Natural Resources News
Native Plant Profile: Silky Dogwood
Silky dogwood produces white clusters of flowers in June by Dan Mullen Flickr CC by NC ND 2.0
Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a medium-sized, native in the dogwood family (Cornaceae), and its blue berries are savored by many songbirds. More than 45 types of songbirds and game birds have been documented consuming the fatty berries in the fall. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: January 2019
Cheers to a Half-Century of Conservation Management and Stewardship
Secretary Mark Belton during a trip to Calvert Cliffs State Park
Happy New Year!
We welcome 2019 as a milestone in our mission as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will celebrate its semicentennial anniversary July 1.
Under the leadership of then-Gov. Marvin Mandel, the department was formed in 1969 as a merger of five existing state agencies, the departments of Chesapeake Bay Affairs, Game and Inland Fish, Water Resources, Forest and Parks and Maryland Geological Survey. The department assumed most operations of the previously existing Board of Natural Resources, which itself was a descendent of the state Conservation Commission. Read more…
Stamp Design Contests Now Open
Submit Original Work by March 8, 2019
Artists are invited to submit their original works for the 23rd Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp and 45th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp design contests. These popular contests are open until March 8, 2019.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will judge the entries March 16, 2019, in conjunction with the annual Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge.
Firearms Season for Deer Reopens Jan. 4
Hunters in Region B Have Another Opportunity for Deer
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 4, 2019, 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. 4 and 5, 2019 in all Region B counties and Jan. 6, 2019 – on private lands only – in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. On Jan. 6, 2019, shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Maryland Joins Fight to Stop Seismic Testing in the Atlantic
Hogan Administration Takes Legal Actions Against Federal Government
Secretary Mark Belton speaking at press conference.
Governor Larry Hogan today authorized the State of Maryland to file a lawsuit against the federal government aimed at preventing seismic testing for offshore oil exploration off Maryland’s Atlantic coast.
“As governor, I take my role as a steward of our environment extremely seriously. We have made incredible progress in improving our air and water quality standards, and we are not going to let misguided policies from the federal government jeopardize our hard work,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland will continue to fight against this sort of federal government overreach that threatens our natural resources and coastal communities.” Read more…
Aboveboard: Winter 2019
A new year is the ideal time to reflect on the past, take a look around the present and plan for the future. During the winter we can take our cue from nature, as the fresh, brisk air both invigorates us and slows down the pace of life so we can take this pause to reflect.
Begin with a hike in a park, forest or other trail. A great way to start every year is on a First Day Hike, hosted in sites all across Maryland every New Year’s Day. If you can’t make a First Day Hike, any time of year is great to explore these lands.
Ask an Expert: Winter 2019
Get some winter fishing tips and learn about hibernation.
A River Unbound: Bloede Dam removal nears completion
Construction site; by Jim Thompson
It was a hot, humid afternoon in June 1981, and Patapsco Valley State Park Ranger Paul J. Travers was on duty. On days like that, the heavily wooded park filled with high schoolers from the suburbs between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Ignoring the “no swimming” signs, they would splash into the cool Patapsco River and lounge on its huge boulders. Dozens of kids were swimming that day, sliding down the old, defunct Bloede Dam into the deep pool below. Suddenly, one of the kids disappeared underwater. His friends waited for him to surface, but he never came back up. Travers was there when rescuers pulled the teenager’s lifeless body from the water.
The boy was one of at least nine people to lose their lives at Bloede over the past four decades. Read more…
Quail Find Safe Harbor on the Eastern Shore: Partnership restores habitat for northern bobwhite
Quail; courtesy of Washington College
The Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area in Kent County has a brand new home for northern bobwhite thanks to a partnership between the Washington College Center for Environment and Society and the Maryland Park Service.
Through the college’s Natural Lands Project, this past year 83 acres of row crops at the management area were converted to 80 acres of upland meadow, two acres of walking trails and an acre of hedgerows. The effort is to find the right balance of varied habitat types that quail need throughout the year, says Dan Small, a field ecologist with the center and coordinator of the Natural Lands Project. Read more…
From the Field: Captain Eddie Somers
J. Millard Tawes; by Jay Fleming
When Eddie Somers was about seven years old, he saw a large boat approaching his native Smith Island. It was the U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender Barberry, there to remove a navigational beacon.
“Boy, that thing looked big to me then,” Somers says. He spent his life surrounded by watercraft and knew he’d work the water one day, but he was fascinated by the imposing 100-foot vessel.
What he didn’t know was that a few years later, the Barberry would be purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and renamed the J. Millard Tawes. Or that a few decades later, he would begin a quarter century service as its captain. Read more…
Mountain Club of Maryland: Working hard at having fun!
Today’s members; courtesy of the Mountain Club of Maryland
On Oct. 20, 1934 a group of 27 energetic men and women, led by Orville W. Crowder hiked along the Appalachian Trail from Crampton Gap to Weaverton, Pennsylvania. It was the first hike by the Mountain Club of Maryland.
The oldest hiking club in Maryland and the premier hiking group in the state is a Baltimore-based volunteer organization. Club members support Leave No Trace principles and work on local, state and national trails. They organize and lead over 300 events a year including hikes, camping, seasonal river tubing and canoe trips and backpacking weekends. Read more…
Natural History: Centuries of Maryland conservation laws in one document
Albert Powell Hatchery; by Jim Thompson
In 1967, a retired Maryland fisheries manager felt compelled to tell the full history of fishing regulation in the Old Line State. Albert Powell wrote a 369-page report with the weighty title and subtitle, “Historical information of Maryland Commission of Fisheries, with some notes on game: Based on Annual Reports, legislative enactments and personal observations; also the compiled laws of the Game and Inland Fish Commission, 1654-1965.” Read more…
2018 Photo Contest: Winners
Grand prize winner; by Kevin Moore
Please enjoy the top picks from our annual contest! This year we received over 4,300 photos from 819 participants. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves $3 Million for Oyster Recovery
Funding for Large-Scale Restoration, Marylanders Grow Oysters and State Sanctuaries
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been approved to invest more than $3 million in oyster recovery and restoration activities in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, following unanimous support from the Board of Public Works.
The board, consisting of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, approved three contracts to the Oyster Recovery Partnership aimed at collecting oyster shell, constructing oyster reefs and planting hatchery-reared oysters. Read more…
$3 Million Approved for Rural Legacy Program
Conservation Easements Protect Farmland, Forests and Waterways
Upper Patapsco Rural Legacy Area
The Board of Public Works today approved Rural Legacy Program grants totaling $3 million that will provide dedicated state funding to permanently protect working farms and forests, and provide vegetative stream buffers to improve water quality in designated areas across the state.
Working through local governments and private land trusts, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquires conservation easements from willing landowners to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land that contain valuable agricultural and natural resources. Read more…
Hunters Harvest 31,000 Deer During Firearms Season
Harvest Numbers Strong Despite Poor Weather
Photo by Steve Edwards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 31,588 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearms season. The total was eight percent lower than last year’s official harvest of 34,502. Bad weather during the prime Saturday hunt days contributed to the decline in many parts of the state.
More than 4,400 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, representing 14 percent of the total harvest. Sunday hunting is currently permitted on select Sundays in 20 of 23 counties. Read more…
Preseason Trout Stocking Begins
Winter Fishing Tradition in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering anglers an early start to the spring trout season before winter even begins.
Starting the week of Dec. 17, 2018, the department will conduct preseason trout stocking at several popular fishing locations. Early trout stocking will include several impoundments that will receive their annual allotments in a single stocking. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Dec. 12
This will be our last fishing report for 2018, but we will return in mid-January with a report on winter fishing activities and some news about upcoming outdoor shows.
The 2018 striped bass season closes Dec. 15. The season ends a few days earlier than last year, as part of the conservation-minded regulations that included reducing the minimum length for Chesapeake Bay rockfish to 19 inches. The Potomac River below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge will be open to striped bass fishing until Dec. 31. Our readers should also keep in mind that there are other species that will still be in season for die hard cold-weather anglers.
Happy holidays from everyone at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources!
Step into 2019 with a First Day Hike
Popular New Year’s Tradition Returns Across Maryland
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center will host a First Day Hike on New New Year’s Day.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to kick off the New Year with one of Maryland’s fastest-growing traditions – a First Day Hike.
On Jan. 1, 2019, the Maryland Park Service will offer more than three dozen hikes on more than 30 state lands and parks, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks.
These hikes will provide a wide array of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker, providing unique access to Maryland’s cultural, historical and natural resources and treasures, along with opportunities for education and stewardship. Many hikes are even pet-friendly.
Survey Shows Marylanders Support Deer Hunting
Public Input Helps Inform Deer Management Plan
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the results of a public opinion survey, done in cooperation with the University of Delaware and Responsive Management on white-tailed deer. The telephone survey covered a range of topics and will be used to support revision of the department’s deer management plan.
The survey, taken by more than 2,200 individuals representing the general population, landowners and hunters, found that a majority like deer, but a significant proportion of the population are concerned with the negative impacts deer cause.
More than 70 percent of those surveyed think that deer should be hunted to help manage for a healthy population and over half of those surveyed think the department does a good job conserving and managing the deer population. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Dec. 5
Daniel Irons tried his hand at recreational oystering, hand-tonging a nice pile of large oysters that may wind up stewed or fried. Photo by Mike Irons
We are approaching the end of the 2018 striped bass season, which closes Dec. 15. The season ends a few days earlier than last year, as part of the conservation-minded regulations that included reducing the minimum length for Chesapeake Bay rockfish to 19 inches. Of course there are other species that will still be in season for cold-weather anglers.
Expanding your outdoor experiences is a new, learning adventure. It may involve trying a new sport such as bow hunting for a traditional firearm hunter or perhaps fly fishing when you’ve always used spinning gear. There is always something new to explore.
Brook Trout Population Restored in Western Maryland Watershed
Effort Finds Native Species in Casselman River System
Native Brook Trout by Michael Eversmier
After years of stream restoration, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently discovered native brook trout returning to once uninhabitable streams.
Partnering with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Youghiogheny River Watershed Association, crews have been working diligently over the past few decades to restore the Casselman River watershed in Garrett County.
Muzzleloader Season for Deer Reopens Dec. 15
Second Half of Season Runs Until Dec. 29
Battle scars by Stacey Steinberg
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the second segment of the muzzleloader deer hunting season opens Dec. 15 and runs through Dec. 29, 2018. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
“The late muzzleloader season is a great time for hunters to enjoy some colder weather while hunting with friends and family during the holidays,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The added harvest during this season helps the department manage the state’s deer population.” Read more…
Opening Day of Firearms Season Impacted by Weather
Sunday Hunting Salvages Opening Weekend
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Photo by Steve Edwards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that deer hunters reported harvesting 10,008 deer on the opening weekend of the 2018 Maryland firearm season, a decline from last year’s official total of 13,622 deer for the same period. Significant rain across the state Saturday was largely responsible for the decrease.
The total includes 5,501 antlered and 4,507 antlerless deer, with sika deer comprising 205 of the antlered and 203 of the antlerless totals. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 8. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: December 2018
Increased Public Access Is Coming Your Way
Secretary Mark Belton participating in a First Day Hike.
One of my top priorities is to make sure all Marylanders have access to the enjoyment of nature and the great outdoors. To that end, I’m pleased to say that 2018 has been a banner year for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
A proud accomplishment of this past year was the opening of a new floating fishing pier and gangway at the Unicorn Lake Fisheries Management Area that meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Thanks to the assistance of our partners, the new floating pier will provide more accessibility and opportunity for anglers at this popular fishing spot in Queen Anne’s County. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 28
Travis Long holds up a beautiful fall striped bass to prove there is still good times to be had out on the water. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
Cold winds are blowing and minds are beginning to drift from fishing, but there will still be days where the outdoors call us away from the holiday rush. For those times, there are plenty of good fishing opportunities to be found from the streams and lakes of western Maryland to the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Maryland Biodiversity Project Named Conservationist of the Year
Award Ceremony Nov. 13
Bill Hubick receives his award
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the Maryland Biodiversity Project and its founders, Bill Hubick and Jim Brighton, have been recognized as Conservationist of the Year by the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission.
The Maryland Biodiversity Project is a nonprofit organization that has produced an online database and public information source with the mission of cataloging all flora and fauna in Maryland, and building a vibrant nature study community. Hubick and Brighton started the project in 2012 and since then, along with a following of more than 800 naturalists and photographers, have documented 18,000 species, including more than 10,000 photographs.
Natural Resources Police Collecting ‘Boatload of Toys’
Department Joins Forces with Marine Toys for Tots
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is conducting its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive at several locations this year, collecting donations of new, unopened items for less fortunate children.
Officers and other staff manage this program each year as part of the national Marine Toys for Tots program, which was created at the behest of the U.S. Marine Corps to collect and distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season.
Cooperative Wildlife Management Area Opens to Hunting
Prince George’s County Site Available for Managed Archery Hunt
There is a new public deer hunting opportunity available in Prince George’s County.
As of Dec. 3, 2018, the 182-acre Queen Anne Bridge Road Cooperative Wildlife Management Area in Bowie will be open to regulated archery hunting for deer only. The program will follow established season dates and bag limits found in the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland.
This program is designed to provide managed public hunting access to the site through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Read more…
Give the Gift of Trees this Holiday
Trees Provide Ecological, Economic and Quality of Life Benefits
Fall Leaves by Barbara Cook
This holiday season the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers everyone the opportunity to give the Gift of Trees, a program where Marylanders purchase native trees for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration or observation.
Trees provide ecological, economic and quality of life benefits and services, including enhancing air and water quality, reducing energy costs, increasing property values, beautifying communities, neighborhoods and highways, while also providing essential habitat for birds and other wildlife. Read more…
Chesapeake Logperch Targeted for Restoration
Federal Funds Awarded to Multistate Recovery Effort
Photo Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is part of a team of conservation agencies that was awarded a federal competitive State Wildlife Grant over the next two years to work toward the recovery of Chesapeake logperch in the Susquehanna River basin.
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 21
Don Goff and Chris Walker found their special place on a calm morning while fishing from their kayaks. Photo by Todd E. Burnett
As the month of November approaches its end, we have a lot to be thankful for here in Maryland. Outdoor opportunities abound from the mountain streams of western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay and coastal beaches. Here’s hoping you find your own place in nature for reflection during this special time of the year.
Enhanced Effort to Curb Illegal Fishing and Hunting
Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers Can be Reached Anytime, Anywhere
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is cracking down on the illegal killing of fish and wildlife through a partnership with Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers. This newly established nonprofit organization serves as the state affiliate of International Wildlife Crimestoppers, a group dedicated to stopping illegal hunting and fishing across the globe.
Maryland Wildlife Crimestoppers was established to increase public awareness of the impact of potential poaching on fish and wildlife populations, and encourage anyone with knowledge of these activities to connect with Maryland Natural Resources Police. Neighboring states Delaware and Pennsylvania host similar partnerships with International Wildlife Crimestoppers. Read more…
Maryland Fifth-Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until Feb. 1, 2019
Overall first-place winner for 2018 was Annah Landry from Carroll County
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invites all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2019 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Forests are Too!”
All entries need to be delivered to a local Maryland Forest Service office by noon Feb. 1, 2019. Read more…
Maryland Reports Early Season Deer, Turkey Hunt Results
Harvest Tempered by Unusually Warm and Wet Weather
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested 18,805 deer during the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons.
The harvest was a 16 percent decline from last year’s official harvest of 22,250, which was largely attributable to abnormally warm and wet weather that caused poor hunting conditions. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Nov. 17-18, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 17 and 18, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Forester Rob Clarke succinctly wraps up the final report for 2018 with, “Let the raking begin!” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 14
Young Isaac looks like he was having a great time catching catfish recently. Photo by Eric Packard
As cold weather prevails, water temperatures are dropping, which is limiting some fishing opportunities but is expanding others. Many of our resident fisheries are in transition — striped bass fishing is still good but slowing down, white perch are active but now are schooled up in deeper water. Trout fishing is very good as is fishing for walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. At the coastal areas, summer species are being replaced by cold water fish such as sea bass and tautog.
An often overlooked species is our catfish in Maryland, and cooler water temperatures tend to kick their feeding activity into high gear. We have two native species of catfish in Maryland, the white and the bullhead. Introduced catfish species are the channel, flathead and blue catfish.
Whether you choose to eat them or just catch them, they can provide some exciting and fun fishing from docks and piers, a favorite shoreline or a small boat. They can be caught by watching a baited line while relaxing along a sunny shore and they provide plenty of enjoyment for our younger anglers. If a good tussle and plenty of fishing action that is easy to arrange sounds good to you, give it a try.
Board of Public Works Expands Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area
Charles County Acquisition Enhances Conservation and Recreation
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to acquire 182 acres in Charles County as an addition to Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area.
The mostly forested property along a tributary of Mattawoman Creek seeks to expand public access and recreation opportunities for birding, hiking, hunting, trapping and other outdoor activities in southern Maryland.
Deer Firearms Season Opens Nov. 24
Maryland’s Most Popular Hunting Season Runs Through Dec. 8
Photo by Steve Edwards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearm hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 8.
“The two-week firearms season remains our most popular hunting opportunity in the state,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “More than one-third of the harvest occurs during this two-week season, which helps manage the state’s deer population.”
Sunday deer hunting is available in all but three counties and remains a critical component to deer population management and recreational opportunities for all resident and visiting hunters. Read more…
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Nov. 17
Split-Season Hunt for Migrating Waterfowl
Photo by Larry Hindman
Maryland’s migratory Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season begins Nov. 17, and is split into two segments: Nov. 17 through Nov. 23, 2018, and again from Dec. 14, 2018 through Feb. 2, 2019.
The daily bag limit is two geese a day in the Canada Goose Hunting Zone.
Accessible Fishing Pier Opens in Queen Anne’s County
Floating Pier at Unicorn Lake Meets Americans with Disabilities Act Standards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened a new floating fishing pier and gangway at the Unicorn Lake Fisheries Management Area that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessible Design Standards of 2010.
The department worked with the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Department of General Services to create this fully-accessible freshwater fishing pier on state land.
The new 448-square-foot floating pier, located next to the boat launch, has enough space to accommodate multiple anglers. The aluminum gangway to the pier is adjacent to a newly constructed parking space and portable bathroom. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Nov. 10-11, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The good news is that leaf peepers have an excellent chance of catching fall foliage at its peak in many parts of the state. However, predictions are that this is a very small window of opportunity. So plan to get outdoors in the next few days and catch the best color for autumn 2018. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 7
Brian Morgan sent in this picture of a rainbow trout caught recently. Photo by Brian Morgan
Frosty mornings are now common, the Canada geese are arriving and the fall foliage is in various stages of color change throughout the state. Old man winter is beckoning off in the distance and soon will be knocking on our door. Colder weather will be here soon, so be sure to enjoy the outdoors during this special time of the year.
Anglers continue to enjoy the results of the fall trout stocking program. Many trout management waters have been stocked and offer quality fishing, often close to home.
Natural Resources Police Graduates New Officers
Force Welcomes Largest Staff Increase in 13 Years
The ranks of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police grew by 44 officers—the largest increase in manpower in 13 years – in recent graduation ceremonies. The additions come as the state’s conservation law enforcement agency celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Thirty-two recruits took the oath of office Nov. 3 and received their badges from Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler, Jr. The new officers received seven months of training at the agency’s live-in academy, based at the Maryland Police and Corrections facility in Sykesville.
“The sustainability of Maryland’s natural resources is ‘job one’ for all of us,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton told the graduates. “We need managers to set goals and scientists to inform our decisions and policies. It falls upon the men and women of the Natural Resources Police to enforce those decisions so that future generations have the same valuable outdoor experiences we enjoy.” Read more…
Public Input Sought for State Lake Funding
Maryland Approved $3 Million for Protection and Restoration
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host five open house events to solicit public input to help develop a work plan for the new State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which will provide $1 million for each of the next three years to improve state-owned lakes.
The department will develop a budget for best use of these funds in coordination with local governments, organizations and citizens.
The funds can be used for removing sediment, treating contaminated sediment, preventing the spread of invasive species, improving ecological and recreational value and any other action the department deems necessary at any or all of 16 lakes throughout Maryland. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Nov 3-4, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 3 and 4, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
There is hope for Maryland leaf peepers after all. This is the weekend to take in some brilliant autumnal colors.
Secretary’s Message: November 2018
New Conservation Officers Step Up to the Challenge
It has been an exciting year for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police, as it celebrates its 150th anniversary and looks to the future with enhanced equipment, manpower and technology.
I’ve had the opportunity meet many brave, dedicated professionals through the years, but there is something special to me about a Natural Resources Police officer. To many it’s a dream job, getting to work outside and serve a vital conservation law enforcement mission: to protect the state’s precious natural resources and the citizens and visitors who enjoy them.
This month we are welcoming another 44 officers to our ranks, including 12 lateral officers who received a six weeks of environmental and natural resources training and 32 graduates of our own seven-month academy program. Everyone one of these officers will be out there, protecting our natural resources, serving our citizens and visitors, and upholding the agency’s core values: integrity, courtesy, dedication and professionalism. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 31
Shane Cole caught a nice striped bass near Chesapeake Beach on a jig with pink plastic trailer. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
Happy Halloween! A Nor’easter last Saturday kept many anglers off the bay. However, some boaters were able to find a lee area on the Eastern Shore, or they fished Friday or Sunday. These die-hard anglers were rewarded with good striped bass fishing, with most folks now jigging or trolling with artificial lures.
On the freshwater scene, many anglers are finding good trout fishing and more activity from coldwater species such as yellow perch, pike, walleye and pickerel in Western Maryland.
Board Approves $6 Million for Fort Washington Ice Center
Program Open Space Funding Used to Rebuild Facility
Former Tucker Road Ice Skating Center
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that provides $6 million to Prince George’s County for the development of the Tucker Road Ice Skating Center in Fort Washington. The board is comprised of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp.
The county plans to use Program Open Space Local funds to rebuild the center that was damaged in a January 2017 fire. Program Open Space Local provides financial and technical assistance to communities and municipalities for the acquisition, development and planning of recreation facilities, and open space areas. The program has been managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources since 1969. Read more…
Maryland State Park Passes for 2019 Now Available
Provides Full Year Access to 75 State Parks
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now offering its 2019-2020 Annual State Park and Trail Passport for purchase.
The park passport is available to residents for $75 and nonresidents for $100. The pass provides unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance the pass’ convenience and value, the annual passport will now be valid for a full year from the month of purchase, instead of by calendar year making it a great deal for every outdoor enthusiast. For example, a passport purchased in April 2019 will expire in April 2020. And as an additional bonus for early-adopters and purchasers, any passport bought before Dec. 31, 2018, will be valid through December 2019, meaning two extra months at no additional cost!
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