Natural Resources News
Early June 2018 Hypoxia Report
Maryland Research Vessel Kehrin
Maryland and Virginia scientists have begun regularly collecting oxygen data as they monitor the health of Chesapeake Bay waters, and track the states’ progress toward restoring the treasured Chesapeake.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will track bay oxygen levels throughout the summer during twice-monthly monitoring cruises.
Officials Mark Completion of Jetties on Historic Smith Island
Interagency Partners Celebrate Navigation Improvement Project at Rhodes Point
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, in coordination with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Somerset County; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Smith Island United, and other partners, marked the completion of two major milestones as part of the Army Corps navigation improvement project at Rhodes Point during a ceremony at the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield June 21.
Maryland Fishing Report: June 20
Ava Krasauskis enjoying a day fishing with her father. Photo by Karl Krasauskis
Fishing offers many things to many people, and they all have their own reasons why it’s so special.
For some it’s an adventurous location or pursuit of a certain fish, usually preceded by a lot of study and anticipation before the big trip. For others it may be the unwinding process from a stressful day.
One thing many anglers get particular joy out of is sharing the experience with others – often the sign of a true sportsman is when they involve first-time anglers or children.
That’s why in these fishing reports we like to show our fishing community holding large, admirable fish, to inspire us all and to highlight the bounty we have available to us here in Maryland. Read more…
Assateague State Park Shoreline Project Begins
Innovative Project Seeks to Build Resilience to Severe Weather with Natural Structures
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has begun a coastal resiliency project at Assateague State Park aimed at reducing shoreline erosion. The park improvement project will occur on a tidal marsh area located on the west side of the Verrazano Bridge, adjacent to the park’s boat ramp and fishing pier.
The project seeks to construct a series of 10 headland structures to dissipate wave energy created during large coastal storm events. The nature-based structures will consist of boulders, cobble and clean sand, which will then be planted with native wetland vegetation. Read more…
Baltimore City Awarded $380,000 for Stormwater Projects
Funding for Bioretention Areas, Pervious Surface and Tree Plantings
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that grants $380,000 in general obligation bond proceeds to Baltimore City for the installation of stormwater management facilities.
“Working with local communities and partners, the department identifies and prioritizes projects aimed at accelerating Chesapeake Bay restoration in the most cost-effective and efficient manner, enhancing water quality while reducing overall costs,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “We are leveraging existing state funds for the completion of these two Baltimore City projects, which were selected due to their strong local support and impact on the bay.”
The two projects are:
Calvert County Water Trail Guide Now Available
Partners Promote Public Water Access in Southern Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Calvert County Parks and Recreation have produced a new water trails map and guide for county waterways and public water access sites.
“The development of these paddling routes expands the statewide network of water trails to almost 800 miles, and adds to the number and variety of water trail guides for Southern Maryland,” Maryland Natural Resources Program Director Lisa Gutierrez said. “The new map will assist boaters, canoers, kayakers and paddlers in Calvert County and beyond.” Read more…
Climate Resilience Grants Awarded to 14 Maryland Communities
$700,000 Provided to Address Climate Change, Flooding, Sea Level Rise
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced $700,000 in Climate Resilience Grants to help communities prepare for and recover from climate-related impacts. The competitive grants are designed to help strengthen a community’s ability to assess risk through planning and construct solutions to boost their capacity to withstand flooding and other weather-related events.
“We have already witnessed the devastating effects that severe rain and storms can cause in our communities,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “This program aims to help our local partners become better prepared and more resilient so they are able to recover from and respond to climate-related challenges, risks and threats, be it flooding or sea level rise.”
Maryland communities awarded grant funding this year include:
Army Corps, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Release Draft Chesapeake Bay Comprehensive Plan for Input
2,592 candidate projects identified in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay Sunrise by Yvonne Navalaney
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore and Norfolk districts, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), released June 14 the draft Chesapeake Bay Comprehensive Water Resources and Restoration Plan and Restoration Roadmap that identifies 2,592 candidate aquatic ecosystem restoration, enhancement and conservation projects for implementation in Maryland.
Candidate projects may include wetland or stream restoration, beneficial use of dredged material, fish passage, living shorelines, shoreline protection, emergency streambank protection, riparian buffers, acid mine drainage abatement, and ecosystem resilience. Opportunities may exist on public, private or government property. Opportunities for Corps technical assistance may include analyses, modeling, data collection or mapping related to coastal, riverine, stormwater flooding or other water-related issues.
Comments and input on additional candidate projects will be accepted until July 16, 2018. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Officers Cite Two Impaired Boaters
A Delaware man was charged this week with multiple offenses stemming from an incident at a Chestertown marina and restaurant.
Joshua Lorenz Richardson, 30, of Newark, received citations for operating a vessel while impaired, negligent operation and failing to obtain an annual certificate of number after Maryland Natural Resources Police officers stopped him near Fairlee Creek after a confrontation with the staff of the Great Oak Marina and Restaurant.
Richardson and two companions became belligerent when they were denied drinks at the bar and were escorted out by security guards. They boarded a 21-foot sailboat and headed out of the creek.
Firefighters Complete Wildfire Training Program
Department Co-Sponsors Annual Skills Program
Nearly three dozen Maryland Forest Service firefighters have received certification through the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Wildfire Training Academy, held recently in Garrett County.
More than 180 students participated in the academy, which was hosted at Garrett College by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources along with Mid-Atlantic Forest Fire Compact and the U.S. Forest Service.
Seven states make up the Mid-Atlantic Forest Fire Compact: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.
Coastal Residents and Visitors Urged to Report Stranded Marine Life
Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles Protected by Law
Maryland’s tidal waters are visited by a variety of aquatic wildlife. Unfortunately, some of these animals find themselves stranded along the state’s shoreline, particularly between May and October.
Since 1990, Maryland’s Stranding Response Program has documented strandings of 25 species of marine mammals and four species of sea turtles. On average, 40 to 70 protected marine animals are found each year in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as well as the Atlantic coast.
Anyone who comes along a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle should call the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 800-628-9944.The Maryland Department of Natural Resources works in collaboration with the National Park Service and other federal, state and local agencies to respond to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
Maryland Fishing Report: June 13
Photo by David Jackson
Many of us who have spent a lifetime fishing remember the first fish we ever caught. For some, that memory might include a tough and pugnacious little rascal called the bluegill sunfish. It has a habit of attacking most any bait with total abandon and have the fighting strength of a bull – making it a perfect target for our youngest fishermen. A simple bobber-and-worm rig cast into a local pond is just the right recipe for impatient youth.
Maryland state fish hatcheries do a little genetic engineering to create a hybrid bluegill by crossing it with a green sunfish, sort of the Jack Russel terrier of the sunfish world –making an even feistier adversary for the bobber-and-worm crowd. Our department has a program that stocks these hybrid bluegill sunfish in ponds for youth fishing events.
If you want to enjoy a fun day with young aspiring anglers, check out our fishing rodeo schedule.
Angler Catches Record Warmouth in Charles County
Dezi Collins Hauls in 10.72-ounce Fish
A 24-year-old St. Mary’s County man is now the official state record holder for the warmouth in Maryland’s nontidal waters. Avid angler Dezi Collins of Mechanicsville reeled in his record 10.72 ounce catch June 11 at Gilbert Run Lake in Charles County.
Collins, along with a few friends, were fishing for black bass when something unusual hit his 5-inch Senko plastic worm. “This thing really had some weight,” he said.
Biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources verified the species and its weight was certified by Thompson’s Seafood. The catch beats the previous 9.76-ounce record held since 2009 by Don Perantoni.
Cecil County Angler Sets New Mark for White Catfish
Brian Dvorak reels in 9.61-pound fish
A North East man broke the Chesapeake Division state record for white catfish in the early morning hours of June 3. Brian Dvorak, an avid night angler, caught the fish off Turkey Point near the mouth of the Elk River.
“Night fishing is what I do,” Dvorak said. On that evening he brought in a few channel catfish and an American eel, but his last catch of the morning was “something different.”
A Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist confirmed the species and the fish was weighed on a certified scale at local grocer. Coming in at 9.61 pounds, Dvorak’s catch beat the previous record of 8.27 pounds, set in 2017, by 1.34 pounds. Read more…
Hunting and Trapping Seasons Proposed
Public Comments Accepted Until July 9
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on proposed hunting and trapping seasons for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.
The proposed regulations were published in the Maryland Register June 8, and would establish hunting season dates and bag limits for deer, bear, wild turkey, and small game species such as squirrels and rabbits. The prospective rules also outline hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for furbearers such as beaver, muskrat, fox and raccoon.
Shooter Qualification Schedule Released
Hunters Need Proficiency Test for Managed Deer Hunts
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released its 2018-2019 shooter qualification schedule. More than 20 qualification sessions will be held at 17 locations across the state, with more dates expected to be added later.
These events allow hunters to take the proficiency test required to obtain a shooter qualification card. Passing the test is necessary to participate in many of the managed deer hunts scheduled throughout the fall and winter. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: June 6
Photo courtesy of Andy Fox
Note: If you’re looking for the June 13 report, please click here.
The northern snakehead has gotten a lot of press attention and has been called “Frankenfish.” It inspired a movie called “Snakehead Terror” about 8-foot long fish terrorizing a lakeside community, which helped create a common belief that snakeheads can walk on land.
In reality, snakeheads are an invasive species that is spreading quickly through the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They eat anything that moves within their watery environment and they grow large. One saving grace is they make excellent eating and are often what’s for dinner for many fishermen.
The use of any legal recreational gear is considered eligible for a Maryland state record in the invasive division of state records. A Virginia angler currently holds the world record for a hook-and-line snakehead at 17 pounds, 12 ounces. Maryland anglers have taken several larger than that with bow and arrow, including our new state record of 19.9 pounds set on May 24 by Andy Fox in Charles County.
Now we need someone to top these records with hook and line and bring Maryland the bragging rights for the world record – so here’s a tip: Northern snakeheads are aggressive predators and nothing seems to drive them crazier than a buzzbait over or near grass beds.
Maryland Conservation Corps Now Recruiting Young Adults
Award-Winning Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills Training
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental and natural resources management projects across the state.
The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will work on five to seven teams for an 11-month period, beginning in September 2018.
In an average year, Maryland Conservation Corps members will:
- Conduct interpretive state park programming
- Help preserve rich historical heritage sites
- Improve park nature centers
- Maintain hundreds of miles of trails
- Plant thousands of trees
- Provide environmental education programming for Maryland students
- Restore wildlife habitat
- Support the improvement of the Chesapeake and coastal bays
- Work with schools to plant bay grasses
Hispanic Outreach Program Kicks Off at Sandy Point State Park
“Es Mi Parque” Focuses on Conservation, Regulation and Safety
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is endeavoring to keep the conversation going with the growing Hispanic population at state parks with the start of this season’s “Es Mi Parque” or “This is My Park” program.
Sandy Point State Park is hosting the first of a series of events this year June 9, beginning at 9 a.m. Family friendly activities will include aquatic wildlife pastimes, watershed protection games, interactions with “Splash, the Water Safety Dog,” Scales and Tales live animal presentations and programs, Junior Rangers photo booth with props, and hands-on fishing lessons.
Severn River to Receive Boatloads of Water-Filtering Oysters this July
Oyster Recovery Partnership and Severn River Association Seek Community’s Support to Boost Planting to 50 Million Oysters
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Robert Lee of the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Photo by: J. Henson
- The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) and the Severn River Association (SRA) are seeking the community’s support to plant a total of 50 million water-filtering oysters in the Severn River this summer. The fundraising campaign, Operation Build a Reef, presents a unique opportunity for the public to purchase bushels of juvenile oysters to further boost already-scheduled oyster reef restoration efforts taking place this July.
“Operation Build a Reef serves as an exciting opportunity for residents to make a real, tangible difference in the health of their local waterway,” said ORP Executive Director Stephan Abel. “With the help of Severn River friends and supporters, we can take advantage of the resources already being devoted this large scale oyster reef project and maximize the amount of oysters the river will receive.”
Earlier this year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources contracted ORP to produce and plant 40 million oysters onto a carefully selected oyster reef in the Severn River, a 13-acre protected sanctuary between the Naval Academy and Severn River bridges.
Maryland Land Conservation Conference Focused on Future
Annual Event Unites Multitude of Stewardship Partners
The Maryland Environmental Trust recently welcomed more than 140 people from 83 organizations – land trusts, conservancies, governmental organizations, heritage organizations, members of the agricultural community and other partners – to its 2018 Maryland Land Conservation Conference.
The event, held May 17 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, explored land conservation and stewardship, using science and technology to further conservation goals, attracting the next generation of conservation and community stewards, and enhancing organizational development and sustainability.
Secretary’s Message: June 2018
Resilience Favors the Prepared State
June marks the beginning of hurricane season, but unfortunately we have already seen the devastating effects that torrential rain and storms can cause in our communities, most recently in Baltimore City, Catonsville, Ellicott City and Washington County. My thoughts and prayers are with all the communities and citizens affected by the recent flooding there.
Maryland is a state built around our waterways and we are uniquely susceptible to flooding and storm surge, especially in those communities at or near our 3,100 miles of coastline. For that reason, adaptation and resilience against climate-related weather threats is an ongoing priority for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and our many partners.
Governor Larry Hogan Congratulates Students at Green Schools Youth Summit
Cheers On Students’ Efforts to Become Stewards of Maryland’s Environment
Governor Larry Hogan today attended the 9th Annual Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit, held at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, where he greeted more than 2,750 students and educators from across the state.
The governor congratulated the students and schools on achieving the Maryland Green Schools Award from Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, and presented a Governor’s Citation to the organization’s Executive Director, Laura Johnson Collard.
“To the students here today – your understanding of conservation, and your role in creating a green and healthy environment will be important for any job or career you choose to pursue,” said Governor Hogan. “To all of the teachers and schools represented here today – thank you for ensuring that Maryland students have opportunities to participate in these important and educational stewardship projects.” Read more…
Grant Money Available for Maryland Volunteer Fire Departments
Funds Provide Financial and Technical Assistance to Enhance Capabilities
In Maryland, about 5,000 wildfires are reported each year, and more than 300 volunteer fire departments across the state respond to these blazes, which, on average, burn less than 10 acres.
To assist local fire departments, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is once again offering critical grant funding through its Volunteer Fire Assistance Program to help fortify and strengthen wildland firefighting capabilities statewide. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: May 30
Photo by Letha Grimes
Memorial Day weekend is now behind us – an important pause to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives for the freedoms and rights that we all enjoy. It also means the “summer” season has begun.
The fishing rodeo season is in full swing. For those not initiated, these are free youth fishing events held around the state by civic organizations and partners for the enjoyment of children and families. The sites are usually well stocked with fish and it is great fun with a little bit of a competitive edge tossed in for the kids, with prizes and trophies.
Gather up your kids – or perhaps a group of neighborhood kids – and head out to one of these fun events near you.
Mechanicsville Man Catches Record Snakehead in Charles County
Invasive Fish Tipped Scales at 19.9 Pounds
Andy Fox with his record-breaking northern snakehead
It was a long, memorable Memorial Day weekend for 41-year-old Andrew “Andy” Fox of Mechanicsville. Fox, along with two of his closest friends headed to Indian Head, Mattawoman Creek, in Charles County for a little overnight bowfishing for northern snakehead.
The trio was out on the water for a few hours the night of May 24, waiting for low tide, but despite the favorable tides, recent rains made visibility nearly impossible. Read more…
Deep Creek Lake Water Quality Monitoring Data Now Online
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released a new online resource to help residents and visitors of Deep Creek Lake stay up to date on water quality data and information.
Eyes on Deep Creek Lake is a new interactive feature on the department’s Eyes on the Bay page, and places the Garrett County lake’s comprehensive water quality data readily available to the public.
Spring Turkey Hunters Harvest 3,861 Gobblers
Five Counties Report Record Harvests
Photo by Erik Yetter
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters reported harvesting 3,861 wild turkeys during the 2018 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons. This year’s harvest was 8 percent lower than the record 2017 harvest, but well above the 10-year average of 3,406.
“Turkey populations continue to grow in a few areas of the state, but several years of below-average reproduction has reduced numbers in most regions,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. Read more…
Work2Live WELL Job Skills Program Graduates First Class
18 Participants Complete Program for Green Careers
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, this week presented certificates to graduates of a new workforce development, skills and training program, Work2Live WELL.
Participants engaged in eight weeks of professional and personal development designed to provide access to the emerging ‘green’ careers fields in the environment and natural resources. Read more…
Point Lookout State Park Looks Back on the War Between the States at Annual Blue and Gray Days
Living History Program Featured June 9 and 10
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomes the public to Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County as they look back on the War Between the States and the historic sites within the park that were impacted in the conflicted that divided North and South.
The annual Blue and Gray Days living history program will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10.
During the annual Blue and Gray Days, living historians will show what life was like during this time period in the fort and the prisoner of war camp as well as perform infantry drills and musket demonstrations. Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts Pollinator Planting June 2
Help Sought in Effort to Bring Monarch Butterflies
The public is invited to help Fort Frederick State Park and the Monarch Alliance place 500 plants in the park’s new pollinator habitat June 2. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m, with planting beginning at 9 a.m.
“The 500 native plants provided by the alliance will allow the park to create a way station for a wide variety of pollinators,” said Maryland Park Ranger Jeremiah Corbin.
The five-acre pollinator habitat is located at the park’s visitors center.
Junior Hunter Field Day Set in Multiple Locations June 2
Budding Outdoor Enthusiasts Can Get Expert Guidance
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young Marylanders with an interest in fishing, hunting, shooting sports or wildlife management to Junior Hunter Field Day events June 2 in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Queen Anne’s counties. The free events are designed for those aged 8 to 16.
Certified hunter safety instructors along with wildlife experts and professionals will provide instruction in a safe, mentored setting with all equipment being provided. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: May 23
Photo by Letha Grimes
Many of us found ourselves fishing in the rain last week. I was with a friend on the lower Choptank River last week enjoying some striped bass topwater action — the fishing was fun and the overcast weather showed us one of nature’s many moods to be enjoyed.
Often less-than-perfect weather gives us a unique perspective on the world around us. As we all know, the fish do not care if it’s raining and low light conditions can be beneficial.
Heading into Memorial Day weekend it looks like we’ll have a little respite from the rain. Whether you will be heading to the mountains of Maryland, to the coastal areas, or staying closer to home, be sure to spend close-up time with those dear to you. There is no better way to do that than fishing together.
Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards $12.5 Million
Projects Funded Statewide for Better Boating Access, Navigation and Safety
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $12.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities and navigation throughout the state.
This critical Fiscal Year 2019 funding will go toward 57 projects in 18 counties, from Garrett to Wicomico counties as well as Baltimore City.
Wild Turtles Should Never Be Taken as Pets
Lovable Maryland Reptiles Belong in their Natural Habitat
It’s that time of year when turtles may be seen more frequently. Irresistible as turtles may be, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges people to resist the temptation and to leave these reptiles in the wild.
Helpful Marylanders do sometimes move turtles off roads to protect them from traffic. This should only be done with extreme caution, and the turtle should only be removed far enough to be out of danger. That should be the extent of human interference.
There are no good outcomes to removing a turtle from the wild. Baby turtles are cute but they become big, can live for decades, and may outgrow their aquariums or other artificial habitats. Captive turtles often do not survive being released into the wild and released pet turtles may introduce diseases into wild populations, especially if they were kept in a home with other animals. Read more…
Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Summer Discovery Weekend
Special Events Include Children’s Fishing, Geology Program and Night Hike
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomes the public to enjoy Memorial Day weekend at Fort Frederick State Park May 26-28 during their Summer Discovery Weekend program. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Saturday night will feature a unique nocturnal hike starting at 8 p.m.
Please ask for the day’s schedule when arriving at the park. Activities are located within the fort, at the nature center and along the trails. Food, gifts, and souvenir items will be available for sale at Captain Wort’s Sutler Shop.
Maryland Announces First State-Led Climate Leadership Academy
Effort to Support Communities in Sustainability Planning
Maryland is launching the nation’s first state-sponsored Climate Leadership Academy to help local governments, critical infrastructure organizations and state agencies effectively plan, prepare and implement climate change initiatives.
At a launch event on the first day of Maryland’s inaugural State of the Coast conference, senior state and local officials and decision-makers developed a vision for the academy, which will be an important resource to help public and private sector incorporate the impacts of climate change into their decision-making and planning. Read more…
26 Maryland Parks and Playgrounds Receive $2.5 Million in Funding
Now Accepting Grant Applications for Next Year
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the awarding of 26 Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grants – totaling $2.5 million – to local municipalities across Maryland.
From new playground equipment in Bowie and softball field lights in Delmar to tennis court repairs in Friendsville and new basketball courts in Vienna, the program provides essential state funding for the creation, enhancement and renovation of local recreational amenities and facilities in Maryland’s incorporated cities and towns.
“Through this dedicated funding stream, Maryland’s communities and towns can build, maintain and upgrade local playgrounds and parks, improving the quality of life of children and families,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “The program enhances accessibility and outdoor recreation while encouraging youth to play outdoors.”
Swim Healthy—Stay Healthy
Maryland’s Departments of Health, the Environment, and Natural Resources Raise Awareness for National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week
Ocean City Beach by Joseph H. Soares Jr
National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week runs May 21-27, the week leading up to Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer. The Secretaries of Maryland’s Departments of Health, the Environment, and Natural Resources encourage all Marylanders to take note of swimming safety tips to ensure a safe and healthy swimming experience—no matter where they swim. Read more…
New Tool Provides Conservation Report Card for Every Land Parcel
Rates Conservation Benefits and Values Across Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources launched an innovative new tool to evaluate the conservation benefits and ecosystem “value” of every parcel of land across the state.
The Parcel Evaluation Tool was designed to identify and prioritize the conservation and protection of ecologically important, sensitive, and valuable land and watershed resources in Maryland for use by the department, land conservation organizations and trusts, local and state planners, and individual property owners. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: May 16
Rodney Butler got to spend a fine day with his brother Derrick while fishing at Piney Run Park. Photo by Derrick Butler
Most anglers know we had been going through a bit of a dry spell for several weeks, but, oh boy, did that come to an end. The heavy rains and stormy conditions moving through the state the past few days are expected to last through the weekend.
But the sun will shine again and it will be time to share the outdoors with family and friends. Fishing offers family time – catching up or reminiscing about growing up together – like no other activity.
There are some free fishing days coming up June 2, 9 and July 4. If you can think of someone you might like to introduce to fishing, this is a great opportunity for someone to try the sport without buying a license.
Board of Public Works Approves Fair Hill Funding
Design Work to Begin as Facility Prepares to Host International Equestrian Competition
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will authorize $1 million for design improvement services at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in anticipation of the Cecil County site hosting a newly-designated, international equestrian event.
The venue is slated to become only one of seven sites to host a premier 4-star or 5-star three-day eventing competition.
“The state is committed to bringing this world-renowned equestrian eventing competition to Cecil County and Fair Hill,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. Read more…
Horseshoe Crab Migration Begins on Maryland Beaches
People Can Help Protect Species on Ancient Spawning Run
In the coming weeks, visitors to Maryland’s coastal bays and beaches can experience one of the world’s oldest migrations – horseshoe crabs emerging to spawn, as they’ve done here for the last 350 million years.
Massive numbers of these “living fossils” will come out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean in May and June to lay their eggs on shore. The greatest number of horseshoe crabs can be found on Maryland beaches during the full moon, May 29 and June 28, and new moon, June 13 and July 12. Read more…
New Striped Bass Regulations Effective May 16
Enhanced Conservation Rules on Use of Bait and Hooks; Minimum Size Reduced to 19 Inches
Fishing at Thomas Point Lighthouse; photo by Kim Cover
The opening of regular striped bass season May 16 coincides with new conservation-minded regulations pertaining to the use of bait, gear and hooks.
The Maryland General Assembly Joint Committee Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee recently approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, which will be effective through Oct. 12, 2018.
Beginning May 16, 2018, in Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries:
- Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming;
- Anglers must use circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait, or when using processed baits; and
- The minimum size for striped bass is 19 inches.
‘VenomMan20’ Guilty of Possessing Illegal, Venomous Snakes
Police Handle Oyster and Striped Bass Violations
A Washington County man known on social media as “VenomMan20” was found guilty Tuesday on two counts of illegal possession of venomous snakes.
Brandon Joseph Boyles, 29, of Cascade, was prohibited from owning “dangerous animals” in Maryland and was required to perform 20 hours of community service by District Judge Marc G. Rasinsky. Boyles also received one year of unsupervised probation.
Billing himself as “VenomMan20” on YouTube, Boyles had six Western diamondback rattlesnakes, one seven-foot-long forest cobra, one Cape Coral cobra and two boomslang snakes when Maryland Natural Resources Police officers searched his apartment Feb. 22. Read more…
Maryland Offers License-Free Fishing Days in June and July
Statewide Opportunity to Give Angling a Try
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites new or experienced anglers to enjoy Maryland’s License Free Fishing Days June 2, 9 and July 4.
This is a unique opportunity for Marylanders to test their fishing skills without the need to obtain a fishing license, trout stamp or registration.
Maryland Fishing Report: May 9
Nick Long had some topwater catch and release fun while fishing with his mom and dad on the Chesapeake Bay this past weekend. Photo by Travis Long
Those who fish know that the waters they love have many moods, and perhaps one of our favorites is when they are quiet and calm.
This past weekend with overcast skies and little wind was one of those times that the waters we fish seem to talk to us – from the bubbling mountain streams, to the calmer waters of ponds, lakes and Chesapeake Bay.
Fort Frederick Rallies Troops To Garrison the Fort
Historic Reenactments May 12-13
Living historians will occupy and re-enact daily life at the centuries-old fort on the grounds of Fort Frederick State Park May 12-13 and the public is invited to attend.
Activities will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13.
Volunteer re-enactors will demonstrate how the military encampment was established and operated, also known as garrisoning, when Fort Frederick was an important military stronghold during the French and Indian War. Events will include musket firing presentations, hearth cooking, artillery demonstrations and military drills. Read more…
Survey Shows Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Population Healthy
Despite a Cold Winter, More Young Crabs are in the Bay
Photo by Katie Macdonald
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the results of the 2018 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which shows that the population of blue crabs remains healthy and sustainable.
While this year’s cold weather and ice cover took a toll on the adult crab population, causing an estimated 35 percent mortality of adult females wintering in state waters, the number of young crabs that returned to Chesapeake Bay this year increased 34 percent. Blue crabs spend the first part of their lives in the Atlantic Ocean before returning to the bay to grow and mature.
“Despite the cold, hard winter, which extended well into the spring, the blue crab population remains healthy, resilient and sustainable,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “Even with the erratic weather, which included snow in April, the blue crab population remains well within parameters, showing that the state and our partners are managing the species well.” Read more…
Conservation Corps Plants Native Trees in Prince George’s County
Nearly 700 Trees Planted at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
The Maryland Park Service recently completed an important environmental restoration project, planting hundreds of native trees at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Prince George’s County. It is the only wildlife sanctuary managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Last week, members of the Maryland Conservation Corps and Veterans Conservation Corps planted 691 trees in an old agricultural field along the 2-mile section of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour located in the sanctuary.
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