Natural Resources News
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…
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…