Natural Resources News
Police Charge Dorchester County Man with Oystering in a Sanctuary
Cite Four Dirt Bikers with Illegal Operation
Jody Daniel Jackson
A Dorchester County man was charged with multiple counts of illegal oystering during a joint operation between Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on the ground and Natural 1, the department’s recently reacquired helicopter.
Jody Daniel Jackson, 18, of East New Market, was spotted harvesting oysters with a power dredge in the Little Choptank River Nov. 3. Read more…
Police K-9 Unit Tracks Down Trespassing Hunter in Kent County
K-9 Officer Beacon
A Maryland Natural Resources Police K-9 unit tracked a trespassing Pennsylvania man from his truck to a tree stand on public land in Kent County, where he was charged with illegal hunting.
Kevin Lee King, 21, of Gordonville, received a citation Nov. 18 for hunting without written permission and was issued written warnings for failing to check in and field tag a deer, and record the kill on the Big Game Harvest Record. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: December 2017
A Watershed Year for the Chesapeake Bay
Secretary Mark Belton observes Chesapeake Bay water quality monitoring on board the department’s Research Vessel Kehrin.
When this year began, I knew it held great promise for the future of our most precious natural resource and treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland is committed to protecting and restoring the nation’s largest estuary, and I’m pleased to say this year we’ve seen strong signs of progress.
Deer Hunters Enjoy Productive Firearm Season Opener
Western Maryland Harvest Sees Jump; Junior Hunt Weekend Also Successful
Photo by Douglas E. George
Hunters reported harvesting 13,514 deer on the opening weekend of the 2017 Maryland firearm season, the state’s most popular hunting season. The total includes 6,242 antlered and 7,272 antlerless deer, with sika deer comprising 201 of the antlered and 188 of the antlerless totals. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: November 29
Karon Hickman holds up a nice striped bass he caught while casting in the Patapsco River. Photo courtesy of Karon Hickman
Water temperatures in Maryland continue to drop as the weather turns colder. In many areas, fish are seeking out warmer temperatures found in deeper waters. The tidal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay are seeing surface water temperatures in the mid-40s while the bay itself is around 50 degrees.
The upper bay region has been providing good fishing for a larger grade of striped bass, primarily by trolling along deep channel edges in the bay and lower sections of the region’s tidal rivers.
Assateague State Park Campground Improvement Project Postponed
New Expected Start Date in October 2018
Planned campground construction and improvements at Assateague State Park have been rescheduled to begin in October 2018.
The project plans to relocate campgrounds roads and shore up eroding sand dunes, resulting in a more sustainable beach with stronger dunes that can protect the park’s amenities and campgrounds. Read more…
Two Anne Arundel County Marinas Certified as Maryland Clean Marinas
Horn Point Harbor Manager Andrew Rinna
Two Anne Arundel County marinas earned Maryland Clean Marina awards after passing a voluntary evaluation and inspection by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Horn Point Harbor in Annapolis and Pleasure Cove Marina in Pasadena both met the criteria checklist, bringing the total number of Maryland Clean Marinas and Partners to 152.
Maryland Fifth-Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until Feb. 2
The 2017 Arbor Day Poster Contest statewide winning entry, submitted by Clara Pham from St. Mary’s County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invites all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2018 is “Trees Are Terrific…and Make Communities Healthy!” All entries need to be delivered to a Maryland Forest Service office by noon Feb. 2, 2018.
$21 Million Available for Chesapeake Bay Restoration Projects
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Focuses on Water Quality;
Local Governments and Nonprofits Encouraged to Submit Letters by Jan. 19
Terrapin Park Driftwood Sunset by Mark Dignen
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites local governments and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to help restore the Chesapeake Bay and improve water quality.
Through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, the department plans to allocate and award about $21 million to local projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution caused by excess nutrients and sediment.
Governor Larry Hogan has lauded the program and demonstrated his commitment to Chesapeake Bay restoration by becoming the first governor in Maryland history to fully fund the Trust Fund for two consecutive years.
Weekly Fishing Report: November 22
Jay Bernstein and friends found some time to get out and jig for a few Chesapeake Bay striped bass. Photo courtesy of Jay Bernstein
Extremely strong winds last weekend made for a tough time fishing on the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and kept most boats at the dock. Along with that, a lot of boats were taken from the water and put to sleep for the winter months, now parked and covered in boatyards and backyards.
That being said, weather conditions have been more favorable so far this week. Anglers that can chisel out a little time might be thankful they did, enjoying good fishing for striped bass and white perch.
Natural Resources Police Help Rescue Distressed Boater off Kent Point
In high winds and rough seas, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers and local first responders performed a dramatic rescue of a boater in medical distress Thursday in the Chesapeake Bay.
An emergency call by a marine towing company at about 6 p.m. triggered an all-out response to assist a 63-year-old Stevensville man aboard a sailboat off Kent Point, the southern tip of Kent Island. Read more…
Firearms Season Opens in Maryland
- State’s Most Popular Hunting Season Starts Nov. 25
Photo by Matthew Doged
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the two-week firearm deer season opens Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 9. Hunters may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this hunting season.
“The two-week firearms season is our most popular hunting opportunity in the state,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Not only is the harvest during this period a critical part of the department’s deer management program, it also allows hunters to spend time outdoors with family and friends after the Thanksgiving holiday.” Read more…
Three Leading Eastern Shore Conservation Organizations Join Forces
Chester River Association, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, and Sassafras River Association officially announced today the merger of their three organizations to form ShoreRivers, a new nonprofit dedicated to healthy waterways across the upper and middle Eastern Shore.
Hogan Administration Saves Harford County Residents Time with Combined Service Center
New Office Creates “One-Stop Shop” for Customers
Delivering on the Hogan administration’s Customer Service Promise, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Deputy Secretary Jim Ports today joined Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Assistant Secretary Allan Fisher and Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration Administrator (MVA) Christine E. Nizer in officially unveiling a combined service center in Bel Air. Read more…
National Boating Award Bestowed on Department Employee
Fred Bedell Honored for Service to Maryland Boating Access
The States Organization for Boating Access recently awarded Maryland Department of Natural Resources employee Fred Bedell with the organization’s Outstanding Service Award. Bedell received the award in late August at the organization’s annual meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.
Bedell was recognized for 45 years of service with the department, where he began as a bulkhead inspector before overseeing the maintenance of Maryland’s buoys, including the marking of navigation channels, speed zones and oyster bars. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: November 15
Jeremy Kaltreider was fishing with his older brother in the Chesapeake Bay over the weekend when he caught this beautiful striped bass. Photo by Joshua Kaltreider
Cold weekend temperatures have descended on just about every location in Maryland, putting an end to any summer plants and many of those pesky insects that were lingering into November. Cold weather is also pushing freshwater and saltwater fishing closer to a winter pattern. This is a time of great transition and great opportunity for those prepared for the change in weather.
Temporary Closures along Western Maryland Rail Trail
Users Encouraged to Follow Posted Detours during Construction Project
Significant project improvements along the Western Maryland Rail Trail will force temporary closures along sections of the trail between Nov. 27, 2017, and Jan. 27, 2018. This two-phase project will clean ditch lines and replace damaged guardrails and fencing along the trail.
“For the safety of those who enjoy the trail we ask that everyone follow the posted detours during the temporary closures,” Maryland Park Service Ranger Bob Study said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as this much needed work gets done.” Read more…
Input Sought for Idylwild Wildlife Management Area Plan
Public Comments Accepted Through Dec. 6
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 15-year vision plan for Idylwild Wildlife Management Area, a 3,578-acre property in Caroline County.
The vision plan was developed to establish long-term goals, and maintain and manage public access for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection. It includes conserving, protecting and restoring sensitive wildlife habitats as well as creating and enhancing valuable habitat for game species.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: November 18-19
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 18-19, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
Well the Maryland leaf peeper season is coming to a close. While there are some spots of red and yellow in St. Mary’s County and some oaks peaking in parts of central and southern Maryland, the consensus seems to be the leaves are falling very quickly.
Natural Resources Police Cite Five for Illegal Hunting
Officers on saturation patrol for illegal deer hunters in southern Caroline County charged a Delaware man Saturday night with spotlighting a field.
An observer aboard Natural 1, the Maryland Natural Resources Police helicopter, saw a vehicle slowly approach the intersection of Gregg and Ellwanger roads near the Maryland and Delaware state line. The vehicle then illuminated an adjacent field. Read more…
Nineteen New Rangers Join the Ranks of the Maryland Park Service
Diverse Group Graduated from Ranger School Nov. 10
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to welcome a new group of Maryland Park Service rangers. The 19 graduated Nov. 10 from Maryland Park Service Ranger School, which took place at New Germany State Park in Garrett County.
Managed Goose and Waterfowl Hunts Set for Garrett County
Reservations Taken for Nov. 20-22
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Photo by Robert Paine
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is continuing the Canada goose hunt on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunt at Broadford Lake.
Canada goose and waterfowl hunting is by permit and reservation only during select days of the season (Nov. 20-22). Interested hunters can apply for a permit online. Read more…
Staff Spotlight: Tom Brower
Living shoreline at Conquest Preserve in Queen Anne’s County
Tom Brower is a project manager for the Shoreline Conservation Service, within the Chesapeake and Coastal Service, Center for Habitat Restoration and Conservation. Read more…
Gift of Trees Offers a Lifetime of Appreciation
Orders Placed by Dec. 15 Receive Certificate in Time for the Holidays
Photo by Stephen April
For a gift that will give back for years to come, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers the Gift of Trees, a program that allows individual and organizations to purchase native trees for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration or observation.
Trees provide ecological, economic and quality of life benefits, including enhancing air and water quality, reducing energy costs, increasing property values, beautifying communities, neighborhoods and highways, while also providing essential habitat for birds and wildlife.
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Military Veterans to Receive Free Admission to Maryland State Parks
Complimentary Benefit Extends to Residents and Nonresidents
Proud to be an Osprey by Emily Carter Mitchell
In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced today that all military veterans, including residents and nonresidents, will be granted free admission and entrance to the network of 72 state parks managed by the Maryland Park Service.
The governor’s announcement directly impacts over 414,000 veterans living in Maryland with the highest concentrations residing in Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Montgomery counties, and Baltimore City, and the region’s more than 1.4 million veterans. Read more…
Pocomoke River Restoration Completes First Stage
Effort Among Largest Such Projects in Maryland History
The Nature Conservancy and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have announced the completion of the first stage of a major new project to restore floodplain connectivity to a nine-mile stretch of the Pocomoke River that had been dredged and channelized in the mid-20th century. By doing so, more than 125,000 pounds of nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment carried downstream by the Pocomoke River every year during rain events will settle in the surrounding wetlands, rather than flowing directly into the Chesapeake Bay where they impair water quality. The project is one of the largest ecological restoration projects in Maryland’s history.
Weekly Fishing Report: November 8
The fall colors are in full swing throughout much of Maryland this week, offering some added delight to fishing experiences; the leaves won’t last much longer so don’t miss out.
Meanwhile, many of the best fishing opportunities are occurring this month, as fish feel the need to feed and prepare for the winter.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: November 11-12
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 11-12, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
In western Maryland it appears that everything is happening at once, as eastern Allegany, Washington and Frederick counties are all reporting peak conditions, although muted. Weather has been a factor, especially around South Mountain. Washington County from Clear Spring west is just past peak.
How long the leaves will last is anyone’s guess…
22,000 Deer Harvested during Early Season
Turkey Hunters Take 105 Birds
Photo by Duane Tucker
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested more deer during the early hunting season compared with last year.
Maryland hunters wrapped up the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons by harvesting an estimated 22,199 deer in September and October, an 11 percent increase from last year’s official harvest of 19,923.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Cite Four Men for Poaching
Officers Also Assist in Finding Lost Hunters in Worcester County
Four Prince George’s County men were charged with deer poaching Saturday evening and their firearms, compound bow and tree stand were seized.
Acting on a citizen complaint, Maryland Natural Resources Police and Prince George’s County officers went to a construction site near Ritchie Marlboro Road, where four vehicles were parked. At about 7:15 p.m., the suspects left the woods and attempted to drive away, when they were stopped by police. Read more…
Junior Deer Hunting Days Set for November
Young Hunters Can Learn Sporting Skills and Traditions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to the time-honored cultural and sporting tradition this month during two Junior Deer Hunting Days.
The hunt will be held Nov. 11 on private and public land in all counties, and Nov. 12 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s. In Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, the hunt is also open on designated public lands Nov. 12.
Weekly Fishing Report: November 1
Photo by Travis Long
The fall months offer some exciting fishing opportunities for anglers across Maryland, from the trout management waters of Garrett County to the shores of Ocean City.
Daylight is getting sparser and this weekend the clocks fall back an hour, making it a little harder to get some fishing time after work and school. We’re all looking to stretch out fishing time as much as we can, always thinking: “Just one more cast.”
Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area Expands
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 191 acres in Kent County as an addition to Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area, which is adjacent to the property.
The site features rolling farmland and mature forests as well as 1 mile of accessible shoreline along the Sassafras River and Lloyd Creek.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: November 4-5
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Nov. 4 – 5, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
In November we’re starting to think of oyster dressing, pumpkin pie and turkey dinners, despite the fairly mild temperatures and presence of still-green leaves on many Maryland trees. While the leaves are past peak and have even started to drop in western Maryland, the brilliant orange, scarlet and yellow foliage is coming on strong in central Maryland and the mid-Eastern Shore. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: November 2017
Secretary Mark Belton tours Rocks State Park.
I regularly encourage everyone to get outside to enjoy Maryland’s great outdoors, especially our state parks and their 900 miles of trails, as well as unique water access and camping facilities found throughout the state.
As part of that encouragement, we’re always looking to be innovative in our ways of providing outdoor recreation opportunities, both in the investments we make in our natural resources, and the products and services we offer to access them. Read more…
American Indian Heritage Month at Fort Frederick
Park Programming Nov. 4 and 5
Ever wondered who the Indians were that fought in the French and Indian War? You can find out yourself at Historic Fort Frederick State Park Nov. 4 and 5, 2017.
Discover the tale of the Cherokee Indians who worked with Maryland forces to defeat the French and their allies, the Shawnee and Delaware.
“This special program examines the story of the Cherokee during their time at Fort Frederick,” Park Ranger Bob Study said. “The war was much more complex than most people realize; it was not only a struggle for North America but a clash of diverse cultures, which ultimately shaped the country and continent.” Read more…
Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Set for Fall and Winter
Two Dates Offer Introduction to Maryland Tradition
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young hunters to hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt days: Nov. 4, 2017, and Feb. 10, 2018.
Anyone 16 years of age or younger can hunt coots, ducks, geese and mergansers on private and public lands these two days, when aided by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old.
Invasion! The War of 1812 is Living History at Point Lookout
Historic Reenactments of Wartime Actions Oct. 28-29
For Americans keeping watch for the approaching British during the War of 1812, the aptly named Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County served as an ideal location.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources this weekend offers visitors to Point Lookout State Park a chance to witness living history of the surveillance, the skirmish and other exciting events during “Invasion! The War of 1812.”
Black Bear Hunt Concludes in Western Maryland
Results Indicate 131 Bears Harvested
Autumn Color by Steve Oliver
Unpredictable weather conditions in “Mountain Maryland” didn’t hamper hunters from enjoying time afield this week during the state’s 2017 Black Bear Hunting Season.
Results of the 14th annual hunt reveal that 131 hunters successfully harvested a bruin over the four-day hunt in western Maryland despite battling heavy rains, reduced daylight and dropping temperatures. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Arrest Two Men Following Brief Chase
Rescue Two Canoeists on Chester River; Cite Three for Striped Bass Violations
A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer on patrol Wednesday evening arrested two men for possession of heroin during a traffic stop on Route 24 in Harford County.
Joseph Francis Vanderwiele, 29, of Abingdon, was driving down the shoulder of the road around a traffic jam when he passed the patrol vehicle. After briefly pulling over for the officer, Vanderwiele drove away and continued down the road for about a mile before stopping. The vehicle was unregistered and had invalid temporary Delaware tags.
Passenger Kevin Tyler Brooks, 24, of Bel Air, had a container of heroin on him and a search of the vehicle by the officer and Harford County deputy sheriffs turned up drug paraphernalia.
Both men were charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Read more…
Summer 2017 Hypoxia Report
Maryland’s Water Quality Monitoring Data Indicates Second Best Year on Record
Dissolved oxygen conditions in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay mainstem were much better than average this summer, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The results show that 2017 had the second-smallest Chesapeake Bay hypoxic volume (dissolved oxygen concentrations below two milligrams per liter) since 1985, for the regions and times where water quality monitoring data could be collected. This summer had an average of 13.6 percent of sampled waters with hypoxia. The best year on record was 2012 with 13.3 percent. The average for 1985-2017 is 18.9 percent.
For September 2017, the Chesapeake Bay hypoxic water volume was 0.06 cubic miles, which is much smaller than the September 1985-2016 average of 0.35 cubic miles. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: October 25
Waylon, age 4 sure is happy with his stringer of trout; photo by Harry Wachter.
It seems hard to believe but the month of October is slipping away and November is just around the corner. Temperatures continue to be somewhat mild, and it is a wonderful time to take the young ones out fishing after school or on the weekends.
The fall trout stocking program for October is almost over; these put-and-take areas offer some of the best opportunities for young anglers to enjoy success. Many thanks to the efforts of the trout hatchery and stocking biologists.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 28-29
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 28 and 29, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.Well, this is the weekend for ghosts, goblins and other fright-worthy tricks and treats, and there are lots of Halloween events for everyone to enjoy! Read more…
Fall Turkey Season Opens in Western Maryland Oct. 28
Hunters Encouraged to Wear Fluorescent Orange
Photo by Lori R. Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 28 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
The 2017 Wild Turkey Observation Survey Summary shows turkey reproduction in western Maryland was slightly below average, but high enough to maintain the population at previous levels.
Read more…
Input Sought for Ocean Life Data
Workshop Set for Nov. 2 in Crownsville
Photo by Mark Odell
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will co-host a workshop Nov. 2 to solicit feedback on options to further develop data available on ocean marine life and habitat.
Input received will help refine existing marine mammal and seabird data that is available on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal, a multistate ocean information resource developed by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean.
The event will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Maryland Historical Trust in Crownsville.
Black Bear Activity Increases in Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common Sense Precautions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to potentially dangerous encounters.
Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.
Maryland State Park Passes for 2018 Now Available
Passports Purchased Now Provide Extra Time for Public Access
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers access to outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone, and right now is an ideal time to get passes for entry to public lands for 2018. The Maryland State Park & Trail Passport available now provides access to our network of state parks now through Dec. 31, 2018, meaning extra time for the yearlong pass if purchased before the end of the year.
The passport is available to residents for $75 and nonresidents for $100.
Adults ages 62 and older can purchase a Golden Age Pass, which provides a lifetime pass entitling seniors to free day-use entry and complimentary boat launch in addition to half-price camping Sunday through Thursday at state parks. All for a one-time service fee of $10.
Baltimore County Hunter Fined after Shooting Robo-Deer Decoy
Boat Explosion, Tree-Stand Falls among Maryland Natural Resources Police Responses
A Sparrows Point man who thought he bagged a buck in North Point State Park paid hundreds of dollars in fines instead after he shot a Maryland Natural Resources Police robo-deer decoy.
On the evening of Oct. 7, Thomas Ervin Minton, 45, was spotted by officers patrolling a field where the robotic decoy had been placed. He fired a crossbow at the faux deer and sped away when officers tried to stop him.
Weekly Fishing Report: October 18
Herb Floyd caught this nice striped bass in the lower Choptank recently and also sent in an accompanying picture of what the striped bass have been eating. Photos courtesy of Herb Floyd
The much anticipated annual striped bass young of the year survey results have been released and they are positive.
The number of two-year-old striped bass that are being encountered in all three regions of the bay also bode well for the future of striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
At present the two- and three-year old rockfish are feeding heavily on bay anchovies and gaining in size. As most anglers know, bay water temperatures have been a bit warmer than normal for this time of the year, and because of that the anticipated fall run of baitfish leaving the tidal rivers is behind schedule. Recently we have begun to experience some chilly nights so perhaps this will begin to drive water temperatures in the tidal rivers down into the low 60s and kick the annual fall event into gear so we can enjoy some fun jigging action.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 21-22
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 21 and 22, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
The Mid-Atlantic region is basking in the glow of an Indian summer, and if you’re planning to head west this weekend, you should meet with good viewing conditions in Allegany County, where the leaves are holding at about 25 percent color change. Rocky Gap State Park reports that hickories, maples and poplars are lovely, providing a patchwork of colors, just in time for the some brisk autumn hiking. Read more…