Natural Resources News
G. Adrian Baker Named Superintendent of Natural Resources Police
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that Chestertown Police Chief and Natural Resources Police veteran G. Adrian Baker will serve as superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Baker will be taking the place of Colonel Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler Jr. who resigned today. The appointment takes effect Sept. 11.
Baker has nearly two decades of command experience, including the past seven as Chief of Police in Chestertown. Baker’s experience also includes six years serving as the commander of the Natural Resources Police central region. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Aug. 21
Memories are made while fishing and crabbing and this guy is lucky enough to have a grandfather to take him crabbing. Photo by Jim Livingston
We are on the back end of August and there are signs everywhere that the summer season is coming to a close — but there’s still time for families to spend some quality time together fishing. Read more…
Trapper Education Class Offered in Garrett County
Registration Deadline Sept. 13
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is holding a free trapper education class Sept. 21 at the Casselman Valley Sportsman Club in Grantsville. The class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more…
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons 2019-2020 Announced
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 2
Photo by Larry Hindman
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2019-2020 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2019-2020 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Read more…
Maryland Angler Tops Record for Common Dolphinfish
Catch Record for Mahi Set Just Three Weeks Ago
Kristi Frashure poses with her husband Ryan and the record fish she caught off Ocean City.
A Pasadena woman reeled in a new Maryland state record common dolphinfish, also known as mahi mahi. Kristy Frashure was participating in the Poor Girls Fishing Tournament in Ocean City on Aug. 16 when she caught the 74.5-pound fish. Read more…
Department Seeks Local Proposals for Public Outdoor Recreation Projects
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that counties and municipalities can now apply for grant funding from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. Local governments should submit preliminary application forms by Sept. 19.
Land and Water Conservation Fund projects must be in direct support of public outdoor recreation. Eligible proposals include the acquisition, development, and maintenance of outdoor recreational areas, facilities, and properties, including athletic fields, boat launches, fishing piers, playgrounds, trails, and more. Municipalities and counties are eligible for up to a 50% matching fund with requests capped at $1 million.
Maryland Fishing Report – August 14
Photo by Michael Carr
No matter how seasoned one is as a fishermen, catching a noteworthy fish brings out excitement that is too often suppressed deep within us. Our daily trials can take a toll on our sense of childlike fun. This photo made me smile and caused me to relive a few moments that I shared with friends when catching a truly exciting fish. Fishing brings joy, no matter how the fish is taken or if it is an invasive fish that carries the distinctive name of northern snakehead.
Four Resiliency Projects Approved by Board of Public Works
The Board of Public Works today approved $248,480 for four Resiliency through Restoration projects, selected through a competitive solicitation, to help Maryland’s communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of climate change, erosion, flooding, and extreme weather. Read more…
Chesapeake Forest 2019 Hunting Lottery Now Open
Deadline for Hunt Clubs to Enter Lottery is Aug. 27
Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can enter a lottery for individual, non-leased tracts in Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until Aug. 27. Read more…
Manokin River Chosen for Oyster Restoration
Ten Sites Now Selected Toward Chesapeake Bay Program Goal
The Chesapeake Bay Program and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are pleased to announce that the Manokin River has been approved as the 10th Chesapeake Bay tributary for large-scale oyster reef restoration. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement calls for the restoration of the native oyster population in 10 tributaries by 2025—and the Manokin River is the final tributary to be selected for this Chesapeake Bay Program partnership effort.
The Manokin River joins four other large-scale Maryland oyster restoration sites: Harris Creek, Little Choptank, Tred Avon, and Upper St. Mary’s rivers. Situated off Tangier Sound, along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Manokin River is more than 16,000 acres and has been an oyster sanctuary area since 2010. Read more…
French and Indian War Muster at Fort Frederick State Park, August 24 and 25
Reenactors to Exhibit Life in Western Maryland During French and Indian War
Historical reenactors will take visitors on a journey back in time to the French and Indian War with volunteer living historians exhibiting the life of the French, British, and American Indian cultures during the French and Indian War Muster. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm.
“Activities throughout the weekend will give visitors a look into the lives of the people who fought on Maryland’s western frontier during the French and Indian War,” said Bob Study, Park Ranger at Fort Frederick State Park. Read more…
Maryland Celebrates Smokey Bear’s 75th Birthday
Fire Prevention Message Spreads Through Public Lands
The public is invited to join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Aug. 9 in honoring one of the country’s iconic conservation heroes on his birthday. For 75 years, Smokey Bear has served as a national symbol for wildfire prevention — the longest running and most recognizable public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.
“The importance of Smokey’s message is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago,” Maryland State Forester Donald VanHassent said. “The best birthday present anyone can give Smokey Bear is learning how to prevent forest and wildland fires — as Smokey says, only you can prevent forest fires.” Read more…
National Hunting and Fishing Day 2019 Focuses on Veterans
Maryland Dedicates Annual Event to Those Who Served
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all current and former service members and their families to Patriot Point in Dorchester County Sept. 21 to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day.
The annual event includes fishing, archery, shooting sports, and other activities centered on the outdoors and wildlife. A mentored dove hunt will also be offered for new and apprentice hunters.
Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2019 as the Year of the Veteran in Maryland. This year-long observance raises awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland and our country.
Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – August 7
Photo by Eric Packard
Just like us humans, fish are seeking relief from the summer heat wherever they can find it, and some fish are more tolerant of high temperatures than others. Many anglers have chosen to curtail fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay this month and are enjoying other fishing opportunities.
Spanish mackerel, bluefish, white perch and spot are providing plenty of fun fishing action for bay anglers. There is plenty of fishing action to be had in the Ocean City area, and species such as northern snakeheads, blue catfish, and other freshwater fish are providing plenty of often overlooked opportunities.
Secretary’s Message: August 2019
Natural Resources Careers Offer A Great Way Up
Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Senator George Edwards gear up to climb a tree at Hickory Environmental Education Center.
Two of the most important things that we can do for our young people is to teach them environmental stewardship and to provide them with opportunities for their future. I’m proud to say the Maryland Department of Natural Resources works hard to do both.
Recently I had the honor of speaking to 28 young men and women at their graduation from the Maryland Conservation Corps. This is such an important program – providing young adults crucial, hands-on, experience that supports community service and conservation stewardship. Read more…
July 2019 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were larger than average in July, as the result of many factors. The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 1.92 cubic miles in early July and 2.01 cubic miles in late July. The early July 1985-2018 average hypoxic volume is 1.36 cubic miles, and late July is 1.34 cubic miles. The most recent hypoxic volumes were respectively the fourth-largest for early July and second-largest for late July since 1985.
Larger than average hypoxia was predicted for this summer in part due to massive rainfall causing high flows into the Chesapeake Bay the past year, which delivered higher nutrient loads. Those nutrients fuel algal blooms, which die and are consumed by bacteria, which then deplete oxygen in bottom waters. Also, average winds were generally low in July, which prevented oxygen from mixing into deeper waters. Read more…
2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Now Open
Entries Judged at Easton Waterfowl Festival
“The Resting Place” by Gerald W. Putt, 2019-20 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winner
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites artists to submit their original works for the 46th Annual Migratory Game Bird stamp design contest by Nov. 1. The winning entry will appear on the 2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp hunters purchase to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland.
New this year, the contest will be held in conjunction with the 49th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Nov. 8-10. The Waterfowl Festival will hold a “People’s Choice Award,” which will let festival-goers cast their vote for their favorite entry. The department will officially judge the entries at noon on Nov. 10 to select the winner. Read more…
Graduation Day for Maryland Conservation Corps Class of 2019
Award-Winning Program Graduates 28 Young Men and Women
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 28 members of the 2018-2019 Maryland Conservation Corps during their graduation program July 31 at Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area in Queen Anne’s County. The ceremony commemorated the students’ completion of 10 months of job training, conservation work, and stewardship with the Maryland Park Service.
Members from across the country, all between the ages of 17 and 25, completed 1,700 hours of service. This year’s crews planted thousands of trees, bay grasses and native plants; treated trees against harmful insects and diseases; and taught environmental education programs to more than 40,000 students, youth, and park visitors. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 31
Jeff Wright was fishing off Ocean City recently when he caught this 72.8-pound bull (male) dolphin, a massive fish by any standards. Congratulations to Jeff, captain and crew for such a fine catch. Photo by Alfred Hughes.
Maryland offers a wide variety of exciting fishing opportunities to those who fish her waters. We are pleasantly reminded of the amazing resources that are available to us when an extraordinary specimen is recognized as a state record. These listings keep a permanent record and help promote those resources.
Bloede Dam Removal Project Complete
Patapsco River Surges Back to Life
The former Bloede Dam was breached with explosives in September 2018; all removal work is now complete.
One of the most important dam removal projects in the Mid-Atlantic is officially complete. Project partners announced today that the Bloede Dam removal and river restoration is finished and a significant portion of the Patapsco River now flows freely through Patapsco Valley State Park.
After 18 months, often spent battling the elements during one of the region’s wettest years on record, crews have completed all construction work, including dam demolition, replacing portions of both Baltimore and Howard county sanitary sewer lines, and rebuilding the Grist Mill Trail. This area of the park re-opened just in time for the busy summer season. Visitors are enjoying the full range of outdoor recreation, anglers are fishing from newly emerging boulders in the former dam impoundment, and families are exploring the riverside trail. Read more…
Cambridge Angler Reels in Record Mahi Mahi near Ocean City
Catch Tops Maryland Record Held Since 1985
Jeff Wright (right) of Cambridge caught this 72.8-pound common dolphinfish off the coast of Ocean City.
Jeff Wright of Cambridge has broken a 34-year-old Maryland state fishing record in the Atlantic Division for a common dolphinfish, or mahi mahi. Wright caught the 72.8-pound fish July 28 off the coast of Ocean City. Read more…
Waterfowl Hunting Permits Available for Deal Island, Fairmount Wildlife Management Areas
Applications Taken for Somerset County Impoundments
Hunters can now submit applications for the annual permit-only waterfowl hunting days on Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and Fairmount Wildlife Management Area impoundments, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with assignments based upon a hunter’s stated preference for each area and/or date. Applications must be received by Sept. 9.
Waterfowl hunting within the impoundment is by permit only on the opening days of each of the three separate splits of duck season. After that, hunting is restricted to certain days and/or holidays through the remainder of each split season. Read more…
Campers Join Fight Against Invasive Plants at New Germany
Annual Young Women’s Camp Helps Protect Native Species
New Germany State Park has a few less “botanical bullies” thanks to an ambitious group of young women from the Washington, D.C. Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
During their annual camp in June, the group teamed up with park staff and the Friends of New Germany State Park to remove more than 900 pounds of invasive plants from park grounds. Targeted species included garlic mustard, crown vetch, coltsfoot, Japanese stiltgrass, and exotic bush honeysuckles. Read more…
Public Meetings to Discuss ‘No Discharge Zone’ Application
Anne Arundel County Seeking Federal Approval for Designation
The public is invited to a series of information sessions about a proposed No Discharge Zone for Anne Arundel County. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff and local partners will be on hand to explain the process for this designation.
A No Discharge Zone (NDZ) is an area in which both untreated and treated sewage discharges from vessels are prohibited. Discharge of untreated sewage from vessels is illegal anywhere within 3 miles of the United States coast.
Within NDZ boundaries, vessel operators are required to retain their sewage for disposal onshore at a pumpout facility and must disable “treat and release” marine sanitation devices.
Severn River Association, with the support of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis, has prepared a draft NDZ application for the waters of Anne Arundel County. Read more…
Easton Angler Sets Maryland Record for Florida Pompano
Youth Claims Species’ First Entry
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized 14-year-old Scott Hartzell Jr. of Easton as the first official state record holder for a Florida pompano. Hartzell caught the 3.375-pound fish on Stone Rock near Tilghman Island. Read more…
Allegany County Recreation Projects Receive Funding
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants Total $59,750
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the award of two Land and Water Conservation Fund grants totaling $59,750 to two local recreation projects in Allegany County.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a federally funded program that provides up to 50 percent matching grants to state and local governments toward acquiring and/or developing public outdoor recreational areas and facilities.
To access program funds, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources submits projects on behalf of local applicants, which are then approved by the National Park Service. Read more…
Visitors Can Experience “The American Soldier Through the Ages” at Fort Frederick
Living History Events August 3-4
Fort Frederick State Park invites visitors to view life through the eyes of America’s soldiers from the founding of Maryland through the 20th century.
The military history of Fort Frederick spans the 18th and 19th centuries. Building upon that legacy, this program will provide visitors with an up-close and personal look at weapons, uniforms and military gear from the 1600s colonial militia, French and Indian War, American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, 1870s Native American wars, Spanish-American War, World War II, and Desert Storm. A special program will show how soldiering changed over time — and how it stayed the same. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 24
Jeffery Peregoy shows us what can be pulled from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean with this large golden tilefish. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Peregoy
Maryland offers a wide variety of fishing adventures right now, from the western mountains to the deep ocean waters of the Atlantic.
Underwater Grasses Show Resilience Despite Record Rainfall
2018 Saw Slight Decline, But Less Severe Than Expected
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that Chesapeake Bay underwater grass abundance fared better than expected in 2018, despite extreme rainfall causing a spike in nutrients and sediments. An estimated 50,015 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay.
Baywide, about 91,559 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in 2018. However, more than 20% of the region was not fully mapped in 2018 because of highly turbid water, weather, and security restrictions near military facilities — meaning the actual acreage could be significantly higher.
In 2017, a record-breaking 62,357 acres were recorded in Maryland, and about 105,000 acres were recorded baywide. Since 2012, Maryland has seen a net gain of more than 25,500 acres of underwater grasses and has achieved 63% of the state’s 2025 restoration goal. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Nab Boater Fleeing Coast Guard
Impaired Boating, Theft of Rental Boats, Illegal Harvesting Top Police Blotter
A Pennsylvania man faces numerous charges after Maryland Natural Resources Police caught him fleeing the U.S. Coast Guard in the waters near Ocean City. Two Natural Resources Police patrol vessels answered a call for assistance June 29 after the vessel allegedly sped away from federal authorities trying to board it.
The patrol boats were able to catch and stop the fleeing vessel, which was travelling approximately 35 knots northbound in the Assawoman Bay, but Natural Resource Police say the operator remained uncooperative. Police boarded the vessel and detained the operator, identified as Anthony Gerard Campisi of Lansdale, Pa. Read more…
Maryland Climate Leadership Academy Enrolling Fall Cohorts
Programs Held at Johns Hopkins, College of Southern Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces open enrollment for Maryland Climate Leadership Academy courses starting this September at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the College of Southern Maryland in Charles County. Registration is open until Aug. 15, but classes are capped at 75 participants.
The Maryland Climate Leadership Academy, which kicked off in fall 2018, is the nation’s first state-sponsored institution providing continuing education and executive training programs specifically designed for state and local government officials, infrastructure executives, and business leaders. Read more…
Waterfowl Blind Site Licensing Dates and Locations Announced
Application Process Begins Aug. 6 Throughout State
Photo by Larry Hindman
Beginning Aug. 6, Maryland resident hunters can apply for a 2019-2020 waterfowl blind site license. On opening day, applicants will be entered into a lottery for a chance to select their sites.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources assigns a license for each blind site, a designated location in state waters where a hunter can anchor a boat to hunt waterfowl.
On Aug. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. applications for licenses will begin being accepted at the various locations listed below. Anyone arriving after 8 a.m. will be ineligible. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 17
Young Isaac had a great day fishing for white perch in his own kayak. Photo by Eric Packard
Summertime fun is settled in throughout Maryland. It’s great to see children whose parent, relative or guardian can take them fishing or crabbing, enjoying all that the Maryland outdoors has to offer.
Peak Bloom Arrives at McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields
Fields Planted Statewide for Wildlife Benefit
The sunflower fields at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville are now in “peak bloom,” with about 30 acres planted in three fields, providing a spectacular view and serving an important conservation purpose.
The Montgomery County area is just one of many sunflower fields the Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants each spring as a food source, primarily for mourning doves, as part of the department’s conservation and management programs. Mourning doves are hunted at the fields during the traditional fall season, which runs Sept. 1 through early January. Read more…
Maryland Black Bear Lottery Now Open
Application Deadline Aug. 31; Drawing Sept. 3
Painting: “Moving Through” by Larry Smail
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2019 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season, taking place Oct. 21-25 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The department will issue 800 hunting permits this year.
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…
Late June 2019 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitoring shows that dissolved oxygen conditions in the state’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were better than expected in late June. The hypoxic water volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 0.69 cubic miles, which is well below the late June 1985-2018 average of 1.15 cubic miles, and an improvement from the 1.13 cubic miles of hypoxia observed in early June. No anoxic zones — areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — were observed. Read more…
Fourth of July Weekend Sees Boating Incidents Decrease
Natural Resources Police Vigilance and Education Yields Results
Maryland Natural Resources Police stayed busy with heightened vigilance during the holiday weekend July 4-7, and are pleased to report a significant reduction of serious boating incidents.
During one of Maryland’s busiest times on the waterways, officers were out to prevent unsafe boating, conducting 1,860 boat safety inspections. Officers made nine arrests for boating under the influence, plus one for driving under the influence. Additionally officers conducted 4,434 recreational fishing checks and 184 commercial fishing checks. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 10
Brothers Andrew, Nikolaus and Nathan Vogel enjoyed some crabbing off their grandparents’ dock on Rock Creek in Pasadena, and pose with a jumbo 8.5-inch crab. Photo by Josh Vogel
Few things in Maryland speak of summer more than Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, although local sweet corn might be a close second.
Comment Deadline Extended on Chesapeake Forest Hunting Leases
Public Input on Proposed Changes Now Accepted Through Aug. 19
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has extended the time in which staff will accept public comment on a proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs. Following requests from the department’s active and engaged stakeholders, comments will be accepted online through Aug. 19, a one-month extension.
Maryland Forest Service staff hosted a public meeting on June 18 to present the proposal and begin the public input process. To be considered, all comments they must be entered through the department’s website.
NOAA Designates New National Marine Sanctuary in Maryland
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary to Protect World War I-era Shipwrecks
NOAA, the state of Maryland and Charles County today announced the designation of a new national marine sanctuary to protect the remains of more than 100 abandoned steamships and vessels built as part of America’s engagement in World War I.
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., will be the first national marine sanctuary designated since 2000. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: July 2019
Fifty Years Young, The Department’s Mission Continues
July 2019 marks exactly 50 years since Governor Marvin Mandel replaced the former Board of Natural Resources with a cabinet-level Department of Natural Resources and our operations began. As we celebrate this milestone, DNR is really proud of the fact that our work is making a difference in every county and community across Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – July 3
This confident angler among the larger boats reminded fishing report author Keith Lockwood of an old verse. Photo by Keith Lockwood
Anyone who has ventured to the Bay Bridge in the past few weeks knows you will see all kinds of boats fishing the bridge piers. Some remind one of the opening verse of the Fisherman’s Prayer, which President John F. Kennedy kept inscribed on a block of wood on his desk in the Oval Office, and Admiral Rickover was rumored to present it to every new submarine captain: “Oh Lord thy sea is so great and my boat is so small.” Whatever means you have, it’s a great time to get out fishing.
July 4 is the last free fishing day of the 2019 season. This is a great opportunity to take someone who has shown some interest in fishing but has been hesitant to give it a try. It’s a golden opportunity to take someone fishing without them worrying about buying a fishing license.
Operation DryWater Underway to Keep Boaters Sober
Aiming to keep our waterways safe this holiday weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police will again join the nationwide effort by local, state, and federal agencies in the tenth annual Operation DryWater. Officers will be on the water providing heightened enforcement and awareness about the dangers of drinking while boating.
Boating under the influence continues to be a leading factor in accidents and deaths on our nation’s waterways. With more than 170,000 registered boats enjoying our bays, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland is one of the country’s busiest boating destinations.
Early June 2019 Hypoxia Report
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Research Vessel Kehrin is used for summer hypoxia monitoring.
Dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were slightly above the long-term average in early June. The hypoxic water volume — areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.14 cubic miles, which is slightly above the early June 1985-2018 average of 0.93 cubic miles and similar to levels in 2017 and 2018.
A significant amount of hypoxia was also observed during May. Hypoxia was not observed in Virginia’s portion of the bay, and no anoxic zones — areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen — were detected in the mainstem bay in either Maryland or Virginia.
The observed early June and May hypoxia conditions are likely attributable to near record high flows in 2018 that continued into the spring of 2019.
Species of Carnivorous Plant Found in Maryland
Dwarf Sundew Expands its Range North
Photo by Chase Howard
Botanists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy recently confirmed the discovery of a new plant species in Maryland — the dwarf sundew (Drosera brevifolia). Local volunteer botanist Chase Howard discovered and reported the plant growing in open areas with wet, peaty sand in Worcester County.
This is the first record of this species growing in Maryland. Prior to this discovery, Virginia was the northern range limit.
Dwarf sundew is an insectivorous plant with a unique way of catching its prey. The paddle-shaped leaves of the sundew form a rosette at the base and are densely covered with hairs that exude a clear, sticky liquid, which attracts and traps various kinds of insects. It then uses the nutrients from the prey animals as fertilizer. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 26
Bob Bruns was fishing at the Bay Bridge recently and found this beautiful striped bass at the end of a rainbow. Photo by Travis Long
We’ve all heard the saying about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In the past couple weeks, fishermen on the bay and freshwater areas have been dodging passing rain clouds, but were blessed with the sight of a pretty rainbow.
A serious problem that pains any fisherman to see is dead striped bass floating in the bay, and the scene becomes more common as air and bay water temperatures rise. This time of the year some of these fish are dying not so much from hook injury, but the stress of being brought to the boat. Studies have shown that decreasing the time one takes to bring a fish to the boat can improve fish survival. Use heavy tackle, flattening the barbs on your jigs or lures to quicken your release, and also release the fish without removing it from the water.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching a new awareness campaign to reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season. A color-coded recommendation system will advise of fishing conditions, allowing anglers to plan their striped bass fishing trips up to seven days in advance.
Maryland Awards $30.9 Million to Improve Water Quality and Increase Resilience
Department’s Grants Gateway Opens Door for 96 Projects
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the awarding of $30.9 million in grants to local communities to implement projects that will restore local waterways, increase climate resilience, and develop the next generation of environmental stewards.
“We are pleased to support these innovative projects that will help us achieve our environmental goals,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “In addition to improving the resilience of our communities, these projects will protect our local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay in measurable ways.”
Read more…
Striped Bass Advisory System Helps Anglers Protect Species
Alerts Will Advise of Fishing Conditions
Photo by Roy Julie
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching a new awareness campaign to reduce striped bass mortality during the summer fishing season. A color-coded recommendation system will advise of fishing conditions, allowing anglers to plan their striped bass fishing trips up to seven days in advance.
Seasonal high water and air temperatures as well as low oxygen can cause fish to become sensitive and stressed, with increased mortality during catch-and-release fishing. Larger striped bass – 24 inches or larger – have the most difficulty with these conditions.
Read more…
Fort Frederick Brings American Revolution to Life
Go Colonial to Celebrate Our Independence
Fort Frederick State Park invites Marylanders to experience what life was like at the fort during the American Revolution as it presents its annual program, “The Fort is Pretty Full,” June 28 through July 7. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Built in 1756 to protect English colonists during the French and Indian War, Fort Frederick was pressed back into service in 1777 by the Continental Congress as a prison camp for captured British troops. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 19
Five year old Vinny Spilker caught this white perch while visiting his uncle recently. Photo by Herb Floyd
When introducing young children to fishing, it’s important they see action to keep their attention. Go after species such as bluegills and white perch, which are always ready to step up to the plate.
One more license-free fishing day is scheduled this year on July 4. It’s a perfect opportunity to get someone started on their own fishing adventures!
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