Natural Resources News
Input Sought for Idylwild Wildlife Management Area Plan
Public Comments Accepted Through Dec. 6
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 15-year vision plan for Idylwild Wildlife Management Area, a 3,578-acre property in Caroline County.
The vision plan was developed to establish long-term goals, and maintain and manage public access for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection. It includes conserving, protecting and restoring sensitive wildlife habitats as well as creating and enhancing valuable habitat for game species.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: November 18-19
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 18-19, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
Well the Maryland leaf peeper season is coming to a close. While there are some spots of red and yellow in St. Mary’s County and some oaks peaking in parts of central and southern Maryland, the consensus seems to be the leaves are falling very quickly.
Natural Resources Police Cite Five for Illegal Hunting
Officers on saturation patrol for illegal deer hunters in southern Caroline County charged a Delaware man Saturday night with spotlighting a field.
An observer aboard Natural 1, the Maryland Natural Resources Police helicopter, saw a vehicle slowly approach the intersection of Gregg and Ellwanger roads near the Maryland and Delaware state line. The vehicle then illuminated an adjacent field. Read more…
Nineteen New Rangers Join the Ranks of the Maryland Park Service
Diverse Group Graduated from Ranger School Nov. 10
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to welcome a new group of Maryland Park Service rangers. The 19 graduated Nov. 10 from Maryland Park Service Ranger School, which took place at New Germany State Park in Garrett County.
Managed Goose and Waterfowl Hunts Set for Garrett County
Reservations Taken for Nov. 20-22
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Photo by Robert Paine
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is continuing the Canada goose hunt on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunt at Broadford Lake.
Canada goose and waterfowl hunting is by permit and reservation only during select days of the season (Nov. 20-22). Interested hunters can apply for a permit online. Read more…
Staff Spotlight: Tom Brower
Living shoreline at Conquest Preserve in Queen Anne’s County
Tom Brower is a project manager for the Shoreline Conservation Service, within the Chesapeake and Coastal Service, Center for Habitat Restoration and Conservation. Read more…
Gift of Trees Offers a Lifetime of Appreciation
Orders Placed by Dec. 15 Receive Certificate in Time for the Holidays
Photo by Stephen April
For a gift that will give back for years to come, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers the Gift of Trees, a program that allows individual and organizations to purchase native trees for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration or observation.
Trees provide ecological, economic and quality of life benefits, including enhancing air and water quality, reducing energy costs, increasing property values, beautifying communities, neighborhoods and highways, while also providing essential habitat for birds and wildlife.
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Military Veterans to Receive Free Admission to Maryland State Parks
Complimentary Benefit Extends to Residents and Nonresidents
Proud to be an Osprey by Emily Carter Mitchell
In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced today that all military veterans, including residents and nonresidents, will be granted free admission and entrance to the network of 72 state parks managed by the Maryland Park Service.
The governor’s announcement directly impacts over 414,000 veterans living in Maryland with the highest concentrations residing in Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Montgomery counties, and Baltimore City, and the region’s more than 1.4 million veterans. Read more…
Pocomoke River Restoration Completes First Stage
Effort Among Largest Such Projects in Maryland History
The Nature Conservancy and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have announced the completion of the first stage of a major new project to restore floodplain connectivity to a nine-mile stretch of the Pocomoke River that had been dredged and channelized in the mid-20th century. By doing so, more than 125,000 pounds of nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment carried downstream by the Pocomoke River every year during rain events will settle in the surrounding wetlands, rather than flowing directly into the Chesapeake Bay where they impair water quality. The project is one of the largest ecological restoration projects in Maryland’s history.
Weekly Fishing Report: November 8
The fall colors are in full swing throughout much of Maryland this week, offering some added delight to fishing experiences; the leaves won’t last much longer so don’t miss out.
Meanwhile, many of the best fishing opportunities are occurring this month, as fish feel the need to feed and prepare for the winter.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: November 11-12
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 11-12, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
In western Maryland it appears that everything is happening at once, as eastern Allegany, Washington and Frederick counties are all reporting peak conditions, although muted. Weather has been a factor, especially around South Mountain. Washington County from Clear Spring west is just past peak.
How long the leaves will last is anyone’s guess…
22,000 Deer Harvested during Early Season
Turkey Hunters Take 105 Birds
Photo by Duane Tucker
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested more deer during the early hunting season compared with last year.
Maryland hunters wrapped up the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons by harvesting an estimated 22,199 deer in September and October, an 11 percent increase from last year’s official harvest of 19,923.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Cite Four Men for Poaching
Officers Also Assist in Finding Lost Hunters in Worcester County
Four Prince George’s County men were charged with deer poaching Saturday evening and their firearms, compound bow and tree stand were seized.
Acting on a citizen complaint, Maryland Natural Resources Police and Prince George’s County officers went to a construction site near Ritchie Marlboro Road, where four vehicles were parked. At about 7:15 p.m., the suspects left the woods and attempted to drive away, when they were stopped by police. Read more…
Junior Deer Hunting Days Set for November
Young Hunters Can Learn Sporting Skills and Traditions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to the time-honored cultural and sporting tradition this month during two Junior Deer Hunting Days.
The hunt will be held Nov. 11 on private and public land in all counties, and Nov. 12 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s. In Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, the hunt is also open on designated public lands Nov. 12.
Weekly Fishing Report: November 1
Photo by Travis Long
The fall months offer some exciting fishing opportunities for anglers across Maryland, from the trout management waters of Garrett County to the shores of Ocean City.
Daylight is getting sparser and this weekend the clocks fall back an hour, making it a little harder to get some fishing time after work and school. We’re all looking to stretch out fishing time as much as we can, always thinking: “Just one more cast.”
Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area Expands
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 191 acres in Kent County as an addition to Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area, which is adjacent to the property.
The site features rolling farmland and mature forests as well as 1 mile of accessible shoreline along the Sassafras River and Lloyd Creek.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: November 4-5
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 4 – 5, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
In November we’re starting to think of oyster dressing, pumpkin pie and turkey dinners, despite the fairly mild temperatures and presence of still-green leaves on many Maryland trees. While the leaves are past peak and have even started to drop in western Maryland, the brilliant orange, scarlet and yellow foliage is coming on strong in central Maryland and the mid-Eastern Shore. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: November 2017
Secretary Mark Belton tours Rocks State Park.
I regularly encourage everyone to get outside to enjoy Maryland’s great outdoors, especially our state parks and their 900 miles of trails, as well as unique water access and camping facilities found throughout the state.
As part of that encouragement, we’re always looking to be innovative in our ways of providing outdoor recreation opportunities, both in the investments we make in our natural resources, and the products and services we offer to access them. Read more…
American Indian Heritage Month at Fort Frederick
Park Programming Nov. 4 and 5
Ever wondered who the Indians were that fought in the French and Indian War? You can find out yourself at Historic Fort Frederick State Park Nov. 4 and 5, 2017.
Discover the tale of the Cherokee Indians who worked with Maryland forces to defeat the French and their allies, the Shawnee and Delaware.
“This special program examines the story of the Cherokee during their time at Fort Frederick,” Park Ranger Bob Study said. “The war was much more complex than most people realize; it was not only a struggle for North America but a clash of diverse cultures, which ultimately shaped the country and continent.” Read more…
Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Set for Fall and Winter
Two Dates Offer Introduction to Maryland Tradition
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young hunters to hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt days: Nov. 4, 2017, and Feb. 10, 2018.
Anyone 16 years of age or younger can hunt coots, ducks, geese and mergansers on private and public lands these two days, when aided by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old.
Invasion! The War of 1812 is Living History at Point Lookout
Historic Reenactments of Wartime Actions Oct. 28-29
For Americans keeping watch for the approaching British during the War of 1812, the aptly named Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County served as an ideal location.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources this weekend offers visitors to Point Lookout State Park a chance to witness living history of the surveillance, the skirmish and other exciting events during “Invasion! The War of 1812.”
Black Bear Hunt Concludes in Western Maryland
Results Indicate 131 Bears Harvested
Autumn Color by Steve Oliver
Unpredictable weather conditions in “Mountain Maryland” didn’t hamper hunters from enjoying time afield this week during the state’s 2017 Black Bear Hunting Season.
Results of the 14th annual hunt reveal that 131 hunters successfully harvested a bruin over the four-day hunt in western Maryland despite battling heavy rains, reduced daylight and dropping temperatures. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Arrest Two Men Following Brief Chase
Rescue Two Canoeists on Chester River; Cite Three for Striped Bass Violations
A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer on patrol Wednesday evening arrested two men for possession of heroin during a traffic stop on Route 24 in Harford County.
Joseph Francis Vanderwiele, 29, of Abingdon, was driving down the shoulder of the road around a traffic jam when he passed the patrol vehicle. After briefly pulling over for the officer, Vanderwiele drove away and continued down the road for about a mile before stopping. The vehicle was unregistered and had invalid temporary Delaware tags.
Passenger Kevin Tyler Brooks, 24, of Bel Air, had a container of heroin on him and a search of the vehicle by the officer and Harford County deputy sheriffs turned up drug paraphernalia.
Both men were charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Read more…
Summer 2017 Hypoxia Report
Maryland’s Water Quality Monitoring Data Indicates Second Best Year on Record
Dissolved oxygen conditions in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay mainstem were much better than average this summer, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The results show that 2017 had the second-smallest Chesapeake Bay hypoxic volume (dissolved oxygen concentrations below two milligrams per liter) since 1985, for the regions and times where water quality monitoring data could be collected. This summer had an average of 13.6 percent of sampled waters with hypoxia. The best year on record was 2012 with 13.3 percent. The average for 1985-2017 is 18.9 percent.
For September 2017, the Chesapeake Bay hypoxic water volume was 0.06 cubic miles, which is much smaller than the September 1985-2016 average of 0.35 cubic miles. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: October 25
Waylon, age 4 sure is happy with his stringer of trout; photo by Harry Wachter.
It seems hard to believe but the month of October is slipping away and November is just around the corner. Temperatures continue to be somewhat mild, and it is a wonderful time to take the young ones out fishing after school or on the weekends.
The fall trout stocking program for October is almost over; these put-and-take areas offer some of the best opportunities for young anglers to enjoy success. Many thanks to the efforts of the trout hatchery and stocking biologists.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 28-29
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 28 and 29, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.Well, this is the weekend for ghosts, goblins and other fright-worthy tricks and treats, and there are lots of Halloween events for everyone to enjoy! Read more…
Fall Turkey Season Opens in Western Maryland Oct. 28
Hunters Encouraged to Wear Fluorescent Orange
Photo by Lori R. Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 28 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
The 2017 Wild Turkey Observation Survey Summary shows turkey reproduction in western Maryland was slightly below average, but high enough to maintain the population at previous levels.
Read more…
Input Sought for Ocean Life Data
Workshop Set for Nov. 2 in Crownsville
Photo by Mark Odell
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will co-host a workshop Nov. 2 to solicit feedback on options to further develop data available on ocean marine life and habitat.
Input received will help refine existing marine mammal and seabird data that is available on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal, a multistate ocean information resource developed by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean.
The event will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Maryland Historical Trust in Crownsville.
Black Bear Activity Increases in Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common Sense Precautions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. 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.
Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.
Maryland State Park Passes for 2018 Now Available
Passports Purchased Now Provide Extra Time for Public Access
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers access to outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone, and right now is an ideal time to get passes for entry to public lands for 2018. The Maryland State Park & Trail Passport available now provides access to our network of state parks now through Dec. 31, 2018, meaning extra time for the yearlong pass if purchased before the end of the year.
The passport is available to residents for $75 and nonresidents for $100.
Adults ages 62 and older can purchase a Golden Age Pass, which provides a lifetime pass entitling seniors to free day-use entry and complimentary boat launch in addition to half-price camping Sunday through Thursday at state parks. All for a one-time service fee of $10.
Baltimore County Hunter Fined after Shooting Robo-Deer Decoy
Boat Explosion, Tree-Stand Falls among Maryland Natural Resources Police Responses
A Sparrows Point man who thought he bagged a buck in North Point State Park paid hundreds of dollars in fines instead after he shot a Maryland Natural Resources Police robo-deer decoy.
On the evening of Oct. 7, Thomas Ervin Minton, 45, was spotted by officers patrolling a field where the robotic decoy had been placed. He fired a crossbow at the faux deer and sped away when officers tried to stop him.
Weekly Fishing Report: October 18
Herb Floyd caught this nice striped bass in the lower Choptank recently and also sent in an accompanying picture of what the striped bass have been eating. Photos courtesy of Herb Floyd
The much anticipated annual striped bass young of the year survey results have been released and they are positive.
The number of two-year-old striped bass that are being encountered in all three regions of the bay also bode well for the future of striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
At present the two- and three-year old rockfish are feeding heavily on bay anchovies and gaining in size. As most anglers know, bay water temperatures have been a bit warmer than normal for this time of the year, and because of that the anticipated fall run of baitfish leaving the tidal rivers is behind schedule. Recently we have begun to experience some chilly nights so perhaps this will begin to drive water temperatures in the tidal rivers down into the low 60s and kick the annual fall event into gear so we can enjoy some fun jigging action.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 21-22
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 21 and 22, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
The Mid-Atlantic region is basking in the glow of an Indian summer, and if you’re planning to head west this weekend, you should meet with good viewing conditions in Allegany County, where the leaves are holding at about 25 percent color change. Rocky Gap State Park reports that hickories, maples and poplars are lovely, providing a patchwork of colors, just in time for the some brisk autumn hiking. Read more…
Fort Frederick State Park Hosts ‘A Pleasant Diversion’
Eighteenth Century Recreation Highlighted Oct. 21-22
Visitors to Fort Frederick State Park this weekend can experience the type of diversions from military life that were available at the fort during the French and Indian War, as members of the recreated Joshua and Alexander Beall’s Company and Maryland Militia bring the fort to life.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, visitors of all ages will be able to play with toys and games of the era as well as try their hand at games popular in 18th century taverns. Also on Saturday at 7 p.m. there will be a campfire program celebrating Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night, a traditional English commemoration of the failed 1605 attempt by conspirators to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James.
Maryland Continues Commitment to ‘Every Kid in a Park’
National Program Extends to Maryland State Parks
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again is partnering with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Every Kid in a Park program, which provides fourth-grade children and their families free admission to Maryland state parks along with national parks and other federal lands across the country.
The purpose of the Every Kid in a Park effort is to increase accessibility to public lands and waters for children at an ideal age – primarily 9-10 years of age – to capture their interest, curiosity, and love for the outdoors throughout their lives. The Maryland Park Service will accept this year’s Every Kid in a Park pass now through August 31, 2018 at all 72 state parks. The pass is also valid at 16 national parks, six national natural landmarks, five national wildlife refuges and two federal heritage areas in Maryland. Read more…
Striped Bass Survey Shows Healthy Population Growth
Annual Young-of-Year Survey Tracks Spawning of State Fish
Results of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2017 young-of-year striped bass survey in the Chesapeake Bay shows the fish is reproducing in strong numbers. The annual survey’s index is 13.2, above the 64-year average of 11.7.
Striped bass, popularly known as rockfish, is Maryland’s state fish. The fish spawns in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries each spring. The survey is conducted annually to track the reproductive success of this important species and help predict future abundance. The index represents the average number of young-of-year striped bass – those less than 1 year old – captured in 132 samples. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission
Will Strengthen the Outdoor Recreation Industry, Boost Rural Maryland Economy
Sunset Lure by Laura Brown
Governor Larry Hogan today announced Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 establishing the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission (MORE). This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation resources.
“Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life,” said Governor Hogan. “This commission will help ensure that our state’s natural heritage is strengthened, bringing new businesses, increased tourism, and ultimately preserving our resources for future generations.” Read more…
Natural Resources, Transportation Departments Combine Services in Salisbury
One-Stop Shopping for Outdoor Recreation Licenses Available
Delivering on the Hogan Administration’s Customer Service Promise, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of Transportation/Motor Vehicle Administration have begun operating a combined service center in Salisbury.
Maryland Environmental Trust Celebrates Anniversary
Governor Larry Hogan Honors Conservationists at Government House
More than 100 guests attended a reception Oct. 12 at the Government House in Annapolis to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Maryland Environmental Trust and honor landowners who have voluntarily and permanently preserved their land. Governor Larry Hogan, along with Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton, recognized private landowners for donating permanent conservation easements.
Weekly Fishing Report: October 11
Jim Byrd caught these two nice striped bass while trolling spoons and Tsunamis off Deale recently. Photo courtesy of Jim Byrd
Recent warm weather has caused Chesapeake Bay and tidal river water temperatures to be rather stagnant this week. Water temperatures in all three regions of the bay are holding around 73 degrees to 75 degrees and the tidal rivers are running about 3-5 degrees cooler. It is going to take a prolonged cool front to drive water temperatures down to the upper 60s, which will then cause baitfish to move out of the tidal rivers and into the bay. Striped bass will be waiting for them and hopefully the fall fishery for Maryland’s state fish will finally kick into gear.
Vertical jigging in the upper bay region is becoming more popular each week, and some nice fish are being caught at Podickory and Love Point channel edges as well as near the Bay Bridge piers, rock piles and some of the shoal areas in the upper bay. Soft plastic jigs tend to be the favorites with Gulps and BKDs being at the top of the list.
Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Set to Begin
Hunters Reminded to Practice Tree Stand Safety
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 19. This is one of several deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 19-21 in Deer Management Regions A and B. Region A consists of Garrett, Allegany and western Washington counties (private land codes 250 and 251); Region B is the rest of the state. Hunters in Region B can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 23-28 for antlerless deer only.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 14-15
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 14 and 15, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
Garrett County’s biggest event of the year, the Autumn Glory Festival, is underway in Oakland and other locations throughout the county. Highlights of the festival include the Maryland State Banjo and Fiddle Championships, Tall Tale Storytelling and Book Festival, Western Maryland Tournament of Bands, parades, a 5K Run, and an authentic Oktoberfest celebration.
Maryland Tree Nursery Now Taking Orders for Shrub and Tree Seedlings
Pollinator-Friendly Species Highlighted This Year
The John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is currently accepting shrub and tree seedling orders.
The nursery offers more than 50 species of trees and shrubs to meet a wide variety of landscaping preferences and conservation needs. Popular this year are the many trees and shrubs that are beneficial for pollinators. Anyone interested in helping create much-needed pollinator habitats can look for plantings listed as “pollinator friendly” in the nursery catalog. Read more…
Input Sought for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area Plan
Public Comments Accepted Through Nov. 6
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 15-year vision plan for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
The Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area vision plan was developed to establish long-term goals and maintain and manage public access for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection on this 9,569-acre property is located in Allegany County.
Stranded Sea Turtle Returns to Ocean from Assateague State Park
Rescued, Recovered Reptile Released
A loggerhead sea turtle that had been found stranded in the Chesapeake Bay last fall has been released back to the water. On Thursday morning, the joint efforts of several organizations and individuals culminated when “Bailey,” an 86-lb. juvenile male, returned safely to the sea from Assateague State Park.
Bailey was found floating in the bay last fall and was rescued by Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program. Sea Turtle Recovery, a nonprofit sea turtle hospital, treated Bailey for a severe lung infection at the organization’s facility in New Jersey and teamed up with the National Aquarium for his Maryland release.
Maryland Motorists Urged to Stay Alert for Wildlife
Deer Breeding Season Means Added Danger
Photo by Paul Farley
Cooling temperatures, colorful foliage and unpredictable wildlife are all signs that the fall season is upon us.
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. During this time of year, vehicles accidents are a particular safety hazard.
Read more…
Wild Turkey Survey Indicates Slight Improvement
Poult Production Lower Than Average, But Turkey Population Resilient
Photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently completed the annual Summer Wild Turkey Observation Survey.
The reproduction index of 2.3 poults per adult hen was below the 15-year average of 3 poults per hen, but slightly higher than the record-low 2016 index of 2 poults per hen. A poult is a young turkey hatched this spring or summer.
Maryland Conservation Corps Welcomes 35 New Members
Award-winning AmeriCorps Program Engages Young Adults in Natural Resource Projects
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently welcomed 35 new members into the Maryland Conservation Corps. This award-winning AmeriCorps program involves young adults aged 17-25 in comprehensive natural resource management projects and substantial conservation and environmental education efforts at public lands and parks throughout the state. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: October 4
Bill De Carlo and Matt Kropp’s big black drum. Photo by Bill De Carlo
The recent cold evenings this week are beginning to have an effect on water temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers. Bay surface water temperatures are down to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the tidal rivers are in the mid to upper 60s. As a result, the upper bay region striped bass fisheries are starting to see some water temperature-dependent changes in fish behavior.
Spot are still available this week at the Sandy Point area, and also the mouth of the Magothy and Chester rivers but are showing signs of being on the move so this week may be your last chance to fill a dockside pen with some live spot to take you through the next week or so for your live lining trips. If you do, make sure to wire your lid down to protect your spot from a four legged bandit — river otters are very skilled at slipping in and out of lids held down with bungee cord!
Bait will soon begin to exit the tidal rivers and it will be “game on” for jigging along steep channel edges. Jigging is already gaining momentum at Podickory and Love Point as well as various shoals, reefs and knolls out in the middle of the upper bay region. Trolling a mix of umbrella rigs, spoons and bucktails has also been productive at these same areas but will take some weight or planers to get down to where fish are suspended.
Board of Public Works Approves $23 Million for 17 Rural Legacy Program Grants
Grants Permanently Protect 6,500 Acres
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Board of Public Works, including Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, unanimously adopted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommendation approving 17 Rural Legacy Program grants – totaling over $23 million. Funding from these grants will permanently protect over 6,500 acres of working farms, forests and open space in 18 counties.
The projects include protecting productive farmland, natural habitat, scenic view sheds, shorelines, wetlands, and woodlands as well as cultural, historical, and natural resources. Read more…
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