Natural Resources News
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.
Maryland Natural Resources Annual Photo Contest Begins
14th Annual Photo Contest Runs Now Through Aug. 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting entries for its annual photo contest now through Aug. 31, 2017. Photographers – from novice to professional – can enter online or by mail for the chance to win cash and other prizes.
Winning entries will be posted online and featured in an issue of the quarterly Maryland Natural Resource magazine and adorn the 2018 wall calendar. Read more…
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
Grand Opening Events March 11 and 12
The public is invited to the grand opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center March 11 and 12. The National Park Service and the Maryland Park Service have teamed up to provide special family-friendly Grand Opening events and activities at the site and a first look at the new visitor center. It is located at: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, Maryland. All events are free. Read more…
Six Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
Cases Localized to Existing Management Area in Western Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently received laboratory confirmation that six white-tailed deer sampled in Allegany County tested positive for chronic wasting disease. All of the cases were found within the existing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Names Captain Eldridge Meredith ‘Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay’
Lt. Governor Rutherford Presents Award, Celebrates Life of Captain Eldridge Meredith
Governor Larry Hogan has commissioned Kent Island resident Captain Eldridge Meredith as the 101st Admiral of Chesapeake Bay, a prestigious lifetime achievement award for an individual’s extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford presented the award on February 23, which is also Meredith’s 91st birthday. Read more…
Fort Frederick State Park Brings French and Indian War To Life
Program Allows ‘Visitors to Travel Back in Time’
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 Captain Joshua Beall’s Company of the Maryland Forces garrison the fort.
Living historians will demonstrate life of the Maryland Provincials at Fort Frederick from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Read more…
Kent County Man Convicted of Poaching 17-Point Buck
Sentenced Under Maryland’s New Anti-Poaching Law
A Kent County man convicted Tuesday of illegally killing a potential state record white-tailed deer was ordered to pay a fine, make restitution to the state and perform community service.
Ronald Wayne Roe, 28, of Worton, was found guilty on all counts of trespassing and poaching stemming from the shooting of a 17-point buck September on private property. Read more…
Maryland Geologists Examining State Fish Hatchery Water Supply
Dye Tests May Cause Harmless and Temporary Discoloration
Albert M. Powell State Fish Hatchery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will conduct localized dye-tracing tests in the area around the Albert M. Powell State Fish Hatchery in Washington County.
The tests are scheduled to begin Feb. 27, dependent on weather conditions. Read more…
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Proposed for 2017-18
Public Comment Accepted Through March 8
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed 2017-2018 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The seasons will be finalized in early spring after the department reviews public input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The public comment period will close at noon March 8. Read more…
Two Men Sentenced Under Maryland’s New Anti-Poaching Law
Community Service and Restitution Mandated; Forfeiture of Rifle and Trophy; Hunting Privileges Revoked
Two men became the first sentenced under a new state anti-poaching law after they were found guilty of multiple charges Wednesday in Dorchester County District Court.
Andrew Collison Harding, 21, of Vienna, and Toby Allen Hughes, 21, of Seaford, Delaware, were convicted of casting rays with an implement (jacklighting), hunting deer at night, hunting deer from a vehicle, hunting deer during a closed season, and having a loaded weapon in a vehicle. Read more…
85,193 Deer Harvested During 2016-2017 Hunting Season
Frederick County Leads State in Harvest Totals
Maryland hunters harvested 85,193 deer during the combined archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons (Sept. 9, 2016-Jan. 31, 2017), according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The harvest exceeded the 2015-2016 total by more than 1,000 deer.
Included in the statewide total were 7,684 deer taken on Sundays open for deer hunting, representing an increase of 19 percent compared to last year.
Mid-Winter Fishing Report
February tends to be a tough month for playing outdoors. Most hunting seasons are closed, and it is a little bit early for comfortable fishing. Fortunately, the trout production program and the many fisheries biologists that stock the trout have given fishermen a chance to enjoy good trout fishing in the put and take trout management waters across the entire state as part of the pre-season stocking program. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Handle Fisheries and Wildlife Cases
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers made three fisheries cases, charged a deer poacher and cited a man for dumping and burning rubbish on state land in recent enforcement action.
Three Somerset County men were charged Sunday with multiple counts of illegal harvesting from state waters and falsifying records to hide their activity. Read more…
Allan Fisher Named Assistant Secretary for Mission Support
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the appointment of Allan Fisher as assistant secretary for mission support. In this position, Fisher will oversee the department’s budget, human resources and licensing units among others.
“Allan is a highly accomplished executive who has led high-level organizations to achieve real and sustainable results,” said Secretary Mark Belton. “His depth of knowledge of complex budgetary systems, ability to develop and implement strategic partnerships, and experience in organizational management will be a tremendous addition to our leadership team.” Read more…
Oyster Advisory Commission Reviews Draft Management Proposal
Compilation Based on Feedback from Conservationists and Watermen
The Oyster Advisory Commission received a draft proposal for revising the state’s current oyster management areas. The proposal was based on deliberations at past commission meetings and includes stakeholder comments and recommendations from the commercial seafood industry, conservationists, environmentalists and watermen.
The draft comes after the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reconstituted the commission and completed work on a five-year oyster assessment.
Campground Improvement Project Planned at Assateague State Park
Proposal to Relocate Some Roads and Campsites; Enhance Accessibility; Fortify Natural Dune Landscape
Maryland’s only oceanfront state park will be doing some remodeling. Assateague State Park in Worcester County has proposed a Campground Improvement Project, which will impact some camp loops and sites.
The project, set to begin in the fall or winter of 2017, will allow for the widening of the base of sand dunes at the park in an effort to increase the park’s resilience to coastal storms, higher tides and the adverse impacts of projected sea level rise. Read more…
Backyard Buffers Offer Trees to Improve Maryland’s Waters
Homeowners in Select Counties Can Get Free Seedlings
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering its Backyard Buffer program in select counties around the state. Any resident with a drainage ditch, stream, creek or river flowing through their property or adjacent to a waterway could qualify for a free “Buffer in a Bag.”
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, which are suited for streamside conditions. Streamside buffers help preserve and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing sediment, lowering peak water temperatures and stabilizing stream banks. Read more…
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Releases Annual Report
Partnerships Prove to be Catalyst for Chesapeake Bay Restoration
The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund released its annual report, which details the program’s activities in the state, including the restoration of 653 acres of wetland, 207,900 linear feet of stream, and 1,165 acres of streamside tree buffers.
The Trust Fund, which is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, invested in the removal of nearly 40 acres of impervious surface and the installation of 14,164 urban trees and 566 stormwater retrofits. Read more…
Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Results Released
Annual Survey Estimates Number of Dabblers, Divers, Ducks & Waterfowl
Each winter, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service make visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along the state’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline and Atlantic coast. This year, the teams counted about 812,600 waterfowl, higher than the 663,000 birds observed during 2016 and similar to the five-year average of 795,240.
Biologists attribute much of the year-to-year variation to weather conditions. Read more…
Nominations Being Accepted for 40th Annual Tawes and Coulter Awards for a Clean Environment
Tawes Award Winner’s Favorite Nonprofit Group to Receive $300 Donation in their Name;
Nomination Deadline is April 11
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 Tawes Award for a Clean Environment and for the James B. Coulter Government Employee Award.
The Tawes Award recognizes individuals, civic, community and nonprofit groups that have demonstrated outstanding efforts to enhance Maryland’s environment over a period of time or with a single project. Past project winners have included community cleanups, school ecology or beautification projects and innovative environmental enhancements in recycling, prevention and control of hazardous materials, waste reduction and other areas. There are separate categories for youth and adults. The Maryland Petroleum Council will donate $300 each in the names of the Tawes youth and adult winners to the nonprofit group of their choice. Read more…
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day Set for February 11
Anyone up to 16 Years Old Can Participate
Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult Feb. 11 during the second of two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days scheduled for the 2016-2017 hunting season.
Anyone 16 years of age or younger can hunt ducks, geese, mergansers and coots on public and private land when accompanied by a qualified adult. Read more…
Officers Use Social Media to Track Down Suspected Deer Poachers
West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Deer Poaching
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers made four deer poaching cases and gained a conviction in recent enforcement action.
Using social media, officers tracked down a convicted Carroll County deer poacher and charged him with eight new violations Friday.
Tyler James Murphy, 21, of Union Bridge, posted pictures on Facebook of an antlerless deer he killed, but did not check in October. A subsequent review of state records indicated that Murphy checked in two antlerless deer Dec. 3, bought a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp that evening and checked in a 10-point buck Dec. 4. Read more…
Natural Resources Staff Rescues “Jughead” the Deer
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to report that members of its Wildlife and Heritage Service successfully rescued a juvenile male deer Sunday night after it was trapped for more than a week with a plastic snack container over its head.
The animal, nicknamed “Jughead,” was found and later freed in Harford County. Read more…
Spring Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland Lakes and Streams
Over 300,000 Fish Stocked Between January and June
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has begun stocking about 338,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state ahead of the 2017 fishing season.
“The trout stocking program raises several hundred thousand trout at our hatcheries, which are stocked for anglers of all ages and skill levels,” said Maryland Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer. “Our team provides anglers with diverse trout fishing experiences, from the solitude of a mountain stream to an outing at your locally stocked pond with family and friends.” Read more…
New Jersey Man Charged with Negligent Operation in Connection with Fatal Boating Accident
The driver of a pontoon boat involved in a fatal accident in Ocean City last summer has been charged with negligent operation.
A criminal summons was issued Friday for Dustin Daniel Healey, 26, of Freehold, New Jersey, after a Worcester County District Court Commissioner found probable cause for the charge. Read more…
Record Winter Turkey Season Reported
Hunters reported taking 109 wild turkeys during Maryland’s third annual winter turkey hunting season, which was open statewide Jan. 19-21.
The harvest was significantly higher than the 61 birds taken last winter, which was hampered by severe weather, and slightly higher than the inaugural 2015 season. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Reaffirms Commitment to Natural Resources
Budget Fully Funds Chesapeake Bay Restoration and Land Conservation Programs,
Establishes New Grant Program to Help Communities Adapt to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund will receive $51.3 million in Fiscal Year 2018, marking only the second time in state history that bay restoration efforts will be fully funded.
This funding was outlined last week in Governor Larry Hogan’s budget, which also included enhanced funding for land conservation programs such as Program Open Space, and additional support for the Natural Resources Police.
“The governor’s budget reaffirms his commitment to the environment and our treasured natural resources, including the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton. “His budget is reflective of the governor’s assertive and optimistic environmental agenda and priorities, and clearly demonstrates his support of the department’s efforts and progress on conservation, enforcement and restoration.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing and Crabbing Guide Set for February Release
Expanded Guide Provides Year-Round Information
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will release its comprehensive 2017-18 Maryland Fishing & Crabbing Guide Feb. 15.
The guide is the go-to reference for all questions on recreational fishing and crabbing in the state, providing a summary of seasons, license information, size and creel limits, and more. Read more…