Natural Resources News
Public Input Sought on Chesapeake Forest Hunting Leases
Comments Taken on Proposed Changes Through July Aug. 19
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on a proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs. Read more…
Market Cited for Selling Egg-Bearing Female Crabs
Tip Leads to Inspection of Montgomery County Business
Police charged Lotte Plaza Market in Germantown with offering three bushels of egg-bearing female blue crabs — known as sponge crabs — for sale in violation of the state’s conservation laws.
After receiving a tip, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers conducted an inspection of the market June 5. Store employees told police the crabs came from North Carolina, but were unable to produce a bill of lading. Sponge crabs can be legally imported from other states at certain times of the year (between May 11 and July 20 this year), but proof of their origin is necessary.
It is always illegal to harvest female egg-bearing crabs in Maryland waters. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)
Clustered Mountain Mint by Doug McGrady CC by 2.0
I first learned about mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) several years ago, as a Penn State Extension study found it to be one of the top pollinator plants in their common gardens. Out of the 86 native plant species and cultivars tested, clustered mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) ranked number one for the diversity of pollinators that visited. I had to try it out for myself, and it hasn’t disappointed. Read more…
Native Animal Profile: Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
Adult Eastern Ratsnake by Richard Orr
At one time, I was deathly afraid of snakes, often screeching and running through the forest whenever I encountered a scaly friend. In college, my desire to be a field biologist, coupled with exposure to and knowledge of snakes, helped soften my feelings for them. Over the years, one snake species I have grown particularly fond of is the eastern ratsnake. Read more…
Lawn Alternatives
Upland oaks and poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), parasol sedge (Carex umbellata), lichens, mosses and diminutive wildflowers in Arlington, Virginia. Photo by R.H. Simmons.
For many years, the American lawn has been viewed as a status symbol. Traditional lawns, described as a single warm season grass species like zoysia or bermuda, completely covering a yard space and maintained at three inches or shorter, are unfortunately often ecological wastelands that require excess water, nutrients, pesticides and maintenance. Traditional lawns also support few wildlife species. To help local wildlife, consider replacing non-native grass lawns with native alternatives. By selecting native plants suited for your site, you can reduce the time and supplies needed to maintain turf grass and can provide habitat for wildlife in the process. Read more…
Northern Snakeheads Caught in Conowingo Dam Fish Lift
Invasive Species Stopped at Dam But Spiked in Numbers
A partnership overseeing fish passage at Conowingo Dam reports that 81 northern snakeheads were caught in the dam’s fish lift this spring, a dramatic increase after only one snakehead was found there the past two years. While all known snakeheads were stopped and dispatched before reaching the dam’s reservoir, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and its partners warn of a possible northern expansion by the aggressively invasive species into the Susquehanna River.
Two fish lifts were installed on the east and west sides of the Conowingo Dam decades ago to allow passage of migratory fish such as American shad and river herring. The fish lifts are critical for migratory species restoration and a requirement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
These fish lifts operate during the spring migration, which is also when snakeheads are known to travel longer distances in the watershed. All snakeheads captured this year were in the western side of the dam. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 12
Photo by Keith Lockwood
This is a special weekend for sons and daughters to celebrate their love for the fathers – or father figures in their lives — who help them to appreciate the gifts of the outdoors. No doubt many will take out the gear this weekend and share that special time together that fishing provides. Happy Father’s Day!
Loaner Tackle Program Available at Rocky Gap State Park
Western Maryland Fishing Destination Offers Free Use of Gear
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is expanding its popular loaner tackle program to Rocky Gap State Park, offering park patrons free use of fishing gear and tackle. Eight youth-sized fishing rods have been refurbished and several tackle boxes have been donated to help promote youth fishing at the popular Allegany County park.
Rocky Gap is home to Lake Habeeb, one of Western Maryland’s most fishing-friendly destinations. The 243-acre lake is routinely stocked with trout and has sustaining populations of catfish, panfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Lake Habeeb also has a public boat ramp, and canoe and kayak rentals are available during the summer months.
Read more…
Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards $13.5 Million
Projects Funded Statewide for Better Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants in Fiscal Year 2020 to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state.
This funding will go toward 58 projects in 16 counties, including grants for statewide projects and emergency needs such as ice-breaking. Projects include new public boating access, amenities, and facilities; dredging of navigable waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other important infrastructure and initiatives.
“Maryland is committed to expanding boating opportunities so that our citizens and visitors can appreciate all that our waterways have to offer,” Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “These grants will enhance safety, improve access, and maximize enjoyment for all boaters.” Read more…
Maryland Conservation Corps Recruiting for September Class
Stewardship and Real-World Job Training for Young Adults
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental, and natural resources management projects across the state.
The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will work on seven teams for an 11-month period, beginning in late September 2019.
Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – June 5
Photo of boy with several trout he caught
There is a special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, and some children are lucky enough to have a grandpa or grandma to take them fishing. Lothar Weber recently took his 5 year old grandson Dexter trout fishing near Little Falls. Grandpa brought his fly fishing outfit, Dexter dug up his mom’s garden to collect some worms for bait. The results of their trout fishing trip together was described as: Dexter 5, trout and Grandpa 0.
Two more license-free fishing days are scheduled this year on June 8 and July 4. These are perfect opportunities to get someone started on their own fishing adventures!
Marine Wildlife Return to Maryland’s Waters
Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Should be Reported
Marine wildlife — dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and others –are making their seasonal return to both the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, as well as the coastal bays. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who has seen either a marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters to report it to the state Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding program at 1-800-628-9944. Read more…
Meeting to Discuss Chesapeake Forest Hunting Leases
Forest Service to Review Proposed Changes June 18
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting June 18 to present a newly developed proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs. Maryland Forest Service staff will be on hand to answer general questions about the proposal and provide access for public comment. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: June 2019
Maryland Was Made for Great Outdoors Month
Splash the Water Safety Dog, Governor Larry Hogan and Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio gear up for summer activities!
June marks the official start of summer — although it feels like it really began weeks ago — and June also marks National Great Outdoors Month. While this is a national celebration, no one does outdoors better than Maryland!
The State of Maryland features a unique array of landscapes from mountains to beaches and everything in between. To preserve those landscapes, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources oversees more than a half-million acres of public lands, including state forests, wildlife management areas, and 75 state parks. These areas provide quality outdoor recreation experiences through 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, kayaking, camping facilities, and more. Our goal is to allow everyone to experience these recreational opportunities and to connect all people with nature. Read more…
Elk Neck State Park Shooting Range Reopens
Upgrades Completed for Sept. 6 Opening
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest in Cecil County will re-open at 9 a.m. Sept. 6, following completion of a critical maintenance project this summer.
During the six-week project, the department’s contractor enhanced numerous safety and comfort features. Upgrades include a new concrete slab with new pavilion posts aligned with the shooting range baffles. The contractor also constructed and installed new shooting stations, lane partitions, and pavilion back rests.
Spring Hunters Harvest 4,002 Wild Turkeys
Four Counties Report Record Harvests
Photo “Spring Gobbler Time” by Ronald Lutz
Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,002 wild turkeys during the 2019 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today. This year’s harvest was the second-highest on record, and reflects a 4% increase compared to the 2018 harvest of 3,861 birds.
Read more…
Teens Face Animal Cruelty Charges over Video
Police Say Duo Taunted Injured Deer
A 19-year-old Allegany County woman and a juvenile face animal cruelty charges over a social media video showing them taunting and throwing objects at a deer that was immobilized with two broken legs.
Maryland Natural Resources Police were notified May 23 of a Snapchat video showing two female individuals throwing beverage containers at a deer that had been struck by a vehicle. After investigating, police charged Alexa Storm Crabtree of Oldtown with animal cruelty, littering, and underage possession of an alcoholic beverage.
Police also referred a 16-year-old female to Allegany County Juvenile Services for the same charges. Read more…
Marylanders Reminded to Leave Wildlife Alone
Observe from a Safe Distance; Never Feed or Pet Wild Animals
Photo by Joseph Soares Jr.
Each year during the spring and summer months, the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources receive reports of residents attempting to care for or possess wild animals. These attempts are often made with good intentions, but pose serious risks to both the animals and humans involved.
Any wild animal, especially young wildlife, should be left alone in their natural environment. It is safe to observe wildlife from a distance, but do not attempt to feed, pet, or rescue any wild animal. Maryland law prohibits residents from possessing certain wild animals, including deer, raccoons, and foxes.
Attempting to “rescue” any young wild animal, even those that appear to have been abandoned, risks interfering with the animals’ natural adaptation to their environment and the development of their basic survival skills. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 29
Kenny Wampler found solitude while fly fishing on the Savage River in Garrett County. Photo by Alan Klotz
Summertime temperatures are settling in this week and many will be looking for some relief from the heat — water provides that and fun as well. Many will be headed to Maryland’s state parks, the Chesapeake Bay or Ocean City, while others will seek the solitude and cool temperatures of western Maryland.
Also, the state is hosting three license-free fishing days on June 1, June 8 and July 4. These annual events allow everyone the chance to test their fishing skills or reinvigorate their love of fishing without needing a license, trout stamp or registration.
Maryland Offers License-Free Fishing Days
Anyone Can Fish June 1, June 8 and July 4
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites anglers to experience our state’s myriad waterways during license-free fishing days on June 1, June 8 and July 4. These annual events allow everyone the chance to test their fishing skills or reinvigorate their love of fishing without needing a license, trout stamp or registration.
Maryland hosts this opportunity annually on the first two Saturdays in June and on the Independence Day holiday. An individual may catch and possess finfish in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland, as long as it’s for recreational purposes. Read more…
Western Maryland Rail Trail Extension Opens June 1
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates the Completion of Phase IV
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on June 1 to celebrate the completion of the Phase IV extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
The event will be held in the western terminus parking lot, 12719 High Germany Road, Little Orleans. A brief ceremony will be followed by the cutting of the ribbon, then light refreshments will be available. Read more…
Snakehead Derby Debuts at Harriet Tubman State Park
‘Freedom and Fishing’ Celebrated June 8
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to host the first “Freedom and Fishing Snakehead Derby” on June 8 at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County.
Anglers of all ages are invited to participate in this free, all-day derby, which features snakehead fishing demonstrations, door prizes, cooking techniques and a limited quantity of free snakehead fillets. Prizes will be awarded to anglers who reel in the largest northern snakehead of the day.
The northern snakehead, an invasive species that is native to Asia, has successfully adapted to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its ability to thrive even in poor habitat, its diet of numerous prey species and its frequent spawning has thrust the snakehead into notoriety after its illegal introduction in the early 2000s. Read more…
Public Meeting on Ocean City Inlet Projects May 30
Army Corps, Department Hosting Information Session
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Worcester County, is hosting a public meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 30 at the Worcester County Library – Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., to discuss two concurrent efforts: a project to address sediment accumulation in the Ocean City Inlet, as well as a study on the scour hole near Homer Gudelsky Park.
From 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be an open house in which participants can view posters, provide feedback and speak with project personnel. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a formal presentation to provide an overview of the projects, as well as open the floor for questions. The meeting will wrap up at 8:30 p.m., allowing attendees to again view materials and speak with staff about specific concerns following the presentation.
Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 22
This little guy seems plum tuckered out while leaning into his older brother after a family fishing outing with dad.
Memorial Day weekend is upon us and many Marylanders will be headed to local festivities, to the mountains or to the beaches for family fun and relaxation. Fishing rods will be seen everywhere, poking out of campers, pickup trucks and roof racks. Fishing offers time for reflection, so please take a moment to remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we all enjoy today.
Angler Sets Record with White Hake Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Species Enters Maryland Record Books with 16.71-pound ‘Monster’
Brian Gay of Millsboro, Del. has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a state fishing record in the Atlantic Ocean Division after reeling in a rare white hake off the coast of Ocean City.
Gay, an experienced angler, was fishing for sea bass in roughly 280 feet of water 50 miles off the coast in Poor Man’s Canyon when he felt the bite. After several minutes, Gay’s “monster” fish finally came to the surface. He caught the 16.71-pound fish using a “top-and-bottom” two-hook rig with a 16-ounce sinker, and clam bait. Read more…
Angler Catches Record Bullhead Catfish in Baltimore County
Previous Record Held for 12 Years
A Baltimore City angler has been awarded the Maryland state non-tidal fishing record for catching a 4.9-pound bullhead catfish.
Nick Palese, 32, caught the bullhead catfish May 18 along Big Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Health Shows Resilience in 2018 Report Card
Extreme Rainfall Dampens Grade, But Positive Trend Remains
Photo by Allan Napfel
The Chesapeake Bay score decreased in 2018, but maintained a C grade, according to the 2018 Chesapeake Bay Report Card issued today by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. This was due to extremely high precipitation over the year. Despite extreme rainfall last year, the overall trend indicates that Chesapeake Bay health is improving over time. Read more…
Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in 25 Deer in Western Maryland
More than 10,000 deer tested in Maryland since 1999 – only 52 returned as positive
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that 25 white-tailed deer sampled in Allegany and Washington counties during 2018 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease found in deer and elk.
Read more…
Maryland Park Service Named Finalist for the 2019 National Gold Medal Awards in Parks and Recreation
Maryland Competes for Prestigious Honor
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is pleased to announce the Maryland Park Service as a finalist for the 2019 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. Applications are separated into seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for armed forces recreation, and one class for state park systems awarded on odd numbered years.
The Maryland Park Service is a finalist in the State Parks category. Maryland’s State Park system, one of the oldest in the nation, encompasses 75 parks, protecting 140,000 acres of the state’s most significant natural, cultural, and historical resources for the enjoyment of more than 14 million visitors annually. Read more…
Annual Horseshoe Crab Migration Begins
‘Living Fossils’ Spawn Every May and June
One of the world’s oldest wildlife migrations is set to begin on Maryland’s coastal bays and beaches.
For 350 million years, the May and June full and new moons have fostered a giant migration of horseshoe crabs. Coming from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, millions of these prehistoric arthropods clumsily invade Maryland’s beaches for this ritualistic spawn, laying their eggs on shore.
The best chance for viewing these living fossils on Maryland’s Atlantic Coast and along the Chesapeake Bay this year are during the high tides of a full moon, May 18 and June 17, and the new moon, June 3. Cold water temperatures may delay the early part of the spawn.
Every year during this time, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources conducts a horseshoe crab migration survey. Read more…
Wear Your Life Jacket to Work May 17
Department Shows Marylanders How to Save Lives
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to once again participate in National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 17.
Anyone driving along Taylor Avenue in Annapolis between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. will see many department staffers suited-up with various styles of safety equipment as they use the crosswalk on their way to Tawes State Office Building. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 15
Photo by Letha Grimes
While recent rains caused swollen streams and rivers and left everything a bit soggy, the weather for the coming weekend is predicted to be sunny and warm – and it should be a wonderful time to be outside with family and friends. There are several youth fishing opportunities called fishing rodeos where kids line up along grassy community ponds and soak a worm under a bobber with dreams of fishing trophies and the excitement of catching fish.
This is a great opportunity for families and if you’re not sure what to do, there are always plenty of volunteers on hand to help. Our website lists upcoming events by county so you can find one near you.
Maryland’s Wild Turtles Are On the Move
Help Turtles Cross the Road, But Keep them Wild
Photo by Janet Kerr
Wild turtles are currently heading to their breeding and nesting sites. During this time of year, wild turtles can often be seen crossing roads and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges drivers to be cautious and give turtles a “brake.”
Common turtles found on the road include eastern box turtles, snapping turtles, painted turtles and red-eared sliders. Read more…
Maryland’s Regular Striped Bass Season Opens
State Expands Conservation Message and Outreach
Maryland’s regular striped bass season gets underway on May 16, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that conservation regulations put in place last year are in effect through the end of 2019.
When fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming, and must use circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs, worms, or processed baits.
The minimum size striped bass that may be kept is 19 inches. Catch limits are two fish per day between 19-28 inches, or one fish between 19-28 inches and one fish over 28 inches. Read more…
Maryland Receives $1 Million For Coastal Resiliency
Restoring Wetlands for Communities and Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, a $1 million National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant to implement coastal resiliency enhancements at the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.
The project will benefit Chesapeake Bay water quality through restoration of coastal wetlands and creation of oyster reefs enhancements at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Queen Anne’s County, and at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Kent County. Read more…
State Agencies Enhance Outreach and Enforcement Efforts In Response to Bald Eagle Poisonings
Banned Pesticide Implicated in Poisoning of Bald Eagles on Eastern Shore
Photo by Joseph H. Soares Jr
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are working together to address the continued illegal use of carbofuran—a banned pesticide that has been implicated in recent poisoning events in Kent and Talbot counties that have killed at least seven bald eagles and one horned owl. This is the latest in a string of incidents that date back to February 2016, when 13 bald eagles were poisoned under similar circumstances in Caroline County.
“We are all very troubled by the continued use of this highly toxic banned pesticide,” said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Carbofuran has been banned for a reason, and this trend of wildlife poisonings on the Eastern Shore is unacceptable. I urge anyone still in possession of carbofuran to contact our pesticide regulation section immediately and arrange for proper disposal.”
“We are extremely concerned about the death of these magnificent birds, including our nation’s symbol. Our first priority is to prevent any further events of this type from occurring,” said Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “We are making it a priority to inform and educate the public on how destructive carbofuran is to our wildlife and that they should do the right thing and properly dispose of any remaining stock.” Read more…
Maryland Parks and Playgrounds Receive $2.5 Million
Department Supports Projects in 19 Communities
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the award of 19 Community Parks and Playgrounds grants, totaling $2.5 million, to municipalities across the state.
The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment. Read more…
Department Honors Employee of the Year
Ranger Rachel Temby Recognized by Peers
Pictured from left: Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina, Governor Larry Hogan, Ranger Rachel Temby, Park Service Central Regional Manager Stephen McCoy, Park Service Deputy Superintendent Chris Bushman, and Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio
Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio presented the department’s 2018 Employee of the Year award to Rachel Temby, park manager for the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County. Ranger Temby was selected for exemplifying what it means to be a leader and an integral member of the Department of Natural Resources family, inspiring her team and Maryland Park Service colleagues with her unwavering work ethic and her ability to listen and understand without judgement. The presentation was made May 7 at a statewide employee meeting.
Construction Approved for Fair Hill Equine Facility Improvements
Public Invited to Open House May 15
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the awarding of a $17 million construction contract for improving the historic horse racing facilities at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Construction is expected to begin in late May. The Maryland Stadium Authority will manage the construction project, which was awarded to Turner Construction Co. of Baltimore.
The improvements to the racetrack, including irrigation capabilities, are designed to improve the safety and viability of the course. These capital improvements will also allow the venue to meet requirements for the first Fair Hill CCI5* Three-Day Event, slated for October 2020, making it one of just a handful of sites worldwide to host a premier 5-star three-day eventing competition, and only the second in the United States.
In addition to the stadium authority, the department is working closely with partners Fair Hill International Inc., the Fair Hill Foundation and the Maryland Horse Industry Board.
The Maryland Park Service has scheduled a public open house to showcase plans May 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Walls Hall on the grounds of Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Informational updates will also be posted online.
Maryland Fishing Report – May 8
Photo by Jim Livingston
The black locust trees are blooming and for many old timers this heralds the first blue crab shed of the year – starting many to think about getting their gear ready and enjoying some recreational crabbing and the bounty it provides.
There is good news for all wishing to enjoy a crab feast. The results of the 2019 blue crab winter dredge survey show populations in the Chesapeake Bay are up approximately 60 percent!
Department Leads Investigation of Fatal Helicopter Crash
State, Federal Authorities Recovering Wreckage
Natural Resources Police divers at work off Kent island
Maryland Natural Resources Police and federal authorities continue their investigation into a May 4 fatal helicopter crash in the Chesapeake Bay near Kent Island.
The crash occurred near the area south of Bloody Point near Kent Point Marina, killing two people: pilot Charles Knight, 38 of Mt. Airy, and passenger Matt Clarke, 36 of Pasadena. The wreckage was found in 55 feet of water about 1/2 mile from shore.
Investigators are working with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration investigators to recover the wreckage. Natural Resources Police and Maryland State Police divers are conducting operations at the crash scene, working from police boats and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources buoy tender A.V. Sandusky. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: May 2019
Boating Safety is a Way of Life in Maryland
As an avid boater, I am very appreciative that Maryland’s boating season is (finally) underway. And as the daughter of a boat builder and the wife of a former merchant marine, the importance of boater safety has been instilled in me throughout my life. I want to encourage others to make it a way of life too – not just during the month of May, which is Boating Safety Month, but every day.
Maryland is one of the nation’s leading destinations for water recreation, which is a point of pride, but with that comes a huge responsibility. In 2018, Maryland reported 132 boating accidents. Tragically, 16 of those were fatalities — a 167 percent increase from the previous year. Read more…
Governor Hogan Announces Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Survey Shows Strong Growth
Increases in Male, Female, and Juvenile Populations
Photo by Toni Quigley
Governor Larry Hogan, chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, announced that the results of the 2019 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey showed that the Bay-wide blue crab population increased 60 percent from last year, to an estimated total population of 594 million crabs.
“We are proud of our administration’s strong record of skilled environmental stewardship, which begins with safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Hogan. “Today’s results are further proof and a shining example that our efforts to protect Maryland’s blue crab population, while ensuring the health of our state’s most important natural asset, have been successful.” Read more…
Maryland Stresses Practical Striped Bass Conservation Efforts
State Leads Effort to Combat Rockfish Mortality
Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists carefully tag adult striped bass during the annual spring spawning survey.
Following deliberations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) on the status of the striped bass population along the Atlantic Coast, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources continued its ongoing leadership in striped bass conservation efforts.
At this week’s ASMFC meeting, Maryland again addressed the most pressing problem facing the Chesapeake Bay’s striper population — the significant volume of “dead discards” in the recreational fishery, where many striped bass are caught and released, but do not survive when they are returned to the water. Maryland emphasized that the most recent science and data shows that any measures that do not address this problem directly will not result in conservation. Read more…
Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Western Maryland Rail Trail Bike Tour
Guided Ride May 4
All are invited to a free guided bike tour along the Western Maryland Rail Trail beginning at 10 a.m. on May 4. The 26-mile round trip will begin at the C&O Bicycle Shop, located at 9 South Pennsylvania Ave. in Hancock. The C&O Bicycle Shop has bikes to rent for any visitors without a bike who would like to participate. Read more…
Marylanders Reminded to Keep Fawns Wild
Removing Wild Animals is Unnecessary, Dangerous and Illegal
Photo: “Resting Fawn” by Andrew Gue
Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to care for her young.
Newborn fawns have almost no natural odor and their spotted, reddish-brown coats help them blend into their surroundings. Fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators. This seemingly helpless state is a behavioral adaptation that has helped white-tailed deer survive for ages. However, curious fawns will sometimes wander around new surroundings and may appear to be lost or distressed.
Too often, people find and remove fawns from the wild, believing they are helping an orphaned animal, when in fact they may be causing great harm. For the safety of both humans and wildlife, removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland.
Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – May 1
Photo courtesy of Jayden Venable
Welcome to May — a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with family and especially children. There are few things more fun than taking children to any of Maryland’s many fishing derbies or rodeos. These events are usually held at a community pond and sponsored by a local service organization. Trophies and prizes for various categories are handed out, and it is just a great time for all.
The department has a schedule of fishing rodeos posted online. Gather up your kids and enjoy some of these events.
Police Seek Information on Eagle, Owl Poisonings
Federal, State Authorities Investigating Use of Banned Pesticide
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Maryland Natural Resources Police are asking the public for information about a series of poisoning events on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Kent and Talbot counties. Read more…
Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas: Now Available!
Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas
Calling all reptile and amphibian enthusiasts! The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas is now available through Johns Hopkins University Press. This collaborative atlas is a result of over 1,000 community scientist volunteers and biologists working together to document distributions of reptiles and amphibians across Maryland. The guide contains over 85 natural history accounts of reptiles and amphibians found in Maryland as well as data from a five-year statewide survey. Read more…
Spring Turkey Season Takes Flight: Great Spots to Find Gobblers
Wild turkey; by Brian Griffith
Turkeys usually conjure images of colorful leaves and crisp fall days, but with the arrival of spring comes the start of turkey hunting in Maryland. The 2019 season begins April 18 and lasts through May 23, with a special youth turkey season scheduled the weekend of April 13-14.
Found across Maryland, eastern wild turkey populations are near an all-time high – now numbering around 40,000 – thanks in part to an intensive trap and translocation effort by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources with assistance from the National Wild Turkey Federation. The mixture of fields and forests in Maryland are ideal living conditions for turkeys, so it’s your choice where you would like to travel to bag your turkey this year. Read more…
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