Natural Resources News
Scenic Somerset County Property Protected
150-Acre Easement Includes Waterfront
A Somerset County couple recently donated a conservation easement that permanently protects more than 150 acres, including a mile of waterfront property along the Big Annemessex River.
Read more…
Memorial Fund to Honor Maryland Preservationist John Hutson
Maryland Environmental Trust Fund to Help Spur Interest in Land Conservation
A memorial fund has been established to honor the late John E. Hutson, who passed away last year after a six-year battle with cancer.
Hutson served 23 years with the Maryland Environmental Trust, where he was responsible for negotiating, drafting and processing easements that conserved 43,500 acres of farm, forest, historic and open space land. Read more…
Department Develops Oyster Sustainability Project
Private-Public Partnership Focuses on Conservation and Economics
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working to establish an economically-productive and sustainable oyster harvesting cooperative in Anne Arundel County.
With funding from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the comprehensive private-public partnership will enhance the long-term business and economic viability of watermen while addressing oyster restoration and water quality goals.
The effort supports the Hogan administration’s commitment to enhancing, protecting and restoring Maryland’s environment and natural resources while simultaneously fostering economic opportunity and job growth. Read more…
New State Park Reservation System Launches in Spring
Vendor Hiring Workers in Maryland; Consumers Save Money
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has contracted with a new vendor to manage reservations for the state park system. CAMIS, a company with 17 years of experience providing reservation solutions, is scheduled to start providing services in Maryland this spring.
Approved by the Board of Public Works in November, the new contractor seeks to expand its footprint in Maryland while also reducing reservation fees at most state parks. Transaction fees will decrease by nearly 50 percent for the average customer who stays 2.5 nights. Read more…
Winter Turkey Hunting Season to Open
Turkeys Can be Harvested Statewide Jan. 19-21
Maryland’s winter turkey hunting season will be open Jan. 19-21 statewide, allowing hunters that didn’t bag a turkey in the fall another opportunity.
The season was established in 2015 to provide hunters an opportunity to harvest turkeys outside the traditional spring season.
Read more…
Icebreaking Vessel Opens Path to Smith Island
The J. Millard Tawes is One of Four Icebreakers on Call
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources this week dispatched its vessel, the J. Millard Tawes, to break ice on the water route to Smith Island, opening the vital link between the island and nearby Crisfield Harbor. Read more…
Police Cite One for Illegal Oystering; Catch Two Deer Poachers
Illegal oyster harvesting and deer poaching topped the list of cases handled recently by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers.
A St. Mary’s County man was charged Friday with multiple violations of regulations after he was seen harvesting oysters inside a sanctuary. Read more…
200-Acre Historic Farm Conserved in Somerset County
Easement Protects Open Space and Waterfowl Habitat on the Lower Eastern Shore
A new conservation easement of more than 200 acres will permanently protect important farmland and wildlife habitat in Oriole. Property owner Kevin Barr donated the tract to the Maryland Environmental Trust to safeguard its scenic open space and wetlands. Read more…
Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary Designation Moves Forward
Public Comment Accepted Until March 31
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to announce that a unique archaeological, cultural and historical site in Charles County is another step closer to being named a National Marine Sanctuary.
The public review process officially began today with the publishing of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Management Plan for the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary.
Located on the Potomac River only 40 miles from the nation’s capital, Mallows Bay is renowned for its diverse collection of historic shipwrecks, recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. The area contains a diverse collection of over 100 shipwrecks dating back to the Civil War and World War I as well as thousands of Native American artifacts. Read more…
Pennsylvania Man Charged with Poaching
Deer poaching topped the docket of cases handled this week by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Acting on tips, officers charged a Pennsylvania man Thursday with 10 counts of deer poaching in Frederick County. Read more…
Maryland Hikers Trek Over 4,000 Miles on New Year’s Day
2,000 People Participate in First Day Hikes
With mild temperatures and sunny skies throughout much of the state, the Maryland Park Service welcomed over 2,000 hikers for First Day Hikes 2017.
Staff and volunteers hosted 33 guided hikes at 21 state parks on New Year’s Day. From beachside marshes to rocky cliffs, each park offered its own unique adventure and walk.
A total of 2,034 hikers logged 4,030 miles.
Scenic Farm Conserved in Baltimore County
Permanent Easement Protects 97 Acres of Agricultural and Forested Lands
The Maryland Environmental Trust has helped a longtime landowner permanently conserve a 97-acre farm near Parkton in Baltimore County.
Property owner Susan Glick recently gifted a conservation easement covering the tract, which was originally purchased in 1976 along with her late husband and another couple. Read more…
Police Cite Three Poachers; Charge Two for Drug Possession
Deer poaching and drug possession cases highlight recent enforcement actions taken by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Two Frederick men were charged with killing three deer on the campus of Montgomery College on New Year’s Eve. Read more…
Record-Breaking Year for Maryland Natural Resources
From record participation in First Day Hikes to record water clarity in the Chesapeake Bay, 2016 was a banner year for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Here is a chronological rundown of some our “new” records: Read more…
Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contests Now Open
Submit Original Work by April 21
Winning stamps from the 2016-17 contests
Artists are invited to submit their original works for the annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation and Migratory Game Bird stamp design contests. These popular contests are open until April 21. Read more…
Police Charge Prince George’s County Man for Poaching
Poaching and impaired driving cases highlight recent enforcement actions by Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Maryland Firearm Deer Hunting Season Reopens
Additional Hunting Opportunities in Most Counties
The winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 6 in Deer Management Region B, which includes all but the westernmost Maryland counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during that period. Additionally, hunters in Caroline County may use a rifle or handgun during firearm seasons.
The season is open Jan. 6 and 7 in all Region B counties and Jan. 8 on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington (Zone 1) and Worcester counties. The season remains closed in western Maryland (Region A). Sika deer hunting season is open in all Region B counties. Read more…
Artistic Fifth-Graders Invited to Show Appreciation for Trees
Arbor Day Poster Contest Entries Can Win Tree Plantings
2016 Arbor Day poster contest First Prize entry, submitted by Leonardo Perez-Alfaro of Freetown Elementary School in Anne Arundel County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invites all Maryland fifth-graders to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2017 is “Trees Are Terrific…and Energy Wise!” All entries need to be delivered to a state forest service office by Feb. 24.
Natural Resources Police Apprehend Deer Poachers
Deer poaching dominated recent cases handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Public Access Enhanced on Eastern Shore
Board of Public Works Approves of New Sites in Cecil and Queen Anne’s Counties
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved funds today to assist the Maryland Department of Natural Resources expand public access to waterways in Cecil and Queen Anne’s counties. Both Program Open Space projects will be managed as part of existing Maryland Park Service lands.
“These important projects reflect Maryland’s long-term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing outdoor recreation opportunities for our residents and visitors,” said Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton. “Through these two targeted acquisitions, we will enhance the user experience at our state parks.” Read more…
From the Field: Marshall Brown, Cold Water Production Manager
Brown moves fish at Powell Hatchery; photo by Joe Evans
He’s an angler, hunter and general outdoorsman but for a living, he raises babies—baby fish that is. Marshall Brown and his team care for hundreds of thousands of trout each and every year in the state’s hatcheries, where eggs are raised through adulthood in order to stock waters throughout Maryland. Without stocking, some fish species might become depleted while others may not be able to thrive due to seasonal temperature variations. Read more…
Chronicles of the Freedom War: A look at Civil War sites within state parks
Fort Frederick re-enactors; department photo
As a border slave state that remained loyal to the Union, the State of Maryland played a key role in the American Civil War, one of our nation’s most important and bloody conflicts. The Old Line State saw many of the same political and social conflicts over slavery, secession and states’ rights that played out on the national stage. Read more…
Reel Experts: Celebrating state fishing records
Fishing at Gunpowder Falls; photo by Yudong Song
It was nearly noon and bitterly cold on the second day of a new year when the state cell phone, affectionately called the bat phone, indicated an incoming call. One might ask who would be fishing on a day like this and the answer is simple: Maryland anglers! The Department of Natural Resources maintains a program to celebrate the state’s amazing fisheries resources by recognizing large, trophy-sized game fish species and keeping records based on weight. Read more…
White-tailed Deer: Management across diverse landscapes
Deer in field; photo by Matthew Doged
Much has happened with deer management in Maryland during the nearly 20 years since White-tailed Deer, Another Perspective first appeared in the Natural Resource magazine. At the time the article was written, deer were rapidly increasing in number and the problems associated with overpopulation were escalating. Read more…
Animal Treks: Identifying tracks in the snow
Fox in the snow; photo by Matthew Paushter
When visitors think of Maryland, they tend to picture a small state split by the Chesapeake Bay with mountains to the left and flat marshes to the right. They may also imagine a densely-populated state smack dab in the middle of the great Northeast Corridor, home to the urbanized belt running between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.—not necessarily an environment favorable to the wanderings of wildlife. But if you venture out on a cold winter’s day and set out on a course just beyond the back fences of suburban backyards, you are likely to find evidence of some of the state’s quieter residents without much effort at all, especially if the ground is covered in snow. Read more…
The Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay: The nation’s next National Marine Sanctuary?
Paddlers at Mallows Bay; photo by Stephen Schatz
In Charles County—only an hour drive from the nation’s capital—is a place unlike any other in the country. Emergent at low tide, the withering remains of more than 100 World War I steamships rest in a shallow embayment on the Maryland side of the Potomac River: the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay. Read more…
State Forest Work Plans Released
Department Seeks Public Comment
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2018 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett and Savage River. The comment period concludes Feb. 2.
Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management. They address composition, establishment, growth, health and quality along with construction and maintenance projects. Read more…
Army Corps Resumes Oyster Restoration in Tred Avon River Sanctuary
From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, resumed the construction of oyster reef in the Tred Avon River Oyster Sanctuary in Talbot County, Dec. 14, 2016.
The Corps awarded an approximately $1-million contract Sept. 26, 2016, to Blue Forge LLC to construct the reefs. Blue Forge LLC is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business. Read more…
Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike
29 Guided Hikes Scheduled at 27 Maryland State Parks
All are invited to kick-off the New Year with an invigorating First Day Hike at a nearby state park, as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – once again – takes part in the national New Year’s Day event of outdoor exploration and recreation.
A record-breaking 2,177 people spent the first day of 2016 participating in a First Day Hike in Maryland with participants logging a total of 4,531 miles.
35,000 Deer Harvested during Firearm Season
Sunday Hunting Contributed to 12 Percent Increase
Maryland hunters reported taking 35,078 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearm season. The total was 12 percent greater than last year’s harvest of 31,304. Fair weather and a reduced harvest in September and October contributed to the increase. Over 4,300 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season. Read more…
$25 Million Available For Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Seeks to Fund Local Projects
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites local governments and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to help restore the Chesapeake Bay and improve water quality.
The department is seeking to fund community projects aimed at mitigating and reducing nonpoint source pollution caused by excess nutrients and sediment through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The department plans to allocate and award about $25 million in 2018.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit letters of intent by Jan. 20, 2017, and full proposals by March 31, 2017.
Natural Resources Police Charge Annapolis Man for Forgery
Stopping a scheme to defraud the state and nabbing a man who shot at a deer decoy highlighted recent enforcement activities by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season to Reopen
Second Portion Runs Dec. 17-31
The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season is set to reopen Dec.17 through Dec. 31. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a Muzzleloader Stamp may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during the season.
Hunters are reminded that the sika deer season is now open in all counties and that recent changes have been made to the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area. Read more…
New Clean Marina Certified in Anne Arundel County
Family-Owned Smith’s Marina Earns Statewide Recognition
Smith’s Marina in Crownsville has been certified as the newest Maryland Clean Marina by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Anne Arundel County business located on the Severn River earned the recognition after adopting practices from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, meeting all department and environmental requirements, and passing a site inspection. Read more…
Illegal Deer Hunting Activity in Western Maryland
Illegal deer hunting topped the cases handled in recent days by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Department Assists Communities Prepare for Flooding and Storms
Grant Funding Available to Enhance Resiliency and Sustainability
Local communities have an opportunity to apply for funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to help them prepare for climate and weather-related changes and incidents, including flooding and storm events, as well as expand their use of ‘green’ infrastructure to increase community resiliency and sustainability. Read more…
William Anderson Named Assistant Secretary for Aquatic Resources
30 Years of Private and Public Sector Experience
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the appointment of William C. Anderson as assistant secretary for aquatic resources. In this capacity, Anderson will oversee the units responsible for boating, fishing and water quality monitoring as well as the Power Plant Research Program.
Fire Crews Return After Battling Blazes in the South
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources sent more than a dozen firefighters to battle wildfires this fall in the Southern United States. Crews and three fire engines just returned after serving in Georgia and North Carolina. Answering the call to service were 10 firefighters from the Maryland Forest Service, one from the Maryland Park Service, one firefighter from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and two volunteers.
Three West Virginia Men Charged with Illegal Hunting
Illegal deer hunting topped the cases handled in recent days by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Deer Hunters Have Successful Opening Weekend
24 Percent Harvest Increase Aided by Good Weather Sunday
Hunters reported harvesting 13,488 deer on the opening weekend of the 2016 Maryland firearm season, the state’s most popular hunting season. The harvest represents a 24 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 10,859 for the same period. The total includes 6,159 antlered and 7,329 antlerless deer with sika deer comprising 224 of the antlered and 232 of the antlerless totals. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 10. Read more…
Staff Investigates Stranded Manatee in Baltimore
Department Urges Residents to Report Uncommon Marine Animals
Following a recent stranding of a manatee in Baltimore County, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds state residents to report any sightings of uncommon marine mammals and wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles or whales. The public can report sightings and strandings anytime to 800-628-9944. Read more…
Fair Hill Seeks to Upgrade Facilities to Attract New Equestrian Events
State and Stakeholders Committed to Enhancing Facility
Over the last several months, a variety of stakeholders have begun discussions with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources regarding implementation of the 2015 Maryland Horse Park System Study, which recommended Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area as an ideal equestrian field event venue.
The interest was prompted by new information about the economic value of Maryland’s horse industry as well as an invitation to submit a proposal to host a new world class equestrian competition. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources App Receives Top Honors
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to be among the winners recently announced in the 2016 MarCom Awards competition. The department’s AccessDNR mobile app was awarded the Platinum MarCom Award, the competition’s highest honor, in the “App for Information” category.Aviation Unit Returns to the Department of Natural Resources
With deer hunting season and oyster harvesting reaching their peaks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a new conservation enforcement tool to its fleet: its own helicopter.
The black-and-gold aircraft, Natural 1, has resumed its place after a seven-year absence on the department’s roster. Read more…
Oyster Poacher Charged with New Violations
Deer Poacher Pleads Guilty
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers secured a guilty verdict in a highly publicized deer poaching case and charged a banned oysterman with new violations in recent days. Read more…
Recreational Oyster Season Continues in Maryland
Did you know that you can harvest fresh Maryland oysters right from the Chesapeake Bay in time for Thanksgiving dinner? It’s true; the recreational oyster harvest season is now underway and Maryland residents can harvest up to one bushel of oysters a day each day now through March 31, 2017. Read more…
Elevated Risk of Wildfires in Maryland
Firefighters Spent Weekend Battling Blazes
With this fall’s high winds and dry foliage, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises citizens to use caution in outdoor fire activities and postpone unnecessary open-air burnings. Wildfires occur in every month in Maryland but generally peak in the spring and fall. Read more…
Firearm Deer Season to Open in Maryland
Most Popular Hunting Season Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 10
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the two-week firearm deer season opens Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 10. Hunters may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season. Read more…
65 Trees Planted at Queen Anne’s County High School
Wetlands Created to Control Stormwater Runoff
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources joined Queen Anne’s County High School students Nov. 14 to plant 65 trees at the Centreville school. The department funded the project with a $44,000 grant from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. Read more…
The Bywater Gully Restoration Project
Mayor Michael Pantelides announced that the South River Federation is restoring a stream on Annapolis Conservation property, off of Bywater Road, that will provide for approximately 1,500 linear feet of stream stabilization. Read more…