Natural Resources News
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 10
Grant Morris caught this nice snakehead while kayak fishing. Photo by Don Goff
We have been in a warmer, dry “Indian summer” weather pattern. Many anglers have been getting out on the bay to enjoy action with top water striped bass, late season bluefish and the last of the Spanish mackerel.
New Paddle-In Camping Opportunities on the Potomac River
Enhanced Access at Two Southern Maryland State Parks
Newtowne Neck State Park by Mark Odell
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service announced the completion of a project to expand and enhance paddle-in camping opportunities in Southern Maryland.
The improved access allows longer overnight paddling excursions along the Potomac River with beautiful landing spots at Point Lookout State Park and Newtowne Neck State Park, both located in St. Mary’s County. Read more…
Managed Archery Deer Hunt Scheduled at North Point State Park
Limited to Select Dates in November
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a managed archery deer hunt will take place at North Point State Park in Baltimore County on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in November, beginning Nov. 2 and continuing through Nov. 21, 2018.
Thirteen hunters per day will be permitted to hunt in five specified areas of the park.
Bohemia River State Park Hosts Open House
Preview the Eastern Shore’s Newest State Park Oct. 27 Nov. 11
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 Nov. 11 at the new Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County, located at 3864 Augustine Herman Highway in Chesapeake City. The event was rescheduled from its original date due to impending weather.
Community partners, outdoor enthusiasts and others are invited to see and tour the property, and share thoughts on the newest state park on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Read more…
Black Bear Activity Increases in Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation or torpor. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.
During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to potentially dangerous encounters. Read more…
Fall Brings Heightened Risk of Wildfire
Marylanders Urged to Take Extra Precautions
Fire Prevention Week begins Oct. 7, coinciding with the beginning of the fall wildfire season in Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents throughout the state to take precautions as the changing foliage increases the risks of wildland fires spreading through brush and forests.
Wildfires occur every month in Maryland, but peak in the spring and fall. During these two seasons the leaves fall off deciduous trees, allowing sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor drying out brush, leaves and vegetation and other debris that can catch aflame. The relative humidity of the air is also drier and, combined with a breeze, creates favorable conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly. Read more…
National Training Programs Graduate Two Natural Resources Police Officers
Advanced Skills in Conservation, Homeland Security Missions
Lt. Catherine Medellin with National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs officers Eddie Henderson (left) and Randy Stark.
Two Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police lieutenants recently graduated from law enforcement training academies that specialize in advanced leadership skills.
Maryland Awarded Grant to Track Wildlife with Nanotags
Multistate Partnership to Study Eight Migratory Species
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Willistown Conservation Trust, Pennsylvania Game Commission and neighboring states, received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to dramatically expand a revolutionary new migration tracking system across a five-state area.
The competitive grant, totaling about $500,000, has been awarded to a consortium of conservation partners in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and specifically targets the study of eight species of greatest conservation concern in the mid-Atlantic and northeast, including Bicknell’s and Swainson’s thrushes, blackpoll and Canada warblers, rusty blackbirds and northern myotis bats.
Maryland Conservation Corps Welcomes 2018-2019 Class
Program Brings Young People into Natural Resource Management
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently welcomed 35 new members to the Maryland Conservation Corps.
Each year, this award-winning AmeriCorps program attracts young adults, aged 17-25, to work in comprehensive natural resource management projects and assist with conservation and environmental education efforts at public lands and parks throughout Maryland. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 6 and 7
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 6 and 7, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
4-H Camping Center
What a difference a week makes! In Western Maryland, autumn began with a slow start; however, the most recent field reports are encouraging. Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash says things are starting to change more rapidly, as seen in her photo taken at the Maryland 4-H Environmental Education and Camping Center in Swanton. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 3
Photo by Rich Watts
Welcome to “Rocktober!”
Heavy rains continued through much of last week, but we finally had some beautiful sunny weather over the weekend. Many anglers got out on the bay to enjoy action with striped bass, bluefish and southern visitors such as speckled trout and red drum.
$1 Million Approved for Montgomery County Park
Funding for Development on Pinecrest Local Park
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will commit $1 million for the development of Pinecrest Local Park in Montgomery County.
The 5.6-acre park, managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is adjacent to Pine Crest Elementary School.
Program Open Space Local funds will be used to construct improvements to the Silver Spring park, including regrading a multipurpose field, constructing a 6-foot wide accessible trail around the field and associated accessibility, drainage and stormwater management enhancements. Read more…
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants Now Available
Department Seeks Local Proposals for Public Outdoor Recreation Projects
Pirate’s Wharf in Wicomico County
The Maryland of Department Natural Resources announced that counties and municipalities can now apply for grant funding from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. Communities are encouraged to apply and submit preliminary application forms by Dec. 18, 2018.
“I encourage communities across Maryland to take advantage of this grant opportunity aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and overall quality of life,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “If you are working to recruit and retain a solid base of businesses, residents or visitors, perhaps it’s time to consider adding or expanding an outdoor amenity or facility, be it a bike trail or boat ramp.” Read more…
Maryland Coastal Bays Report Card Shows Historic High Score
Scientific Collaborative Sees Best Bay Progress in Decades
Maryland’s Coastal Bays have received their highest grade ever reported according to the new 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The “B-” grade reflects the positive trend nutrient reductions have shown in many locations since 1999.
“Maryland’s Coastal Bays are an integral part of our region, and are unique ecological treasures in the landscape of the Eastern Shore and our great state,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “The marked improvement we see in the bays’ health is the result of significant state investment, as well as the work and dedicated stewardship of many Marylanders.” Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts Picketing the Potomac
Living History Event Oct. 6 and 7
Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County invites Marylanders to take a journey back in time to commemorate the fort’s role in the American Civil War. Union, Confederate and civilian reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history and tactics demonstrations.
The weekend program takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7. Read more…
Applications Open for Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$200,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening and Environmental Initiatives
The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is now accepting applications for the Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program.
The five grants being offered help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 15, 2018. Awards will be announced in spring 2019. Read more…
Outdoor Enthusiasts Have Yet Another Way to Give Back
Partnership with Chesapeake Bay Trust Establishes Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund
Anglers, boaters and hunters who purchase their licenses or registrations from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have a new way to give back to natural resources they enjoy and love. In partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the department announced today a new voluntary option in the online checkout for the Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund.
Funds generated by the new program will be distributed as grants for on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects that seek to enhance habitat and water quality as well as programs aimed at getting K-12 students outdoors. Grants will be provided to nonprofits in support of environmental and natural resources priorities throughout the state, from the Youghiogheny to the Coastal Bays. Read more…
Aboveboard: Fall 2018
Fall is a great time to enjoy our state’s spectacular and diverse terrain and gain a better understanding of the role it plays in our culture, heritage and living history. Opportunities abound to immerse yourself in the scenic splendor, storied past and bright and prosperous future.
In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, we learn more about the Piscataway, a Native American tribe in Southern Maryland that had lost their identity throughout colonization. This tribe recently gained official recognition by the state and has an agreement with some of our state parks, where they will host events to educate the public of our shared heritage. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Fall 2018
Are you looking for a trail to hike with your pup? Wondering why dam removal is beneficial? Our experts have the answers! Read more…
The Mysterious Delmarva Bays: Exploring Maryland’s most unusual wetlands
Eastern tiger salamander; by Mike Burchett
If you look closely at an aerial survey—what scientists call a digital elevation model—of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you would notice thousands of small, elliptical depressions dotting the landscape like a bad case of chicken pox. The shallow basins are difficult to observe from the ground, and many have been filled in for agricultural use or obscured by new-growth forests.
Nevertheless, these seasonal freshwater wetlands, called Delmarva bays, are integral to the coastal ecosystem and home to a remarkable number of rare or endangered species. For many years, researchers struggled to understand what caused these egg-shaped ponds, which are found along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from New Jersey to Florida. Read more…
The Intern Experience: Students see green jobs up close
Filing reports? Fetching coffee? What do you think this is—a boring bureaucracy gig? Over the summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed 22 interns in seven units to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Several trips into the field were also arranged for maximum exposure to different areas of expertise, as well as an opportunity to meet others in the program. Read more…
From the Field: Angela Crenshaw
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park; by Stephen Badger
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, which opened in March 2017, has educated hundreds of thousands of guests on the life and legacy of an incredible Maryland leader. Such a place itself requires passionate leadership, which it has clearly found in Assistant Park Manager Ranger Angela Crenshaw. Read more…
Piscataway-Conoy: Rejuvenating ancestral ties to southern parks
Recognition event in Annapolis; by Jay Baker
When English explorer John Smith arrived in what is now Maryland in 1608, he was astounded by the bounty that would later become the lifeblood of its colonization. He noted that there was, “No place more perfect for man’s habitation,” than the Chesapeake Bay. And he was right. The bay and its rivers offered a hearty supply of crabs, fish, oysters and waterfowl, while the forests and hills teemed with bear, deer, fox, rabbit, turkey and game birds of all kind. Maryland was a virtual paradise with seemingly endless resources. The English had discovered what native people had known for millennia. Read more…
Flexing Maryland Mussel: Restoring an imperiled wild species
Harvested mussels are transferred into purposefully selected areas of the Patapsco River; by Stephen Badger
Highly sensitive to habitat and landscape alterations, the most common freshwater mussel species in the state has been absent from the Patapsco River for decades.
Fortunately, collaborative efforts between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have resulted in the return of hundreds of mussels to this scenic river, while more are being cultivated in hatcheries to further restore the native population. Read more…
A Good Day for Ducks: Beautiful results of conservation
Male wood duck; by Scott Suriano
For most Americans, the word “duck” conjures up the image of the quintessential mallard drake, with his green head, yellow beak and classic “quack!” Some Marylanders, however, are much more attached to another bird: the wood duck, or Aix sponsa. The male’s iridescent green crest, scarlet eyes and beak, and speckled chestnut breast make him unmistakable. So beautiful is the wood duck’s plumage that the Latin name sponsa means “betrothed,” as though he is dressed in his finest clothes for a wedding. Read more…
Tactical Response: Natural Resources Police takes on homeland security
Officers practice their rapid approach; staff photo
Two low-slung boats glide through the water, heavily armed officers hunkered down inside. They dart to the side of a commercial vessel and within moments, the officers are on board and racing for the bridge.
A sweep of the engine room and living quarters ferrets out a man with a knife who has threatened to kill a passenger. The attacker is placed in handcuffs. The vessel is declared secure. The danger is over.
This time—in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor—it is only a drill. But members of the Maryland Natural Resources Police Tactical Response Team know that it may not be practice the next time there’s a call. Read more…
Dolphin Mania: Technology boosts public eye
Bottlenose dolphins; courtesy of NASA
The earliest recorded historical accounts of dolphins were approximately 1600 B.C., where they were found depicted on ancient frescoes in the Palace of Knossos on the Greek Island of Crete.
According to author Chris Catton, the image of dolphins rescuing sailors or carrying humans recurs again and again in myth and folklore.
“The sculptures, the mosaics, the beautifully engraved and painted pottery,” he explains, “tell us that they were important, but not why.” Read more…
Green Jobs, Bright Futures: Workforce development provides entry to natural resources careers
Stream restoration; by Trystan Sill
“I love the outdoors,” says Fallon Jones. “I have a 9-year-old son and just being able to get into an industry where I can show him, not only about the environment, but also that mommy does something to help the planet—that’s just a great aspect for me.”
Jones is a graduate of Work2Live WELL, a new workforce development and skills training program at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that affords fast-track entry into jobs in aquaculture, boating, commercial fisheries, forestry, restoration, stormwater management and wildlife management. Read more…
First Shot: Freshly minted turkey hunters help keep tradition alive
A group of participants; staff photo
The morning was crisp and unusually cool for April; perfect for a morning hunt. As they trekked to their stations, pairs of hunters were enveloped in a darkness intensifying the sounds and smells of the sleeping woods. As the sun began its slow creep into the morning sky, some were greeted by wildlife they had never seen in person—bald eagles, sika deer and skunks, all stirring at the first signs of dawn.
The excitement and nerves were palpable, ratcheting higher as the sounds of the woods came alive. Hunters listened intently to the eerie sika bugle in the distance, the everpresent scratching of squirrels, birds fluttering between branches and finally, the reason they all woke up early: that first morning gobble.
For 14 individuals, this was their first early morning walk into the woods with one task in mind: to hunt wild turkey. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: October 2018
Positive Grades for Maryland’s Coastal Bays
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program recently unveiled the 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The bays’ collective health received a “B-,” its highest grade ever reported! Nutrient reductions have shown a positive trend in many locations since 1999.
Maryland’s Coastal Bays are a unique ecological treasure in the landscape of the Eastern Shore. They make up one of the richest, most diverse estuaries on the East Coast. For more than a century, agriculture, fishing, forestry, hunting – and more recently – tourism have sustained ways of life built on the land and water resources in this coastal community.
The ongoing effort to preserve and protect our five coastal bays and the St. Martin River is showing signs of success thanks to our engaged communities and partners.
Oyster Season Opens Oct. 1
Minimum Size for Harvested Oysters is 3 Inches
Patent Tonging by Jay Fleming
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the 2018-2019 public oyster harvest season will open Oct. 1 and run through March 31, 2019. Opening month is reserved for divers and watermen using patent and shaft tongs, as well as recreational oystering.
During the season, recreational oyster harvesting is open to any Maryland resident and does not require a license. Each harvester may take up to one bushel of oysters per day as long as they are only for personal use. Recreational oyster harvesting is only permitted from sunrise to 3 p.m. weekdays and from sunrise to noon Saturdays.
Enrollment Opens for Maryland Climate Leadership Academy
First Cohort Kicks Off in November
State of the Coast Conference
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today opened enrollment for the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy, the nation’s first state-led program aimed at helping community leaders, critical infrastructure, local governments and state agencies effectively plan for and implement climate change initiatives.
The Maryland Climate Leadership Academy’s first cohort will kick off in November with a three-part series offered at community college and university campuses across the state. Each course will provide participants with critical training on climate preparedness, economic impacts, energy and water management, entrepreneurship, governance and risk management. This series of courses is designed for executive and senior staff in both the private and public sectors. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Sept. 29-30
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the first full weekend of fall, Sept. 29 and 30, 2018, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
As September comes to a close, it appears the rain will diminish and we’ll have some partly cloudy to sunny days to look forward to this weekend. Reports out of Western Maryland confirm the first signs of the season, as the region’s early reds, yellows and oranges are starting to pop, particularly visible in Garrett County’s higher elevations above 2,500 feet. Read more…
Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants Announced
49 Fire Departments in 17 Counties Receive $104,099
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the 2018 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 49 volunteer fire departments. The projects, distributed throughout 17 counties, aim to assist volunteer fire companies and departments enhance wildland fire protection in rural areas and communities.
The Maryland Forest Service awarded $104,099 in match funding to complete $245,907 in total projects. The maximum grant awarded was $3,000 per department. The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Read more…
Wolf Den Run State Park Open House
Share Your Thoughts Oct. 20 in Kitzmiller
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold an informational open house for Wolf Den Run State Park from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 at Kitzmiller Elementary School.
Maryland Park Service staff will be available to answer questions about the new state park and provide comments and feedback on topics such as camping, hunting and trails. The public event will conclude with a roundtable discussion.
Maryland Fishing Report: September 26
As the sun sets in all its glory over the Tred Avon River, it seems to say goodbye to summer. Photo by Keith Lockwood
With the fall equinox behind us, the days are getting noticeably shorter. There’s no sweeter time of the year – or place to be — than late September and October in Maryland, whether you are a fisherman or a hunter or just someone who likes to enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn.
Maryland Motorists: Stay Alert for Deer!
Wildlife More Active in Fall
Thirsty Sikas by Tim Ward
Cooling temperatures, colorful foliage and unpredictable wildlife – all signs that the fall season is upon us in the Old Line State. As such, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife this time of year as these animals seek food supplies and mates before winter.
“Deer increase their movements significantly during the breeding season from mid-October through November as they search for mates,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Motorists should be especially cautious from dusk to dawn when deer are most active and likely to be encountered on the road.” Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Expansion of Two State Parks
Acres Added to Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and New Germany State Park
Merkle Natural Resources Management Area
The Board of Public Works today approved two Maryland Department of Natural Resources items that seek to expand two existing state parks, one in Southern Maryland and the other in Western Maryland.
Program Open Space funds will go toward the purchase of 33 acres adjacent to Merkle Natural Resources Management Area in Prince George’s County and five acres adjoining New Germany State Park in Garrett County.
The acquisitions will expand educational and recreational opportunities, and protect important watersheds. Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts Colonial Militia Muster
“Once a Year They March” on Sept. 29
Fort Frederick State Park invites visitors to experience life for a citizen-soldier in the Maryland militia during the French and Indian War. The event takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29, beginning with a flag raising ceremony over the historic fort built in 1756.
The militia was an essential part of colonial society. Mustering days, though martial in practice, were a day where entire communities could come together for a day of military drill, sport and eating and drinking – and now modern-day Marylanders can experience it for themselves. Read more…
Tree-Mendous Maryland Orders Being Accepted
Free Pickup Available at Several Sites in October
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state by offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on public lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program.
Church, civic, community and school groups, homeowners associations, local governments, nonprofits, and others are eligible to purchase shrubs and trees for planting on community and public lands. Order today! Read more…
Bewitching Butterflies and Moths with Fall and Winter Habitat
Common buckeye by Judy Gallagher Flickr CC by 2.0
As the weather begins to cool, many species begin to prepare for fall and winter. What happens to butterflies, and how can we help them with our gardens? Read more…
Common Questions for Fall Backyards
Hummingbirds by Kerry Wixted
Five often-asked questions answered here! Read more…
Paw-Paw (Asimina triloba)
Paw-paw flower by Judy Gallagher, Flickr CC by 2.0
What in the world is a paw-paw? Paw-paws (Asimina triloba) are America’s forgotten fruit. These trees with mango-like fruits can be found throughout moist woods and along streams in Maryland. There are even a few local farms that grow paw-paws! Read more…
Potter Wasp (Eumenes fraternus)
Potter wasp by Dan Mullen, Flickr CC by NC ND 2.0
Oftentimes, the word wasp incites fear and anxiety. However, many of Maryland’s 1,200+ wasp species are relatively small and docile in nature. One neat group is potter wasps; they serve as both pollinators and predators in the garden. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Sept. 22-23, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the first weekend of fall, Sept. 22 and 23, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Soon the landscape will explode with vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow. Kids will be jumping into leaf piles you just raked and we’ll all “fall” back, setting clocks back an hour and grabbing that extra bit of sleep.
Having sweated our way through a typically hot and humid Maryland summer – exceptionally wet as well – you might be looking forward to the autumnal equinox (also called the September equinox) happening Saturday at exactly 9:54 p.m. This is also the best time to view Mars as the planet will be at its brightest. Join the Westminster Astronomy Club at Cunningham Falls State Park Saturday night to see the stars!
Sign up to receive weekly reports showcasing the Old Line State’s vibrant fall foliage and the best autumn festivals at dnr.maryland.gov.
Maryland Forest Service Seeks Black Walnuts
Collection Sites in Frederick and Washington Counties Open Until Oct. 26
Every year, about 6 million tree seedlings are grown at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, located near Preston in Caroline County.
About 47 different conifer, hardwood and shrub species, most native to Maryland, are grown each year, many of which are planted along creeks, rivers and streams as part of state’s tree planting program aimed at enhancing habitat and water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: September 19
La’Tanya Demory recently had a favorable day of fishing at Perry Point on the lower Susquehanna River. Photo courtesy of La’Tanya Demory
For those who work hard, a day off is a precious opportunity to spend time the way we want. Few activities afford us the peace to be had dangling a line in the water and being with our thoughts. Sometimes fate smiles on us and we actually have one of those days where everything works in our favor.
Some upcoming events offer some opportunities for anglers of all ages.
National Hunting and Fishing Day will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Washington County Izaak Walton League in Clear Spring. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff will be there to run a casting clinic and answer questions about fishing around the state, along with shooting sports demos and hunter safety clinics.
The Second Annual Rod and Reef Slam Tournament will be held Sept. 22 at various artificial and restored oyster reef sites along the Eastern Shore. This is a catch, release and photo tournament.
Note to anglers: The Talbot County section of Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park will be closed to the public until further notice while the staff installs new lighting fixtures. The trails and parking lot will remain open.
State Announces Blue Catfish Purchasing Initiative
Program to Provide Quality Nutrition, Reduce Impact on Chesapeake Bay
The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS)—in partnership with the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources—has awarded contracts to Jessup-based Reliant Fish Co. and Congressional Seafood Co. for a program that will create sales of Maryland-harvested blue catfish to state institutions providing food services. The program also helps the state reduce the blue catfish’s negative impact on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay ecosystems by creating a reliable market for the non-native species. Read more…
Maryland Hunter Safety Education Course Offered
Sessions Held in Garrett County
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a Hunter Safety Education Course Oct. 2, 4 and 6, 2018 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland.
The course will go from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 and 4, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6. Participants must attend all three sessions to successfully complete the course.
Space is limited to 30 students. Registration required. Read more…
2018 Photo Contest Winners Selected from 4,300 Entries
Baltimore County Photographer Kevin Moore Earns Grand Prize
2018 Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner, “Little Blue Heron Ready to Pounce” by Kevin Moore
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2018 Natural Resources Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to Kevin Moore of Perry Hall for his colorful autumn photo of a little blue heron.
This year’s grand prize package includes $500, a 2019 Maryland State Park and Trail Passport, a five-year subscription to Maryland Natural Resource magazine and five copies of the 2019 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover. Read more…
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