Natural Resources News
Port Deposit and Talbot County Awarded Working Waterfront Grants
Funds Help Enhance and Preserve Maryland’s Maritime Communities
Photo by Sharon Diehl
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded Talbot County and the Town of Port Deposit with financial and technical assistance for projects through the Working Waterfronts Program.
With a $50,000 grant for each, these projects are slated to begin in October with the goal of enhancing and preserving their waterfront communities.
Weekly Fishing Report: August 9
Both lower and high tier views of the Bay Bridge at sunset. Photo by State of Maryland
As I was coming across the Bay Bridge yesterday evening, I could not help but marvel at the schools of juvenile menhaden plying along the calm surface of the bay and drifting along in the currents on both sides of the bay. The bay is truly a bountiful basin of life and on this evening there did not seem to be any hungry striped bass or bluefish nearby. All was calm on the Chesapeake this evening, at least at this area.
Project Green Classrooms Kicks Off in Howard County
Governor Larry Hogan’s Environmental Education Initiative Makes Debut
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources joined the Maryland State Department of Education last week to kick off a new statewide initiative dedicated to promoting outdoor learning, discovery, healthy play and career exploration in Maryland. Project Green Classrooms held its initial meeting July 27 at the Howard County Conservancy. Read more…
Environmental Stewards Graduate from Maryland Conservation Corps
Ten-Month Program Includes Work with the Maryland Park Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 32 members of the 2016-2017 Maryland Conservation Corps Thursday during their graduation program. The ceremony at the Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area in Queen Anne’s County capped the students’ completion of 1,700 hours of work with the Maryland Park Service.
Weekly Fishing Report: August 2
Joseph Eccleston V and Great Grandpa with a nice catfish; Photo by Joseph Eccleston IV
Welcome to August! As many of us know, in a blink it will be Labor Day weekend. Although we are more than halfway through the summer there is still time to plan large scale or small scale fishing outings with youngsters. If headed to the beach for vacation, consider bringing a hefty surf fishing outfit and let them enjoy some catch and release action in the evenings with inshore sharks and sting rays. Kids are always fascinated with sharks. If you are more local, consider white perch and channel catfish if you’re near a tidal river. For those more inland there are bluegill sunfish in just about every pond or lake that dot the Maryland landscape. The key to any youth fishing experience is to get them on fish to keep their interest up.
Staff Spotlight: Isaac Wilding
Isaac Wilding is the dredging grant coordinator for the Center for Waterway Improvement and Infrastructure within the department’s Chesapeake and Coastal Service. Read more…
Fort Frederick to Host the American Soldier Through the Ages
Living History Event Aug. 5 and 6
Fort Frederick State Park invites citizens to experience what life has been like for American soldiers through the years, including when the State of Maryland was founded in the 18th century and up through the Gulf War in the 20th century.
The military history of Fort Frederick spans the 18th and 19th centuries. Building upon that legacy, “The American Soldier Through the Ages” program will provide visitors with “hands-on” displays of weaponry, uniforms and military gear from those years and beyond. Read more…
Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities in Somerset County
Limited Number of Deal Island, Fairmount Wildlife Management Area Permits Issued by Lottery
Hunters can now submit applications for the annual permit-only waterfowl hunting days on Deal Island and Fairmount wildlife management areas, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.
Permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with assignments based upon a hunter’s stated preference for each impoundment area and/or date. Applications must be received by Sept. 11.
Secretary’s Message: August 2017
Growing Access to Public Lands
One of the key objectives in our mission at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is to provide diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens and visitors. This has been an exciting year for our department’s efforts to expand recreational access, opportunities and options within our beautiful public lands.
Maryland Crew Dispatched to Combat California Wildfire
Seven members of the Maryland Forest Service have been called into service to assist national efforts to combat a Northern California wildfire raging in the Klamath National Forest.
They will join their Maryland Department of Natural Resources colleagues from the Maryland Park Service and Wildlife and Heritage Service, and a cadre of volunteer firefighters as part of Maryland’s 20-person wildland fire crew, MDS #2, Type 2IA. Read more…
Lieutenant Governor Rutherford Congratulates Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps Graduates
Commemorates Program’s 10th Anniversary; Largest Graduating Class
About 400 young Marylanders, ranging in age from 14 to 17, celebrated their graduation from the Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps, marking the 10th anniversary of this Maryland Department of Natural Resources program managed by the Maryland Park Service.
In honor of the students’ achievements this summer and the enduring success of the environmental career and conservation program, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford served as the featured keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony at North Point State Park in Baltimore County. Read more…
Baltimore Man Convicted in 2015 Double-Fatal Boat Accident
A Baltimore man was sentenced yesterday to 18 months of home detention for causing a violent boat crash in 2015 that killed two women and injured five others near the Key Bridge.
Timothy Jay Wilson, 57, was convicted in Baltimore County Circuit Court of two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of causing life-threatening injuries with a vessel while intoxicated. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: July 26
Anglers Daniel Irons (L) and Jonathan Irons (R); Photo by Mike Irons
As most of us know it was pretty darned hot last week and those hot temperatures are driving up water temperatures and having a profound effect on fish and fishing. Unfortunately those hot temperatures can also result in violent storm activity when a cool front comes through as it did Sunday. I happened to be able to witness the tornado devastation on Kent Island Monday morning and my heart goes out to those affected. I also noticed large patches of discolored water from runoff which does not help the fishing situation in the bay. This runoff may also impact your favorite impoundment, stream or river. Sound advice is to keep close watch on summer storm activity out on the water and wear those lifejackets, they don’t do any good stashed in a boat locker.
Online Fishing Tool Helps Anglers Find the Fish
Using Science to Increase Fishing Success
“Where are the fish?” The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping anglers answer this age-old question with a new online tool, “Click Before You Cast.”
The tool provides a simple-to-follow, eight-step process to help anglers identify the best places to fish based on a number of scientific data points, be it clarity, habitat, oxygen levels, salinity or water quality. Click Before You Cast seeks to enhance the fishing experience and help anglers find and catch the species they are seeking.
Governor Hogan Honors Department of Natural Resources Employee
Maryland Forester Brian Stupak Cited for Commitment to Citizens and Customer Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources employee Brian Stupak was honored by the Hogan Administration today with the Customer Service Heroes Award for July. Stupak, a project manager with the Maryland Forest Service, was presented a citation by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford before the July 26 Board of Public Works meeting.
Stupak was nominated by the Department of Natural Resources and selected by Governor Larry Hogan.
“I am pleased to present Brian Stupak with the Customer Service Heroes Award and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition,” Governor Hogan said. “Our administration, along with the natural resources community, is grateful for his commitment to customer service in helping to manage Maryland’s forest programs.” Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Expansion of Chesapeake Forest Lands
Program Open Space Acquisition Supports Economy, Environment and Recreation
Chesapeake Forest Lands will increase by 1,664 acres following Board of Public Works approval today of a Maryland Department of Natural Resources conservation acquisition in Somerset County.
The adjoining and contiguous parcel will be integrated into the Chesapeake Forest Lands sustainable forestry management plan and provide for economic, environmental and recreational opportunities on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.
Fair Hill International Announces 4* Nomination by United States Equestrian Federation
Fair Hill International (FHI) is pleased to announce that it has been recommended by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to host the second CCI4* (4*) in the United States. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) for a final decision in the fall.
The 4* is the pinnacle of the sport of eventing, also known as the equestrian triathlon. There are currently only six events of this level in the world. Read more…
Over $1 Million Announced to Support Stream Restoration and Stormwater Management Research
The Chesapeake Bay Trust, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (Montgomery DEP), and with input from the Maryland Department of the Environment, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agency and technical partners on the Restoration Research Advisory Committee, announce six recipients of the collaborative Restoration Research Award Program. Read more…
Early July 2017 Hypoxia Report
photo by by Krystle Chick
Dissolved oxygen conditions in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were much better than average for early July, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 0.78 cubic miles, which is much smaller than the early July 1985-2016 average of 1.3 cubic miles. No anoxic zones (areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) were detected. Crabs, fish, oysters and other creatures require oxygen to survive with levels above 5 mg/l considered optimal to support aquatic health. Read more…
Maryland Black Bear Lottery Now Open
Hunters Can Apply by Aug. 31; Lottery Held Sept. 5
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for this year’s black bear lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the four-day hunting season, taking place Oct. 23-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.
The department will issue 750 hunting permits that can be used anywhere within the zone, which includes all of those four counties. The annual bear hunt is an important management tool used to slow the growth of Maryland’s black bear population into more suburban communities and counties. Read more…
Maryland State Fair: Raptors and Reptiles and Resources, Oh My!
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Exhibits in the Mosner Miller Building
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce its displays, exhibits and programs for the 2017 Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds (Aug. 25- Sept. 4), including the ever-popular Scales & Tales Program.
Stop by the Mosner Miller building to check out birds and reptiles in action or browse through some of the other educational and informational exhibits, ranging from crawfish and snakes from the Resource Assessment Service to learning more about the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program from the Wildlife and Heritage Service. Read more…
Maryland’s New Off-Road Vehicle Trail Opens in Garrett County
Reservations Now Being Accepted for the St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can get ready to take on a new trail as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground in Garrett County.
Riders can now make advanced reservations for day use and overnight camping through the department’s online licensing and registration system.
The St. John’s Rock ORV Trail, located within Savage River State Forest, includes more than 12 miles of woodland trails professionally conceptualized and constructed specifically for recreational enjoyment and use. ORV enthusiasts and riders provided contractors and engineers feedback and input on the trail throughout the process.
Shooter Qualification Schedule Released
Proficiency Necessary to Participate in Managed Deer Hunts
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2017-18 Shooter Qualification Schedule which includes more than 25 qualification sessions at 15 locations across the state.
These events allow hunters to take the necessary proficiency test required to obtain a Shooter Qualification Card in order to participate in many of the managed deer hunts scheduled in the fall and winter.
Weekly Fishing Report: July 19
Our friends at Eyes On The Bay have always had valuable information about bay conditions that help fishermen, ranging from information on water quality to satellite imagery. They now have added a wonderful new site called Click Before You Cast which uses a simple to follow, step-by-step process to help anglers identify the best places to fish based on the water quality and habitat preferences of the fish they are trying to catch. Read more…
Sunflowers Ready to Bloom at McKee-Beshers in Montgomery County
Thirty Acres Expected to Peak Late July to Early August
The McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville is getting ready for a burst of color, as 30 acres of sunflowers are expected to bloom within the next two weeks.
Ideal viewing times may begin July 22-23, and the peak time to see the sunflowers begins July 29-30. Sunflowers are usually in full bloom for two weeks. The sunflowers are taking longer than normal to bloom this year due to weather conditions and bloom times are only estimates. Updates will be posted here. Read more…
Speed Limit Feature Now Available to Boaters on AccessDNR App
Free Mobile Technology Enhances Enjoyment and Safety
A new mobile app feature is available from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to alert boaters of speed limits and zones on state waterways.
The new service on the department’s free AccessDNR app covers the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays west of Ocean City, Potomac River and Deep Creek Lake.
Two Howard County Men Charged with Animal Cruelty, Illegal Trapping
Two Howard County men have been charged with multiple counts of illegal trapping and animal cruelty for activities over a two-year period, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported.
Eugene William Iager, 70, and Terry Lee Altman Jr., 28, both of Fulton, maintained as many as eight traps at a time at Maple Lawn Farm in the 11700 block of Scaggsville Road. Read more…
Zebra Mussels Found on Boat Destined for Deep Creek Lake
Department’s Launch Steward Program Successfully Interdicts Aquatic Invasive Species
For the second consecutive year, Deep Creek Lake State Park launch stewards successfully interdicted zebra mussels – an aquatic invasive species of shellfish – before they entered Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County.
On the evening of July 9, a launch steward was conducting a standard and voluntary inspection of an inboard ski boat when he came across what appeared to be a zebra mussel in a fragment of milfoil found in the boat’s intake system. Following the find, the steward informed the owners of the apparent presence of the invasive species and informed them to thoroughly clean their boat before it entered the lake, which the owners did.
The samples were later analyzed and examined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which confirmed the presence of zebra mussels. Read more…
Fort Frederick Brings Pontiac’s War to Life This Weekend
Living History Highlights Historic Event July 15-16
Fort Frederick State Park invites citizens to experience what life was like at the fort more than 250 years ago during Pontiac’s War, as it presents “Repair to the Fort” July 15-16.
Visitors will get a firsthand look at what life was like for Western Maryland settlers who came to the fort for refuge from the threat of attacks by Native American tribes in the summer of 1763. Living historians and staff will demonstrate musket firings, hearth cooking and military drills, as well as host talks on Fort Frederick’s role during Pontiac’s War.
Waterfowl Blind Site Licensing Dates and Locations Announced
Applications Taken and Lottery Begins Aug. 1
Photo by Chuck Prahl
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will soon allow the state’s resident hunters to apply for a 2017-18 waterfowl blind site license.
Beginning Aug. 1, applicants will be entered into a lottery for a chance to select their blind sites. Each site license is assigned to a designated location in Maryland waters, where hunters can anchor their boats to hunt waterfowl.
From 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Aug. 1, applications will be accepted at locations listed below. Anyone arriving after 8 a.m. will not be eligible for the lottery.
Weekly Fishing Report: July 12
Jonathan and Daniel Irons got to go fishing with their dad and grandparents and caught this nice group of striped bass and a catfish; by Mike Irons
Fishing is one of those activities that is often so much better when shared with family and friends; memories of those adventures together can last a life time. Recently Jonathan and Daniel Irons got to go fishing with their grandparents that were visiting from Pennsylvania and with dad at the helm they had a rewarding trip that goes far beyond the bountiful catch of striped bass on that day.
In the far upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay, there continues to be an early morning topwater striped bass bite around the edges of the Susquehanna Flats. Poppers tend to be the best lures to use and the best fishing is usually before the sun clears the horizon. In the Susquehanna River the best action is at the Conowingo Dam pool at sunup. Casting heavy swimshads into the boiling water during early power generation has been accounting for some nice striped bass catches. Channel catfish can be found in the lower river and upper bay channels. Read more…
Late June 2017 Hypoxia Report
photo by by Krystle Chick
Dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem continued to be near average in late June, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The hypoxic water volume (areas with less than 2 mg/l oxygen) was 1.05 cubic miles, which is slightly below the late June 1985-2016 average of 1.09 cubic miles. No anoxic zones (areas with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) were detected.
Hypoxia in the bay extended from south of the Patapsco River to north of the York River, in waters about 25 feet below the surface to the bottom. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Rescue Three Boaters in Distress
Photo courtesy of Support Maryland Watermen
At the height of Thursday’s strong storms, a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer responded to a call for boaters in distress just north of Kent Narrows.
Three men – all wearing life jackets – were in the water, waving for help. The officer pulled all three aboard his patrol boat and then corralled their capsized canoe and towed it to shore. Read more…
Maryland Wildland Fire Crew Dispatched to Colorado
Maryland’s first 20-person wildland fire crew of 2017, MDS #1, has been dispatched to battle wildfires in the Rocky Mountain Area of Colorado.
The fully trained, certified and equipped crew was mobilized at the Madonna Ranger Station in Harford County July 8. They will join other crews from the mid-Atlantic region in Colorado over the next few weeks.
MDS #1 has been assigned to the Deer Gulch Fire. The Centennial State is contending with five large wildfires. Read more…
Boonsboro Anniversary Marked at Washington Monument State Park
Nation’s First Monument to George Washington Rededicated
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently joined local dignitaries, officials and reenactors at Washington Monument State Park July 1 to celebrate Boonsboro’s 225th birthday.
Representatives of the Maryland Park Service and Boonsboro Historic Society provided remarks during the ceremony, which included a re-dedication of the monument. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Respond to 15 Boating Accidents this Holiday Weekend
Partners with U.S. Coast Guard for Operation Dry Water
For the second consecutive year, the Fourth of July holiday ended without a boating fatality, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported.
Statewide there were 15 boating accidents, an increase of three over 2016, and officers arrested 12 boaters for operating under the influence of alcohol, the same number as last year.
Discounted Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Purple Heart Recipients
New Law Took Effect July 1
Any Maryland veteran who has received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained defending our nation now qualifies for a 50 percent discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licenses. The new discounted rate went into effect July 1, 2017.
Purple Heart recipients will join disabled veterans and former prisoners of war along with current members of the U.S. military who can receive special pricing for Maryland licenses, permits and stamps.
“We are proud to provide accessible, exceptional and world-class recreational opportunities for all Marylanders, especially those heroes who sacrificed so much for our freedom and way of life,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “We are hopeful that more current service members and veterans take advantage of our many programs to experience the majesty and wonder of Maryland’s great outdoors.” Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: July 5
Josh Zylka holds up a nice striped bass caught in the lower Susquehanna on a popper; by Craig Zylka
The holiday weekend is but a memory now and I hope your memories are good ones. It was a scorcher in many areas of Maryland and people flocked to the water for relief. It did my heart good to see fishing rods peeking out through mini-van windows or in the back of pickup trucks as folks headed to their waterside destinations. The summer will tend to move along now and before we know it we’ll be starring Labor Day in the face so don’t put off spending time with family and friends fishing. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: July 2017
Teaching the Next Generation of Stewards
Speaking at the 2017 Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park
School may be out for summer, but education is always a priority for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. One of the great pleasures of my work is seeing the knowledge and passion about our state’s natural bounty pass from one generation to the next.
Maryland State Parks Celebrate Independence Day
History, Nature and Free Fishing Offered Throughout the Old Line State
Fort Frederick before its restoration in the 1930s.
It’s our nation’s birthday and the Maryland Park Service is ready to celebrate. Maryland’s rich history and natural beauty is on display throughout the park system and many of the events planned this weekend provide a perfect way to enjoy Independence Day with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Over $800,000 Announced to Support Local Green Infrastructure Projects to Improve Communities and Provide Jobs
Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the City of Baltimore Office of Sustainability announce $843,486 in funding for the Chesapeake Bay Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Grant Program.
Weekly Fishing Report: June 28
Plum Holton got to spend some time fishing with her dad out on the bay and they both shared in the excitement of her catching her first striped bass.
For many it seems hard to believe that the 4th of July holiday is upon us, for others it probably seemed like it would never get here. One thing is for certain, the kids are out of school and ready to have some vacation adventures with their parents or smaller outings which are often more cherished and meaningful. The important thing is to enjoy time together with family and few things offer better one on one time together than fishing. Read more…
Modest Changes Coming to Maryland’s Commercial Crab Harvest
Industry, Scientists and Stakeholders Approve Plan
Photo by Kim Cover
Following weeks of scientific review and discussion among key stakeholders, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is making modest but important changes to the commercial harvesting of Chesapeake Bay female hard crabs later this season.
Harvesting will close Nov. 20, and bushel levels for the month of November will be reduced compared to the previous harvest year.
These modifications are based on the results of the 2016-17 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, and subsequent review and approval by the Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee and Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission. Read more…
Army Corps of Engineers Accepting Comments on Environmental Assessment for Navigation Improvement Project on Smith Island
Public Comment on Project Accepted Until July 7
Photo by Paula Brumbley
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District has opened a public comment period ending July 7 for an environmental assessment for a navigation improvement project at Rhodes Point in collaboration with Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Somerset County.
The Corps’ Baltimore District proposes to realign a portion of the federal navigation channel in Sheep Pen Gut through hydraulic dredging; construct two jetties to prevent shoaling in the channel and to reduce the continual need for dredging; and create a stone sill along the shoreline to prevent further erosion and contain the clean dredged material from the project. The construction contract is anticipated for award in late summer/early fall, if all necessary requirements are met.
Governor Larry Hogan Opens New Bayside Boat Ramp in Ocean City
Maryland Natural Resources Secretary and Mayor Help Dedicate 64th Street Boat Ramp
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan joined Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan today to officially open the public 64th Street Boat Ramp. This free facility, located at the base of the water tower, is operational 24/7, 365-days a year with access to and from Assawoman Bay.
“The boating industry is incredibly important to our state; it supports thousands of jobs and contributes $2 billion to our state economy,” said Governor Hogan. “We are committed to doing everything we can to expand opportunities for Marylanders and visitors to appreciate all that the coastal bays, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean have to offer, and I know that this new 64th Street ramp will provide even more Marylanders with the chance to make memories here in Ocean City, and out on the water.”
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forges New Collaborative Partnership with Morgan State University
Focus on Development, Diversity, Outreach, Research and Training
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Morgan State University, a doctoral public urban research university in Baltimore City, signed a new educational agreement today that seeks to promote collaborative research, community outreach, economic development and opportunity, and workforce training.
This first-of-its-kind agreement between the two state institutions was signed at the Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory, known as the PEARL, during an open house event that featured remarks from Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton, and Morgan State University President Dr. David Wilson. Read more…
Early June 2017 Hypoxia Report
photo by Elizabeth Davis
Dissolved oxygen conditions in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay mainstem were near average in early June. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: June 21
Matt and Morgan Jenkins got to go out fishing with their dad Sunday; I’m sure there will be many more to come that they will remember this day and the fish their dad, Greg, caught.
As we all know Sunday was Father’s Day, and sons and daughters made every effort to be with dad and to share in some time together. Dads usually get to pick what they wish to do on Father’s Day, and when they team up with their sons and daughters it is a heartwarming sight to see. Read more…
Maryland Ocean Expert Awarded for Groundbreaking Work
Team Honored for Creating First Regional Ocean Action Plan
Gwynne Schultz (far right), was among four members that accepted the Peter Benchley Award May 11 at a ceremony in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.
A team of ocean experts, including Gwynne Schultz of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, received the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Award for more than three years’ work developing the first Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan.
Schultz, director of the Office of Coastal and Ocean Management, is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body, which received the award for “Excellence in Solutions” along with the Northeast Regional Planning Body and the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council.
Celebrating 50 Years: Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier Lake; by Scott Cantner
It’s hard to imagine a time when there were no state parks. Most of Maryland’s were created between 1945-1975, though even by 1960 there still weren’t very many. Under the direction of Gov. J. Millard Tawes, the state began acquiring property and creating several new sites. Read more…