Natural Resources News
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.
Marylanders Reminded to Keep Fawns Wild
Removing Wild Animals is Unnecessary, Dangerous and Illegal
Photo by Christine Boltz
Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to care of her young.
Too often, people find and remove fawns from the wild, believing they are helping an orphaned animal, when in fact they may be causing great harm.
Natural Resources Police Celebrates 150th Anniversary at Sandy Point
“Great Outdoors Maryland” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12
To recognize the 150th anniversary of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to a free open house 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Sandy Point State Park.
The celebratory event, “Great Outdoors Maryland,” will showcase the missions of law enforcement agencies and affiliated conservation partners.
Maryland Fishing Report Now Available as Amazon Alexa Skill
Innovative Partnership Enhances Communications and Customer Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is expanding its communications channels and services to include Amazon Echo.
Through an innovative partnership with NIC Maryland, the department will now offer the Maryland Fishing Report, which provides anglers with the latest fishing hotspots, catch of the week, water and weather conditions and more, as an Alexa Skill.
Anglers can use the new Skill on a desired Amazon device by simply saying “Alexa, open Maryland Fishing Report.” Then they can choose to hear the entire fishing report or information for specific areas or regions, including the upper, middle or lower Chesapeake Bay, freshwater fishing or Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays.
Fort Frederick Hosts Western Maryland Rail Trail Bike Tour
Guided Ride May 5
All are invited to a free guided bike tour along the Western Maryland Rail Trail beginning at 10 a.m. May 5.
The 20-mile round trip will begin at at the C&O Bicycle Shop, located at 9 South Pennsylvania Ave. in Hancock.
Fort Frederick State Park naturalist Ellen Kinzer will lead the group at a leisurely pace, highlighting the historical ruins marked by interpretive signs along with the spectacular wildflower-laced trail. Read more…
Junior Hunter Field Day Set for May 19
Registration Open to Budding Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young Marylanders with an interest in fishing, hunting, shooting sports or wildlife management to a free Junior Hunter Field Day at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County May 19. The event is designed for youth aged 8 to 16.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and try activities such as aerial archery, mentored fishing, rifle marksmanship and turkey hunting practice.
New Combined Licensing and Registration Service Center Opens in Cumberland
Centralized Location Becomes “One-Stop Shop” for Services
Cumberland residents and those living in the surrounding area now have one central location to complete their Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Department of Natural Resources transactions.
As part of Governor Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to make services more accessible to Marylanders, the Department of Natural Resources has opened a service center in the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration Cumberland branch office. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report: May 2
Violet Sisler spent a fun time with her mom using her Barbie fishing rod to catch her first trout. The smiles say it all! Photo by Rebecca Sisler
Warmer and more seasonable weather has finally descended upon the Maryland landscape, offering a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. The warm air temperatures and sunny weather, along with relatively cool water temperatures make for perfect fishing conditions in many local waters.
Community ponds, trout management waters and lakes offer fun shoreline fishing adventures that are particularly tuned for children. Many are stocked with bluegills, and some are stocked with trout and set aside for youth fishing. There are also fishing rodeos and other youth events held all over the state.
Park Quest Kicks Off Outdoor Adventures for 2018
Registration for Popular Annual Program Now Open; 1,000 Slots Available
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened registration for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland.
Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities throughout the summer and fall by encouraging them to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources on public lands and parks.
Through this annual program, 1,000 qualifying teams (usually families) will get an opportunity to complete outdoor excursions at 20 different sites, June 1 through Dec. 1. Read more…
Bird Safe Windows
Bird window strike; photo by Jon D. Anderson, Flickr CC by NC ND 2.0
BAM! Have you ever had a bird hit one of your windows?
Nearly a billion birds collide with windows each year, half of which happen with home windows.
Unfortunately, the majority of birds die as a result of their injuries; even those that may be able to fly away often sustain life-threatening injuries. The good news is that window collisions are easy to reduce at many houses. Read more…
Flower Flies
Syphrid flies; photo by Judy Gallagher, Flickr CC by 2.0
It’s a bee! No, it’s a fly!
Have you ever seen a fly masquerading as a bee in the garden? If so, then you may have encountered a flower or syrphid fly.
More than 130 species of flower flies are found in Maryland, and these animals serve both as important pollinators as well as predators in the garden. Read more…
Moss Phlox
Wild moss phlox; photo by Fritz Flohr Reynolds SA 2.0
Are you in need of a good, native groundcover?
Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a creeping groundcover in the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). This herbaceous perennial grows up to 9 inches tall and forms mats across the ground. It prefers full sun, but it can grow in sandy or rocky soil just as well as loamy soil. However it cannot tolerate wet conditions.
In Maryland, wild populations can be found throughout the Piedmont and in the western region. Cultivated populations can grow throughout the state. Read more…
Deer Resistant Plants for Pollinators
A doe munches on a butterfly garden; photo by Kerry Wixted
In sections of Maryland, high concentrations of white-tailed deer have created a demand for “deer proof” plants. In reality, though, there is no such thing. Deer may nibble on anything once, especially when hungry, but they do dislike aromatics, prickly leaves and thorns.
Unfortunately, many of the “deer proof” plants offered at stores include invasive species, such as the commonly planted Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). The lack of browsing by deer aids barberry in its spread into natural areas where it outcompetes native plants and fosters habitat for ticks.
A better alternative to planting invasive species is to look for Maryland native plants that are deer resistant. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: May 2018
Commission Hits the Ground Running
Recently the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission held its first meeting – and we’re ready to hit the road.
Created by Governor Larry Hogan last fall, this commission will develop innovative strategies to market Maryland’s unique outdoor and heritage recreation brand, as well as recommend initiatives to attract and retain outdoor recreation companies and revenue.
With 17 commissioners set to meet through December 2019, plus Commerce Secretary Mike Gill and me as co-chairs, we’re tasked to help ensure that our state’s natural heritage is strengthened, bringing about new businesses, increased visitation and tourism, and ultimately enhance and preserve our natural resources for this and future generations. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Handle Oyster, Striped Bass and Turkey Violations
A Dorchester County man caught illegally harvesting oysters inside a state sanctuary November by Natural 1, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources helicopter, was found guilty and fined $1,000.
Jody Daniel Jackson, 18, of East New Market pleaded guilty in Dorchester County District Court to a single count of harvesting oysters about 2.5 miles inside a sanctuary in the Little Choptank River. Read more…
Hogan Administration Brings New Licensing and Registration Service Center to Annapolis
Combined Center includes Driving, Fishing, Hunting, Boating and Crabbing Licenses
Residents of Annapolis and the surrounding area are now able to complete Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Department of Natural Resources transactions in one convenient location. As part of Governor Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to make services more accessible to Marylanders, a new combined service center has opened at 160 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis.
“Since taking office in 2015, one of my top priorities has been to provide Marylanders with the highest level of customer service and to reshape the image of state government being slow and inefficient,” said Governor Larry Hogan.
Over the past year, several combined service centers have opened across the state in Bel Air, Essex, Frederick, Salisbury and now Annapolis. Since April 26, 2017, nearly 30,000 transactions have been completed at these combined service centers. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 25
Gregory Martin was fishing the area where Nanticoke River striped bass exit into the bay and caught this beautiful 51-inch, 48-pound striped bass. Photo by Brad Martin
Patience is supposed to be the hallmark of an angler, but many had theirs strained this past opening weekend for trophy striped bass season. Most understand it has been a chilly spring, and low water temperatures have delayed striped bass spawning in the tidal rivers.
In the past couple of days we have seen water temperatures finally reach acceptable temperatures for the fish. There was a big spawn on the Choptank River, and the Nanticoke, Patuxent and Potomac rivers should be on the same general schedule.
The striped bass that have spawned in the past few days will make their way down the tidal rivers and should hit bay areas in a few days. There is warmer weather predicted so there will be more spawning action – meaning the 2018 trophy striped bass season should kick into gear this weekend and for the next couple of weeks. Good luck out there and remember fishing is supposed to be fun.
Public Invited to Fourth Annual Potomac River Cleanup at Mallows Bay
Activities Start at 10 a.m. on April 28
On Saturday, April 28, the public is invited to help clean up areas among the World War I-era shipwrecks moored in Mallows Bay and adjacent shorelines at Mallows Bay Park in Charles County. Local archaeologists, historians and naturalists will share information and interpret the history of Mallows Bay as part of the activities.
The cleanup begins at 10 a.m., with a rain date of Sunday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m. Volunteers can meet at Mallows Bay Park in Nanjemoy. Read more…
Maryland’s Underwater Grass Exceeds Record 60,000 Acres
Baywide Total Breaks 100,000 Acres
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports 2017 was the third consecutive record-breaking year for underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay.
An annual baywide survey showed 62,356 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland’s tidal waters, a 5 percent increase from 2016. This is the fifth straight year of expansion for Maryland’s underwater grasses, which surpassed the 2017 restoration goal of 57,000 acres in 2015 and continues to rise.
Baywide, the total acreage of underwater grasses exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 104,843 acres. Read more…
Queen Anne’s County Forestry Board Sponsoring Arbor Day Giveaway
Partners to Provide Free Seedlings
The Queen Anne’s County Forestry Board and Maryland Forest Service are having their annual tree seedling giveaway program April 24-27.
Free tree seedlings are available to county residents as an educational effort promoting tree-planting, just in time for National Arbor Day.
Natural Resources Police Holds Annual Awards and Promotion Ceremony
Maryland Natural Resources Police honored dozens of officers, civilian staff, first responders from other agencies and members of the public Saturday at its annual awards ceremony.
Officer First Class Antonio Colvin received the Medal of Valor, the agency’s highest award, for rescuing an injured duck hunter whose kayak capsized in the ice-choked water of the Chesapeake Bay off Anne Arundel County last January. He single-handedly maneuvered alongside the barely conscious victim and hauled him aboard his patrol boat, saving his life.
Officer First Class Antonio Colvin
Kent County to Host Arbor Day Celebration
Partners to Name Poster Contest Winners, Provide Free Seedlings
The Kent County Forestry Board will announce the county’s 2018 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners and celebrate Chestertown’s 37th anniversary as a Tree City USA participant on April 24 at 1:15 p.m. in the Kent County Courthouse Courtyard on Cross Street. In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be moved to Garnett Elementary School.
Each year, third and fifth-graders from across the county are invited to create posters honoring Arbor Day. Third-graders showcased “Trees For Clean Water and Happy Wildlife!” and fifth-graders followed the theme “Trees are Terrific…and Make Communities Healthy.”
New Volunteer Angler Surveys Encourage Citizen Input
Reporting Helps Manage State’s Fishing Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching new mobile-friendly volunteer angler surveys, making it easy to turn a fishing trip into scientific research by submitting catch data right from a phone.
The survey is a simple tool where volunteers provide valuable information to department biologists such as species caught, estimated size and range. This input helps inform managers as they develop, plan and implement activities and seasons like trout stocking. Read more…
Students Help Effort to Restore Oyster Habitat
Calvert County Children Partner with Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative
Students at one Calvert County school are getting their hands dirty by helping with habitat enhancement and oyster restoration.
Fifty students, along with a dozen parents and faculty at Tidewater School in Huntingtown are assisting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative by creating several cement reef balls that will be dropped to the bottom of Chesapeake Bay.
Recently school students, from preschool to fifth grade, helped mix the concrete and pour the cement into mold. Before deployment each student added their own shell to be embedded in the reef balls as a reminder of their connection to the marine life in the bay. Read more…
Earth Day Celebrated at Maryland State Parks
Stewardship Opportunities Abound April 22
Earth Day gives people all over the planet a chance to do some good for our environment and society, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to help out Sunday, April 22.
The Maryland Park Service is hosting several events in every region of the state. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Cite Turkey Hunters for Baiting
Seven men in Washington and Frederick counties were charged this week at the start of spring wild turkey season with illegal hunting with the use of bait.
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers fanned out before the season opened to locate illegal bait – mostly corn – left near hunting blinds. They returned before dawn Wednesday to issue citations to those occupying the sites. The maximum fine for hunting over bait is $1,500. Read more…
Maryland Hosts First-Ever State of the Coast Conference
Connecting People, Innovation and Opportunity May 21-23 in Cambridge
Blizzard Sunset by Karen McDonald
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science will bring together more than 200 local officials, business and industry leaders, resource stakeholders and users, scientists, and federal and state agency experts for Maryland’s first State of the Coast conference.
The event takes place May 21-23 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge.
“As we all know the health of our coasts, which span 3,190 miles, is intractably linked to the health of our economy, environment and society,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said.
Weekly Fishing Report: April 18
Photo by Keith Lockwood
This coming Saturday, April 21, is a big day for those who dream of catching a trophy striped bass. More than a few anglers will spend the night before checking alarm clocks just to find themselves waking up a half-hour before the alarm is set to go off anyhow.
Weather is predicted to be a little nippy in the morning but should warm up as the day progresses. It will be a wonderful day to be out on the water with family and friends.
Board of Public Works Approves Expansion of Pocomoke State Forest
Program Open Space Acquisition Benefits Environment and Outdoor Recreation
The Board of Public Works today unanimously voted to approve the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 224.5 acres in Worcester County as an addition to Pocomoke State Forest.
The site provides both exceptional ecological benefits as well as recreational opportunities, especially for hikers — with trails linking Pocomoke River State Park, located within the 15,000-acre state forest, with the Town of Snow Hill. The state park offers biking, boating, camping and fishing opportunities, and also includes a nature center, park store and swimming pool.
First Lady Yumi Hogan Celebrates Keep Maryland Beautiful; Launches New Anti-Litter Ad Campaign
State awards nearly $2 million to support community clean-up and beautification
First Lady Yumi Hogan highlighted first-year accomplishments and launched a new transit advertising campaign for the Keep Maryland Beautiful program in a ceremony held at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Back Creek Nature Park Campus. Officials also announced awards of nearly $2 million to support community clean-up initiatives and workforce development.
“Keep Maryland Beautiful encourages local activism and volunteerism for a cleaner and more beautiful community,” said First Lady Yumi Hogan. “With this new advertising campaign, we want to promote pride in our state and remind our citizens that by working together, they can make a difference in their neighborhoods and change Maryland for the better.” Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 11
Photo courtesy of Mike Otto
Cold nights and chilly days have prevailed far too long in the past couple of weeks, but change is on the way, with air temperatures of 80 degrees promised for the weekend.
We are a little more than a week away from the opening day of the trophy striped bass season and it would be safe to say that fishermen and charter boat captains are anxious and ready, even if the striped bass may not be.
New Interactive Map to Provide Fish Consumption Advisories
Feature Shows Updated Health-Based Meal Advisories for Fish Caught by Maryland Anglers
The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced the development of an interactive map that provides modernized, user-friendly information on fish consumption advisories. It is one of the only “clickable” maps for fish consumption advisories in the nation. A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors.
This resource will allow anglers to see what advisories are in effect in specific waterways by accessing links and replaces a static chart of advisories with an interactive feature that can be opened on web browsers. The web page is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows users to zoom to their exact location on the map with the press of a button. Read more…
Revised Regulations Seek to Reduce Minimum Size Requirement for Striped Bass
Conservation-Minded Changes a Win-Win for Species and Sport
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has submitted revised regulations that aim to reduce the minimum size requirement of striped bass for recreational anglers and charter boats during the summer and fall fishing seasons in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries from 20 to 19 inches.
The changes, approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in February, are proposed to take effect May 16, 2018.
The proposal seeks to reduce the minimum size of striped bass with corresponding conservation-minded changes to gear, including the requirement that non-offset (inline) circle hooks be used when chumming and live-lining, and circle hooks or “J” hooks (of any gap width or size) when fishing with bait such as crabs, fish and worms.
In addition, the proposed regulations would sunset after two years, which will allow the department to determine if the new conservation actions were preventing fish mortality as intended. The department will have new stock assessment data available at that time. Read more…
Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing for Riparian Landowners is Now Open
Applications Must Be Submitted by May 31
Photo by Larry Hindman
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian, or waterfront, property owners. Such landowners, or anyone who has the owner’s permission, may license their shoreline to establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl.
A license allows the shoreline owner to hunt waterfowl from their own blind in state waters or to prevent other waterfowlers from licensing the shoreline at a later date.