Natural Resources News
Somerset County Celebrating Arbor Day
Students to Join State, County Officials for Tree-Planting
Somerset County government, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold its first Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting event on April 24. The event begins at 10 a.m. next to the Board of Education Building, 7982A Tawes Campus Drive, Westover.
Local and state officials will join school students to plant more than 10 container-sized trees on the grounds. Trees are being supplied by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ TreeMendous Maryland and Gift of Trees programs. A second planting will also take place later in spring on the property, with the county planting 12.6 acres of seedlings for forest conservation mitigation. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 17
Matt Beam holds up a striped bass caught this past weekend during the catch-and-release season. Photo by Travis Long
Saturday, April 20, marks the much-anticipated opening day of the 2019 trophy striped bass season. Captains and crews have been working overtime getting their boats ready for this weekend, from the largest charter boats to private boats parked on trailers in driveways. Good luck to all but be patient — many post-spawn striped bass are still making the journey downriver from their spawning sites.
Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Annual Market Fair
Eighteenth Century Comes Alive April 25-28
History buffs of all ages are invited to experience an authentic colonial market fair at Fort Frederick State Park April 25-28. The annual Fort Frederick Market Fair features top artisans, craftspeople, entertainers and sutlers together with an 18th century military encampment alongside the park’s historic 1756 stone fort. Read more…
Maryland Striped Bass Trophy Season Opens April 20
Annual Rite of Spring Lasts Through May 15 in Most Areas
Photo: “Rockfishing” by Roy Julie
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the state’s trophy striped bass season will begin April 20 and last through May 15.
Anglers may catch one striped bass per day, with a minimum size of 35 inches, in the Chesapeake Bay from Brewerton Channel to the Virginia state line. Read more…
Queen Anne’s County Residents Can Get Free Trees
Partners to Provide Free Seedlings April 23-26
White oak seedlings at the state nursery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Queen Anne’s County Forestry Board will hold their annual tree seedling giveaway program the week of April 22. These seedlings are available to the citizens of Queen Anne’s County as an educational effort promoting the planting of trees, in celebration of national Arbor Day on April 25. Read more…
Maryland Releases Draft Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan
Public invited to comment on draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan
Photo by James Phelps
A draft plan for continued progress in restoring Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay is now available for public review and comment.
The draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan represents the next step in Maryland meeting its commitments as part of a multi-state bay restoration effort. Maryland developed the draft plan to meet targets by 2025 using a locally driven, stakeholder process to identify achievable pollution reduction strategies that balance responsibilities across wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater runoff, septic systems and farms. Read more…
Kent County Arbor Day Celebration Set for April 23
Partners to Name Poster Contest Winners, Provide Free Seedlings
Photo: “Budding Red Bud” by Ashley Stubbs
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is partnering with Kent County Commissioners and the Kent County Forest Board for the annual Arbor Day celebration, at 1:15 p.m. April 23 in the Kent County Courthouse Courtyard, 103 N. Cross St., Chestertown.
As part of the event, partners will celebrate Chestertown’s 38th anniversary as a Tree City USA participant and announce the winners of the county’s 2019 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 10
Five year old Emmett Jackson got to go trout fishing on the Patapsco River with his older brother Hunter and dad recently. Emmitt proudly holds up some of the trout he caught. Photo by John Jackson
The generous stocking of trout by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hatchery program has brought countless smiles to the faces of trout fishermen, young and old. These fish are being stocked in waters near you.
Maryland Environmental Trust Hosts Annual Conference and Symposium
Regular Registration Ends April 22
The 2019 Maryland Land Conservation Conference will be held May 16-17 at the Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum. This annual event brings together land trusts, conservancies, local and state government agencies, heritage organizations, members of the agricultural community and other partners for a comprehensive discussion about the future of land conservation in our region. Read more…
Statewide Spring Turkey Season Set to Open
Youth Hunters Get First Opportunity This Weekend
Photo by Maureen Koncen
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off Saturday, April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 18-May 23.
For the first part of the regular hunting season, April 18-May 9, hunting is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. Throughout the rest of the season, May 10-23, hunting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset. Read more…
Free Trees for Somerset and Worcester County Backyard Buffers
Order Deadline is April 26
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners in Somerset and Worcester counties who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, including bald cypress, river birch, serviceberry, spicebush and winterberry. Read more…
Spring Wildfire Season in Maryland Calls for Precautions
Maryland Forest Service Prepared for Wildfire Activity
Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across Maryland to prepare and help prevent wildfires.
“Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions are at the optimum for fire spread,” Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell said. “Wildfires are more likely on warm days with dry forest fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – April 3
Photo by Shawn Campbell
Put-and-take trout fishermen had a successful opening day of the 2019 trout season. Beautiful weather prevailed, the trout hatchery program provided generous stocking of healthy trout and a great time was had by all!
Fishing for a variety of catfish species is very good right now. Channel catfish are spread throughout the upper Chesapeake Bay and most all of the tidal rivers flowing into the bay. Blue catfish can be found in the Potomac River from the St. Georges Island area north to the Wilson Bridge. They can also be found in the Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers and are starting to show up in the Choptank River. Flathead catfish can be caught in the Conowingo Dam pool and the lower Susquehanna River. Fresh cut bait is standard fare for successful fishing for catfish.
Maryland Arbor Day 2019 Celebrated
Day to Highlight Trees and Those Who Help Them Grow
Following an annual tradition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored Maryland Arbor Day by delivering tree seedlings to state leadership.
The department celebrates the first Wednesday of April every year by giving away trees for planting and honoring the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the state’s tree farming industry.
Read more…
Secretary’s Message: April 2019
Honor the Past by Investing in the Future
This past month marked the passing of a friend and mentor — former Governor Harry Hughes.
I feel privileged to have known Governor Hughes, a fellow Eastern Shore resident, who was a man of integrity. He was also a leader who greatly influenced the mission of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, especially with regard to restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
One of Governor Hughes’ lasting legacies is the Chesapeake Bay Program, a partnership in which we still participate today alongside the other states and jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The significance of this program is that it encourages coordination on restoration activities under an important federal framework and ensures that all stakeholders are doing their part. The success of this program is evidenced by key environmental indicators such as record growth of underwater grasses, rebounds of iconic aquatic species, and an increase in overall water quality.
Unfortunately, the future of the Chesapeake Bay Program is threatened, as funding is nearly zeroed out in the president’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget. These proposed cuts are potentially devastating to our restoration efforts at a time when we are making good progress. I applaud and support Governor Hogan’s leadership in trying to get that funding restored. Read more…
Black Bears Emerging from Winter Dens
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild
After a long winter slumber, black bears are now emerging from their dens, and human residents of Maryland’s bear country should take steps to keep both species separate and safe.
Adult and newborn bears will emerge hungry and seeking natural food sources, but many of their preferred foods — acorns, berries, insects and plants — are still in short supply this time of year. Until these natural foods are more seasonally abundant, bears may become more easily attracted to artificial and human-generated food sources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents to remove all potential bear attractants to prevent conflicts. Read more…
Point Lookout State Park Hosts Cleanup at Historic Civil War Site
Annual Event Offers Insight Into Park’s Significant Past
Volunteers are invited to Point Lookout State Park April 6 help maintain and restore the park’s historic Civil War Fort #3 and prison pen, as part of the annual Park Day preservation event sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust.
Hosted by The Friends of Point Lookout Inc., Saturday’s cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to helping with the upkeep of this valuable site, volunteers will learn more about the park’s significance and its role during the American Revolution, Civil War and the War of 1812. Weather permitting, tours of the site will be available to participants upon conclusion of the day’s activities.
Read more…
Angler Sets Record with Fallfish Caught in Upper Potomac
First Time Species Officially Recognized by Maryland
A Baltimore County man has established a record by catching a 2.07 pound fallfish, marking the first time this freshwater species has been recognized by the state.
Adam Aghion of Pikesville caught this impressive fallfish March 20 on the Maryland side of the upper Potomac River, using a drop shot rig with a #12 hook. Aghion said he made the trip to that location specifically to catch walleye. Read more…
Maryland’s Recreational Crabbing Season Begins April 1
Maryland Tradition Springs to Life
Photo by Katie Macdonald
The recreational crabbing season in Maryland officially opens April 1 for the Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries as well as in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries.
Recreational crabbing in Maryland can be done a variety of ways, with or without a license depending on the equipment and location. Licenses are required for anyone who uses a trotline, collapsible crab traps, net rings, seines or eel pots.
A license is not required for anyone using handlines or dip nets. In addition, waterfront property owners, lessee, or tenant of a private shoreline property can register to crab license-free using up to two crab pots.
A recreational crabbing license is not required in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries. Additionally, any passenger of a boat with a valid crabbing license doesn’t need an individual license to crab. Read more…
Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing Now Open
Applications Must Be Submitted by May 31
Photo by Matt Stevens
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian, or waterfront, property owners.
A license allows the shoreline owner, or anyone who has the owner’s permission, to hunt waterfowl from their own blind in state waters or to prevent other waterfowl hunters from licensing the shoreline at a later date. Read more…
Park Quest 2019 Registration Kicks Off April 3
“Off the Beaten Path” Adventures Begin May 1
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens registration April 3 for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. This year’s theme is “Off the Beaten Path — Arts, Activities and Adventures in Maryland State Parks.”
Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources on public lands and parks.
Through this annual program, 1,000 qualifying teams — usually families — will get an opportunity to complete outdoor excursions in at least 20 different sites from May 1 through Oct. 31. Read more…
Anglers Can Provide Scientific Data from Smartphone
Volunteer Surveys Engage Citizen Scientists
As spring fishing season begins in earnest, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks anglers to help track scientific data by using the mobile-friendly Volunteer Angler Survey.
Anglers of all ages can become citizen scientists by recording some basic information from their catch such as species, location and size directly to survey on their smartphone. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 27
Photo by Joe Evans
The traditional opening day of trout season is this coming Saturday, March 30. Anticipation is always high for any opening day, and Maryland’s put-and-take trout fishermen will be out all across the state.
Easement Protects Anne Arundel County Forested Land
Partners Preserve Scenic Land on Little Patuxent
Maryland Environmental Trust and Scenic Rivers Land Trust have permanently protected 111 acres of forestland, wetlands and meadow along the Little Patuxent River from development.
Owner Linda Egolf granted a conservation easement on the property, which has been in her family for more than 100 years, forever protecting this ecologically important habitat. Read more…
Free Seedlings for St. Mary’s County Backyard Buffers
Order Deadline is April 12
Northern red oak
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to St. Mary’s County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Plantings can be ordered in small bundles of 9 seedlings and large bundles of 15 seedlings, with species including chestnut oak, gray dogwood, northern red oak, red bud and white oak. Read more…
2019-2020 Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winners Named
Annual Contests Draw Attention to Wildlife Management
Rebecca Latham of Hastings, Minn. won the 23rd Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest with her painting, “Explorer.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Black Bear Conservation and Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests.
A panel of judges chose the winners on March 16 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in front of an enthusiastic crowd of contestants and fans. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 20
Matt Sell and his son Lucas recently enjoyed fishing for walleye together on the upper Potomac River. Photo by John Mullican
It’s the first full day of spring — winter is losing its grip on the Maryland landscape and warmer weather is tangible. The honking of migrant Canada Geese has been replaced by the chirping of ospreys, heralding a changing of the guard. Although the Western Maryland counties may be the last to give up to winter’s grip, those living there are using it to the last to enjoy family fun while enjoying the outdoors.
Board of Public Works Approves $2.14 Million for New Park in Gaithersburg
Program Open Space Provides Funds to Convert Former Office Site
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item to commit $2.14 million in Program Open Space funds toward developing a local park at the former Consumer Product Safety Commission site in Gaithersburg.
The city plans to improve the 9.54-acre property to meet the demands of a growing, diverse population. The park will include open space plus a community garden, covered picnic pavilions, a nature play space, outdoor fitness equipment, a paved walking trail and a tot lot. Read more…
2019 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Total $215,505
Grants Supports Communities, Projects and Schools
University of Maryland Baltimore County was a recipient of a 2019 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant.
Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), a unit of the Maryland Department of Resources, has awarded 71 grants totaling $215,505 toward environmental education, community cleanup and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program.
These annual grants are funded by Maryland Environmental Trust, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Read more…
Hunter Education Course Offered in Western Maryland
Class Size Limited, Register Now
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class March 26, 28 and 30 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland.
Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 26 and 28, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30. The class is limited to 30 students. Interested participants can register online. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings for Wicomico County Property Owners
Orders Taken Until April 26
Photo by Ed Newton
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to Wicomico County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Natural Resources Police File Sexual Assault Charges
Investigation Completed for Incident on Choptank River
Maryland Natural Resources have charged a Caroline County sheriff’s deputy with rape and other charges stemming from a July 2018 incident on a boat in the Choptank River.
Kevin John Nagyiski was charged March 13 with second degree rape, third degree sex offense, fourth degree sexual contact and second degree assault. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 13
Photo by Alan Klotz
March is a time of fluctuating weather, a sort of back-and-forth pull between seasons. Spring is beginning to win out and signs are seen everywhere. Daffodils are opening up, spring peepers are calling out on warmer nights and anglers are fishing for stocked trout and other freshwater fish and even trying their luck on the spring spawning runs of yellow and white perch.
Yellow perch are being caught and may hit their peak towards the end of the week. The peak of the spawning runs is governed by warming water temperatures and increased daylight periods.
Governor Hogan Statement on Trump Administration’s Cuts To Chesapeake Bay Program
Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, which would drastically cut funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration:
“As Governor of Maryland and Chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, protecting the Chesapeake Bay remains one of my top priorities. The EPA Administrator himself called the Chesapeake Bay Program a ‘high priority,’ making this week’s cut in the budget a total betrayal. These cuts are potentially devastating to restoration efforts at such a critical time. Read more…
Spring Trout Stocking Season Begins
Crews to Stock 133 Locations in 18 Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is gearing up to release more than 300,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state during its annual spring trout stocking.
Regular spring stocking is done by department crews in lakes, rivers and streams from early March through June. In 2019, the department will stock trout in 133 locations in 18 counties. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Calvert County
Seedlings Available for Large or Small Trees
Photo: “Budding Red Bud” by Ashley Stubbs
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, along with Calvert Master Gardeners and the American Chestnut Land Trust, is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks. Read more…
Muskrat Trapping Extended in Select Maryland Counties
Additional Time for Weather-Dampened Regions
Photo by Martha Johnston
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a week to the state’s muskrat trapping season in Eastern, Southern and portions of Central Maryland. The revised season will now close March 22 in the affected counties to make up for unfavorable weather conditions — an extremely cold winter and recent tide fluctuations — that had limited trapper access to many waterways and wetlands.
The season remains closed in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties, where the season started early enough to provide ample trapping opportunities. No other hunting or trapping seasons have been extended. Read more…
Boating Safety Education Classes Offered in March
Required Courses for Maryland Boaters
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host two free Boating Safety Education classes on March 16 and March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover. Attendees need only attend one class to get their certification.
Courses will be taught by Natural Resources Police and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members and will be accessible for both English and Spanish speakers. Free life jackets will be awarded to all who pass the final exam. Read more…
Funding Available for Resilience, Restoration and Stewardship
Innovative Projects Can Access Funding Through New ‘Grants Gateway’
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that $24.75 million in funding is available for local governments and nonprofit organizations seeking to restore local waterways, increase climate resilience and develop the next generation of environmental stewards.
To streamline the grant application and management process, the department has created a new “Grants Gateway” that provides a single entry point for prospective grantees, and assures access to funding for innovative, local projects. Read more…
Harriet Tubman Day Events Set for March 10
Stories, Events and Art Honor Tubman at Her Namesake Park
In celebration of Harriet Tubman Day on Sunday, March 10, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to free, family-friendly programs. The park, located in Dorchester County, marks its second anniversary on this Harriet Tubman Day, a national observance with special significance in Maryland.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the park’s expert staff and special guests will lead hourly programs to honor the life and legacy of Maryland native Harriet Tubman and the struggle for freedom that she embodied.
Free Tree Seedlings for Allegany, Garrett County Landowners
Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 29
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, which are suited for streamside conditions. This year, the species for Allegany and Garrett counties will include a mix of: swamp white oak, winterberry, American plum, river birch, and white pine. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available in Washington County
Orders for Backyard Buffer Program Due March 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each “buffer in a bag” contains about 30 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings suitable for planting in moist soil conditions. This year, seedlings for Washington County properties will include a mix of: buttonbush, black chokeberry, Washington hawthorn, eastern redbud, swamp white oak, and loblolly-pitch pine hybrid. Read more…
Public Comment on Deer Management Extended
Public Meeting March 13; New Deadline March 15
Photo by Dechun Feng
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled the last of its public meetings regarding white-tailed deer management, and also extended the deadline for accepting public comment on the state’s deer management plan. The meeting in Wye Mills, which had been previously postponed due to weather, will now be held at 7 p.m. March 13 at Chesapeake College, 1000 College Drive, in Room 127 in the Health Professions and Athletics Center.
Due to the meeting date change, the new deadline for public comment is March 15. The public can provide comments online; by phone at 410-260-8540; by fax at 410-260-8596; or in writing to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.
2019 Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners Announced
Garrett County Youth Awarded Grand Prize
Standing with the first place entry, from left to right: Acting Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Maryland State Forester Donald VanHassent, Urban and Community Forestry Supervisor Marian Honeczy, Tree-Mendous Maryland Coordinator Anne Gilbert, and Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan.
The judging is complete for the annual fifth-grade Arbor Day poster contest sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Three schools in Maryland that are home to the top winners will benefit with tree plantings this spring. The contest is judged annually by a panel of forestry experts and special guest judge, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan.
Lydia Secrist of Accident, Garrett County was awarded First Place, and her school will receive 15 trees for planting.
Second Place, with a prize of 10 trees, was awarded to three students from Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County — Jakiara Baker, Erica Daymude and Autumn Edwards. Third Place honors went to Hailey Ciccarelli and Molly Richards of Eldersburg, Carroll County. Their school will receive five trees.
Read more…
Input Sought on Proposed 2019-20 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons
Public Meeting on March 6; Comment Accepted Until March 15
Illustration: “Blackwater Visitors” by Paul Makuchal, 2017 Migratory Game Bird Stamp contest winner
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on the proposed 2019-2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The comment period continues until noon on March 15.
Proposed season dates for all migratory game birds can be viewed on the department’s website.
The seasons will be finalized in spring 2019, after the department reviews public input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Draft Oyster Management Plan Open for Comment
Public Input Accepted Through March 19
Photo by William Whaley
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on a draft Maryland Oyster Management Plan, the first updated fishery management plan since 2010 for one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most ecologically- and economically-important natural resources. The public comment period will continue until March 19.
Youth Fishing Rodeos Set for 2019
Free Events Statewide Encourage Youth to Get Outdoors
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again is offering opportunities for young people to experience fishing through 44 youth fishing rodeos in 15 counties statewide.
Youth fishing rodeos in the state connect 6,000 thousand young people with the Maryland outdoors each year. Events start in March and run through fall. Anyone 16 years of age and younger may participate. Read more…
Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Results for 2019 Announced
Annual Survey Counts Maryland’s Ducks, Geese and Swans
In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources made visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along most of the state’s Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River and Atlantic coast shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 566,300 waterfowl.
Maryland’s mid-winter waterfowl survey is part of an annual, nationwide effort to survey waterfowl on their wintering grounds to monitor local distribution and habitat affiliations. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Feb. 20
James King of Richfield, N.J., caught this 18.5-pound tautog near Ocean City, tagged it and returned it to the cold depths.
February is often thought of as a time for fishermen to keep busy by going over tackle, fly tying or attending outdoor shows. But others know there are fish out there and many know how to find them.
The preseason trout stocking program has started in earnest, and there is good fishing for yellow perch and a mixed bag of freshwater fish.
Off the coast of Ocean City, fishermen come from far and wide to pursue trophy-sized tautog.
Army Corps Kicks Off Ocean City Inlet Navigation Improvement Project
Public Meeting to be Scheduled for Spring
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Worcester County signed a Project Partnership Agreement Feb. 14 to start work on a navigation improvement project to address sediment accumulation, or shoaling, within the Ocean City Inlet.
This navigation channel is regularly used by commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, the U.S. Coast Guard and others. The Corps removes material from the inlet through dredging two or more times per year in an attempt to maintain the channel’s authorized depth of 10 feet; however, it continues to fill in with material, creating concerns for navigation.
Through the “Ocean City Harbor and Inlet” navigation project, the Corps will evaluate sediment transport in the inlet and recommend options for addressing the shoaling to include structural solutions like jetties or channel modifications like deepening the channel in the inlet. No options have been solidified at this time. Read more…
1-888-373-7888
233733