Natural Resources News
One Fort, Three Wars at Fort Frederick State Park
Fort’s History Highlighted Sept. 16-17
Historic Fort Frederick State Park will give visitors a look at life in the fort as volunteers exhibit the varied roles the setting played during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the Civil War.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Read more…
Clean Marina Tours Offered September 14
Boatyard Operators Can See Successful Water Protection Program in Action
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a free tour of Annapolis-area marinas that participate in the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, which recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs that voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices.
Teal Season to Open September 16
Photo by Alan D. Wilson
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the state’s teal hunting season will open Sept. 16 and continue through Sept. 30.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: September 9 and 10
Defenders Day Celebration at North Point, Woodmont Lodge Open House
Solitude by Joseph Halpin
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Sept. 9 and 10, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
It’s been a long, hot summer in the mid-Atlantic but with just a handful of days left, Marylanders will begin to sense the changing season – shorter days, longer nights, fatter crabs, football, chirping crickets – and one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the autumn season, the appearance of fall foliage. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: September 6
Nora Long with a bluefish she caught in the Bay. Photo by Travis Long
This is Erik Zlokovitz filling in once again for Keith Lockwood on the weekly fishing report.
The big weather story this week is Hurricane Irma, which is making landfall in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean islands. The storm made landfall as a Category 5 on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, making it the most powerful hurricane on record to ever form in the open Atlantic Ocean. With Florida in Irma’s path, some residents will inevitably see a lot of wind and rain. Irma or her remnants won’t affect Maryland if at all until next week, setting up a fair to good forecast for the weekend, with light northerly winds on the water. Those cool winds are ushering in a taste of fall, lowering water temperatures across the region.
You should get out soon if you are interested in targeting our warm water visitors such as Spanish mackerel, red drum and bluefish.
Read more…
Turning Anglers’ Trophies into Community Bounty
Fish That Can’t Be Released are Donated to Area Food Banks
In catch-and-release fishing tournaments across Maryland, professional and amateur anglers routinely compete for a chance to catch record setting trophy fish. Fish caught during these tournaments typically are released back in the water, but inevitably some – up to 5 percent – don’t survive. That’s a low percentage of fish lost, but it’s enough to make a difference for some Maryland residents.
For the past few years Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist Tim Groves has been collecting these fish from tournaments and donating them to Angel Food Bank in Prince George’s County. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report Seven Boating Accidents During Holiday Weekend
A Talbot County waterman died and seven boat accidents were reported across the state during the extended Labor Day holiday weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said.
Deer Archery Season Opens Statewide Sept. 8
Maryland Bowhunters Have New Access Opportunities, Guidelines
Photo by Duane Tucker
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 8, and continues through Jan. 31, 2018. Read more…
National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebrated Sept. 23
Free, Family-Friendly Event in Washington County
Anglers, conservationists, hunters and others interested in the great outdoors are invited to take part in the 11th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration Sept. 23, 2017. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Izaak Walton League of America will host a free, family-friendly event – rain or shine – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 12759 Independence Road, Clear Spring, Washington County.
Bloede Dam Removal Project Begins in Patapsco Valley State Park
Important Public Safety and River Restoration Project Starts After Labor Day
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Bloede Dam, located along the Patapsco River, is scheduled to be removed from Patapsco Valley State Park over the next two years, with completion scheduled for late spring 2019.
Construction staging and trail closures will begin Sept. 5, 2017, following the Labor Day holiday weekend. Read more…
Backyard Wildlife: Tracks
Tracking wildlife is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. One of the most important items for tracking wildlife is a field journal. By keeping a field journal, you can record observations you have made and can preserve your finds. You also can write down crucial information that may be helpful for identifying animal tracks and signs when you return home. Animals leave many clues as to where they have been and what they have done. Read more…
Citizen Science: Bats, Butterflies and Moths—Oh My!
Need help identifying butterflies or moths? There’s an app for that! New as of July 2017, LepSnap is a free, community field guide that uses photos submitted by users. When you upload a butterfly or moth photo, LepSnap analyzes the image and suggests possible identifications that can be later verified by experts. The app further helps to organize your images and uses your images for documenting lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) biodiversity. Read more…
Fall Seed Sowing
Did you know? Fall is the perfect time to sow many wildflower seeds! Why sow seed in the fall? Here’s a list of advantages:
- Clay soils are easier to work
- Earlier blooms
- High moisture conditions
- More time to plant
- Natural cold stratification
In Maryland, the best times to sow seeds range from mid-September through the first frost. Read more…
Fueling Fall Pollinators
While many flowers are finished blooming by the fall, pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and flower flies are still out foraging for food. This late group of pollinators also includes the monarch butterfly, which needs nectar to fuel its southward migration. Feed fall pollinators by providing late-blooming nectar resources. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Persimmon
Persimmon bark; photo by Steven J. Baskauf
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a high wildlife value tree in the persimmon family (Ebenaceae). The genus name, Diospyros, literally translates to “Fruit of the Gods,” but when unripe, the fruit can be quite distasteful! This large fruit tree can grow up to 80 feet in height and prefers partial to full shade environments. It grows best in well drained soils, but can also persist in dry or moist soils, as well as within sterile soil environments. Persimmons can be found throughout much of Maryland, aside from Garrett County. Read more…
Native Wildlife: Opossum
Opossum; photo by Cody Pope, CC BY-SA 2.5
Lurking in backyards around Maryland is an unsung hero: the Virginia opossum. With its rat-like tail and 50-tooth grin, the Virginia opossum isn’t always revered. However, recent research from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies has indicated the Virginia opossum as an important tick predator, grooming off and consuming almost 4,000 ticks per week! In contrast, species like eastern cottontails and deermice tend to leave ticks on their body. If that isn’t cool enough, a peptide in opossum blood can neutralize snake venom, allowing the opossum to dine on venomous snakes. Researchers are working to utilize this peptide as an antidote for snakebite victims. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: September 2017
A Higher Level of Protection for Our Lands and Waters
In August I had the opportunity to participate in a Maryland Natural Resources Police boating and water safety patrol off Ocean City. I was fortunate to get a birds-eye view in our newly reacquired helicopter, Natural 1, during a flight to ensure the safety of anglers and boaters along Maryland’s waterways.
Natural 1 has been back in the air for about a year since we restarted the aviation unit following a seven-year absence. The helicopter is a force multiplier, providing many times its own value in terms of prevention and deterrence of conservation law violations.
Free Trees at Corsica River Day in Queen Anne’s County
Landowners Can Reserve Containerized Native Tree Seedlings for Pick Up Sept. 17
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be giving away native tree seedlings at Corsica River Day Sept. 17 at Corsica River Yacht Club in Centreville. The event is sponsored by the Corsica River Conservancy, the Corsica River Yacht Club and Queen Anne’s County.
Interested landowners need to contact the department to reserve a tree by Sept. 15. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: August 30
Angler Stella Amoriello with her first catch, a largemouth bass, on a friend’s rod and reel. Photo by John Amoriello
This is Erik Zlokovitz filling in for Keith Lockwood on the weekly fishing report. As I write this report, there is a disturbance bringing in some rain and winds along the mid-Atlantic coast, but it is nothing compared to the historic flooding being experienced now by the folks in the Houston area, southeast Texas and western Louisiana. The weather forecast here in Maryland is fair to good for the next few days, with rain in the forecast Saturday. We may be entering into a slight cooling pattern, which means that fishing will gradually shift into early fall mode. Take your kids out fishing at least one more time before school starts! Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts Get Into Nature Weekend
Annual Event Provides Outdoor Fun for All Ages Sept. 1-4
Visitors can explore the wild side of Fort Frederick State Park during the annual “Get Into Nature Weekend,” featuring staff-led nature activities for all interest levels and ages throughout the Labor Day weekend.
Deal Island Angler Catches Record Sheepshead
Dave Alveberg Reels in 13.73-pound Fish
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a Deal Island resident has set a new state fishing record in the Chesapeake Division for sheepshead.
Dave Alveberg caught the 13.73-pound record breaking fish Aug. 17, in roughly 4 feet of water off South Marsh Island near Tangier Sound.
Trapper Education Class Offered in Garrett County
Pre-registration Required Before Sept. 8
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a free class for anyone wanting to trap furbearers in the state.
The class will take place Sept. 16, at Casselman Valley Sportsman’s Club in Grantsville. Pre-registration is required. Read more…
Cedar Point Wildlife Management Area Plan Open for Public Comment
Input Accepted Through Sept. 15
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 15-year plan for the Cedar Point Wildlife Management Area. This 1,914-acre property is located in southwest Charles County, situated on a peninsula between Nanjemoy Creek and the Potomac River. Read more…
Early Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Announced
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 1
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2017-2018 early migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates and shooting hours can be found in the 2017-2018 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
“These seasons mark the traditional start of hunting activity in Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “We wish all hunters a safe and successful year.” Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: August 23
Photo by Joe Caccamisi
As the summer vacation time for kids begins to approach the end, I could not help but notice many of them are enjoying more simple things to do with the week or so left before they go back to school. Summer camps and other organized types of children’s activities are winding down, or already over for many families. With the exception of some last minute family vacations, parents and kids are left to do simple things together, and closer to home. While taking an evening cruise around local waters I could not help but notice more than a few docks were occupied by kids and adults fishing or crabbing, and the number one fish for entertaining kids in the Chesapeake Bay is the white perch. Read more…
Fort Frederick Hosts French and Indian War Muster
Fort Frederick State Park will take visitors back in time to the French and Indian War with volunteer re-enactors portraying French, British and American Indians of that time period.
The French and Indian War Muster will take place Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more…
Early August 2017 Hypoxia Report
photo by by Krystle Chick
Dissolved oxygen conditions in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were much better than average for early August, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 0.91 cubic miles, which is much smaller than the early August 1985-2016 average of 1.31 cubic miles. No anoxic zones (areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) were detected.
Chesapeake Forest Hunting Lottery Now Open
Deadline for Hunt Clubs to Enter Lottery is Aug. 23
Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can enter a lottery for individual, non-leased tracts in Dorchester, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until Aug. 23.
“Hunting is an important part of our overall land management strategy for sustaining Chesapeake Forest Lands,” Maryland Forest Service Director Don VanHassent said. “I encourage our responsible partners in the hunting community to take part in this lottery.” Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: August 16
Brody Laffoon proves that you can also score while fishing from shore as he holds up this nice striped bass he caught off the Downs Park Fishing Pier. Photo by Kevin Laffoon.
Although the waters of the lower Susquehanna River and Flats area are still showing some stained water, it is a big improvement from last week’s conditions. Slowly the early morning striped bass bite at the dam pool is improving. Around the edges of the Susquehanna Flats, the early morning topwater action has been a mix of striped bass and largemouth bass. There are plenty of channel catfish in the area and those fishing with other lures mention that hungry catfish will chase down a soft plastic swimshad, a crankbait or even a jerkbait in a heartbeat. Read more…
Maryland Provides First-Time Hunters Opportunity to Experience Sport
Low-Cost Apprentice Hunting Licenses Now Available
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new hunting license for first-time hunters. The Apprentice Hunting License is available to residents and nonresidents of any age who never held a Maryland hunting license.
The apprentice license is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same privileges as other Maryland hunting licenses. It allows anyone interested in hunting a one-time chance to try the sport before committing to the more lengthy process of obtaining a traditional hunting license.
Natural Resources Police Investigate Drowning of Silver Spring Man
The Maryland Natural Resources Police are investigating the drowning of a Silver Spring man who was swimming at Swallow Falls State Park Sunday afternoon. Read more…
Late July 2017 Hypoxia Report
photo by by Krystle Chick
Due to weather and other factors that influenced sampling, there will be no official late-July Maryland Chesapeake Bay hypoxia volume estimation.
Maryland Gets Ready for 2017 Solar Eclipse on August 21
State to Experience 80 Percent Coverage of the Sun; Public Lands Offer Viewing Opportunities
Map Courtesy NASA
One of the most anticipated celestial events of our time happens Aug. 21 when the moon passes between the earth and sun, creating a total eclipse visible through a large swath of the United States. Although Maryland is not in the path of totality, skies will darken that afternoon and there will be plenty of opportunity to experience a true wonder of the natural world.
Many people from around the globe are traveling to various points along the path of the moon’s shadow, which will run from Oregon to South Carolina, to see the total eclipse. Maryland will experience a partial eclipse that will obscure about 80 percent of sun throughout the state at peak.
Dozens of Charges Filed in String of Deer Poaching Incidents in Garrett County
Five Garrett County men were arrested after officers uncovered deer poaching activities that began in 2016 and continued into this year.
Acting on tips from the public and social media posts, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were able to connect a string of illegal hunting incidents. Last month, officers served search warrants on homes in Garrett County before filing the following charges:
Port Deposit and Talbot County Awarded Working Waterfront Grants
Funds Help Enhance and Preserve Maryland’s Maritime Communities
Photo by Sharon Diehl
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded Talbot County and the Town of Port Deposit with financial and technical assistance for projects through the Working Waterfronts Program.
With a $50,000 grant for each, these projects are slated to begin in October with the goal of enhancing and preserving their waterfront communities.
Weekly Fishing Report: August 9
Both lower and high tier views of the Bay Bridge at sunset. Photo by State of Maryland
As I was coming across the Bay Bridge yesterday evening, I could not help but marvel at the schools of juvenile menhaden plying along the calm surface of the bay and drifting along in the currents on both sides of the bay. The bay is truly a bountiful basin of life and on this evening there did not seem to be any hungry striped bass or bluefish nearby. All was calm on the Chesapeake this evening, at least at this area.
Project Green Classrooms Kicks Off in Howard County
Governor Larry Hogan’s Environmental Education Initiative Makes Debut
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources joined the Maryland State Department of Education last week to kick off a new statewide initiative dedicated to promoting outdoor learning, discovery, healthy play and career exploration in Maryland. Project Green Classrooms held its initial meeting July 27 at the Howard County Conservancy. Read more…
Environmental Stewards Graduate from Maryland Conservation Corps
Ten-Month Program Includes Work with the Maryland Park Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 32 members of the 2016-2017 Maryland Conservation Corps Thursday during their graduation program. The ceremony at the Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area in Queen Anne’s County capped the students’ completion of 1,700 hours of work with the Maryland Park Service.
Weekly Fishing Report: August 2
Joseph Eccleston V and Great Grandpa with a nice catfish; Photo by Joseph Eccleston IV
Welcome to August! As many of us know, in a blink it will be Labor Day weekend. Although we are more than halfway through the summer there is still time to plan large scale or small scale fishing outings with youngsters. If headed to the beach for vacation, consider bringing a hefty surf fishing outfit and let them enjoy some catch and release action in the evenings with inshore sharks and sting rays. Kids are always fascinated with sharks. If you are more local, consider white perch and channel catfish if you’re near a tidal river. For those more inland there are bluegill sunfish in just about every pond or lake that dot the Maryland landscape. The key to any youth fishing experience is to get them on fish to keep their interest up.
Staff Spotlight: Isaac Wilding
Isaac Wilding is the dredging grant coordinator for the Center for Waterway Improvement and Infrastructure within the department’s Chesapeake and Coastal Service. Read more…
Fort Frederick to Host the American Soldier Through the Ages
Living History Event Aug. 5 and 6
Fort Frederick State Park invites citizens to experience what life has been like for American soldiers through the years, including when the State of Maryland was founded in the 18th century and up through the Gulf War in the 20th century.
The military history of Fort Frederick spans the 18th and 19th centuries. Building upon that legacy, “The American Soldier Through the Ages” program will provide visitors with “hands-on” displays of weaponry, uniforms and military gear from those years and beyond. Read more…
Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities in Somerset County
Limited Number of Deal Island, Fairmount Wildlife Management Area Permits Issued by Lottery
Hunters can now submit applications for the annual permit-only waterfowl hunting days on Deal Island and Fairmount wildlife management areas, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.
Permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with assignments based upon a hunter’s stated preference for each impoundment area and/or date. Applications must be received by Sept. 11.
Secretary’s Message: August 2017
Growing Access to Public Lands
One of the key objectives in our mission at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is to provide diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens and visitors. This has been an exciting year for our department’s efforts to expand recreational access, opportunities and options within our beautiful public lands.
Maryland Crew Dispatched to Combat California Wildfire
Seven members of the Maryland Forest Service have been called into service to assist national efforts to combat a Northern California wildfire raging in the Klamath National Forest.
They will join their Maryland Department of Natural Resources colleagues from the Maryland Park Service and Wildlife and Heritage Service, and a cadre of volunteer firefighters as part of Maryland’s 20-person wildland fire crew, MDS #2, Type 2IA. Read more…
Lieutenant Governor Rutherford Congratulates Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps Graduates
Commemorates Program’s 10th Anniversary; Largest Graduating Class
About 400 young Marylanders, ranging in age from 14 to 17, celebrated their graduation from the Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps, marking the 10th anniversary of this Maryland Department of Natural Resources program managed by the Maryland Park Service.
In honor of the students’ achievements this summer and the enduring success of the environmental career and conservation program, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford served as the featured keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony at North Point State Park in Baltimore County. Read more…
Baltimore Man Convicted in 2015 Double-Fatal Boat Accident
A Baltimore man was sentenced yesterday to 18 months of home detention for causing a violent boat crash in 2015 that killed two women and injured five others near the Key Bridge.
Timothy Jay Wilson, 57, was convicted in Baltimore County Circuit Court of two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of causing life-threatening injuries with a vessel while intoxicated. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: July 26
Anglers Daniel Irons (L) and Jonathan Irons (R); Photo by Mike Irons
As most of us know it was pretty darned hot last week and those hot temperatures are driving up water temperatures and having a profound effect on fish and fishing. Unfortunately those hot temperatures can also result in violent storm activity when a cool front comes through as it did Sunday. I happened to be able to witness the tornado devastation on Kent Island Monday morning and my heart goes out to those affected. I also noticed large patches of discolored water from runoff which does not help the fishing situation in the bay. This runoff may also impact your favorite impoundment, stream or river. Sound advice is to keep close watch on summer storm activity out on the water and wear those lifejackets, they don’t do any good stashed in a boat locker.
Online Fishing Tool Helps Anglers Find the Fish
Using Science to Increase Fishing Success
“Where are the fish?” The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping anglers answer this age-old question with a new online tool, “Click Before You Cast.”
The tool provides a simple-to-follow, eight-step process to help anglers identify the best places to fish based on a number of scientific data points, be it clarity, habitat, oxygen levels, salinity or water quality. Click Before You Cast seeks to enhance the fishing experience and help anglers find and catch the species they are seeking.
Governor Hogan Honors Department of Natural Resources Employee
Maryland Forester Brian Stupak Cited for Commitment to Citizens and Customer Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources employee Brian Stupak was honored by the Hogan Administration today with the Customer Service Heroes Award for July. Stupak, a project manager with the Maryland Forest Service, was presented a citation by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford before the July 26 Board of Public Works meeting.
Stupak was nominated by the Department of Natural Resources and selected by Governor Larry Hogan.
“I am pleased to present Brian Stupak with the Customer Service Heroes Award and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition,” Governor Hogan said. “Our administration, along with the natural resources community, is grateful for his commitment to customer service in helping to manage Maryland’s forest programs.” Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Expansion of Chesapeake Forest Lands
Program Open Space Acquisition Supports Economy, Environment and Recreation
Chesapeake Forest Lands will increase by 1,664 acres following Board of Public Works approval today of a Maryland Department of Natural Resources conservation acquisition in Somerset County.
The adjoining and contiguous parcel will be integrated into the Chesapeake Forest Lands sustainable forestry management plan and provide for economic, environmental and recreational opportunities on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.
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