Natural Resources News
May 12 Fishing Rodeo at St. Mary’s River State Park
Annual Event Open to Children Aged 3-15
St. Mary’s River State Park hosts its ninth annual Youth Fishing Rodeo 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 12.
All children, aged 3-15, are eligible to participate in this free event.
The event will include a casting competition as well as educational and informational demonstrations with live animals. Prizes will be given to registered participants who catch the biggest fish of different species. Read more…
Wildfire Risk Heightened in Spring
Marylanders Urged to Take Precautions; Maryland Forest Service Prepared
Wildfire season has begun in the Old Line State, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents throughout the state to take precautions. Each year, the Maryland Forest Service responds to an average of 210 wildfires that burn about 2,325 acres.
Wildfires occur every month in Maryland, but peak in the spring and fall. During these two seasons the leaves are off the deciduous trees, allowing sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor and dry the leaves, brush, vegetation and other material that can catch fire. Even in normal weather conditions, the relative humidity of the air is also drier and, combined with a breeze, creates the conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly.
Black Bears Emerging from Winter Dens
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild
Now is the time when black bears are emerging from their dens, after a long winter slumber, in a search for food and sustenance.
However due to the fact that natural food sources, such as berries, insects and plants are still in short supply in early spring, bears may become more easily attracted to artificial and human-generated food sources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents to remove all potential bear attractants.
Weekly Fishing Report: April 4
This impressive catch of trophy striped bass is from last year’s trophy season (2017). Photo by Geri Shupe
It continues to be a chilly spring and there seems to be no immediate end to it. We’re a week into April and water temperatures are considerably lower than usual — in the mid-40s in the tidal rivers and bay. By comparison, last April 5, the bay was just about 50 degrees and the tidal rivers were in the upper 50s.
Even so, just as trout fishermen anticipated the opening day of trout season last Saturday, striped bass fishermen are crossing off the days on their calendars until the opening of the trophy striped bass season April 21.
Natural Resources Police Arrest Glen Burnie Man on Gun Possession and Trespassing Charges
An investigation into illegal shooting on private property has resulted in the arrest of a Glen Burnie man on 13 criminal charges and the seizure of four guns from his property.
Kevin Patrick Chetelat, 55, will appear in Anne Arundel County District Court in Annapolis March 24 for a preliminary hearing on the charges, which range from being a felon in possession of guns to trespassing. Read more…
Maryland Arbor Day Shines Light on Trees
Celebration Branches into State’s Highest Offices
Maryland Forest Service staff distributing tree seedlings in the General Assembly.
Today is Maryland Arbor Day, celebrated the first Wednesday of April every year. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is highlighting the importance of trees by delivering seedlings to Maryland’s elected officials and leaders, and honoring the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the state’s tree farming industry.
Following an annual tradition, Maryland Forest Service staff delivered potted red bud seedlings to Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp this morning before the Board of Public Works meeting. Read more…
Maryland Spring Turkey Season Set to Open
Junior Hunt Set for April 14; Regular Season Starts April 18
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites hunters to join the statewide spring turkey season kicking off in April. Young hunters can take aim April 14 for the Junior Turkey Hunt. All hunters can try to bag a bird during regular spring turkey season, April 18-May 23 across the state.
For the first part of the regular hunting season, April 18-May 9, hunting is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. For the rest of the season, May 10-23, hunting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Cecil County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Cecil County.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Harford County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Harford County.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Potomac River Cleanup Day April 14 at Two State Parks
Volunteers Sought for Two Sites in St. Mary’s County
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites volunteers to get outside to help clean up along the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County, from 9 a.m. to noon April 14. Crews will meet at two different locations: Newtowne Neck State Park and Point Lookout State Park.
Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Annual 18th Century Market Fair
Shoppe until Ye Drop April 26-29
History fans will delight in visiting the 18th century Market Fair at Fort Frederick State Park. The annual event features entertainment, food and merchants from the colonial time period adjacent to the park’s historic stone fort built during the French and Indian War in 1756.
The fair runs April 26-29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. A fundraising auction will be held Saturday to benefit the Friends of Fort Frederick State Park. The fair is hosted by the friends group and the Maryland Park Service.
Spring Trophy Striped Bass Season Starts April 21
Time to Catch up with Maryland’s State Fish
“Rockfishing” by Roy Julie
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the 2018 Spring Trophy Striped Bass season begins at 5 a.m. April 21 in Maryland’s portions of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
The fishing season will continue through midnight May 15, with a catch limit of one fish daily with a size limit of 35 inches or larger. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: April 2018
Every Tree Makes a Difference
Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton tours a Tree-Mendous Maryland nursery in Carroll County.
Arbor Day is celebrated nationally and by every state in the nation. The actual date varies by region and has been designated by each state according to the best time to plant trees. National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, which this year will be April 27.
In Maryland, Arbor Day is the first Wednesday in April, which will be April 4 this year. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Celebrates Sesquicentennial
Oldest State Police Agency to Host Public Celebration May 12 at Sandy Point State Park
One hundred and fifty years ago today, Maryland’s oldest state police agency began its mission of protecting people, wildlife and public lands and waters.
Maryland Natural Resources Police is marking its sesquicentennial with a proclamation from Gov. Larry Hogan and congratulatory resolutions from the House of Delegates and State Senate. The agency is presenting 150th anniversary commemorative badges to state executive and legislative leaders.
“I’m proud to join Governor Hogan in extending congratulations to the Natural Resources Police on their 150th anniversary,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. Read more…
The Nature of Change: Spring 2018
I’m proud to help commemorate an important milestone in Maryland history—150 years since the founding of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. The department is our first state law enforcement agency, predating the Maryland State Police by almost a half-century, and is also one of the oldest conservation law enforcement organizations in the nation. Read more…
Aboveboard: Spring 2018
Spring is an exciting time for those of us who are passionate about the great outdoors. For many, the longer days and warmer weather leads us to adventure out onto the water, particularly the Chesapeake Bay.
In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource, you can find a promising progress report from our partners at the Chesapeake Bay Program, who help coordinate regional restoration activities. Read more…
Hunter Davidson: Fighting Naturalist
The Maryland Police Steamers chasing a pirate fleet; from Harper’s Weekly magazine, c. 1880
Commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in Maryland and the fourth oldest conservation law enforcement agency in the country. It traces its origins to the Maryland Oyster Police Force, founded in 1868 with the appointment of its first commander, Hunter Davidson. Read more…
An Evolving Force: Natural Resources Police Celebrates 150th Anniversary
This year, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is celebrating its 150th anniversary, a milestone that makes it the fourth-oldest state conservation law enforcement agency in the nation. Then as now, the mission is to protect the state’s most precious resources, its citizens and visitors. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Spring 2018
Ever wonder why the state stocks trout? Confused about the timing of Arbor Day? Our experts have the answers! Read more…
The Secretive Wild Feline: A profile of bobcats in Maryland
Bobcat in a tree; by Don Brevelle, USFWS
Among the many wild animals that roam our farms, fields and forests, there is one native midsize carnivore that goes largely unnoticed: the bobcat. In fact, the bobcat is the only wild member of the cat family found in Maryland. Read more…
Competition and Conservation: Bass tournaments popularize a fishery
Anglers preparing for tournament; all photos by Joe Love
Black bass fishing is synonymous with both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Its popularity in the late 20th century exploded into a multimillion dollar competitive sport, spawning professional fishing tournaments not just here in Maryland, but around the world. Read more…
Old Bay, New Ways: Experience the Chesapeake like you haven’t before
Sunrise over the bay; by Wendy Crowe
Like a sunrise or spring’s return, the Chesapeake Bay is something Marylanders may be guilty of taking for granted. Those steel-blue waters and fiery sunsets astonish millions of visitors each year, but for Free State residents, living alongside North America’s largest estuary is old hat.
Which isn’t to say we don’t love the bay. It’s on our license plates and in our spice racks. We all have our favorite beaches, boating spots and bayside seafood joints—the ones we visit summer after summer, without question. And while these are precious traditions, the routine they create can prevent us from getting to know the bay—and the remarkable impact it has had on our history and our home—from all its seemingly endless, awe-inspiring angles.
This year, commit to experiencing the Chesapeake Bay from a new perspective, up close and personal. Don’t worry: no one’s going to move your beach chair, and that crab cake will be there when you get back. Read more…
Our Shared Role: Resilience abounds throughout the watershed
Blue crabs are harvested near the Honga River in Somerset County. The crab pots used to catch them were set by educators as part of the Teachers on the Estuary Workshop led by staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Progress. It’s a word with many definitions, including, “A forward or onward movement toward an objective or goal.”
At the Chesapeake Bay Program, progress is measured in the 10 goals of our Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. When our partnership—consisting of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency—signed the agreement in 2014, it did so with a vision toward an environmentally and economically sustainable region. We envisioned abundant life, clean water, conserved lands, water access and the engagement of a diverse array of citizens and stakeholders, and we set goals in order to make that vision a reality. Read more…
Tune In to Chesapeake Bay Week on Maryland Public Television
High Tide in Dorchester; by Dave Harp
Change is coming. The question is, will it be a change that moves the nation’s largest estuary closer to restoration, or further from it? This Chesapeake Bay Week, April 22-28, Maryland Public Television broadcasts several programs that expose issues important for everyone who lives in the watershed. Read more…
From the Field: Kerry Wixted
Outdoors books; staff photo
A Baltimore City native, Kerry was always outside as a child. When she got on her first bicycle, she was off to Herring Run Park—exploring, investigating, listening—curious about the natural world within the city. Read more…
Maryland Crabbing Season Begins April 1
Full Steam Ahead for Catching State’s Favorite Crustacean
“Blue on a Lid” by Joe Subolefsky
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the blue crab season officially opens April 1 in Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries as well as the Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays.
“The beginning of blue crab season is a Maryland tradition,” Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer said. “Crabbing is a unique and rewarding experience that offers everyone a great day on Maryland’s beautiful waters, a firsthand look at the environment of one of our iconic species, and finally an enjoyable feast that’s defined our state’s culture for generations.” Read more…
New Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area in Central Maryland
Anglers Have New Fishing Opportunity on Picturesque Patapsco River
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the opening of a one-mile section of the South Branch Patapsco River near Sykesville as a Group 1 Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area.
The department created the new area to increase angler access and trout fishing opportunities on public lands in the Patapsco River watershed, and help replace some fishing access affected by the removal of the Bloede Dam.
Over the course of the spring trout stocking season, the department will stock nearly 750 fish in the area.
Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winners Announced
Annual Contest Brings Entries from Seven States
“Looking Back” by Steve Oliver
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a Delaware resident won this year’s Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest, while the award for top Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design went to a resident of Des Moines, Iowa.
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges March 17 at the 18th Annual Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge.
Weekly Fishing Report: March 28
Photo courtesy of Sherry Bishop
It’s safe to say that more than a few trout fishermen will spend a restless Friday night glancing at their alarm clocks. Opening Day holds all the promise and anticipation one can imagine, like something out of our youthful fantasies.
A carnival-type atmosphere will greet most anglers as they arrive at the more popular and heavily stocked locations. There can hardly be a better time to gather up young anglers and have them take part in such a great fishing opportunity, and find success in catching some stocked trout.
Here’s hoping everyone enjoys their opening day experience.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Carroll County Landowners
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Carroll County. Landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program.
Requests for seedlings must be received by April 3. Interested property owners should contact Watershed Forester Jamie Weaver at 410-848-9290 to reserve their packets. Quantities are limited, so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more…
Coastal Resiliency Program Expands to Anne Arundel County
Total of Six Demonstration Projects Statewide
“Chesapeake Bay Sunrise” by Yvonne Navalaney
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved dedicated funding of two Coastal Resiliency Grant Program projects in Anne Arundel County to help communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of climate change, extreme storms and weather.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping to design six shoreline improvement demonstration projects statewide to implement on-the-ground natural and nature-based restoration projects, including living shorelines, marsh enhancements and stormwater management systems in vulnerable areas throughout Maryland. Read more…
Pumpout Grants Available for Maryland Marinas
Deadline is April 15
Maryland marinas can now apply for Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grants through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
These grants reimburse marinas for the expense of operating and maintaining pumpout stations. Applications due April 15. Read more…
Maryland Environmental Trust Offers Volunteer Training April 17
Conservation Training Opportunity
Following their training, volunteer land stewards will assist the department with monitoring conservation easement properties statewide.
The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering a one-day volunteer training session for individuals interested in helping to monitor state conservation easements. The training session will be held 6 to 8 p.m. April 17 at Maryland Environmental Trust at 100 Community Place, Conference Room A, Crownsville.
The trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, works with citizen land trusts and landowners to protect the state’s most treasured landscapes and natural resources as a legacy for future generations. These preserved lands are monitored annually to ensure the conservation easement values are permanently maintained and protected. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Washington County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree and shrub seedlings to help improve water quality in Washington County.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
New Department Award Recognizes Black Bass Conservation Efforts
Tournaments Recognized for Best Practices
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces a new award to help promote black bass conservation.
The Director’s Black Bass Conservation Award will recognize bass fishing tournament directors who exemplify conservation with special recognition from the department and eligibility to receive fishing supplies.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Frederick County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Frederick County.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Three Anglers Charged with Fishing Violations on Choptank River
A Prince George’s County man was charged Sunday with recreational fishing on a suspended license.
A Natural Resources Police officer on surveillance on the Dorchester County side of the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park saw Elser Roque Guerra, 35, of Hyattsville, fishing for striped bass.
When approached, Guerra told the officer that he was unable to buy a fishing license. A check of state records showed he received a one-year suspension by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, starting Sept. 15, 2017.
Fort Frederick State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo
April 7 Event Open to Anglers Aged 15 and Under
Young anglers can catch stocked trout and other fish from 8 a.m. to noon April 7, during the Fort Frederick State Park annual youth fishing rodeo at Beaver Pond.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources works with local organizations to host youth fishing rodeos, providing fun and engaging educational opportunities for nearly 5,000 children statewide. Read more…
Volunteers to Help Maintain and Preserve Point Lookout State Park
Annual Park Day Event Held April 7
Park Day Volunteers at Point Lookout State Park
Marylanders can help preserve and maintain historic Civil War sites during the Civil War Trust’s annual Park Day event April 7.
Volunteers are needed at Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County to work on the Historic Civil War Fort #3 and Prison Pen area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needs include general maintenance of the fort and surrounding area.
Weekly Fishing Report: March 21
Photo by John Bildahl
Most everyone in the fishing community has heard the news by now: an iconic figure has passed to what he referred to his “spirit spring.”
The world will not be the same without Lefty Kreh, the Maryland hometown boy who shook up the fly-fishing world like nobody else ever has or possibly ever will. Lefty was one of kindest guys you could ever meet, with a heart of gold and a country-boy sense of humor that never left him throughout his life.
Maryland Land Conservation Conference Set for May
The Maryland Environmental Trust is hosting the Maryland Land Conservation Conference May 17 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum.
The annual conference brings together partners and stakeholders from agriculture, community and local government, conservancies, heritage organizations, land trusts and more for a comprehensive discussion about the future of land conservation in Maryland the broader mid-Atlantic region. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Lower Eastern Shore Landowners
Available to Riparian Homeowners in Dorchester and Wicomico
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free trees to help improve water quality in targeted Lower Eastern Shore communities.
Dorchester and Wicomico County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Hunter Safety Education Class Offered at Herrington Manor State Park
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class April 3, 5 and 7 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland.
Class times will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 3 and 5, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7. The class is limited to 30 students. Interested participants can register online. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available in Howard and Montgomery County
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted communities in Howard and Montgomery counties.
Property owners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free shrub and tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: March 14
This happy girl was lucky enough to get out with her dad for a little yellow perch fishing. Photo by Rich Watts
We are less than a week from the official first day of spring, and the recent switch to daylight saving time gives us an extra hour of daylight to enjoy some fishing after school or work. Daffodils are blooming and so are the fishing prospects.
There is plenty of fun trout fishing to be had, and your favorite fishing hole has a variety of freshwater fish that are raising up their activity levels after a cold winter. There is still good fishing for post-spawn yellow perch and the white perch runs will start soon.
Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties
Muskrat Munch by Martha Johnston
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one-week extension to the muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington. The revised season will now close March 22, 2018, to make up for unfavorable weather conditions.
An extremely cold January and more recent tide fluctuations have limited trapper access to many waterways and wetlands, reducing the ability and opportunity to harvest this valuable furbearer. Read more…
New Partnership to Monitor Mallows Bay Water Quality
Long-Term Monitoring Site to Benefit Public, Resource Managers and Scientists
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have announced a five-year partnership to monitor water quality at Mallows Bay on the Potomac River, a site being considered for designation as a national marine sanctuary.
The partnership plans for a long-term, continuous water quality monitoring site in the proposed Mallows Bay–Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary area providing real-time data to the public, resource managers and scientists via the department’s Eyes on the Bay program. Monitoring is expected to begin in spring. Read more…
Washington County Man Charged in Snake Case
Washington County man known as “VenomMan20” was criminally charged Friday by Maryland Natural Resources Police with 23 counts of illegal possession of venomous snakes, animal cruelty and reckless endangerment.
Brandon Joseph Boyles, 28, of Cascade, had six Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, one seven-foot-long Forest Cobra, one Cape Coral Cobra and two Boomslangs in his apartment when officers conducted a search. All of the snakes had the potential to deliver a fatal bite to humans. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Anne Arundel County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted Anne Arundel communities.
County landowners who have a ditch, creek, stream, or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree or shrub seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help enhance and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing sediment, stabilizing stream banks and lowering water temperatures.
Natural Resources Careers Camp Accepting Applicants for July 2018
Annual Weeklong Program Offered for Grades 9-12
Students observe stream wildlife at Casselman River Bridge State Park during the 2017 Natural Resources Career Camp.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites high school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife or parks management to participate in Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 22-28 at Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County.
Experts from a variety of conservation, environmental and natural resources fields will provide campers with a firsthand look at what it takes for a career in natural resources. Read more…