Natural Resources News
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…
Record Muskie Caught in Washington County
Tessa Cosens Hauls in 32.5-Pound Fish
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed a Washington County woman has set a new muskellunge (muskie) nontidal state fishing record.
Tessa Cosens, 26, caught a muskie recorded at 32.5 pounds May 6 along the banks of the upper Potomac River in Washington County.
The record fish was 49 inches long with a 24-inch girth. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 10
Courtesy of Marybeth Downes
As most know (or better know!) this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. For many of us who loved to fish in our youth, it was our moms who fussed over us about dressing properly, being careful and being home on time. They worried then and they worry now, but they let their little outdoorsman be free to taste the adventures of the world. We don’t see too many kids peddling down the road with fishing rods these days, perhaps due to busier traffic conditions or moms keeping an even closer eye on youngsters in these different times. These days it is often moms who succumb to the pleas of, “Please take me fishing!” To all the moms out there that fish, we hope you catch the biggest fish of the day. Read more…
Trespassing Complaint Leads to Felony Gun Arrest
A trespassing complaint in Frederick County last Monday morning turned into a felony gun arrest of a Thurmont man convicted of a sex offense.
John Ryan Coblentz, 27, was stopped by an officer checking a report of a trespassing hunter on land owned by NVA Properties LLC off Retreat Road in Walkersville. Read more…
Junior Hunter Field Days Offered in May and June
Upcoming Events in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Queen Anne’s and Somerset Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites youth ages 8 to 16 with an interest in hunting, shooting sports and wildlife management to register for free Junior Hunter Field Days this spring. Staff along with sporting and conservation groups will use hand-on activities to teach participants about natural resources stewardship, wildlife biology, shooting safety and ethical conduct in the field.
Chesapeake Bay Report Card Shows Steady Health Recovery
Fisheries Index Gets an ‘A’ at 90 Percent
The overall health of Chesapeake Bay improved in 2016, a positive sign that recovery efforts are working. The largest estuary in the nation scored a C grade (54 percent) in the 2016 report card, one of the highest scores calculated by scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. In addition, fish populations greatly improved to an A (90 percent). Scientists are encouraged by these improvements in health despite many pressures on the Chesapeake Bay and across the watershed.
Maryland Citizens Honored for Environmental Stewardship
Tawes and Coulter Awards Recognize Outstanding Environmental Achievements
The Maryland Departments of the Environment, Natural Resources and the Maryland Petroleum Council today presented the 40th annual Tawes Awards for a Clean Environment to fifth grade students from Myersville Elementary School in Frederick County and Susan Scotto Dyckman of Severna Park. Laura Armstrong, an employee of Maryland Department of the Environment, was honored with the 12th annual James B. Coulter Award.
Anglers Gearing Up to Catch Invasive Species
Stop the Snakehead Fishing Derby Scheduled for June 3
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting the second Annual “Stop the Snakehead Fishing Derby” June 3 at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park’s Pennyfield Lock.
Interested anglers can register for the free event here.
Since the 2002 discovery of snakeheads in Maryland, efforts have been made eradicate the invasive fish before it can alter the balance of our state’s aquatic ecosystem. The fish have spread beyond the Potomac River and are now prevelant in many tidal rivers in the Chesapeake Bay. In 2015, the species was found reproducing in the C&O Canal.
Maryland Municipalities Receive Parks and Playgrounds Funding
Department Funds Projects from Aberdeen to Williamsport
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the awarding of 23 Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grants – totaling $2.5 million – to municipalities across the state.
From pickleball courts in Ocean City to new playground equipment in Mountain Lake Park, the program provides essential funding for the creation, enhancement and renovation of recreational facilities in Maryland’s incorporated cities and towns. Read more…
Recent Enforcement Effort at Fishing Creek Bridge Results in Charges
Nine Men Cited for Striped Bass Violations
Continued late-night enforcement at Fishing Creek Bridge in Dorchester County by the Maryland Natural Resources Police resulted in nine men being charged with illegal fishing and 154 undersized striped bass being seized. Read more…
Marylanders Reminded to Keep Fawns Wild
Removing Wild Animals is Dangerous, Illegal and Unnecessary
With late spring being the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer in the state, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases the doe is nearby protecting and feeding her offspring.
Too often, well-intentioned people find and remove fawns from the wild believing they are helping an orphaned animal. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: May 3
When fishing, the outdoors always presents a side show that can at times surpass the main event. Last Wednesday evening, I happened to find myself out on the bay and came upon the tall sailing ship, the Coast Guard Eagle. For some it has been known that she spent the winter at the Curtis Bay dry docks in Baltimore for maintenance. Read more…
Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamps Announced
Artwork to Support Conservation and Wildlife Initiatives
Autumn Color by Steve Oliver
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a Delaware resident won this year’s Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest, while the award for top Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design went to a Wicomico County resident.
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges April 28 at the 47th Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival in Ocean City.
Hogan Administration Delivers Combined Maryland Natural Resources and Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center
One-Stop Shop for Licenses and Registrations for Boating, Driving, Hunting and Fishing Now in Essex
Delivering on the Hogan Administration’s promise to improve customer service across state agencies, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark J. Belton today joined Maryland Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary James F. Ports and Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Administrator Christine E. Nizer along with state and local leaders in officially opening a combined Natural Resources and Motor Vehicle Administration Regional Service Center in Essex.
“This center will serve as a one-stop-shop for citizens to obtain titles and registrations for motor vehicles as well as boats and boat trailers,” said Natural Resources Secretary Belton. “Customers will now need to visit only one location to get their vehicles and vessels out on the road and into the water.” Read more…
Park Quest Registration Opens for Maryland Families Seeking Outdoor Adventure
Popular State Parks Challenge Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today is opening registration for Park Quest, the popular family-based outdoor adventure program.
Park Quest allows families to engage in outdoor activities and adventures at Maryland’s beautiful state parks and public lands throughout the summer. Read more…
Funds Available to Preserve and Revitalize Working Waterfronts
Coastal Communities Can Apply for Grants by June 30
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now seeking proposals from local governments looking to invigorate their coastal communities and waterfront economies.
Municipalities and counties in the coastal zone are eligible to apply for one-year grants of up to $60,000 through the department’s Working Waterfronts Program. Read more…
Maryland Forest Service Project Manager Named Forester of the Year
Chosen Unanimously Among Peers in 20 States
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to announce that Scott Daniels has been named Forester of the Year by the Northeastern Area Association of State Foresters.
Daniels, of the Maryland Forest Service, works with private landowners who strive to be good stewards of their properties and care for the trees on their forested lands.
Natural Resources Police Charge Suspected Arsonist
A West Virginia man has been arrested and charged in connection with a recent series of fires that damaged almost 58 acres in Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County.
Brian Chad Twigg, 19, of Paw Paw, West Virginia, was arrested on a warrant Monday and ordered held on a $5,000 bond at the Allegany County Detention Center. Twigg is charged with three counts each of malicious burning in the first-degree, a felony, malicious destruction of property and maliciously setting fires. Read more…
Underwater Grasses in Maryland’s Portion of Chesapeake Bay Expand 10 Percent in 2016
Record Acreage Surpasses Restoration Goal
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that underwater grass abundance – a key indicator of improving water clarity and quality – increased for the fourth straight year in the state’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay, reaching a record of 59,277 acres.
This represents a 10 percent increase from 2015, and also surpasses Maryland’s 2017 restoration goal of 57,000 acres one year ahead of schedule. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 26
After a few days of cool rainy weather, the sun is beginning to peek through, and warm or perhaps hot weather is predicted for the rest of the week. Read more…
New Waterfront Park and Regional Headquarters Slated for Calvert County
Board Approves Department Acquisition along Patuxent River
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 1.83 acres in Calvert County that will consolidate department properties along the Patuxent River for the development of a new waterfront park and regional headquarters. Read more…
Center for Watershed Protection Honors Department for Innovation and Leadership
Cites Department for Advancing the Science of Restoration
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that was recently honored with an award for innovation and leadership from the nonprofit Center for Watershed Protection. Read more…
Environmental Protection Agency Accepting Comment on No-Discharge Zone
Chester River Could Be Designated This Year
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Department of the Environment, in cooperation with the Chester River Association, are in the final stages of their application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for designation of the Chester River and its tributaries as a no-discharge zone.
If approved, the river could be declared a no-discharge zone during the 2017 boating season.
The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comment now until April 27. Read more…