recently had the honor of swearing in Colonel G. Adrian Baker as the new Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Colonel Baker has an impressive track record and a wealth of relevant experience – both of which will serve the department and Maryland well.
The Natural Resources Police unit has an important and unique mission – patrolling our state lands and waterways, enforcing hunting, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation regulations, maritime security and educating the public about outdoor and boating safety. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report Oct. 5-6, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Oct. 5 and 6, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
True fall weather is on the way! Garrett County is anticipating nighttime temperatures dipping into the 3os this weekend, reports Melissa Nash, forester and project manager. With the change in temperature comes the beginning of peak season in parts of Maryland.
“Cool nights and sunny days typically bring out the best color,“ Nash explains. “Some areas of Garrett County, especially around Meadow Mountain (near the Eastern Continental Divide), are expected to peak within the next couple of days.” She reports vibrant yellows to oranges and reds on maple, and yellow color on birch and hickory as most notable. Oaks should begin to change soon with white oak producing deep reds to purplish tones and red oaks golden brown.
Read more…
September Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were higher than average in September. The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.73 cubic miles in September, down from the 1.06 cubic miles seen in late August, but greater than the historical 0.41 cubic mile average for September. No anoxia — waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — was detected. This ranked as the fifth-largest Maryland September hypoxia volume since monitoring began in 1985. Read more…
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