Natural Resources News
Deer Firearms Season Opens Nov. 24
Maryland’s Most Popular Hunting Season Runs Through Dec. 8
Photo by Steve Edwards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearm hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 8.
“The two-week firearms season remains our most popular hunting opportunity in the state,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “More than one-third of the harvest occurs during this two-week season, which helps manage the state’s deer population.”
Sunday deer hunting is available in all but three counties and remains a critical component to deer population management and recreational opportunities for all resident and visiting hunters. Read more…
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Nov. 17
Split-Season Hunt for Migrating Waterfowl
Photo by Larry Hindman
Maryland’s migratory Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season begins Nov. 17, and is split into two segments: Nov. 17 through Nov. 23, 2018, and again from Dec. 14, 2018 through Feb. 2, 2019.
The daily bag limit is two geese a day in the Canada Goose Hunting Zone.
Accessible Fishing Pier Opens in Queen Anne’s County
Floating Pier at Unicorn Lake Meets Americans with Disabilities Act Standards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened a new floating fishing pier and gangway at the Unicorn Lake Fisheries Management Area that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessible Design Standards of 2010.
The department worked with the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Department of General Services to create this fully-accessible freshwater fishing pier on state land.
The new 448-square-foot floating pier, located next to the boat launch, has enough space to accommodate multiple anglers. The aluminum gangway to the pier is adjacent to a newly constructed parking space and portable bathroom. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Nov. 10-11, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The good news is that leaf peepers have an excellent chance of catching fall foliage at its peak in many parts of the state. However, predictions are that this is a very small window of opportunity. So plan to get outdoors in the next few days and catch the best color for autumn 2018. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Nov. 7
Brian Morgan sent in this picture of a rainbow trout caught recently. Photo by Brian Morgan
Frosty mornings are now common, the Canada geese are arriving and the fall foliage is in various stages of color change throughout the state. Old man winter is beckoning off in the distance and soon will be knocking on our door. Colder weather will be here soon, so be sure to enjoy the outdoors during this special time of the year.
Anglers continue to enjoy the results of the fall trout stocking program. Many trout management waters have been stocked and offer quality fishing, often close to home.
Natural Resources Police Graduates New Officers
Force Welcomes Largest Staff Increase in 13 Years
The ranks of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police grew by 44 officers—the largest increase in manpower in 13 years – in recent graduation ceremonies. The additions come as the state’s conservation law enforcement agency celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Thirty-two recruits took the oath of office Nov. 3 and received their badges from Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler, Jr. The new officers received seven months of training at the agency’s live-in academy, based at the Maryland Police and Corrections facility in Sykesville.
“The sustainability of Maryland’s natural resources is ‘job one’ for all of us,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton told the graduates. “We need managers to set goals and scientists to inform our decisions and policies. It falls upon the men and women of the Natural Resources Police to enforce those decisions so that future generations have the same valuable outdoor experiences we enjoy.” Read more…
Public Input Sought for State Lake Funding
Maryland Approved $3 Million for Protection and Restoration
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host five open house events to solicit public input to help develop a work plan for the new State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which will provide $1 million for each of the next three years to improve state-owned lakes.
The department will develop a budget for best use of these funds in coordination with local governments, organizations and citizens.
The funds can be used for removing sediment, treating contaminated sediment, preventing the spread of invasive species, improving ecological and recreational value and any other action the department deems necessary at any or all of 16 lakes throughout Maryland. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Nov 3-4, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 3 and 4, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
There is hope for Maryland leaf peepers after all. This is the weekend to take in some brilliant autumnal colors.
Secretary’s Message: November 2018
New Conservation Officers Step Up to the Challenge
It has been an exciting year for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police, as it celebrates its 150th anniversary and looks to the future with enhanced equipment, manpower and technology.
I’ve had the opportunity meet many brave, dedicated professionals through the years, but there is something special to me about a Natural Resources Police officer. To many it’s a dream job, getting to work outside and serve a vital conservation law enforcement mission: to protect the state’s precious natural resources and the citizens and visitors who enjoy them.
This month we are welcoming another 44 officers to our ranks, including 12 lateral officers who received a six weeks of environmental and natural resources training and 32 graduates of our own seven-month academy program. Everyone one of these officers will be out there, protecting our natural resources, serving our citizens and visitors, and upholding the agency’s core values: integrity, courtesy, dedication and professionalism. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 31
Shane Cole caught a nice striped bass near Chesapeake Beach on a jig with pink plastic trailer. Photo courtesy of Travis Long
Happy Halloween! A Nor’easter last Saturday kept many anglers off the bay. However, some boaters were able to find a lee area on the Eastern Shore, or they fished Friday or Sunday. These die-hard anglers were rewarded with good striped bass fishing, with most folks now jigging or trolling with artificial lures.
On the freshwater scene, many anglers are finding good trout fishing and more activity from coldwater species such as yellow perch, pike, walleye and pickerel in Western Maryland.
Board Approves $6 Million for Fort Washington Ice Center
Program Open Space Funding Used to Rebuild Facility
Former Tucker Road Ice Skating Center
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that provides $6 million to Prince George’s County for the development of the Tucker Road Ice Skating Center in Fort Washington. The board is comprised of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp.
The county plans to use Program Open Space Local funds to rebuild the center that was damaged in a January 2017 fire. Program Open Space Local provides financial and technical assistance to communities and municipalities for the acquisition, development and planning of recreation facilities, and open space areas. The program has been managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources since 1969. Read more…
Maryland State Park Passes for 2019 Now Available
Provides Full Year Access to 75 State Parks
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now offering its 2019-2020 Annual State Park and Trail Passport for purchase.
The park passport is available to residents for $75 and nonresidents for $100. The pass provides unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance the pass’ convenience and value, the annual passport will now be valid for a full year from the month of purchase, instead of by calendar year making it a great deal for every outdoor enthusiast. For example, a passport purchased in April 2019 will expire in April 2020. And as an additional bonus for early-adopters and purchasers, any passport bought before Dec. 31, 2018, will be valid through December 2019, meaning two extra months at no additional cost!
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Scheduled
Upcoming Days for Mentoring Nov. 3 and Feb. 9
Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days set for Nov. 3, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2019.
On those days, anyone 16 years of age or younger may hunt coots, ducks and geese on private and public land when aided by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old. All junior hunters and their adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses. Youth hunters, including those possessing an apprentice license, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, but do not need to purchase a federal duck stamp if under 16 years of age.
The Nov. 3 event comes just as the season’s first strong cold front pushes through Maryland, and seasoned waterfowlers are scanning the sky to catch any sign of migrating birds riding the winds south. 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. 10 on private and designated public land in all counties, and Nov. 11 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. 11. Read more…
Black Bear Hunt Concludes in Western Maryland
135 Bears Harvested in Four Counties
“Autumn Morning” by Steve Oliver
Favorable weather conditions helped bear hunters enjoy success during Maryland’s 15th annual black bear hunt.
Official results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources show that 135 hunters harvested a bear during the five-day hunt held in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. Several large bears were taken throughout the hunt; bears weighing more than 400 pounds were taken in each county.
The largest bear taken weighed 575 pounds, and was harvested in Washington County by Robert Marks of Clear Spring. Read more…
Maryland Environmental Trust Offers Volunteer Training in November
Opportunity to Help Statewide Conservation Efforts
The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering one-day volunteer training sessions for individuals interested in helping to monitor state conservation easements.
The sessions will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 8, and 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 at the Howard County Conservancy (10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, Maryland).
Fall Turkey Season Opens in Western Maryland
Hunting Available in Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties
Photo by Lori Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 27 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
The fall season was extended to include an additional day, Sunday, Nov. 4. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 27-28, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 27 and 28, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: Oct. 24
Photo by Travis Long
We are now deep into a fall fishing pattern, with classic cold fronts and gusty northerly winds. This past weekend, anglers who were able to get out before or after the winds found good striped bass fishing over a wide area of the Chesapeake Bay, from Love Point down to the Calvert Cliffs gas docks area.
Forestland Protected in Wicomico County
Maryland Environmental Trust Partners on Conservation Easement Near Quantico
The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, partnered with the Lower Shore Land Trust to permanently protect 154 acres in the Nanticoke River watershed. Property owner Mike Phillips donated the conservation easement forever protecting this important forestland.
Located near more than 2,300 acres of protected lands, the easement is in a rural area of Wicomico County just outside of the village of Quantico and the Quantico Historic District. The surrounding area is dominated by farm and forest land.
Summer 2018 Hypoxia Report
Average Year for Chesapeake Bay Dissolved Oxygen
Terrapin Park Driftwood Sunset by Mark Dignen
Dissolved oxygen conditions for the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay for the summer of 2018 were average compared to the long-term average from 1985-2017, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Low dissolved oxygen volume averaged 0.97 cubic miles from June through September.
Crabs, fish, oysters and other creatures require oxygen to survive. Scientists and natural resource managers study the volume and duration of bay hypoxia to determine possible impacts to bay life. Each year from June through September, the department computes these volumes from data collected by Maryland and Virginia monitoring teams. Read more…
Invasion Coming to Point Lookout State Park Oct. 27-28
The War of 1812 Returns in Dramatic Fashion
Visitors are invited to Point Lookout State Park the weekend of Oct. 27-28 to witness a living history reenactment of American forces during the War of 1812.
Volunteers in period costumes and uniforms will interpret the life of soldiers and other Marylanders during the War of 1812, along with small arms demonstrations, drills and other events throughout the weekend. Camps at the historic fort area and on the beach at Point Lookout are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28. There will also be a Saturday evening program. Read more…
State Tree Nursery Now Accepting Orders
Opportunity for Large-scale Plantings on Private Lands
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting online orders for shrub and tree seedlings from the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery for the spring 2019 planting season.
The nursery offers more than 50 species of shrubs and trees for large-scale plantings on private land to meet a wide variety of conservation, environmental and reforestation needs. It also offers 20 different “pollinator friendly” options.
A minimum order of 25 seedlings per species is required, and supplies are limited. Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts ‘A Pleasant Diversion’ Oct. 27-28
History is all Fun and Games for a Weekend
Visitors to Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County can experience the lighter side of the French and Indian War during an annual living history event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28.
Members of the recreated Joshua and Alexander Beall’s Company and Maryland Militia will bring the fort to life so visitors can enjoy a ‘pleasant diversion’ of period activities and games.
Highlights include cricket, fencing, foot races, a colonial-era fashion show and making of Jack-o-lanterns.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 20-21, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Maryland Fishing Report: October 17
One of the first things any young angler learns is to get a good grip on that trout! Photo courtesy of Nathan Williams
This week offers some exciting fishing opportunities for Maryland anglers – the weather is just about right, the changing color of the leaves paints a beautiful backdrop to outdoor activities and there are plenty of eager fish to catch.
For the next few weeks, state hatcheries are stocking most trout management waters throughout Maryland. The trout are providing quality fishing close to home and allowing success on a fishing adventure, especially for our young anglers.
At the Atlantic coast, sea bass, flounder and dolphin are biting.
And in the Chesapeake Bay, autumn is one of the most anticipated times for striped bass fishing. Rockfish like the cooler water temperatures and begin to feed aggressively to build up lost body stores. Cooler water also forces baitfish in the form of bay anchovies, juvenile menhaden and silversides to exit the tidal rivers and head down the bay.
Board of Public Works Awards $3.8 Million for Baltimore City Parks
Five Projects to Improve Accessibility, Connectivity and Usability
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that allocates $3,875,000 to Baltimore City for the construction, development and enhancement of five recreation projects.
Funding will be provided through Program Open Space Local as well as Baltimore City Direct grants through Program Open Space Stateside.
“These new and revamped recreational spaces are a critical part of improving the quality of life for Baltimore City residents – especially our kids,” said Governor Hogan. “We are committed to preserving our state’s natural resources while providing well-maintained and safe green spaces, and we are proud to add these Baltimore City locations to the more than 6,000 park and conservation area projects our administration has funded through Program Open Space.”
Survey Finds Healthy Striped Bass Reproduction
Positive Outlook for Iconic Fish in 65th Annual Index
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of its annual young-of-year striped bass survey in Chesapeake Bay, which documented healthy reproduction of the state fish. The 2018 young-of-year index is 14.8, higher than the 65-year average of 11.8.
Known locally as rockfish, striped bass spawn in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries each spring. The juvenile striped bass survey is conducted annually to measure spawning success and help predict future abundance. The index represents the average number of young-of-year – those hatched in the current year – striped bass captured in each sample.
During this year’s survey, department biologists collected more than 36,000 fish of 55 species, including 1,951 young-of-year striped bass. Results show that white perch and American shad also experienced above-average spawning success this spring. Read more…
Department Launches New Shellfish Aquaculture Application Tools
Customer Service Enhancements to Provide Early Notification of Proposed Leases
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today launched a new set of online tools to help educate and engage the public on proposed aquaculture lease applications. The tools, which include a dynamic database and email notification system, will provide information on pending and proposed commercial shellfish lease applications when they are received by the department.
The customer service enhancements are being rolled out after a series of conversations and meetings with aquaculturists, commercial watermen, community and county leaders, homeowners associations and others throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Set to Begin
Popular Season Coincides with Changing Fall Weather
Photo courtesy of Michael Douglas
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 18. This is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 18-20 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. 22-27 for antlerless deer only. Read more…
Black Bear Cub Rescued in McHenry
Plastic Container Successfully Removed from ‘Buckethead’
Buckethead
After a three day pursuit, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, with assistance from the Maryland Natural Resources Police, successfully tranquilized a 100-pound male black bear cub to remove a plastic jar that was stuck around its head.
The rescued cub, affectionately known as “Buckethead,” was freed near the Wisp Resort in McHenry during the annual Autumn Glory Festival. Read more…
Managed Goose Hunt at Deep Creek and Broadford Lakes
Permit and Reservations Available for Nov. 19-21 Hunt
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces opportunities to hunt resident Canada goose and waterfowl in Garrett County for the third consecutive year.
Hunters can apply to use three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and four blind sites at Broadford Lake Nov. 19-21, 2018. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: Oct. 13-14, 2018
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash reports that most of the maples turned brown early and are already bare. “We did get some color last week, but most of those are now bare. Many of the oaks are still pretty green, but are starting to change.” While this is Autumn Glory Festival weekend in Oakland and typically peak season for fall foliage, Nash believe it may be a bit muted. Read more…
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…