Natural Resources News
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…
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Funding for Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Improvements
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Awards $21.54 Million to 18 Local Projects
Photo by Allan Napfel
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded funding to 18 recipients through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund to improve the health of Maryland’s waterways. The Trust Fund directs critical grant funding to the most cost-effective and efficient water quality improvement projects in the state that result in the highest level of pollution reduction as a return of the state’s investment.
Governor Hogan has continued to demonstrate his commitment to Chesapeake Bay restoration by becoming the first governor in Maryland history to fully fund the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund the last two years. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: June 7
The weather forecast looks very promising for this coming weekend. For those looking for some family fun, there could hardly be anything better than participating in one of Maryland’s free fishing days, or going to one of many other children’s fishing events also being held this Saturday. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Cecil County Acquisition
460-Acre Parcel Set to Become Bohemia River State Park
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item to acquire 460 acres in Cecil County for the future development of a new state park.
The new water-access site, located near Chesapeake City, will complement existing Maryland Park Service properties in the area: Elk Neck, Fair Hill and Sassafras. Read more…
Charles County Man Arrested for Firing on Anglers
A Charles County man was arrested on criminal assault charges after anglers on Middletown Branch complained that he fired on them.
The victims told Maryland Natural Resources Police officers that they were bowfishing at about 10:30 p.m. May 13, when a man began yelling obscenities at them and shining a light on them. They then heard what they thought was a gun shot and heard a splash near their boat. Read more…
Colonial Children’s Day at Fort Frederick State Park
Annual Event Takes Place June 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Children can experience what life would have been like in the 18th Century by taking part in Colonial Children’s Day June 3 at Fort Frederick State Park.
Youngsters, ages 8 to 12 years old, can participate in pastimes offered by the Maryland Park Service, with games such as stilt walking, blind man’s bluff, trap ball and badminton, and activities including a fort tour, a musket-firing demonstration, musical entertainment, kite creation and a make-and-take craft. Read more…
Horseshoe Crab Migration Begins in Maryland
Beach Visitors Encouraged to Help Arthropods in Trouble
Photo by Kim Cover
Through the month of June, visitors to Maryland’s beaches can expect an astonishing sight – millions of horseshoe crabs will make their annual pilgrimage from the Atlantic Ocean to our shores.
Dating back at least 350 million years, it’s one of the largest spawning events of horseshoe crabs in the world.
To ensure the horseshoe crab has a chance of survival, Marylanders can do their part in helping protect this valuable species. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: June 2017
June is Great Outdoors Month
Children are counting down to summer vacation in hours, not days. Fireflies are beginning to light up the backyard. And bikes, kayaks, tents, camp stoves, snorkels and other gear are coming out of storage.
June is Great Outdoors Month, and it’s time to go outside and play!
Maryland Coast Smart Council Releases Annual Report
State Agencies Report Progress on Implementing Construction Program
Maryland state agencies have reported their progress in implementing the Coast Smart Construction Program, a statewide effort to address impacts from coastal flooding, storm inundation and sea level rise on state-funded building projects.
These initiatives are recorded in the first Annual Report issued by the Maryland Coast Smart Council, established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2014 to establish specific siting and design criteria to address resiliency for projects planned and built by the state. Read more…
Staff Spotlight: Nicole Carlozo
Nicole Carlozo is a Natural Resource Resiliency Planner for the Chesapeake and Coastal Service. Specializing in coastal resiliency and spatial analysis, she works to integrate climate change and coastal data into the state’s conservation, restoration and waterfront planning activities. Read more…
Project Spotlight: Pocomoke Restoration Partnership
As of April 2017, the Pocomoke River Restoration project has reconnected approximately 2,032 acres of floodplain forested wetlands with Pocomoke River. Additionally, in late 2016 the Nature Conservancy acquired a 693-acre farm in the headwaters of Nassawango Creek.
Future plans include using this site to demonstrate agricultural best management practices, including wetland restoration and ditch enhancement techniques, as well as pollinator habitat establishment. Both the floodplain reconnection and headwater wetland restoration projects are greatly improving the water quality and habitat within the watershed. Read more…
Protected Aquatic Wildlife Among Maryland’s Summer Visitors
Marine Mammal, Sea Turtle Strandings Should be Reported
As warm weather settles in and the days grow longer, Maryland’s waters become a destination not for just humans, but also marine animals.
In the past century, 23 different species of marine mammals and sea turtles have been documented in and around state waters. Visitors include bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, humpback whales, harp seals and manatees.
“While these marine animals are an awesome sight, sometimes they can be disoriented and lost, leading to a marine mammal or sea turtle stranding,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources State Fish and Wildlife Veterinarian Cindy Driscoll said. “It is important that the public understand that some of these animals are protected by law and should be treated with care and compassion.”
Florida Man Arrested for Concealed Weapon
A Florida man was arrested and charged with a handgun violation Sunday by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers at an event at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.
Michael Steven Friend Jr., 32, of Port Saint Lucie, was a vendor at the Repitcon Reptile Show when officers checking for the sale of illegal species noticed he was wearing a gun in a holster that was covered by his shirt. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 31
Angelina Watts got to do some fishing with her dad near the inlet.
Most enjoyed a nice break in the weather over the Memorial Day Weekend although there were scattered showers at times. The forecast for the rest of the week promises sunny and warmer weather. Those that fish the Chesapeake for striped bass are looking forward to all waters of the bay being open to striped bass fishing as of June 1. Cooler water temperatures are making for excellent freshwater fishing, so whatever you choose, enjoy the outdoors this week. Read more…
Summer Rockfish Season Begins June 1
Striped Bass Fishing Expands Baywide
Anglers wanting to get in on this year’s striped bass fishing season will have more areas to fish starting June 1.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the official opening of the summer/fall striped bass season with no exclusions on where anglers can catch the state fish.
All areas of the Chesapeake Bay, including tidal rivers and tributaries, will be fair game beginning Thursday.
Read more…
Another Record Spring Turkey Harvest in Maryland
Garrett County Leads State with 429 Birds
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters reported harvesting 4,175 wild turkeys during the 2017 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons.
This year’s harvest was 8 percent higher than 2016 (3,874) and marked the third consecutive record harvest in the state. It is also well above the 10-year average of 3,303. Read more…
Assateague Beach Patrol Earns Lifesaving Certification
Lifeguards on Duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now through Labor Day
The U.S. Lifesaving Association awarded members of the Assateague State Park beach patrol with their official certification on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean May 26.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the Assateague State Park beach patrol earned its national certification from the United States Lifesaving Association, America’s nonprofit professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers.
Maryland Boaters Urged to Keep Safe as Summer Season Begins
Maryland’s “Ride Inside” Campaign Launched During National Boating Safety Week
Secretary Mark Belton speaking on boating and water safety at a press conference at Sandy Point State Park.
As the boating season gets underway this Memorial Day weekend, state enforcement officials and partners are urging Maryland residents and visitors to take simple, proven steps to keep safe.
This week, Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Coast Guard held events in Ocean City and Annapolis to kick off the “Ride Inside” campaign to curtail the illegal and dangerous practice of riding on the bow of a moving motorized vessel.
Funding Available for Maryland Volunteer Fire Departments
Grants Provide Financial and Technical Assistance to Enhance Capabilities
In Maryland, about 5,000 wildfires start each and every year, and more than 300 volunteer fire departments across the state respond to these blazes.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now offering volunteer fire departments access to critical grant funding through its Volunteer Fire Assistance Program to help fortify and strengthen wildland firefighting capabilities. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 25
Blue Angels perform in Ocean City; provided by the U.S. Navy
Ready or not, here comes Memorial Day Weekend! For many it is a time for family “mini-vacations” over the long weekend to favorite places, and often fishing will be involved. Read more…
Healthy & Safe Swimming Week
Maryland Promotes Safe Fun in the Water
National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week runs May 22-28, 2017, the week leading up to Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer. The Secretaries of Maryland’s Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Environment and Natural Resources encourage all Marylanders to take note of swimming safety tips to ensure a safe and healthy swimming experience – no matter where they swim.
Keep Maryland Beautiful Program Awards $160,000 in Grants
49 Recipients Get Funds for Local Cleanup and Conservation Activities
Parks & People Foundation’s paid internship program, Branches, received a grant for its work engaging low-income high school students in cleaning neighborhoods, creating green spaces and maintaining parks.
The Maryland Environmental Trust has awarded 49 Keep Maryland Beautiful grants totaling over $160,000 to municipalities, nonprofits and schools for beautification projects, community cleanup activities and environmental education programs throughout the state.
Nineteen counties and Baltimore City received the grants, an annual program funded by the Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration.
New Playground Opens in Patapsco Valley State Park
Environmentally-Friendly Play Space Accessible to All
One of Maryland’s oldest state parks is set to unveil a brand-new amenity, a completely reconstructed playground with up-to-date features.
The new Hollofield Play Space at Patapsco Valley State Park will contain nature-based elements, such as simulated hollow logs, tree stumps, rocks and toadstools. Read more…
Baltimore and Hyattsville Receive Grants to Address Flooding
Community Resiliency Grant Program Allocates $200,000
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide $100,000 Community Resiliency Grants to the cities of Baltimore and Hyattsville to support green infrastructure projects designed to mitigate the impact of flooding.
“This grant program helps assure our inland communities are developing and implementing resiliency projects to address and prepare for extreme weather events, sea level rise and other threats,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “While primarily associated with coastal communities, building up ‘green infrastructure’ is a priority throughout the state.” Read more…
Colonial Waterbirds Return to Ocean City Islands
Conservation partners gear up for busy summer season
The Coastal Bays around Ocean City, Maryland, that are so popular with boaters and vacationers in the summer months, are also home to another kind of summer visitor – endangered species of beach-nesting birds like the Black Skimmer, Royal Tern and Common Tern. That’s why local conservation organizations and the state of Maryland are asking paddlers and boaters to give the birds a break from the bustle of human activity and stay off the islands where the birds nest. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 17
Let the sun shine and warm the landscape and waters of Maryland this week. After several days of rain, cold temperatures and a root’n toot’n northeaster, I think we’re all ready for some dryer and warmer weather. The rain does bring out the green in everything, and this is a marvelous time of the year to be outdoors. Read more…
Kent County Farm Protected Along Scenic Byway
679-Acre Easement Preserves Agricultural Land, Scenic Views, Wildlife Habitat
The Maryland Environmental Trust and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy have permanently protected 679 acres of farmland and forestland along the Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway. Read more…
Park Service Recruiting Next Generation of Environmental Stewards
The Maryland Conservation Corps Wants You!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting 35 full-time individuals, between the ages of 17 to 25, for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults in extensive conservation and natural resource management projects that enhance Maryland’s public lands and waterways.
The program is seeking recruits to participate in the 11-month effort, beginning in September 2017 and ending in early August 2018. Apply today. Read more…
Maryland Free Fishing Days Set June and July
Unique Opportunity to Learn or Rediscover the Sport
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites residents to participate in the state’s three, free fishing days in 2017: June 3, June 10 and July 4.
They provide a unique opportunity to fish the state’s waters without obtaining a fishing license, stamp or registration. Read more…