Natural Resources News
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…
Police Handle Striped Bass and Turkey Cases
The opening of spring wild turkey earlier this week resulted in charges by the Maryland Natural Police against two men while officers continued striped bass enforcement efforts on the Eastern Shore.
On Tuesday, officers on patrol at 6:30 a.m. in Washington County issued citations to a Hagerstown man after finding cracked corn spread in front of his hunting blind. Read more…
Maryland Land Conservation Conference Set for June 8
Focus on Role of Land Trusts in Meeting Shared Conservation Challenges and Goals
The annual Maryland Land Conservation Conference will bring together land trusts, conservancies, local and state governments, heritage organizations, members of the agricultural community and other partners for a comprehensive discussion about the future of land conservation in our region.
The conference will be held June 8 at the Pearlstone Retreat and Conference Center.
Weekly Fishing Report: April 19
Survey Finds Resilient Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Population
Number of Spawning-Age Female Crabs up 31 Percent to Historic High
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the results of the 2017 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which shows that the population of crabs remains resilient and steady.
While the survey indicates the population has slightly decreased due to lackluster recruitment, it showed a surge in spawning-age female crabs to the highest level recorded in the 28-year history of the baywide survey.
Read more…
Oyster Restoration Resumes in Tred Avon River Sanctuary
From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Oyster Recovery Partnership, resumed oyster restoration on approximately 10 acres in the Tred Avon River sanctuary, April 18, 2017. Read more…
Maryland Selects Migratory Game Bird Seasons
Public Input Submitted for Final Approval
After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the 2017-2018 migratory game bird hunting seasons.
As the last step in the process, these recommendations are now pending final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more…
Spring Turkey Season Includes Expansion of Sunday Hunting
Sunday Hunting Now Permitted on Private Lands in Kent County
Spring turkey hunting season starts statewide April 18, and a growing number of Maryland counties now allow hunting on Sundays.
Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation from the 2017 General Assembly permitting turkey hunting on private land in Kent County on all remaining Sundays during the 2017 spring hunting season: April 23 and 30, May 7, 14 and 21. Read more…
Annual 18th Century Market Fair Set at Fort Frederick State Park
Party Like It’s 1756 from April 27-30
History buffs of all ages are invited to travel back in time to an authentic colonial market fair at Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County, April 27- 30. The park is located at 11100 Fort Frederick Road in Big Pool.
The Fort Frederick Market Fair features the best artisans, craftspeople, entertainers and sutlers together with an 18th century encampment alongside the park’s historic stone fort, originally built in 1756 during the French and Indian War.
Spring is the Time to Prevent Tree Damage from Invasive Insects
Emerald Ash Borer has Killed Thousands of Maryland’s Ash Trees
With spring in full bloom, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that now is time to save trees from a destructive pest. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has been spreading across the state since 2003, and has already killed thousands of ash trees across Maryland.
This small, green insect has spread to every county west of the Chesapeake Bay, and to Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Dorchester counties on the Eastern Shore.
In addition to ecological and economic damage, EAB infestation can cause ash trees to snap, creating safety hazards where ash are growing near homes or streets.
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Elliott Campbell
Dr. Elliott Campbell directs the Center for Economic and Social Science within the department’s Chesapeake and Coastal Service. His expertise is in ecological economics—a field focusing on the interactions between people and the environment.
Before his current position, he was a research faculty member at the University of Maryland College Park, where he also received his doctorate. He authored or co-authored nine articles in peer reviewed journals, most of which focus on ecosystem service valuation. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 12
The Maryland landscape continues to be bathed in warm sunshine with warm temperatures; spring is definitely here and presents some wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. There are few experiences that can match spending time in the outdoors with children. Read more…
State Record White Perch Caught in Baltimore County
Catch Sets Mark in Nontidal Category
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed a new white perch nontidal state fishing record was set April 7.
George Venker of Baltimore caught a white perch weighing 1.9 pounds at Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore County. The retired Bethlehem Steel worker said he fishes at the reservoir regularly and used a bottom rig and a nightcrawler to bring in his record catch, which measured 14.75 inches in length. Read more…
Two Deer Poachers Lose Hunting Privileges
A Frederick man convicted of multiple counts of deer poaching Tuesday had his hunting privileges suspended for two years by a district court judge.
Tyler James Murphy, 21, pleaded guilty to eight charges: failing to report a deer kill, failing to complete the Big Game Harvest Record, failing to report a deer kill within 24 hours, failing to obtain a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp before taking a bonus buck, failing to harvest two antlerless deer before harvesting a bonus antlered deer, and three counts of knowingly making a false statement and recording false information when reporting the harvest of a deer. Read more…
Fifth-Graders Win Prizes for Maryland Arbor Day Posters
Clara Pham from St. Mary’s County Recognized; Winners’ Schools Receive Tree Plantings
Fifth-grade students from around the state have snared spring tree plantings for their schools, thanks to their award-winning Arbor Day posters submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Statewide Spring Turkey Hunting Takes Off April 18
Youths Offered Preseason Hunting Weekend
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young hunters to kick off the spring turkey season with a statewide Junior Turkey Hunt Day April 15.
The regular spring turkey season for all hunters will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide. Read more…
Black Bears Emerging From Dens
Homeowners, Campers Should Avoid Attracting Ursine Guests
Black bears are starting to leave their dens after a long winter slumber in a search for food. With a scarcity of their natural food sources – plants, berries and insects – this early in the season, bears are particularly attracted to human-provided sources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents of the state’s bear country to be proactive and exercise good judgment to avoid contact. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: April 5
The recent warm weather we’ve been experiencing can really raise some excitement about fishing, and the forecast for the weekend looks good! Trout stocking crews are busy this week and warming waters have many local fish in a very active feeding mood. Read more…
Police Charge Nine with Possessing Striped Bass
Striped bass possession and a drug arrest topped the list of cases handled recently by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Over two nights of surveillance, officers charged nine men with possessing 87 striped bass from the waters of Dorchester County. Read more…
Natural Resources Celebrates Maryland Arbor Day
Outstanding Tree Farmer and Tree Farm Inspector of the Year Recognized
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is celebrating Maryland Arbor Day today with citations and seedlings.
Maryland Forest Service staff delivered potted Red Bud seedlings to Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp this morning before the Board of Public Works meeting.
Ocean City Beach Replenishment Scheduled for Fall
Federal, State and Local Partnership to Restore Beaches and Berms
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved $4.6 million in funding for regularly-scheduled beach and berm nourishment and repairs in Ocean City.
The Ocean City Beach Replenishment Project will be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in close cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Worcester County and Town of Ocean City. Read more…
Green Infrastructure Project Connects Human Health and Environmental Health
Reducing Runoff at MedStar Harbor Hospital and Providing Green Space for Patient Rehabilitation
From the Chesapeake Bay Trust:
Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust), Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Chesapeake Bay Program, MedStar Harbor Hospital, Blue Water Baltimore, and Plisko Sustainable Solutions announced plans to design nine green infrastructure facilities with funds awarded from the Watershed Assistance Grant Program, a program jointly supported by the Trust, DNR, and EPA Chesapeake Bay Program that will be providing local on-the-ground solutions to water quality issues through 15 grants this year. Read more…
Youth Fishing Rodeos Kick Off Throughout Maryland
Events Planned to Get Youth Hooked on Fishing
Calling all future anglers! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering children – aged 3 to 15 – the opportunity to bait, cast and catch their own fish through our Youth Fishing Rodeo Program.
Designed to introduce young children to the joys of recreational fishing, participants – with or without previous experience – are mentored by experienced volunteers and department staff to create a safe, educational and fun environment. Read more…
Department Hosts Military and Veteran Personnel
Grants Available to Marinas for Pumpout Operations
Program Funded by Boaters Helps Keep Maryland Waters Clean and Safe
Maryland marinas can now apply for Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grants through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. These grants reimburse marinas for the expense of operating and maintaining pumpout stations.
State and federal laws prohibit the discharge of raw sewage from boats, so reliable pumpout stations at marinas are essential for the thousands of boats traversing Maryland waters.
A list and a map of pumpout stations across Maryland is available here. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Celebrates Anniversary
Oldest State Law Enforcement Agency Turns 150 Next Year
Today marks the 149th anniversary of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the oldest state police force and the nation’s fifth-oldest conservation law enforcement agency.
The day is being marked with the unveiling of the 150th anniversary badge, which may be worn by officers next year, and a “Maryland’s First” commemorative logo, which will soon adorn agency offices, vehicles and vessels. Read more…
Department Distributes 21,000 Shrub and Tree Seedlings
Maryland Forest Service Provides Backyard Buffers
The weather is warmer, daylight is lasting longer and spring has sprung!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is celebrating the season by handing out thousands of shrub and tree seedlings to hundreds of citizens across the state. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: March 29
Spring conditions throughout Maryland are presenting wonderful fishing opportunities as water temperatures steadily warm up and all manner of fish become more active. Except for some low-flow conditions in a few areas, the opening day of the traditional trout season was a big success with beautiful weather and plenty of trout. Read more…
Recreational Crabbing Season Opens April 1
Crabbers Can Get Cracking on State’s Signature Catch
It’s crabbing season in Maryland!
Recreational fishing for the state’s most iconic aquatic species begins April 1 in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries as well as in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and their tributaries, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Six Men Charged with Striped Bass Violations
The Maryland Natural Resources Police handled oyster and striped bass cases and made a drug arrest in recent enforcement activity on the Eastern Shore.
Three men were charged Monday with illegal oystering in Talbot County after an investigation of activity in Broad Creek and Tred Avon River.