Natural Resources News
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…
Trout and Perch Rise to the Top for Spring Fishing
Fishing at the Gap; by Lance Naylor
All of Maryland’s natural beauty springs open for the enjoyment of sportsmen and women this season.
As the days grow longer and the temperatures warmer, it’s time to grab your fishing gear and head out to take advantage of the abundance of perch and trout stocks throughout the state. Read more…
Art and Science to Support the Chesapeake Bay: The New Bay License Plate Design
Chesapeake Bay license plate; by Chesapeake Bay Trust
Marylanders and visitors to our state have many ways to support the natural resources they enjoy. One of the most well-known recently went through a change—the Chesapeake Bay license plate. Read more…
Hugging the Shore: A Paddler’s Guide to the Lower Bay’s State Parks
Kayak view; by Melissa Boyle Acuti
Warmer weather is on the way, and it’s a great time to get out and explore Maryland by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Maryland’s public lands and waters provide some of the best paddling opportunities on the eastern seaboard. Here are some of the top spots in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
From the Field: Fisheries Biologist Beth Versak
Beth Versak
Growing up around water in Anne Arundel County, Beth Versak got hooked on aquatic life early.
“When I was six, I said to my dad I wanted to go fishing, and so he took me,” Versak says. She never looked back, developing an interest in biology, and she has now spent most of her career studying the state’s iconic finfish —striped bass. Read more…
2019 Arbor Day Poster Contest: Trees are Terrific… and Forests Are Too!
First place winner: Lydia Secrist, Garrett County
Every year the Maryland Forest Service, in partnership with the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards, sponsors a Poster Contest for fifth grade classes throughout Maryland. The theme this year was “Trees Are Terrific…and Forests Are Too!” Read more…
Mr. Evart’s Mountain: Retracing the Steps of Allegany County’s Loneliest Settler
Evitt’s Mountain; by Richard Dos Santos
There’s not a lot left at Evart’s homesite, at the top of the mountain that bears the same name: scattered bits of foundation, a cluster of apple trees, an old stone well choked with blueberry bushes. But the things that drew Jacob Evart to the wilderness in the first place—the quiet, the solitude—endure. Up here, with only the birds and the clouds as companions, Evart lived a hermit’s life, removed from society and far from the woman who broke his heart. Read more…
Transforming with Trees: 15 Years of Monitoring Streamside Buffers
Riparian buffer planting; staff photo
All over Maryland, streams have been transformed by trees and other plants that have grown up around their channels. Trees are the natural building blocks of healthy streams, gradually forming more sheltered environments in channels previously open to trampling from cattle and muddied by fields cropped up to banks. The benefits of forest buffers continue to grow over time, making buffers a cost-effective practice that supports sustainable agriculture over the long term.
For more than 15 years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service has studied the effects of planting and maintaining forests alongside Maryland’s streams and rivers. Also known as riparian forest buffers, these forested areas are considered the last defense for water-ways against the harmful effects of pollution and erosion. Read more…
Recipe: Grilled Duck Breasts with Red Currant Sauce
Grilled duck breasts; by Stephen Badger
This recipe comes to us from Vicky Mullaney, author of “The Lodge at Black Pearl Cookbook.” Mullaney is a celebrated collaborator with the department’s Becoming An Outdoors-Woman program—eagerly sharing her passion for the sporting life and her field and stream to table sensibilities. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Spring 2019
Distinguishing between invasive and non-native species; keeping our Eyes on the Bay. Read more…
Outside Perspective
As a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, stewardship of our natural resources has always been of personal importance to me. That is why it is such an honor and privilege to address you as Maryland’s 11th secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. I am very grateful for Governor Hogan’s confidence in me and I am very appreciative of the warm welcome I have received from stakeholders across the state. Read more…
Forest Action Plan Public Listening Sessions Scheduled in May
Six Events Held in Every Region of State
The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology of the University of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host six public listening sessions in May to aid in the development of Maryland Forest Service’s 2020 Forest Action Plan.
The plan assesses the current state of the forest resources and lays out the strategy for addressing forestry priorities in the state. These listening sessions will allow stakeholders to provide feedback on how the plan should be structured and what it should include.
Sessions are held in every region of the state, with identical information presented at each event. Read more…
Maryland Battles Northern Snakehead with Information
Expanded Outreach to Help Anglers Target Invasive Predator
Andy Fox holds the Maryland state record with a 19.9-pound northern snakehead caught in Charles County in May 2018.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is increasing its efforts to educate the public about the northern snakehead, an invasive fish found throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The department has introduced several informational videos, supplemental fact sheets and an updated webpage.
Northern snakeheads were first observed in Maryland waters in 2002, and the species gained a foothold in tidal waters. Since then it has spread to every major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay — as have stories about the species that aren’t always accurate.
The department relies heavily on conservation-minded anglers, armed with correct information, to help address the problem. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 24
Three-year-old Benjamin Hudak proudly holds up his first fish, caught it at the youth-only fishing area at Carroll Creek in Frederick. Photo by Brandon Hudak
There are a lot of exciting fishing opportunities in Maryland and perhaps one most dear to any parent is helping a son or daughter catch their first fish. Our hatchery and trout stocking crews work hard to provide wonderful trout fishing for everyone. There are special areas spread around the state that are stocked with trout and set aside just for our younger anglers.
The much anticipated opening day of the 2019 spring trophy striped bass season has come and gone without much fanfare, and now fishermen can settle down and wait for the post-spawn striped bass to exit the spawning rivers in the next couple of weeks.
If you’re catching and releasing your striped bass, be sure to follow measures for helping protect the population.
Rural Legacy Program Reaches Milestone
100,000 Acres Conserved Over 20 Years
With the Board of Public Works’ approval of five new conservation easements, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has now conserved more than 100,000 acres of land throughout the state.
In presenting the properties for approval, Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio observed that this year marks the 20th Anniversary of Maryland’s first Rural Legacy Program acquisition.
“We have successfully worked with local partners, farmers and other landowners to conserve and maintain the rural character of our state for future generations,” Secretary Riccio said. “And with your approval of the items on our real property agenda today, which includes five Rural Legacy projects totaling 795 acres, we will exceed 100,000 acres protected under this incredible state program.” Read more…
State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Projects Identified
First Year of $3 Million Fund Will Address All State-Owned Lakes
Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists conduct sampling at Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will undertake restoration projects at lakes throughout Maryland under the new State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which provides $1 million for each of the next three years to improve state-owned lakes.
Governor Hogan approved the total $3 million fund in May 2018, and the department was tasked with determining priorities and a work plan for the funding. Five public open houses were held around the state in the fall of 2018 to solicit project ideas, and the department’s lake managers also helped identify the most pressing needs to protect and restore the water bodies under their care.
“The input we received from local governments, organizations and citizens was very valuable to the department as we made decisions about the first year of funding,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “We are pleased to announce maintenance and restoration projects at all 16 state-owned lakes.”
Each of the lakes will benefit from at least one project. Deep Creek Lake, the largest state-owned lake and the economic driver for Garrett County, will receive approximately $420,000 divided between three projects. At least 41 projects will be funded statewide.
The funds will be used to remove sediment, treat contaminated sediment, prevent the spread of invasive species, improve ecological and recreational value and any other action the department deems necessary.
Native Animal Profile: Baltimore Oriole
A male Baltimore Oriole inspects a tent caterpillar web; by Bonnie Ott
With striking orange and black plumage, it is no wonder why the Baltimore Oriole was selected as Maryland’s state bird. The male’s colors resemble the coat of arms for Sir George Calvert, First Lord of Baltimore.
Baltimore Orioles are medium-sized birds. Male Baltimore Orioles are flame orange and black with a solid black head and orange sides, with orange in the tail. Females and immature Baltimore Orioles are brown above and burnt orange below with two white wing bars. Many adult females have traces of black on their head, suggesting the hood of a male. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush; by Bill Hubick
I vividly remember my first experience with spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in undergrad. My professor broke one of the twigs and had us breathe in the lemony aroma. I was amazed at the spicy, citrus smell that emanated from the broken twig. I later learned this aromatic scent was a deterrent for potential herbivores.
Spicebush is a medium-sized, native shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae). It has a rounded habit and grows up to 15 feet. Spicebush can tolerate dry to wet soils and prefers to grow in part to full shade. It can be found in every county in Maryland, but it grows best in basic soils. Read more…
Books for Backyard Wildlife Habitat Gardeners
Here is a confession: I love books! I’ve always been a bookworm and I often bring books as reference materials to my presentations for fellow book lovers. So, if you are like me and are interested in adding to your backyard book collection, below are a few of my recommendations. Read more…
Rethinking Spring with Native Plants
Spring beauty; by Kerry Wixted
This winter felt like it was almost endless. When the crocuses finally popped in my yard, I was ecstatic. For me, crocuses and daffodils have always been harbingers of spring, but these non-native plants in our landscapes offer little benefit for our native wildlife. There are many native plants, however, which co-evolved with our local wildlife. Below is a list of some early blooming plants that can be used to provide spring nectar and pollen resources.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Proposed
Public Input Complete, Federal Approval is Final Step
After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the 2019 – 2020 migratory game bird hunting seasons. These recommendations are now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In addition to close consultation with Governor Hogan’s Wildlife Advisory Commission and the Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee, the department conducted an extensive public outreach effort to develop and propose the 2019-20 migratory game bird hunting season package. Read more…
Patapsco Valley State Park Hosts Family Fun Day
Annual Event Highlights Volunteerism and Stewardship
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to Patapsco Valley State Park for Family Fun Day on April 28, a free annual event that encourages a love for the outdoors, along with volunteering and stewardship of our state’s public lands. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the park’s Hilton Area.
Guest can enjoy games, horses, hikes, ice cream, live music, nature programs and other fun-filled activities as they learn about volunteer activities at Maryland state parks and partner organizations. Read more…
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