Natural Resources News
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…
Winter Turkey Season Sees Harvest Increase
Maryland Hunters Bagged Birds in 22 Counties
Photo by Lori Bramble
Hunters reported taking 82 wild turkeys during Maryland’s 2020 winter turkey season, which was open statewide Jan. 23-25.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports turkeys were harvested in 22 of the state’s 23 counties, with St. Mary’s and Garrett counties reporting the highest numbers.
The harvest was higher than the 73 turkeys taken last year. Adult males, or gobblers, comprised 42% of the harvest with the remainder being adult females and juveniles. Seventy-three percent were taken with a shotgun, but some hunters harvested their bird with a crossbow or vertical bow. Read more…
Winter Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day Feb. 8
Great Opportunity to Mentor Young Hunters
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters of all ages that Feb. 8 is a Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day. This is a great chance for qualified mentors to take a young or aspiring waterfowler into the field to teach hunting skills, reinforce the safety lessons of hunter education classes, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Jan. 29
Photo by Gregg Salsi
Even though it’s winter, periodic warm spells and days when there is little wind and plenty of sunshine afford fishermen a chance to wet a line. The pre-season trout stocking program is well underway and trout management waters are being stocked every week.
January through March is the time of the year when many attend outdoor shows to view or purchase new fishing tackle, or even book that fishing trip to a dream destination. The department’s Fishing and Boating Services will have staff present at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg from Feb. 1-9 at Maryland FishHunt booth 2521 in Fishing Hall. We hope you’ll come see us!
Many anglers have questions about what is going to happen in regards to management decisions and new regulations concerning striped bass. The entire striped bass fishery of the East Coast is impacted by the need to meet conservation targets established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. In Maryland, commercial quotas are being cut 1.8 percent and there are several proposals concerning the recreational fishery. You can follow the most recent regulation changes and proposals and find up-to-date questions and answers on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Department Honors Maryland’s First Class of Climate Change Professionals
State Developing Leaders to Address Climate Challenges
Photo by Joe Andrucyk
The Hogan administration today recognized 40 professionals as Maryland’s first class of Climate Change Professionals, an international credential administered by the Association of Climate Change Officers, during the meeting of the Board of Public Works.
These professionals earned their certifications by participating in six days of training provided through the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy, the nation’s first state-sponsored climate change training institution. The academy was established to specifically offer training and continuing education for state and local government officials on the matter of climate change. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves 200-Acre Land Acquisition in Central Maryland
Property Adjacent to Rosaryville State Park will Expand Recreation
The Board of Public Works today approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ acquisition of nearly 200 acres in Prince George’s County. The property is adjacent to Rosaryville State Park and its acquisition will expand the park’s offerings including equestrian opportunities and an expanded trail network.
Without the department’s acquisition, the property might otherwise have been slated for extensive development. Read more…
Public Comment Sought for Hunting and Trapping Seasons
Input Taken Beginning Feb. 3; Public Meetings Scheduled
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources in February will accept public comment on proposed changes to the 2020-2022 hunting and trapping seasons. Included in the proposals are concepts related to the 2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Seasons.
Through the past several months, the department has presented a variety of management concepts to internal and external stakeholders representing a diverse group of staff, citizens, and advisers. Read more…
Natural Resources Careers Camp Accepting Applicants for July 2020
Annual Weeklong Program Offered for Grades 9-12
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites high school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife, or parks management to participate in a Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 19-25 at the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County.
A partnership with Allegany College of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers high school students an opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop contacts that could lead to future employment and a career in natural resources. Read more…
Department Begins New Survey of Mason-Dixon Line
Effort To Document Remaining Original Markers
The Maryland Geological Survey, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will lead professional surveying societies of Maryland and Pennsylvania in a new survey of monuments along the Mason-Dixon Line. This will be the first complete survey in 40 years of the line, which was marked in a 1760s survey that defined the Maryland-Pennsylvania border.
Surveyors will document and photograph the remaining monuments to create a thorough collection, with the intent of entering the markers into the National Registry of Historic Places. The project is slated to begin in February and continue through August 2021. Read more…
Celebrate Black History Month at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Weekends in February Offer Inspiring Programs
In celebration of Black History Month, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to free, family-friendly programs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in February.
The park, located near Harriet Tubman’s birthplace in Dorchester County, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and houses an exhibit hall, immersive displays, a gift store, and an information desk. Throughout the month, the park’s expert staff known as “Team Tubman” will lead special programs to honor the life and legacy of the abolitionist and suffragette. Read more…
Programs and Funding Bolster Maryland Forest Products Sector
State, Partners Working on New Market Strategies
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and other state agencies are working with partners across the state to direct grants, programs, and strategies for building new markets for Maryland’s forest products industry.
Overall market decline and sudden losses such as the closure of the Verso paper mill in Luke have prompted action by the state to bolster markets for this important sector of Maryland’s natural resource economy. Read more…
Maryland Climate Leadership Academy Offered in Annapolis
Anne Arundel County Classes Start in February
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces open enrollment for Maryland Climate Leadership Academy courses in Annapolis, which will be starting in February. Registration is open until Jan. 31, but classes are capped at 75 participants.
The free class will be taught in three segments: Feb. 20-21; March 23-24; and May 14-15. This series is designed to prepare anyone interested in seeking Certified Climate Change Professional credentials. The specific location of the class will be announced after registration is complete. Read more…
Firewood Permits for Sale at Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks
Gathering Low-Cost Wood Helps Remove Hazards from Public Lands
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering firewood cutting permits at Cunningham Falls and Gambrill state parks in Frederick County, providing a great opportunity for the public to pick up some easily accessible firewood. The $20 permit allows citizens to remove downed trees from the park in designated wood-cutting areas.
In addition to getting an economical source of winter heat for their homes, firewood cutters are also helping our state parks remove the hazard of downed trees. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: January 2020
2020 is the Year of the Woman
As we begin a New Year, it is a good time to sit back and reflect on the successes we had in 2019. While there are too many to name in one article, a few rise to the top, including the designation of Mallows Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary (the first one in nearly a decade), the opening of Wolf Den Run (our newest state park), celebrating 20 years of the Rural Legacy program with more than 100,000 acres protected, and celebrating our 50th anniversary as a department. We also honored the 90 veterans employed at DNR in keeping with Governor Hogan’s proclamation that 2019 was the Year of the Veteran.
With the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment approaching, Governor Hogan has proclaimed 2020 the Year of the Woman in Maryland. I was honored to join the governor, my fellow female cabinet members, and other prominent women leaders to kick off this initiative in December. Read more…
Winter Turkey Season Opens Jan. 23
Another Chance to Bag a Hen or Gobbler
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from January 23-25 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2019 fall season.
Hunting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves $18.8 Million in Rural Legacy Program Grants
Funding Will Protect 4,500 Acres Statewide
Piney Run Rural Legacy Area in Baltimore County
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved recommendations of more than $18.8 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easements in 18 counties. Funding from these grants will permanently protect more than 4,500 acres of working farms, forests, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and historical resources — throughout the state. The recommendations also include six Rural Legacy Area expansions, which provide the opportunity to protect more than 172,039 expansion acres.
The projects were recommended by the Rural Legacy Board, which consists of the Secretaries of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the Maryland Department of Planning. The Board of Public Works includes Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Treasurer Nancy Kopp. Read more…
Department Offers Free Environmental Seminars for Marinas
Clean Marina Program Explained in February Meetings
Owners and managers of marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs are invited to attend a free seminar to learn about becoming certified Maryland Clean Marinas. The program will provide details on commonly needed permits and plans, and an informative session on the impacts of plastic marine debris on Maryland’s waterways. Read more…
Monkton Angler Sets Record with Big-scale Pomfret
First-time Entry for Species in Maryland’s Atlantic Division
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized Jeff Rosenkilde of Monkton as holding the first official state fishing record for big-scale pomfret. Rosenkilde caught the 22.1-pound fish Dec. 28 in the Atlantic Ocean canyons off the coast of the Delmarva peninsula.
Rosenkilde and four friends were deep-drop fishing for swordfish and tuna out of Ocean City, about 75 miles offshore, when he knew something took his whole squid bait nearly 1,000 feet below the surface.
Read more…
Record Participants Hike in New Year Across Maryland
First Day Hikes Kick Off 2020
Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford joins a First Day Hike at Patuxent River State Park, Jan. 1, 2020. Photo by Joe Andrucyk
About 5,000 hikers took advantage of sunny and mild weather New Year’s Day, joining the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in the state’s annual First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers logged more than 10,000 miles on trails in parks and public lands all across Maryland.
Park rangers, staff, and volunteers guided hikers of all experience levels ringing in the new year on the trail. With 43 hikes at more than 30 locations, the Maryland Park Service registered 3,834 hikers participating in guided hikes, while 1,152 people hiked 1,516 miles on their own — a grand total of 4,986 hikers, not counting many who didn’t check in with a ranger. Even more people hiked in Maryland’s state forests, wildlife management areas, and other public lands. Read more…
Firearms Hunting for Deer Reopens Jan. 10
Hunters in Most Counties Have Another Opportunity
Photo by Lori Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 10, 2020, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 10-11 in all Region B counties. The season is open Sunday, Jan. 12, as follows:
On private and designated public lands – Cecil and St. Mary’s counties.
On private lands only – Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Native Animal Profile: Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing by Jacob McGinnis, Flickr CC by NC 2.0
Often heard and not seen, the lovely Cedar Waxwing can be found year-round throughout Maryland. Cedar Waxwings sport a pale brown, crested head with a sleek black mask that runs from their bill and around their eyes. The mask has white outlines which help accentuate it. Waxwings have a brown chest that fades into a gray on the wings and light yellow on the belly. Most waxwings have bright red tips on the end of their wings and a bright yellow swatch at the tip of their tail. Male and female Cedar Waxwings look the same. Juveniles look similar to adults but have a heavily brown-streaked breast. Read more…
Calling all Bird Enthusiasts! Join the Maryland-DC Breeding Bird Atlas
If you have seen the recent news, you may have heard that the number of birds in the United States and Canada has declined by three billion, or almost 29%, over the last 50 years. Unfortunately, Maryland is not exempt from this decline.
With changes in habitat and climate over the years, it is crucial to know what species are still utilizing Maryland to breed. One important population survey method is a breeding bird atlas which covers a large geographic area. By tracking bird populations, distributions and the timing of their breeding, researchers can understand how an ecosystem’s health is changing over time. Maryland is fortunate to have breeding bird atlas data from 1983-1987 and 2002-2006. The majority of the data collected during these efforts was from volunteers. Beginning this year, the third Maryland – District of Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas (MD-DC BBA3) project and will run through 2024, and you can join in the effort! Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
Inkberry by Siddarth Machado CC by NC 2.0
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is one of our native, compact shrubs in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae) that keeps its leaves year-round. It is a relatively slow growing species that maxes out at heights of 5- 8 feet tall. It sometimes will form clumps with numerous sprouts, making it a great plant to use as a low hedge or border. The leaves are evergreen, finely toothed and can get up to 2.5 inches long. They appear dark green and shiny above with a lighter, duller appearance below.
Read more…
Winter Greens for Wildlife
Inkberry by Philip Bouchard CC by NC ND 2.0
Woody plants are essential for wildlife. In the winter, evergreen plants can provide much-needed shelter and food for local animals. Consider adding one or more of these native plants to your backyard landscape to provide for local wildlife. Read more…
Habitat Project: Eastern Screech-owl Boxes
Screech owl by Roy Niswanger CC by NC 2.0
Did you know? Maryland is home to eight species of owls, several of which are year-round residents while others visit during migration. The smallest resident owl in Maryland is the Eastern Screech-owl, which is often under 10 inches in length. Eastern Screech-owls are formidable hunters and are adapted to survive in both suburban and rural areas where the owls quietly pick off rodents and other small mammals with ease. Unlike larger owls, Eastern Screech-owls will readily take to nesting in boxes if the conditions are right. Read more…
Hunters Harvest 27,000 Deer During Firearms Season
Weather a Factor in Final Numbers
Photo by John Gambriel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 27,088 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearms season. The total harvest was 14% lower than last year’s official count of 31,631. Bad weather on key weekends contributed to the decline in many parts of the state.
More than 2,000 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, representing 8% the total harvest. Sunday hunting is currently permitted on select Sundays in 20 of 23 counties. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Will Return in 2020
Maryland Fishing Report is on break for the winter, and will resume in early 2020. For the latest information on fishing and water conditions in Maryland please sign up for our email newsletters at dnr.maryland.gov. Read more…
First Day Hikes Offer a Fresh Start to 2020
Maryland Public Lands Hosting 40 Hikes Across State
New Year’s Day 2019 saw attendance triple for First Day Hikes in Maryland’s state parks.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to join a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy kickoff to the New Year.
On Jan. 1, 2020, the Maryland Park Service will offer 40 guided hikes on 33 state lands and parks, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks. The earliest of the hikes starts at 8 a.m. while the latest has been planned to take advantage of year’s first sunset.
Among the new hikes planned are a “Year of the Woman” hike at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County, and a First Day Birding Hike at Chapman State Park in Charles County. Read more…
Muzzleloader Season for Deer Reopens Dec. 21
Second Half of Season Runs Until Jan. 4
Photo: Deer Herd at Monocacy Battlefield by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the second segment of the muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 4, 2020. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season. Read more…
2019 ‘Conservationist of the Year’ Awarded to Thomas DiGregorio of Dorchester County
From left to right: Jacob Peregrim, Paul Peditto, Thomas DiGregorio;, Lou Compton, and Greg Schenk
On behalf of the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Thomas DiGregorio has been recognized as the 2019 Conservationist of the Year. The award was presented at the Nov. 20 meeting of the Wildlife Advisory Commission at the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis.
“Tom DiGregorio’s dedication to the ideals of conservation and habitat management for the betterment of wildlife is apparent to all who meet him,” Wildlife Advisory Commission Chairman Lou Compton said. “For this continued perseverance of conservation and appreciation for the results he has produced, we are proud to honor Tom DiGregorio with the 2019 Maryland Conservationist of the Year award.” Read more…
Police Deer Decoy Struck by Suspect
Natural Resources Police Target Hunting Violations
Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a Carroll County woman for driving while intoxicated after she struck a deer decoy and led officers on a chase. Police on Nov. 30 were patrolling for illegal spotlighting and using a decoy deer along Flag Marsh Road in Mt. Airy. Officers reportedly saw a vehicle stop in the road, turn on its headlights, drive off the road into the field, and strike the decoy deer.
When officers approached the vehicle, it sped away through several fields before finally stopping. Police say the driver, Melinda Marie Platt, 46, was intoxicated and admitted to drinking several beers. A passenger, James Platt, 55, was also intoxicated, according to police. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Dec. 11
Photo by Keith Lockwood
This is the final weekly Maryland Fishing Report of 2019 — we will return in 2020.
While everyone is caught up in the pre-holiday rush, those looking for a little respite will find plenty of fun fishing opportunities this month. The pre-season stocking of trout has begun and walleye, chain pickerel, yellow perch and catfish are all eager to entertain those who fish for them. The Chesapeake Bay striped bass season will come to a close on December 15, and the past couple weeks have been like the grand finale at a fireworks display. As the sun sets on the 2019 season, we look ahead to 2020.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has produced a fact sheet, available online, to address the many questions recreational anglers may have concerning future striped bass regulations and management.
The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission recently created an annual recreational fisheries achievement award, to be given once a year. This is a great opportunity to recognize someone you know who goes that extra distance in volunteering their services to aid in promoting and conserving our recreational fisheries resources in Maryland. For more information and to nominate someone, find everything you need on the department’s website.
Save the Bay: Eat Invasive!
Biologist holds blue catfish caught by electrofishing, courtesy of Branson D. Williams
Maryland’s infamous invasive fishes — blue catfish, northern snakehead, and flathead catfish — were introduced to bay waters without Maryland Department of Natural Resources authorization. These species now pose an array of potential problems for the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Even with increased fishing pressure, controlling the abundance of invasives after they’ve become established can be difficult. While the department is investigating other ways of controlling the spread and abundance of these fish, we encourage the method that has been tried and true for centuries – eating them! And the good news is that the illegally introduced invasive fishes in Maryland are not only edible but delicious! Read more…
The Nature of Change
Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life. I have long held that conservation and economic growth need not be at odds with one another, and we are making great strides to that end. Read more…
Home on the Fringe: White-tailed Deer Thrive in Suburbs
Photo by Ken Mullinix
Suburban deer sightings are so common that few of us pay much attention anymore. White-tailed deer are everywhere – along the roadways, throughout our parks, and in our very own backyards.
Many people incorrectly presume that these animals belong in the deep woods, and the ones wandering into our neighborhoods are refugees displaced by residential, commercial, or agricultural development. In fact, development actually creates better habitat for deer. White-tailed deer are a fringe species, exploiting the benefits of forested land for cover and open areas for food, requiring a substantial portion of each to survive. Read more…
Outside Perspective
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, a time to enjoy the cooler weather and changing leaves. One thing never changes, though — the stewardship that Maryland citizens show in support of our natural resources. In this edition of our magazine, we feature the work of our 2019 Natural Resources Photo Contest winners, which captures that spirit — along with the variety and beauty of Maryland’s landscapes, waterways and wildlife — in a remarkable way. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Moon Names
Photo by Christopher Brown
I’ve heard full moons referred to as Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon, and others – where do these names come from and what do they signify?
Jack in Frostburg
Nicknames for full moons have an ancient history, and it is closely tied to the cycle of natural resources. In North America, native tribes and later early European settlers identified full moons by important happenings or activities related to hunting, fishing and agriculture. This was obviously important knowledge to societies that quite literally lived and died by knowing how to work with nature. Read more…
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 20
Hunters Can Bag One Goose Per Day
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s migratory Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season will take place in two segments, Dec. 20, 2019 through Jan. 4, 2020 and Jan. 14, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2020. Hunters can bag one goose per day in Maryland’s AP Canada Goose Hunting Zone. Read more…
Recipe: Venison Steaks with Chimichurri
Photo by James R. Mackey
Herby and colorful, chimichurri is a traditional Argentinian sauce. It’s great on venison but can also nicely complement grilled fish, chicken, and beef. Alternatively, use this chimichurri as a marinade and let the venison marinate for a few hours or overnight. Read more…
Way Cool: Cranesville Swamp Offers a Glimpse into a Different Time and Climate
Photo by Ashley Stimpson
Most people come to western Maryland for the mountains — but Garrett County visitors who venture off the beaten path will find a remarkable and rare treasure tucked between the hills.
Cranesville Swamp Preserve is one of the last boreal bogs in the southeastern United States. In this small, bowl-shaped bog, a phenomenon known as a “frost pocket” creates a habitat more reminiscent of Alaska than Maryland. As weather patterns move east across the region, the hills surrounding Cranesville Swamp channel precipitation and chilled air into the valley, making the preserve one of the coolest locations in our state. Thanks to this unique climate, visitors can find lots of unusual plant and animal species in this out-of-place ecosystem and see what the landscape looked like 15,000 years ago as the last ice age receded. Read more…
From the Field: Natural Resources Police Captain Tracy Campbell
When Captain Tracy Campbell first joined the Maryland Natural Resources Police in 1995, newly minted officers were assigned to a boat, to which they reported for patrol or response duties.With her assignment in St. Michaels, the Baltimore native quickly felt at home on the Eastern Shore.
Those days, officers didn’t have their own state vehicles—or cell phones. “You would get a call on your home phone in the middle of the night, get in your personal car, drive down the road to the boat and then turn the boat radio on to find out the status of the call,” Campbell remembers. Read more…
A Voice in the Wilderness: After 75 Years, Smokey’s Message Still Looms Large
Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service Smokey Bear collection, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library
One presence has stood tall spreading the word to prevent human-caused wildfires throughout the nation — Smokey Bear. For generations of Americans Smokey Bear and his message of “only you can prevent wildfires” has reminded us of the consequences of being careless with fire outdoors. Read more…
A Hunter’s Story: Maryland’s Mentored Hunt Rejuvenates Childhood Dream
Hunting turkey. Photo by Maribeth Kulynycz.
My passion for hunting began when I was a young girl, listening raptly to my dad’s bedtime stories about his childhood spent stalking birds with only a slingshot and a pouch of pebbles on his family’s farm. Read more…
Maryland Deer Firearms Opening Day Harvest Up 29%
Wind, Rain Hamper Overall Weekend
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 8,061 deer taken on opening day of the 2019 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 30. This represents a 29% increase over last year’s Saturday opener. The overall weekend harvest of 9,201 was down 9% from 2018 due to nearly non-stop rain and wind across the state on Sunday.
The harvest total includes 4,248 antlered and 4,953 antlerless deer, including 147 antlered and 126 antlerless sika deer. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 14. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: December 2019
Winter is Coming – Perfect for Maryland Outdoors Fun!
Celebrating Downrigging Weekend at the Port of Chestertown Marina
As we rake up the last of the fall leaves and the weather turns colder, some may think that winter’s arrival means less time spent outside, but Maryland has many cold-weather outdoor recreation opportunities.
Western Maryland – or Mountain Maryland as some call it – is a true winter wonderland. We have 23 state parks and three state forests in the westernmost counties, plus access to the national Appalachian Trail, all of which provide wonderful wintry vistas. Read more…