Natural Resources News
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…
Weekly Fishing Report: September 20
Anglers Esther and Veronica Cooley and their eel. Photo by Jamie Cooley
Many would agree we are entering one of the most beautiful times of the year in Maryland. Mornings are cool and daytime temperatures are inviting for outdoor activities. Where I live crops are being harvested, wildlife is on the move, bait in the tidal rivers is beginning to feel the urge to move out into the bay, and fish such as striped bass are enjoying the cooler water temperatures and ready to intercept the schools of bait. Some vegetation is starting to show color and the daylight hours are decreasing by about two and a half minutes a day.
Marylanders are on the move also, family schedules have adjusted to school and the weekends present a precious time to be with family and friends in the great Maryland outdoors. This is a great time of the year to visit your favorite fishing hole whether it is a creek or pond in western Maryland or just fishing off a dock in the Chesapeake Bay.
Read more…
New State Park Slated for Western Maryland
Ecologically-Important Area Conserved and Preserved; Public Access and Recreation Expanded
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 2,009 acres in Western Maryland for the development of a new state park. This acquisition in Garrett County consists of three parcels near Kitzmiller, with two of the parcels being adjacent to Potomac State Forest.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve a very large tract of ecologically-important land that will also provide true back-country recreation for residents and visitors,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. Read more…
New Grant Program Funds Nature-Based Solutions to Protect Coastal Communities
Four Demonstration Projects Proposed
Photo: “Sunset After the Storm” by Krystle Chick
The Board of Public Works today approved funding for a new Coastal Resiliency Grant Program to help Maryland’s coastal communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of extreme storms and weather.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources program will help design four shoreline improvement demonstration projects across the state with an additional two projects pending.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: September 23-24
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Sept. 23 and 24, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Office of Tourism.
It’s official! It’s autumn in Maryland.
When this weekend rolls in, thoughts will begin to turn to the sights, sounds and scents of the season: fan-filled football stadiums, bright orange pumpkins, cinnamon and cider warming on the stove and the welcomed return of Canada geese.
Trapping Opportunities Available on Lower Eastern Shore
Sealed Bids Accepted Until Oct. 18
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2017-2018 trapping seasons at multiple public lands located on the Lower Eastern Shore.
Properties include Janes Island State Park and Cedar Island, Deal Island, E. A. Vaughn, Isle of Wight, Johnson, Maryland Marine Properties, Pocomoke River, Pocomoke Sound, South Marsh Island, and Wellington wildlife management areas. Read more…
Project Spotlight: Irvine Nature Center
With funding from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Capital Improvement Grant and the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the 116-acre Irvine Nature Center has begun a stream and wetland restoration project in the Jones Falls watershed in Baltimore County. Read more…
Staff Spotlight: Dana Reiss
Dana Reiss
Dana Reiss is an Implementation Project Manager for the Center for Restoration Finance within the department’s Chesapeake and Coastal Service. Read more…
Sang Run State Park Dedicated at Annual Fall Fest
Historic Friends Property in Garrett County Recognized
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the property formerly known as Friends Delight will be officially opened and renamed Sang Run State Park.
The celebration will coincide with the ninth annual Fall Fest and Open House at the Friends Store Sept. 30, which runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The new park’s sign will be unveiled at 1 p.m.
Federal Grant to Support South Mountain State Battlefield
National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program Provides $55,000
On the 155th anniversary of the Battle of South Mountain, Preservation Maryland announced ambitious plans to support and enhance Maryland Park Service efforts at the historic hillside battlefield.
St. Mary’s County Oysterman Banned from Working Potomac
Natural Resources Police Investigate Boating Accident, Charge Deer Poacher, Cite Fishing Violators
A St. Mary’s County man whose Maryland commercial waterman’s license was revoked in 2015 for oyster harvesting violations has been banned from any oystering activity on the Potomac River for the coming season.
James Phillip Nelson, 41, of California, was convicted in St. Mary’s County District Court in February of harvesting oysters from a closed area on the river near Point Lookout. Maryland Natural Resources Police officers determined that Nelson was well within the marked boundary for the protected area.
At its meeting Sept. 7, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission decided that Nelson’s “brazen” actions required punitive measures. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: September 13
Vince Roberts holds up a northern snakehead he caught in the lower Susquehanna recently. Photo by Josh Cofiell
After being away for two weeks, I’m struck by the changes that are occurring as we drift out of the grasp of summer. We all need to thank Erik Zlokovitz for doing such a great job covering the fishing report and keeping you informed of our fishing opportunities in Maryland while I was away.
Read more…
Trapping Opportunities on Eastern Shore Wildlife Management Areas
Sealed Bids Accepted Until Oct. 17
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2017-2018 trapping seasons at several Eastern Shore Wildlife Management Areas – Ellis Bay, Fishing Bay, Idylwild, LeCompte, Linkwood, Nanticoke River, Taylor’s Island and Wetipquin. Read more…
Late August 2017 Hypoxia Report
photo by Anne Weathersby
Dissolved oxygen conditions in a portion of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay mainstem were better than average for late August, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) in the study area was 0.33 cubic miles, which is much smaller than the late August 1985-2016 average of 0.80 cubic miles for that reduced area. Crabs, fish, oysters and other creatures require oxygen to survive with levels above 5 mg/l considered optimal to support aquatic health.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: September 16-17
Burnside Bridge, Antietam National Battlefield, photo by National Park Service
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Sept. 16 and 17, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
You know summer’s almost over when local county fairs fill up with farm animals, 4-H kids, arts and crafts, fall harvest exhibits, midways and cotton candy. This weekend, you can choose from the Anne Arundel County Fair (Sept. 13-17) in Crownsville, the Charles County Fair (Sept. 14-17) in La Plata, or the Great Frederick Fair (Sept. 15-23), which runs for nine days. Read more…
Wildlife Experts Tracking Reports of Recent Deer Deaths
Department Requests Public’s Assistance in Reporting Impaired or Sick White-Tailed Deer
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and others to report any deer they encounter that appear sick or have recently died.
Prince George’s County Photographer Wins 2017 Photo Contest
Top Entries Chosen from Record Number of Submissions
Photo by Nikunj Patel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2017 Natural Resources Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to Nikunj Patel of Laurel for his stunning photo of an American Wigeon spreading its wings in wintry blue waters.
One Fort, Three Wars at Fort Frederick State Park
Fort’s History Highlighted Sept. 16-17
Historic Fort Frederick State Park will give visitors a look at life in the fort as volunteers exhibit the varied roles the setting played during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the Civil War.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Read more…
Clean Marina Tours Offered September 14
Boatyard Operators Can See Successful Water Protection Program in Action
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a free tour of Annapolis-area marinas that participate in the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, which recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs that voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices.
Teal Season to Open September 16
Photo by Alan D. Wilson
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the state’s teal hunting season will open Sept. 16 and continue through Sept. 30.
Fall Foliage and Festival Report: September 9 and 10
Defenders Day Celebration at North Point, Woodmont Lodge Open House
Solitude by Joseph Halpin
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Sept. 9 and 10, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism.
It’s been a long, hot summer in the mid-Atlantic but with just a handful of days left, Marylanders will begin to sense the changing season – shorter days, longer nights, fatter crabs, football, chirping crickets – and one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the autumn season, the appearance of fall foliage. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: September 6
Nora Long with a bluefish she caught in the Bay. Photo by Travis Long
This is Erik Zlokovitz filling in once again for Keith Lockwood on the weekly fishing report.
The big weather story this week is Hurricane Irma, which is making landfall in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean islands. The storm made landfall as a Category 5 on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, making it the most powerful hurricane on record to ever form in the open Atlantic Ocean. With Florida in Irma’s path, some residents will inevitably see a lot of wind and rain. Irma or her remnants won’t affect Maryland if at all until next week, setting up a fair to good forecast for the weekend, with light northerly winds on the water. Those cool winds are ushering in a taste of fall, lowering water temperatures across the region.
You should get out soon if you are interested in targeting our warm water visitors such as Spanish mackerel, red drum and bluefish.
Read more…
Turning Anglers’ Trophies into Community Bounty
Fish That Can’t Be Released are Donated to Area Food Banks
In catch-and-release fishing tournaments across Maryland, professional and amateur anglers routinely compete for a chance to catch record setting trophy fish. Fish caught during these tournaments typically are released back in the water, but inevitably some – up to 5 percent – don’t survive. That’s a low percentage of fish lost, but it’s enough to make a difference for some Maryland residents.
For the past few years Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist Tim Groves has been collecting these fish from tournaments and donating them to Angel Food Bank in Prince George’s County. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report Seven Boating Accidents During Holiday Weekend
A Talbot County waterman died and seven boat accidents were reported across the state during the extended Labor Day holiday weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said.
Deer Archery Season Opens Statewide Sept. 8
Maryland Bowhunters Have New Access Opportunities, Guidelines
Photo by Duane Tucker
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 8, and continues through Jan. 31, 2018. Read more…
National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebrated Sept. 23
Free, Family-Friendly Event in Washington County
Anglers, conservationists, hunters and others interested in the great outdoors are invited to take part in the 11th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration Sept. 23, 2017. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Izaak Walton League of America will host a free, family-friendly event – rain or shine – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 12759 Independence Road, Clear Spring, Washington County.
Bloede Dam Removal Project Begins in Patapsco Valley State Park
Important Public Safety and River Restoration Project Starts After Labor Day
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Bloede Dam, located along the Patapsco River, is scheduled to be removed from Patapsco Valley State Park over the next two years, with completion scheduled for late spring 2019.
Construction staging and trail closures will begin Sept. 5, 2017, following the Labor Day holiday weekend. Read more…
Backyard Wildlife: Tracks
Tracking wildlife is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. One of the most important items for tracking wildlife is a field journal. By keeping a field journal, you can record observations you have made and can preserve your finds. You also can write down crucial information that may be helpful for identifying animal tracks and signs when you return home. Animals leave many clues as to where they have been and what they have done. Read more…
Citizen Science: Bats, Butterflies and Moths—Oh My!
Need help identifying butterflies or moths? There’s an app for that! New as of July 2017, LepSnap is a free, community field guide that uses photos submitted by users. When you upload a butterfly or moth photo, LepSnap analyzes the image and suggests possible identifications that can be later verified by experts. The app further helps to organize your images and uses your images for documenting lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) biodiversity. Read more…
Fall Seed Sowing
Did you know? Fall is the perfect time to sow many wildflower seeds! Why sow seed in the fall? Here’s a list of advantages:
- Clay soils are easier to work
- Earlier blooms
- High moisture conditions
- More time to plant
- Natural cold stratification
In Maryland, the best times to sow seeds range from mid-September through the first frost. Read more…
Fueling Fall Pollinators
While many flowers are finished blooming by the fall, pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and flower flies are still out foraging for food. This late group of pollinators also includes the monarch butterfly, which needs nectar to fuel its southward migration. Feed fall pollinators by providing late-blooming nectar resources. Read more…
Native Plant Profile: Persimmon
Persimmon bark; photo by Steven J. Baskauf
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a high wildlife value tree in the persimmon family (Ebenaceae). The genus name, Diospyros, literally translates to “Fruit of the Gods,” but when unripe, the fruit can be quite distasteful! This large fruit tree can grow up to 80 feet in height and prefers partial to full shade environments. It grows best in well drained soils, but can also persist in dry or moist soils, as well as within sterile soil environments. Persimmons can be found throughout much of Maryland, aside from Garrett County. Read more…
Native Wildlife: Opossum
Opossum; photo by Cody Pope, CC BY-SA 2.5
Lurking in backyards around Maryland is an unsung hero: the Virginia opossum. With its rat-like tail and 50-tooth grin, the Virginia opossum isn’t always revered. However, recent research from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies has indicated the Virginia opossum as an important tick predator, grooming off and consuming almost 4,000 ticks per week! In contrast, species like eastern cottontails and deermice tend to leave ticks on their body. If that isn’t cool enough, a peptide in opossum blood can neutralize snake venom, allowing the opossum to dine on venomous snakes. Researchers are working to utilize this peptide as an antidote for snakebite victims. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: September 2017
A Higher Level of Protection for Our Lands and Waters
In August I had the opportunity to participate in a Maryland Natural Resources Police boating and water safety patrol off Ocean City. I was fortunate to get a birds-eye view in our newly reacquired helicopter, Natural 1, during a flight to ensure the safety of anglers and boaters along Maryland’s waterways.
Natural 1 has been back in the air for about a year since we restarted the aviation unit following a seven-year absence. The helicopter is a force multiplier, providing many times its own value in terms of prevention and deterrence of conservation law violations.
Free Trees at Corsica River Day in Queen Anne’s County
Landowners Can Reserve Containerized Native Tree Seedlings for Pick Up Sept. 17
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be giving away native tree seedlings at Corsica River Day Sept. 17 at Corsica River Yacht Club in Centreville. The event is sponsored by the Corsica River Conservancy, the Corsica River Yacht Club and Queen Anne’s County.
Interested landowners need to contact the department to reserve a tree by Sept. 15. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: August 30
Angler Stella Amoriello with her first catch, a largemouth bass, on a friend’s rod and reel. Photo by John Amoriello
This is Erik Zlokovitz filling in for Keith Lockwood on the weekly fishing report. As I write this report, there is a disturbance bringing in some rain and winds along the mid-Atlantic coast, but it is nothing compared to the historic flooding being experienced now by the folks in the Houston area, southeast Texas and western Louisiana. The weather forecast here in Maryland is fair to good for the next few days, with rain in the forecast Saturday. We may be entering into a slight cooling pattern, which means that fishing will gradually shift into early fall mode. Take your kids out fishing at least one more time before school starts! Read more…