Natural Resources News
Maryland Continues Commitment to ‘Every Kid in a Park’
National Program Extends to Maryland State Parks
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again is partnering with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Every Kid in a Park program, which provides fourth-grade children and their families free admission to Maryland state parks along with national parks and other federal lands across the country.
The purpose of the Every Kid in a Park effort is to increase accessibility to public lands and waters for children at an ideal age – primarily 9-10 years of age – to capture their interest, curiosity, and love for the outdoors throughout their lives. The Maryland Park Service will accept this year’s Every Kid in a Park pass now through August 31, 2018 at all 72 state parks. The pass is also valid at 16 national parks, six national natural landmarks, five national wildlife refuges and two federal heritage areas in Maryland. Read more…
Striped Bass Survey Shows Healthy Population Growth
Annual Young-of-Year Survey Tracks Spawning of State Fish
Results of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2017 young-of-year striped bass survey in the Chesapeake Bay shows the fish is reproducing in strong numbers. The annual survey’s index is 13.2, above the 64-year average of 11.7.
Striped bass, popularly known as rockfish, is Maryland’s state fish. The fish spawns in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries each spring. The survey is conducted annually to track the reproductive success of this important species and help predict future abundance. The index represents the average number of young-of-year striped bass – those less than 1 year old – captured in 132 samples. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission
Will Strengthen the Outdoor Recreation Industry, Boost Rural Maryland Economy
Sunset Lure by Laura Brown
Governor Larry Hogan today announced Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 establishing the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission (MORE). This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation resources.
“Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life,” said Governor Hogan. “This commission will help ensure that our state’s natural heritage is strengthened, bringing new businesses, increased tourism, and ultimately preserving our resources for future generations.” Read more…
Natural Resources, Transportation Departments Combine Services in Salisbury
One-Stop Shopping for Outdoor Recreation Licenses Available
Delivering on the Hogan Administration’s Customer Service Promise, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of Transportation/Motor Vehicle Administration have begun operating a combined service center in Salisbury.
Maryland Environmental Trust Celebrates Anniversary
Governor Larry Hogan Honors Conservationists at Government House
More than 100 guests attended a reception Oct. 12 at the Government House in Annapolis to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Maryland Environmental Trust and honor landowners who have voluntarily and permanently preserved their land. Governor Larry Hogan, along with Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton, recognized private landowners for donating permanent conservation easements.
Weekly Fishing Report: October 11
Jim Byrd caught these two nice striped bass while trolling spoons and Tsunamis off Deale recently. Photo courtesy of Jim Byrd
Recent warm weather has caused Chesapeake Bay and tidal river water temperatures to be rather stagnant this week. Water temperatures in all three regions of the bay are holding around 73 degrees to 75 degrees and the tidal rivers are running about 3-5 degrees cooler. It is going to take a prolonged cool front to drive water temperatures down to the upper 60s, which will then cause baitfish to move out of the tidal rivers and into the bay. Striped bass will be waiting for them and hopefully the fall fishery for Maryland’s state fish will finally kick into gear.
Vertical jigging in the upper bay region is becoming more popular each week, and some nice fish are being caught at Podickory and Love Point channel edges as well as near the Bay Bridge piers, rock piles and some of the shoal areas in the upper bay. Soft plastic jigs tend to be the favorites with Gulps and BKDs being at the top of the list.
Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Set to Begin
Hunters Reminded to Practice Tree Stand Safety
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 19. This is one of several deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 19-21 in Deer Management Regions A and B. Region A consists of Garrett, Allegany and western Washington counties (private land codes 250 and 251); Region B is the rest of the state. Hunters in Region B can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 23-28 for antlerless deer only.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 14-15
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 14 and 15, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
Garrett County’s biggest event of the year, the Autumn Glory Festival, is underway in Oakland and other locations throughout the county. Highlights of the festival include the Maryland State Banjo and Fiddle Championships, Tall Tale Storytelling and Book Festival, Western Maryland Tournament of Bands, parades, a 5K Run, and an authentic Oktoberfest celebration.
Maryland Tree Nursery Now Taking Orders for Shrub and Tree Seedlings
Pollinator-Friendly Species Highlighted This Year
The John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is currently accepting shrub and tree seedling orders.
The nursery offers more than 50 species of trees and shrubs to meet a wide variety of landscaping preferences and conservation needs. Popular this year are the many trees and shrubs that are beneficial for pollinators. Anyone interested in helping create much-needed pollinator habitats can look for plantings listed as “pollinator friendly” in the nursery catalog. Read more…
Input Sought for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area Plan
Public Comments Accepted Through Nov. 6
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the 15-year vision plan for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
The Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area vision plan was developed to establish long-term goals and maintain and manage public access for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection on this 9,569-acre property is located in Allegany County.
Stranded Sea Turtle Returns to Ocean from Assateague State Park
Rescued, Recovered Reptile Released
A loggerhead sea turtle that had been found stranded in the Chesapeake Bay last fall has been released back to the water. On Thursday morning, the joint efforts of several organizations and individuals culminated when “Bailey,” an 86-lb. juvenile male, returned safely to the sea from Assateague State Park.
Bailey was found floating in the bay last fall and was rescued by Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program. Sea Turtle Recovery, a nonprofit sea turtle hospital, treated Bailey for a severe lung infection at the organization’s facility in New Jersey and teamed up with the National Aquarium for his Maryland release.
Maryland Motorists Urged to Stay Alert for Wildlife
Deer Breeding Season Means Added Danger
Photo by Paul Farley
Cooling temperatures, colorful foliage and unpredictable wildlife are all signs that the fall season is upon us.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife this time of year as these animals seek food supplies and mates. During this time of year, vehicles accidents are a particular safety hazard.
Read more…
Wild Turkey Survey Indicates Slight Improvement
Poult Production Lower Than Average, But Turkey Population Resilient
Photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently completed the annual Summer Wild Turkey Observation Survey.
The reproduction index of 2.3 poults per adult hen was below the 15-year average of 3 poults per hen, but slightly higher than the record-low 2016 index of 2 poults per hen. A poult is a young turkey hatched this spring or summer.
Maryland Conservation Corps Welcomes 35 New Members
Award-winning AmeriCorps Program Engages Young Adults in Natural Resource Projects
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently welcomed 35 new members into the Maryland Conservation Corps. This award-winning AmeriCorps program involves young adults aged 17-25 in comprehensive natural resource management projects and substantial conservation and environmental education efforts at public lands and parks throughout the state. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: October 4
Bill De Carlo and Matt Kropp’s big black drum. Photo by Bill De Carlo
The recent cold evenings this week are beginning to have an effect on water temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers. Bay surface water temperatures are down to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the tidal rivers are in the mid to upper 60s. As a result, the upper bay region striped bass fisheries are starting to see some water temperature-dependent changes in fish behavior.
Spot are still available this week at the Sandy Point area, and also the mouth of the Magothy and Chester rivers but are showing signs of being on the move so this week may be your last chance to fill a dockside pen with some live spot to take you through the next week or so for your live lining trips. If you do, make sure to wire your lid down to protect your spot from a four legged bandit — river otters are very skilled at slipping in and out of lids held down with bungee cord!
Bait will soon begin to exit the tidal rivers and it will be “game on” for jigging along steep channel edges. Jigging is already gaining momentum at Podickory and Love Point as well as various shoals, reefs and knolls out in the middle of the upper bay region. Trolling a mix of umbrella rigs, spoons and bucktails has also been productive at these same areas but will take some weight or planers to get down to where fish are suspended.
Board of Public Works Approves $23 Million for 17 Rural Legacy Program Grants
Grants Permanently Protect 6,500 Acres
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Board of Public Works, including Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, unanimously adopted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommendation approving 17 Rural Legacy Program grants – totaling over $23 million. Funding from these grants will permanently protect over 6,500 acres of working farms, forests and open space in 18 counties.
The projects include protecting productive farmland, natural habitat, scenic view sheds, shorelines, wetlands, and woodlands as well as cultural, historical, and natural resources. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: October 7-8
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
In Garrett County, oaks are just starting to change and there are pockets of brilliant color, mostly maples, sassafras and sumac. The wet areas and swamps continue to show the most color. Read more…
Fall Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland
Stocking Adds to Plentiful Autumn Fishing Opportunities
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will begin fall trout stocking in early October, introducing nearly 28,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout into select Maryland creeks, lakes and rivers by the end of the month. Read more…
Fort Frederick Commemorates 1862 Maryland Campaign
Living History Highlights ‘Picketing the Potomac’ Oct. 7-8
Fort Frederick State Park invites visitors to a commemoration of life during the 1862 Maryland Campaign, a critical point in the Civil War. Living history performances and tactics demonstrations will mark the anniversary of this conflict that raged in the Old Line State 155 years ago.
“Picketing the Potomac” takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Read more…
Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
More than $200,000 Available for Initiatives Throughout Maryland
Whitelock Community Farm in Baltimore City received a Spring 2017 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant.
The Maryland Environmental Trust is now accepting applications for funding through Keep Maryland Beautiful, comprising five grants designed to help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas.
Applications will be accepted through Nov. 15 for one of five grants in two categories: Environmental Education, Community Initiatives and Cleanup Grants for community groups and Land Trust Capacity, Excellence and Stewardship Grants for local land trusts in the state. Each organization may apply for one of the five grants per funding cycle.
Police Apprehend Delaware Man Wanted for Attempted Murder
Officers aboard a Maryland Natural Resources Police patrol boat in Ocean City apprehended a Delaware man Saturday night wanted for the attempted murder of two police officers.
Antonio Ambrosino, 18, of Seaford, was wanted after his vehicle struck an Ocean City officer and a Worcester County deputy sheriff attempting to arrest him on drug charges. Ambrosino ran from the scene near the Convention Center and jumped into Isle of Wight Bay to escape. An officer on land patrol used thermal and night vision equipment to locate Ambrosino, about 400 feet from shore and guided a patrol boat to the spot. Trooper 4 arrived and used its spotlight to assist. Read more…
Volunteer Fire Departments Awarded Grants to Fight Wildland Fires
Department Provides a Record $102,548 to 45 Departments in 17 Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that a record number of volunteer fire departments applied for and received Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants in 2017, resulting in the most funding distributed in state history.
“Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants allow us to support our first responders, hardworking men and women who risk their own lives and safety to protect our state’s citizens, communities and natural resources,” Maryland Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell said. “These grants pay for equipment and training, and improve volunteer firefighting efforts by our local partners.” Read more…
Oyster Season Starts October 2
Opening Month Reserved for Divers and Tongers
Photo by Eugene Byers
Maryland’s 2017-2018 public oyster harvest season kicks off Oct. 2 and runs through March 31, 2018. The opening month is reserved for divers and watermen using patent and shaft tongs, as well as recreational oystering.
The recreational harvest of oysters in Maryland is open to any resident during the season. Each harvester may take up to one bushel of oysters per day as long as they are only for personal, noncommercial use.
Creature Feature: Catching Catfish
Photo courtesy of Alan Englebrecht
Cooler water temperatures stir various types of catfish to think about eating even more than they do during the warmer summer months. Catfish can be found in all of the tidal creeks and rivers flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, and many lakes throughout Maryland. Catching them is simple and provides some fun fishing from lake and river banks. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: October 2017
Weather is Cooling, But Outdoor Activity is Just Warming Up
Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton
The summer has come and gone, and now it’s time to celebrate nature’s fall splendor. Comfortable days and temperatures, and spectacular scenery make October an exceptional month to enjoy the great outdoors.
Pick a forest, park or waterway and make a plan to bike, boat, camp, hike or hunt. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: September 27
Eric Zegowitz is very happy with this nice striped bass he caught recently. Photo courtesy Eric Zegowitz
The heat and humidity hanging over Maryland continues to hold a grip on us, but it won’t be long before fall is here to stay.
The striped bass fishing in the upper bay remains rather stable this week due to warm weather keeping water temperatures in the mid-70s. However, at some point in early October we usually get a combination of cold fronts with strong northerly winds, cooling air temperatures, and rainfall which will cause a drop in water temperature and salinity in the upper bay.
At present, spot are still available on many shallow hard-bottom areas but are showing a propensity for being on the move. The mouth of the Magothy River, Chester River, Sandy Point and shallower ends of the Bay Bridge have been locations to look for spot. The channel edges at Swan, Love and Podickory points continue to be good places to live line spot but shoals, knolls and other channel edges in the region can also be worthwhile places to find suspended striped bass.
Carroll County Teen Catches Record Sheepshead
Robert Martin Hauls in 18-pound Fish
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a teenager from Carroll County set a new state fishing record in the Atlantic Division for sheepshead.
Sykesville resident Robert Martin, 17, caught an 18-pound sheepshead Sept. 22 off the coast of Ocean City. Read more…
Police Charge Virginia Man with Spearfishing in Potomac
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers patrolling the Potomac River in Montgomery County Sunday charged a Virginia man with fishing with a spear gun and fishing without a license.
Witnesses said two men were in a boat and one man caught a smallmouth bass with a spear gun. The officers questioned the two men, who denied the account. However, officers found fishing gear and a set of wet goggles in their vehicle and a smallmouth bass in their cooler. Then, they found a spear gun in the tall grass near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report – September 30-October 1
Nice Weekend for the Calvert County Fair, National Public Lands Day and Apple and Pumpkin Festivals
Chimney Rock Trail, photo by Tim Ray
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
October arrives this weekend and soon the full glory of the changing foliage will as well! Reports out of Western Maryland confirm the first signs of the season as the region’s early reds, yellows and oranges are starting to pop, particularly visible in Garrett County’s higher elevations above 2,500 feet.
Deep Creek Lake State Park is reporting that foliage is coming along with red maples starting to turn bright orange. The low areas, which are cooler and moister, have the most color.
Ocean Planning Workshop Held October 5
Beach-goers, Paddlers, Whale Watchers Asked to Participate
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Photo by Dennis Garcia
Recreational ocean stakeholders and users are invited to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Non-Consumptive Recreation Workshop Oct. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Coastal Public Library at Bethany Beach, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, Delaware.
Affordable and Attractive Trees Available for Public Planting
Tree-Mendous Maryland Orders Being Accepted; More Selections and Sizes Available
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state, offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on community lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program.
New this year, the department is offering nearly double the number of high quality, native shrubs and trees, which are grown and provided by Clear Ridge Nursery in Carroll County.
Construction Begins on Bloede Dam Removal Project
Effort will improve public safety, health of Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay
Construction workers broke ground this month on a major project to restore the health of the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay and improve public safety in Maryland’s Patapsco Valley State Park. Workers are relocating a sewer line and preparing the site in preparation for the removal of Bloede Dam.
Removal of the 34-foot high by 220-foot long Bloede Dam is a partnership of American Rivers, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and others. Read more…
Bird Brains: The intelligence of common ravens
Common raven; by Neal Herbert
It seems almost foolish to try and introduce the common raven. Our comprehension is nearly automatic, innate even. But why? Read more…
Costumes, Naturally: Creative holiday getups for nature lovers
Using materials I had at home, I skipped the costume shop last Halloween and floated through the holiday as a jellyfish. There’s no shortage of spirit and creativity among natural resources staffers this time of year, either. Below I’ll share how I made my outfit from scratch, and show you what some colleagues came up with as well! Read more…
Parks in the Dark: Spooky events this Halloween
Spirits of the Furnace tour; by Alicia Norris
By day, Maryland State Parks are showing off their vibrant views and welcoming visitors with every cozy comfort the season brings. Cabin stays, harvest crafts, hayrides, pumpkin patches, warm cider. We’ll get to that with the next article, but first, let’s take a look at what some of our parks are up to when the sun goes down and the ghouls come out. Read more…
The Golden Season: Fall foliage and festivals
Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain National Park; by Tim Ray
After the candy is eaten and the costumes are put away, our focus shifts to our natural world’s final glorious display of the year.
It’s official. It’s autumn in Maryland. Living in the Old Line State, you know how lucky we are. Although small geographically, the landscape is quite diverse and complex, often referred to as America in Miniature. Read more…
Dancing, Deception and Cannibalism: The myths and realities of Maryland spiders
Web; by Kerry Wixted
From their unique mating rituals to their importance for biomedical research, spiders are fascinating yet highly misunderstood creatures. Read more…
Wildlife Calls: Reserve Officers relieve dispatch overload
Reserve Officer Campbell; department photo
When the phone rings at the Maryland Natural Resources Police communications center, a dispatcher has no idea whether it is a boater’s cry for help or a homeowner with a frog in their bathtub. Read more…
Fishing at Conowingo Reservoir: More than meets the eye
Susquehanna River; by Brett Coakley
Ask any fisherman what the largest freshwater impoundment in the state is, and most will confidently say Deep Creek Lake. It’s a good guess—the man-made Western Maryland lake does span 3,900 acres—but not entirely correct. Deep Creek Lake is the largest impoundment fully within Maryland. However, from a fishing access perspective, the Conowingo Reservoir on the Susquehanna River includes more than 9,000 acres of water, and Maryland residents possessing a nontidal fishing license can fish it all! Read more…
A Four Star is Born: International prestige at Fair Hill
Rendering of future accommodations; courtesy of Populous
Once the Federation Equestrian Internationale gives its stamp of approval this fall, one of the world’s great equestrian competitions is going to be calling Maryland—more specifically the 5,600-acre Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area—its permanent home. Read more…
A-Hunting We Will Go: New apprentice program
Camaraderie; department photos
From an ice cream shop that hands out small samples to an auto dealership that has a weekend loaner program, introductory offers have long been used to entice potential shoppers to try a product.
In order to build a relationship with an un-tapped customer base, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is rolling out a reduced-cost hunting license for first-time hunters from any state and of any age who have never held a hunting license. Read more…
Connecting Outdoor Enthusiasts in a digital world
The department’s first website
Two decades ago, staff of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources connected with our customers through letters, the occasional television or radio story, phone calls, and articles in newspapers that were published from press releases we physically mailed out. Fax machines, landline phones, single reflex cameras and typewriters were the communications tools of the day. Employees did not even have desktop computers; the department only had 10 in a lab in the basement. Read more…
From the Field: Monte Mitchell, State Fire Supervisor
Fire crew in Colorado; department photo
Employees of the Maryland Forest Service perform many roles. Some plant trees, some manage their harvest, some inspect properties. Some even battle wildland fires and educate the public about fire safety. Leading this operation is Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell. As part of my internship, I sat down with him to ask how it all works. Read more…
Recipe: Victory Venison
Venison bites; by Stephen Badger
A staple in our quarterly magazine, fall’s recipe is sure to make mouths water. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Fall 2017
What can you do with your pumpkins after Halloween is over? What should you know about selecting firewood? Our experts break it down in our fall magazine! Read more…
Aboveboard: Fall 2017
As fall settles in across the Old Line State, we become a little more sensitive to the sounds of rustling leaves on the ground, the moan of wind through the trees, and the eerie sensation out in nature that we’re not alone.
In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource, we investigate some fascinating phenomena around the state, most of which has a perfectly natural and scientific explanations. Read more…
Calvert County Man Prohibited from Working in Wildlife Rehabilitation
Judge Upholds Department’s Decision on “Doc” Wexler
An administrative law judge has upheld a decision of Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials to revoke the wildlife rehabilitation permit of a Calvert County man who was convicted of practicing veterinary medicine without a license.
Ronald Gene Wexler, 69, of Lusby, who had appealed the November action, also was prohibited from ever working in wildlife rehabilitation.
Judge Tameika Lunn-Exinor said department officials and Maryland Natural Resources Police investigators presented “credible evidence” that Wexler’s conduct “was a violation of both state and federal wildlife laws and regulations.”
Aquatic Invasive Species Confirmed in Gunpowder River
New Zealand Mudsnail Found in Baltimore County; First Known Presence in Maryland
Photo courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the first known presence of a new, non-native, freshwater mollusk in Maryland waters.
After being notified in early September of small snails in the Gunpowder River, department biologists and species expert Edward Levri confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum).
The Nature of Change: Fall 2017
The Chesapeake Bay is Maryland’s most treasured natural asset. Since taking office, our administration has made incredible progress toward protecting the bay, including more than $3 billion in restoration efforts—an unprecedented investment.
We continue to make great strides—this year the bay received one of the highest scores calculated by scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in its annual survey. In addition, fish populations greatly improved to an A (90 percent). This is great news for the many Marylanders who enjoy the waters for recreation or rely on the bay to make their living. Read more…
Pocomoke River State Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary
All-Day Celebration Sept. 30 Features Outdoor Events and Open House
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources proudly celebrates the golden anniversary of Pocomoke River State Park.
Marylanders are invited Sept. 30 to take part in the story of this unique state park — boasting America’s northernmost cypress trees, a blackwater river darkened by fallen cypress needles and a Maryland Champion loblolly pine tree standing 113 feet tall — with events planned throughout the day.
“Families have been making memories at this park since it opened in 1967,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. Read more…