Natural Resources News
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…
Anglers Gain Improved Access to Beaver Creek
Department Acquisition Opens Up Trout Fishery
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved today the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 6.5 acres in Washington County, which will secure public fishing access to Beaver Creek, a tributary to Antietam Creek.
Read more…
Natural Resources Police Basic Recruit Class 58 Graduation
Largest Graduation Class in Police History
Friends and family gathered at The John Carroll School in Harford County Saturday for the Maryland Natural Resources Police Training Academy’s 58th Basic Recruit Class Graduation Ceremony. The class was the largest in police history, with 27 graduates. Read more…
Pollinator Habitat to be Restored on BGE Rights-of-Way Located in Maryland State Parks
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced a new initiative that will help improve and strengthen pollinator health and habitat. Approximately 200 acres of BGE’s electric rights-of-way (ROW) located in Maryland state parks that are currently maintained by routine mowing will be allowed to transition to meadow or prairie ecosystems which are natural pollinator habitats. Read more…
Deer and Striped Bass Poachers Charged
Deer and striped bass poaching cases topped the cases handled in recent days by the officers of the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
The City of Annapolis Hosts Maritime Summit
Working Waterfront Awareness Project
Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides announced the Maritime Summit, which brought together more than 100 Annapolis area maritime and marine businesses, was a huge success. Read more…
Canada Goose Hunting Season Opens
Maryland’s Most Popular Waterfowl Season
Maryland’s migratory Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season runs Nov. 19-25, and again from Dec. 16, 2016 through Feb. 4, 2017. The daily bag limit is two geese per day in this Canada Goose Hunting Zone. Read more…
New Waterfowl Hunting Opportunity in Garrett County
Managed Goose Hunt at Broadford Lake
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today a new waterfowl hunting opportunity at Broadford Lake in Garrett County. The managed hunting opportunity complements the existing goose hunting program at Deep Creek Lake.
The two hunts are by permit and reservation only during select days (Nov. 21-23). Interested hunters can apply here. Read more…
Nearly 20,000 Deer Harvested During Early Hunting Season
Turkey Numbers Similar to Last Year
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested fewer deer during the early hunting season compared with last year.
Maryland hunters wrapped up the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader deer seasons by harvesting an estimated 19,859 deer in September and October, a 14 percent decrease from last year’s harvest of 23,097. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Handle Fishing and Hunting Cases
Capture Aided by Newest K-9 Officer
The Maryland Natural Resources Police handled illegal fishing and hunting cases in recent days. Read more…
Junior Deer Hunt Days Set for November
Adult Mentors Pass on Hunting Safety and Ethics
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced hunters to introduce youth to the time-honored sporting tradition this month during two Junior Deer Hunt Days.
The days will be held Nov. 12 on public and private land in all counties, and Nov. 13 on private land in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties.
In Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, the hunt is open Nov. 13 on private and designated public lands. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Handle Illegal Hunting and Poaching Cases
Illegal hunting and striped bass poaching cases highlighted enforcement actions taken recently by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
A Charles County man and a juvenile were charged Friday night with illegal deer hunting after a resident reported hearing shots near his home. Read more…
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced
Maximum Age to Participate Increased to 16 Years Old
Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Nov. 5 and Feb. 11, 2017. Those 16 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese, mergansers and coots on public and private land these two days when aided by a qualified adult.
New this year, the maximum age for participating has been increased from 15 to 16 years of age. Read more…
“Doc” Wexler Found Guilty of Illegal Veterinarian Operation
A Lusby man who operated a wildlife rehabilitation facility was found guilty Thursday in Calvert County District Court on two counts of illegal drug possession and one count of practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Read more…
Record Number of Black Bears Harvested During 2016 Hunt
Great Fall Weather and Expanded Hunt Zone Aids Hunters
Favorable weather conditions and increased hunting opportunities in western Maryland enabled hunters to achieve a record harvest in the 2016 Maryland Black Bear Hunt as the season came to a close Oct. 27, with a record 167 bears reported to mandatory check-in stations.
The harvest total is 72 more than the previous record set in 2015 (95 bears).
Natural Resources Police Handle Bear, Oyster and Striper Cases
Bear baiting, and oyster and striped bass poaching cases highlighted enforcement actions taken this week by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Fall Turkey Season Opens in Western Maryland
Hunting Limited to Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Fall Turkey Hunting Season will open Oct. 29 and continue through Nov. 5 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
Honorary Ranger William “Howard” Skinner Recognized
Dedication Ceremony Held at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognized the lifelong contributions of Honorary Ranger William “Howard” Skinner Oct. 21 with a dedication ceremony at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Read more…
Newest Maryland Clean Marina in Harford County
Department of Natural Resources Certifies Bush River Yacht Club
Bush River Yacht Club has now been declared the newest Maryland Clean Marina by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The maritime establishment adopted practices from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, met all environmental requirements and passed a site inspection before earning the designation. Read more…
Maryland Tree Nursery Now Accepting Orders
Authentic Wye Oak Seedlings Available
Tired of mowing? Consider converting part of your grasslands to woodlands with trees from the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
New this year are Beautyberry Shrub seedlings – Maryland native plants – which beautify landscapes and improve habitat, as well as authentic Wye Oak seedlings. Read more…
Two Men Arrested for Illegal Deer Hunting
Two men were arrested for deer poaching activities in separate cases in Kent and Washington counties by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. Read more…
Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Opens
Hunters Reminded to Practice Tree Stand Safety
The first segment of Maryland’s Muzzleloader Deer Season opens statewide Oct. 20. It is one of several deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically occurs during some of the finest fall weather.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 20-22 in Deer Management Regions A and B. Region A consists of Garrett, Allegany and western Washington counties (private land codes 250 and 251), and Region B is the rest of the state. Hunters in Region B can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 24-29 for antlerless deer only. Read more…
Off-Road Vehicle Trail Approved for Garrett County
Department of Natural Resources to Construct Project in Savage River State Forest
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved today the construction of several projects within Savage River State Forest, including the development of the state’s first modern off-road vehicle trail. The trail will include the first-ever campsite designed to support off-highway vehicle riders. Other features will include single-track hare scramble style trail sections, technical trail spurs, internal loops, vehicular pull-offs and in another first – a full size rock crawl area. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Rural Legacy Program Grants
Enhanced Funding Helps Preserve and Protect 4,615 Acres
The Board of Public Works unanimously adopted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommendation today to approve 15 Rural Legacy Program grants, totaling $17,663,385, to permanently preserve approximately 4,615 acres of working farms, forests and open space across the state, from Garrett to Wicomico County. Read more…
Deer Hunting Opens at Myrtle Point Park Cooperative Wildlife Management Area
County, State Partnership Provides New Bowhunting Opportunity
A new partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and St. Mary’s County will now permit deer hunting at Myrtle Point Park. Approximately 141 acres of the 192-acre park in California, Md. will be open to regulated archery activity, effective immediately. Read more…
Striped Bass Survey Indicates Below-Average Reproduction
Results Follow Very Successful Spawning Year in 2015
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the 2016 young-of-the-year striped bass index, a measure of bass spawning success in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay is 2.2, well below the 63-year average of 11.7. The index represents the average number of less than 1 year old fish caught in 132 samples during the Juvenile Striped Bass Survey. Read more…