Natural Resources News
Police Respond to Series of Boating Accidents
The Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to numerous boating accidents last weekend, one of which proved to be fatal.
Maryland Black Bear Lottery Now Open
Hunting Expanded to Include Frederick and Washington Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for this year’s black bear hunting lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the four-day hunting season, taking place Oct. 24-27 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. The department will issue 750 hunting permits (up from 500 permits in 2015) that can be used anywhere within the hunting zone. Read more…
Exciting Exhibits and Expanded Schedule Set for Maryland State Fair
Natural Resources Hosting Live Demonstrations and Programs
The birds are back! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that their feathered friends from the popular Scales and Tales Program will return to the Timonium Fairgrounds this year for the Maryland State Fair (Aug. 26-Sept. 5). Read more…
Department Awards Funding for Stream Education and Study
Engages Students in the Health of the Chesapeake Bay and Local Waterways
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today awarded $200,000 to four nonprofit organizations dedicated to engaging students in monitoring, studying and restoring local streams and waterways.
The four Explore and Restore Maryland Streams funding recipients will work with seven different counties, reaching over 7,000 students and 120 teachers at more than 50 schools throughout the state. The recipients are: Read more…
Waterfowl Blind Site Licensing Dates and Locations Announced
Site Location Lottery Starts on August 2
Starting August 2, Maryland resident hunters can apply for a 2016-2017 waterfowl blind site license. Opening-day applicants will be entered into a lottery for a chance to select their sites. Each blind site license is assigned to a designated location in Maryland waters, where hunters can anchor their boats to hunt waterfowl. Read more…
Maryland Hunter, Virginia Crabber Charged
Richard Norman Warren
Fisheries and wildlife infractions highlighted a few cases recently handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Department Hosts First Oyster Advisory Commission Meeting
Members Charged with Reviewing Current Policies and Crafting Recommendations
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources yesterday held the first public meeting of the newly reconstituted Oyster Advisory Commission, where members discussed the current state of the oyster population, were briefed on the soon-to-be-released five-year oyster management review report and were provided their charge and mission from Secretary Mark Belton. Read more…
Nine-Year-Old Sets New Maryland Fishing Record
94.6-pound Cobia Caught by 65-pound Emma Zajdel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that Emma Zajdel, 9, of Ocean City, has set a new state fishing record with a 94.6-pound cobia. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Blotter: Impaired Boaters Charged
A waterman and two seafood dealers were charged and three impaired boaters were arrested in recent cases brought by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Shooter Qualification Schedule Released
Qualification Necessary to Participate in Managed Deer Hunting Programs
The 2016-17 Shooter Qualification Schedule is now available and includes more than 30 firearm qualification sessions at 16 locations across the state, from Allegany to Queen’s Anne County. These events allow hunters to take the necessary proficiency test required to obtain a Shooter Qualification Card in order to participate in many of the managed deer hunts scheduled for the fall and winter. Read more…
Practice Safe Boating this Holiday Weekend
The goal this July 4th weekend for the Maryland Natural Resources Police is simple: fewer boating accidents.
The game plan is direct: officers will be going all-out on the state’s waterways, from Deep Creek Lake to the Atlantic Ocean.
Two Poachers Banned from Striped Bass Fishery
Additional Restrictions Placed on Commercial Fishing Activity
Two Talbot County watermen convicted of poaching and selling nearly $500,000 of striped bass over four years have received lifetime bans from taking part in that fishery by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Recreational Crabber Charged with Violations, Failing to Protect Turtles
A St. Mary’s County man has been charged with possessing undersized crabs and failing to equip his crab pots with devices to prevent the drowning of diamondback terrapins. Read more…
Department Recruits Young Adults for Maryland Conservation Corps
Award-Winning AmeriCorps Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting 17-25 year olds for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults in extensive natural resource management and park conservation projects across the state.
The program seeks to hire 35 full-time crew members for an 11-month period, beginning in October 2016. Read more…
Impaired Boater Arrested; Maryland Gears Up for Operation Dry Water
An overdue boater, who triggered an extensive search overnight Sunday by federal, state and local agencies, was located and charged with drunken operation, Maryland Natural Resources Police reported.
The incident in Calvert County is a reminder of the dangers of driving a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as officers gear up for the Operation Dry Water enforcement campaign this coming weekend. Read more…
Taking Action at Cattail Creek: A community effort to restore a stream
Berrywood residents and project staff left to right: Bob Lennox, Bob Royer, Andrea Germain, Jon Hartley,Suzanne Etgen, Molly LaChapelle, Marion Clement
The Magothy River has long been cherished by the communities in its watershed: Arnold, Broadneck, Pasadena and Severna Park. While the commitment to local stewardship continues to grow, one community is making waves to improve its stream.
The stream is Cattail Creek and the community is Berrywood of Severna Park. Read more…
On Duty: State park lifeguards
Guarding Sandy Point; courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Program
Maryland State Parks annually host more than 6 million visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day. They come to enjoy the campgrounds, trails and playgrounds, and to cool off in the water. Many parks boast water attractions like lakes and beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay and Deep Creek Lake, and even a couple of pools.
Coyotes in Maryland: Where they came from and what to expect
Adult coyote; by Matt Knoth
No, coyotes didn’t ride into the state at the hand of insurance companies looking to thin out the deer herd to reduce deer-vehicle collisions. And no, wildlife management agencies didn’t stock them across the state. These are two funny but common myths surrounding the arrival of these highly adaptable mid-sized canines and their arrival in Maryland.
Sandy Point State Park: The fastest-growing town in Maryland
Sunrise at Sandy Point; by James Phelps
The sky is just beginning to wake up when the line begins forming.
In the time it takes the horizon to go from inky black to soft blues and pinks, cars multiply and snake from the entrance of Sandy Point back toward the U.S. Route 50 exit ramp. Read more…
Go West, Young Angler, Go West! Float-fishing on the North Branch
Rainbow trout; by Harold Harsh
If you would like the adventure of an entirely different trout fishing experience similar to that of the western states, look no further than the North Branch Potomac River. Read more…
Tern Island: This place is for the birds
Tern Island; staff photo
Barely rising above the waterline in Isle of Wight Bay is, perhaps, the last hope for some of Maryland’s beach-nesting birds.
A small, four-acre disk of sand, about a half a mile west of Ocean City, is where scientists and bird lovers hope black skimmers, royal terns and common terns will come each spring to breed and replenish their badly depleted numbers. Read more…
Birds Without Borders: Continental bird conservation
Canada Geese; by Chuck Prahl
One hundred years ago, North America united for birds.
This August marks the 100th anniversary of the first Migratory Bird Treaty. This groundbreaking international agreement between the United States and Canada was our country’s first international commitment to protect natural resources across political boundaries. This milestone set the stage for continent-wide cooperative protection of migratory birds.
Read more…
Dear Friends of Soldiers Delight: Celebrating our mentors
Serpentine barren; by Richard Orr
One of Maryland’s most valuable resources is its people. Throughout my life, some truly awe-inspiring folks exposed to me the wonder of nature—taught me how to appreciate it, took me places to enjoy it and revealed to me how to find it on my own.
This past February, I had the honor of interviewing two such people: Jean Worthley and Les Graef, both now 91 years old, both protectors of our Maryland heritage and one of its most unique ecosystems nestled within Owings Mills.
Jean and Les first crossed paths in the 1950s—a time when Baltimore County was growing quickly and Soldiers Delight was in risk of being left off the map.
Calling for Help: A profile on emergency dispatchers
Communications center; by Candy Thomson
When trouble strikes on the Chesapeake Bay, in the woods or at a state park, the call for help is answered by one of most important Department of Natural Resources employees you will never see: a police dispatcher.
Better Boating for All: Partnerships supporting recreation on the water
Fort Smallwood before (top) and after (below); staff photo
Maryland boasts a rich maritime history, a vast array of freshwater and saltwater venues and an enthusiastic constituency of recreational boaters who have more than 180,000 recreational vessels. Standing by to serve citizens and visitors alike are more than 600 marinas and 500 public boat ramps and launches.
Good Samaritan Helps Officers Rescue Crabber; Police Arrest Two for Impaired Boating
Maryland Natural Resources Police corral a runaway crab boat on the Wicomico as well as arrest two impaired boaters. Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Announces $23.25 Million in Grants to Reduce Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Sponsors 21 Projects
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Department of Natural Resources has awarded grant funding, totaling $23.25 million, to reduce nonpoint source pollution through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The Trust Fund directs funding to the most cost-effective and efficient projects in the state, with the goal of gaining the greatest reduction of pollution for the investment being made. Read more…
Black Bears Spotted in Suburban Maryland
Department Urges Residents to Take Commonsense Precautions
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources would like to alert citizens that juvenile black bears have been seen wandering through the state’s more suburban areas this spring. There have been recent, confirmed bear sightings in Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties as juvenile bears disperse, or seek out a new territory. Read more…
Launch Steward Program Interdicts Zebra Mussels at Deep Creek Lake
Department Provides Tips to Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels, an invasive species of shellfish, attached to the propeller and outboard motor of a pontoon boat attempting to launch at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Launch stewards, conducting voluntary boat inspections, identified the mussels earlier this month on a vessel last used on the Monongahela River, where zebra mussels are established. The stewards were able to intercept the boat prior to launch, and removed all visible zebra mussels for examination and inspection. Read more…
Calvert County Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty, Illegal Drugs
A Calvert County man was arrested Tuesday night and charged with animal cruelty and practicing veterinary medicine without a license in connection with his animal rehabilitation center.
Six Communities Receive Flooding and Storm Event Funding
Federal, State Program Aids Local Governments
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that six communities were selected to receive Community Resiliency Grants to help local governments prepare for weather-related hazards, including flooding, storm events and sea level rise. The new funding will provide both financial and technical assistance to coastal and non-coastal areas throughout Maryland through the CoastSmart Communities and Green Infrastructure Resiliency programs. Read more…
23 Maryland Parks and Playgrounds Receive Funding
Department of Natural Resources Now Accepting Grant Applications for Next Year
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications from cities and towns looking to rehabilitate or enhance local parks and playgrounds in their communities. Funding from the Community Parks and Playground Program can be utilized to restore existing areas and features or to develop and expand new green spaces. Applications for Fiscal Year 2018 funding are due on Aug. 17. Read more…
New Report Assesses Maryland’s Coastal Resilience
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy of Maryland/DC announced today the completion of a Coastal Resiliency Assessment on existing natural features that protect coastal residential communities in the state. The study identified areas that reduce the risk of coastal hazards, and determined priority areas for coastal conservation and restoration activities. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Steps Up Enforcement
With the summer vacation season nearing, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers are concentrating their efforts on getting impaired boaters off the water and intoxicated people off public lands.
Last year, alcohol was a factor in six of the 20 fatal boating accidents and was the No. 2 cause of boating accidents. Officers wrote 223 tickets for impaired boating in 2015.
This week, officers cited two boaters and two people on public lands for offenses involving alcohol or drugs. They also charged a Garrett County woman with impaired driving. Read more…
Safe Memorial Day Weekend Seen in Maryland
Fewer Boating Accidents; No Fatalities Reported
A safety-conscious public and a concerted effort by Maryland Natural Resources Police kept the Memorial Day weekend free of fatalities and with just four reported boat accidents. Read more…
Caroline County Man Charged with Animal Cruelty
Mervyn Jay Downes III
A Caroline County man has been arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty in connection with the mutilation and death of two goats and the maiming of a third at a state park, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported. Read more…
Police Nab Poachers; Charge Crab Pot Thief
A month-long investigation across two counties resulted in 16 deer and turkey poaching citations being issued to an Anne Arundel County man, and other enforcement actions from the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Free Fishing Days Announced in Maryland
No License or Trout Stamp Required on June 4, 11 and July 4
Get outside with your rod and reel, and take advantage of Maryland’s excellent angling opportunities during three, free fishing days (June 4 and 11, and July 4). No license or trout stamp is required to recreationally fish in state waters on these days. Read more…
Maryland Snakehead Record Broken – 18.42 Pounds!
Emory (Dutch) Baldwin III from Indian Head, Md., and his regular bow-hunting partner Franklin Shotwell were wrapping up a night of stalking northern snakehead from Baldwin’s boat along the Maryland side of the Potomac River on May 20, when they decided to check the flats near Marshall Hall to see if the blue catfish had moved up into the grass. Read more…
Record Spring Turkey Harvest in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters reported harvesting a total of 3,874 wild turkeys during the 2016 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons that ended on May 23. This year’s harvest is three percent higher than 2015 (3,767), and well above the ten year average of 3,131. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Urges Safety This Boating Season
With Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer right around the corner, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reminds swimmers, boaters and anglers to be water wise.
Department of Natural Resources Outlines Fee Reductions
Beneficiaries Include Veterans and Youth
Following Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s announcement that the state is eliminating or reducing $60 million in state-issued fees, the Department of Natural Resources outlined its proposals which will save Marylanders approximately $2.71 million over the next five years. Read more…
Police Charge Illegal Bear and Turkey Hunters, Striped Bass Poachers, Impaired Boater
David Stephen Wall was charged with hunting black bear out of season
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged illegal bear and turkey hunters, striped bass poachers and a drunken boater in recent cases. Read more…
Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Awarded
Supports 13 Environmental Education and Restoration Projects
Pigtown Main Street organized volunteers at the Bloom the Boulevard event to collect litter, spread mulch, plant flowers and prune tree limbs.
The Maryland Environmental Trust today awarded $9,600 to nonprofits, community groups and schools to carry out environmental projects across the state. The grants – given through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program in partnership with the State Highway Administration – will help restore streamside habitats, create gardens and educate citizens about the environment. Read more…
Grants Available to Aid Maritime Municipalities and Counties
Maryland to Preserve and Revitalize Working Waterfronts
Photo credit Eugene Byers
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking proposals from local governments looking to invigorate their waterfront economies. Municipalities and counties in the coastal zone are eligible to apply for these one-year grants through the department’s Working Waterfronts Program. Read more…
Maryland to Assemble Black Bass Advisory Subcommittee
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is creating a subcommittee to advise the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission on questions regarding the long-term sustainability of smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing in the state. Read more…
Maryland Working to Protect State Parks from Destructive Emerald Ash Borer
These signs will be posted on trees receiving treatment
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working to protect ash trees from the emerald ash borer – an invasive beetle that feeds on and kills native ash trees – treating about 300 trial trees at 16 state parks starting in mid-May. This destructive beetle has spread rapidly since it was first discovered in Maryland in 2003. Read more…
Oyster Poacher Under Lifetime Ban Gets Jail Time; Six Charged with Striped Bass Violations
An oyster poacher under a lifetime commercial fishing ban received jail time and six recreational anglers illegally fishing were charged in cases recently handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Department’s Apple Watch App Wins National Information Technology Award
(L to R) Whitney Garner, NIC; Jesse King & Gene Deems, Dept. of Natural Resources; Greg Urban, Maryland State CIO; and Janet Grard, NIC
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ AccessDNR Apple Watch App earned the Innovation of the Year Award Wednesday night at the StateScoop 50 ceremony honoring tech initiatives, innovators, and up-and-comers in state and local governments. AccessDNR was one of more than 30 mobile apps and programs nominated within the award category. Read more…
Abandoned Boat Case Solved; Turkey, Fish Poachers Caught
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers solved an abandoned boat case, and charged fish and turkey poachers across the state in recent enforcement actions. Read more…