Natural Resources News
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.
Weekly Fishing Report: March 22
This coming Saturday will be an exciting day for put and take trout fishermen throughout the state as closure 1 and 2 trout management waters open up for what can be considered the traditional opening day of Maryland’s trout season. This is a wonderful time to gather up the family or neighborhood kids for a rite of spring. If your trout fishing posse has some youngsters in it, be prepared with an extra set of dry footwear and pants. It goes without saying that kids near water will get wet and muddy, and will be smiling and laughing the whole time.
Department Partners with St. Mary’s County and U.S. Navy on Waterfront Property
Program Open Space Acquisition will Provide Access to Patuxent River
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Board of Public Works unanimously approved the acquisition of 163 acres in St. Mary’s County to provide for the development of both active and passive recreational opportunities, and critically-important water access to the Patuxent River.
The property, known as the Snow Hill Farm, will be owned and managed by St. Mary’s County. Read more…
New Way to Plan Your Stay at Maryland State Parks
New Park Reservation System Goes Live April 3
The Maryland Park Service’s reservation system is transitioning to a new website — parkreservations.maryland.gov — starting at 9 a.m. April 3, 2017.
To allow for a smooth transition, the online reservation system will be unavailable from March 28 to April 2. During that time, existing park reservations will be transferred to the new system.
Walk-in reservations will continue to be accepted during the transition period. Read more…
Last Winter Garrison at Fort Frederick State Park
Weekend Event Offers Firsthand Look at French and Indian War
For the last time until May, visitors to Fort Frederick State Park can get firsthand experience of life at the fort during the French and Indian War as members of the recreated 17th Company of the Virginia Regiment “Gist’s Scouts” garrison the fort.
Living historians will demonstrate life of the Virginia Provincials at Fort Frederick from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 25 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 26. This will be the last “winter garrison” of the year; garrisons are also held at the park from May through October. Read more…
From the Field: Sgt. John Buchanan, Helicopter Pilot
“When I was about 7 years old, my dad—a former naval aviator—put me in the back seat of a small plane,” said Maryland Natural Resources Police Sgt. John Buchanan. “We took off and I was immediately fascinated. First he demonstrated his crop dusting maneuvers. Then, he told me to grab the stick in front of me. He was taking a break. What a sensation! That’s when I got hooked on flying.” Read more…
Dedicated to Service: Maryland Conservation Corps
Crewmembers at Patpasco; by Joe Evans
Each year a new team of young adults from diverse backgrounds unite to work toward the common goal of improving public lands. These 17-25 year-olds make up the heart of the Maryland Conservation Corps, which is managed by the Maryland Park Service and partially funded by an AmeriCorps grant through the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism. For more than 30 years, corps members have worked to maintain and improve state parks, restore the Chesapeake Bay and educate others about the importance of environmental stewardship. Read more…
Trout in the Classroom: Hands-on stream health
Kamloops… What a funny word to introduce to an elementary student; or a middle or high school student for that matter. And what does it have to do with teaching about water quality? Kamloops is a variety of rainbow trout, a fish in the Salmonidae family. Fertilized Kamloops trout eggs are the hook to engaging Maryland students in a hands-on learning experience called Trout in the Classroom. This five-month journey includes science, technology, engineering, math, social studies, language arts, fine arts and more as they care for and explore the life cycle and ecology of rainbow trout.
Osprey Watch: Protecting raptors and preventing outages
At Blackwater; by Jan Master
Osprey are one of the Chesapeake Bay region’s crown jewels. The raptors’ return each March causes nature lovers to gaze skyward as the birds rebuild their nests for breeding season. They seek high ground to keep their young safe. They are also highly adaptable making nearly anything a potential site for their homes, from trees to utility poles. Read more…
The Journey North: Harriet Tubman State Park
Bestpitch Ferry Road Marsh; courtesy of Visit Maryland
Among the wooded marsh in a small town called Church Creek sits Maryland’s newest state park, honoring the life and legacy of Dorchester County’s own Harriet Tubman. Read more…
Cultivating the Next Generation of Stewards: Natural Resources Careers Camp
Climbing into the canopy with the help of tree care professionals; by Gabrielle Oldham
Nestled in the lush, cool mountains of Western Maryland near the town of Accident, the Natural Resources Careers Camp has quietly carved out an important niche in the region’s environmental education landscape for more than 40 years. Read more…
The Parkers Creek Preserve: A land preservation success story
The creek from the air; by Tony Pucciarella
On the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, there is a place where you can paddle through 2 miles of tidal marsh and see no signs of human development; where you can explore 20 miles of hiking trails through 3,000 acres of permanently protected woodlands and see native wildlife and plants flourish. This place is known as the Parkers Creek Preserve, and it is a testament to powerful partnerships and successful land conservation. Read more…
Conserving, Protecting and Restoring: Chalk Point Aquaculture Center
Biologists seining fish ponds at Chalk Point; by Pilantana Anderson
The aquaculture center at NRG’s Chalk Point Generating Station was built in 1987 to support the Maryland Department of Natural Resources striped bass restoration activities.
It produced approximately 3.6 million striped bass between 1985-2000. Out of those 3.6 million, 2.5 million were tagged and released into the Chesapeake Bay. The rest were used for research or recreational stocking in lakes and reservoirs. Today, the rockfish raised at the center are used for research, education or stocking. Read more…
The Shared Trails: Mountain biking today
Perimeter Loop at Rosaryville; by Ricky DeLeyos
The notion that the journey should be as important (and as fun!) as the destination is a timeless adage. And one that pretty much defines mountain biking! Read more…
Cambridge Man Permanently Banned from Oyster Harvesting
An oysterman lost his license, a deer poacher was sentenced under a new state law, and a man accused of stealing state park passes and waterfowl hunting stamps was arrested in recent cases handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
A Cambridge man with a history of natural resources violations has been permanently banned from harvesting oysters by an administrative law judge.
Todd Hamilton Ruark, 36, was cited by officers for power dredging in a hand tong-only area of the Tred Avon River Dec. 13, and again Dec. 19. Read more…
Natural Resources Careers Camp Accepting Applicants
Annual Weeklong Program Offered for Grades 9-12
High school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife or parks management are invited to join teens at Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 23 to 29 at Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County.
Experts from a variety of conservation and natural resources fields will provide campers with a firsthand look at what it takes for a career in natural resources. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Commemorates Grand Opening of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
Governor Commits to Full Funding of Harriet Tubman Statue on State House Grounds
In honor of Harriet Tubman Day, Governor Larry Hogan today announced the grand opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland. The governor joined nearly 500 guests for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including descendants of Harriet Ross Tubman, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, and county and state officials. Harriet Tubman Day is celebrated annually, both nationally and in Maryland, on March 10. Read more…
Wildfire Risks Heightened with Drought Warning in Several Maryland Counties
Spring is Peak Season for Wildland Fire
Wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Department of Natural Resources is urging extra precautions in light of a drought warning across parts of the state.
“We’ve already battled a number of wildfires and had several high risk days,” Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Monte R. Mitchell said. “The occasional wet day won’t be enough to eliminate the threat of fire. During a drought warning, it’s best to avoid outdoor burning, take extra caution handling machinery that is gas-powered or could spark, and properly discard of smoking material. It doesn’t take much for dry grasses to ignite and become a serious problem.”
Riparian Property Owners Now Can Apply for Shoreline Licensing
Deadline to License Waterfowl Blinds is May 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that owners of riparian, or waterfront, property can renew or apply for offshore blind and shoreline licensing by May 31, 2017.
Anyone who owns or has an owners’ permission to use riparian property may license their shorelines to establish stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, or to prevent others from licensing the shoreline at a later date. Read more…
Striped Bass Season Opens April 15
Maryland Anglers Get Ready to Rockfish
The 2017 spring season for the state fish, striped bass, kicks off April 15 in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
Recreational fishing opportunities for rockfish – as striped bass is known locally – will run from 5 a.m. April 15 through midnight May 15, with a catch limit of one fish per person, per day, 35 inches or larger. Read more…
Cunningham Falls Hosts Maple Syrup Festival
Mountain Maryland Tradition Sweetens Next Two Weekends
Cunningham Falls State Park will host its 47th Annual Maple Syrup Making Demonstrations March 11-12 and 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Park rangers and volunteers will demonstrate the traditional way to craft maple syrup. Visitors are invited to enjoy a hot breakfast, join in children’s activities, and listen to live folk and bluegrass music in a large heated tent. Read more…
Keep Maryland Beautiful Program Adds New Grant Opportunity
Communities, Nonprofits and Others Can Apply by March 31
The Maryland Environmental Trust with funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has added a new Clean Up & Green Up Maryland Grant to the suite of grant awards now available through its “Keep Maryland Beautiful” program.
Applications will be accepted between now and March 31.