Natural Resources News
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…
Es Mi Parque: This is my park
Greenbrier; staff photo
In the United States, we are fortunate to have access to vast public lands, from local parks and state-managed assets to national monuments and other cultural sites for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone. These household names instantly call to mind dramatic, inspiring and somehow familiar scenes to many of us, even if we have never been there personally. In fact, did you know that over the past decade, many guests visiting these iconic American sites were from abroad? Read more…
High School Detectives: Investigating plankton’s connection to water quality
Plankton up close; staff photo
What IS that?!” an Advanced Placement biology student from Broadneck High School exclaims, squinting into the microscope eyepiece. “Ooooh…” squeals another. “Check out this thing! It looks like a segmented hair, but it’s totally moving on its own!”
This can only mean one thing: it’s plankton identification lab time at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary! Read more…
Sharks of Maryland: Coexisting with the kings of the ocean
Shark teeth; by Dennis Garcia
Sharks are an important component of Maryland’s marine and estuarine ecosystems, and some are highly sought-after as gamefish. There are four main areas where anglers actively pursue sharks in Maryland: the Atlantic coast surf, nearshore Atlantic waters, offshore Atlantic waters and the Coastal Bays. This article provides a primer on how to responsibly fish for sharks and strategies for staying safe when sharing the water with them. Read more…
Click Before You Cast: Using online resources to catch more fish
Striped bass; by Buck Hicks
Where are the fish? It is an age-old question Chesapeake Bay anglers ask when searching countless tidal creeks, rivers and bays stretching over 4,500 square miles and averaging 21 feet deep. We all understand that fish are influenced by food, shelter and water conditions. So where do we find this information? The answer is just a few clicks away. Read more…
Somers Cove Marina: The front door to the bay’s bounty
Somers Cove; staff photo
Welcome to Somers Cove in Crisfield, Maryland—the largest single marina on the Chesapeake Bay and the only one owned and operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources!
We offer 515 magnificent slips that can accommodate boats up to 150 feet, as well as the best fuel prices and least expensive, annual, semiannual and transient slip rates on the Eastern Shore. Read more…
Restoration of the Conococheague Aqueduct Took Tenacity: Williamsport groundbreaking
Federal, state and local dignitaries scoop and toss dirt to mark the beginning of the restoration; by Kevin G. Gilbert
Republished with permission from Herald-Mail Media.
Visitors at Williamsport’s Riverbottom Park might be doing a double-take once the National Park Service completes its next multimillion-dollar attraction next to the Cushwa Basin. Read more…
Setting Our Lands A-buzz: Creating sustainable habitat
Painted lady on zinnias; by Frederica Weiner
The warm days of late spring and early summer provide many opportunities throughout the state’s natural areas to see a wide variety of blooming flowers, shrubs, trees and vines. From the low-lying coastal plains to the rocky meadows in the mountains, Maryland is in full bloom. Unfortunately, within these diverse and colorful landscapes, scientists and laymen alike are noticing something quite disturbing. Read more…
Ride Inside: Avoid the risk of bow riding
Responsible boaters; Coast Guard photo
Few people would consider allowing a family member or friend to ride on the hood of their moving car.
Yet every summer, boat operators permit their passengers to ride on the bow—legs dangling over the front—or perch along the sides, or sit on the stern.
The practice, called bow riding, is dangerous and sometimes deadly. And in Maryland and many other states, it is illegal. Read more…
From the Field: Saving Jughead, Wildlife response team
Injured deer; staff photo
It all started with a phone call over the weekend this past January. There was a small deer—most likely a button buck—roaming the Bel Air neighborhood of Glenwood with a clear plastic jug stuck on its head.
Wicomico County Man Charged with Illegal Harvesting, Health Violations
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on surveillance at the Nanticoke River Oyster Sanctuary charged a Wicomico County man with illegal harvesting and public health violations. Read more…
Three Communities Receive Funding to Mitigate Flooding
Department Program Assists Planning for Coastal Hazards
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide $125,000 total to three communities to reduce the impact of tidal flooding. These competitive Community Resiliency Grants will help local governments prepare for weather-related hazards, including flooding, sea level rise and storm events.
CoastSmart Communities is a department program dedicated to assisting Maryland’s coastal communities address short- and long-term coastal hazards. It connects local planners to essential information, people, tools and training. Read more…
Fort Frederick Brings American Revolution to Life
Reenactments Highlight Historic Weekend June 24-25
Fort Frederick State Park invites Marylanders to experience what life was like at the fort during the American Revolution, as it presents “To Garrison the Fort” June 24 – 25.
Living historians and members of the Maryland Independent Rifle Company will demonstrate hearth cooking, military drills, musket firings, and discuss period clothing and uniforms.
Community Parks and Playgrounds Program Accepting Applications
Department of Natural Resources Offers Funds for Improved Access to Open Spaces
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications from cities and towns seeking to build, enhance or rehabilitate local parks and playgrounds.
Funding from the Community Parks and Playground Program can be used to restore existing areas and features or to develop and expand new green spaces.
Applications for Fiscal Year 2019 funding are due Aug. 16. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: June 14
Dave Andrews shows what kind of reward can come your way when you get out on the water before sunrise and fish topwater lures. This beautiful 42-inch beast of a striped bass was caught before sunrise this past Sunday.
Despite increased water releases at the Conowingo Dam in the past week, water temperatures in the lower river area are climbing into the mid 70s this week. Fishing for channel and flathead catfish near the dam pool and the lower river has been very good. Read more…
Department Awards $10.5 Million to Enhance Boating Access and Navigation
18 Maryland Counties Receive Waterway Improvement Fund Grants
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $10.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to improve public boating access and navigation throughout the state.
Passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed by Governor Larry Hogan, this critical funding will go toward 49 projects in 18 counties from Allegany to Worcester. Read more…
Record White Catfish Caught in Lower Potomac River
Lexington Park Resident Sets Standard with 8.27-Pound Catch
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed a St. Mary’s County man has set a new state fishing record for white catfish. The fish was recognized as a game fish a few years ago, but until now nobody had broken the seven-pound minimum weight to be eligible for state records.
Jacob Vosburgh, 20, of Lexington Park, caught the fish recorded at 8.27 pounds June 1 in the lower Potomac River. The white catfish was 23 inches in length.
Department Launches Hispanic Outreach Pilot Program
“Es Mi Parque” Engages and Serves State Park Visitors
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources kicked off a new citizen outreach program, “Es Mi Parque,” or “This is My Park,” designed to better serve the growing Hispanic population at state parks throughout Maryland. The first outreach event of 2017 took place June 10 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.
Read more…
Dundalk Man Sentenced for Selling Stolen Park Passes, Hunting Stamps
A Dundalk man was found guilty Thursday in district court of stealing Maryland state park passes and waterfowl hunting stamps, and selling them online.
Charles Edward Ruddlesden Jr., 22, was sentenced to 90 days in the Baltimore County Detention Center and was ordered to pay $150 in restitution to the state.
Governor Larry Hogan Renews Commitment to Environmental Education
Signs New Executive Order Promoting Outdoor Learning For Maryland Youth
Governor Larry Hogan is renewing Maryland’s commitment to environmental education to ensure that every child in Maryland has the opportunity to learn about their local environment, develop a connection with nature, and have a better sense of place in their natural surroundings. The governor today signed Executive Order 01.01.2017.12, establishing Project Green Classrooms, an initiative to promote outdoor experiential activities and environmental education through Maryland’s schools, communities and public lands. Read more…