Natural Resources News
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…
Department Adjusts Chronic Wasting Disease Approach
Expands Management Area, Alters Deer Baiting Rules
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has updated its management approach for chronic wasting disease after discovering that five white-tailed deer tested positive last winter in Allegany County. One of the positive deer was harvested near Cumberland, approximately 10 miles west of all previous cases, marking the first documented case outside of the original Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area. Read more…
Poachers Nabbed; Drunken Driver Jailed In Recent Cases
Officers charged crab and oyster poachers, and secured jail time for a drunken driver who crashed in a state park, in cases recently handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Maryland Watershed Forester Earns Regional Award
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ own Jamie Weaver was named Forester of the Year by the Northeastern Area Association of State Foresters. Weaver, a watershed forester, works to enhance forest lands and water quality in Baltimore and Carroll counties. Read more…
Officers, Park Staff and Civilians Honored at Natural Resources Police Event
Officers, park rangers and lifeguards were honored for two rescues involving nine boaters off at Sandy Point State Park during a dangerous storm.
Officers, park employees and civilians were honored for their contributions to conservation law enforcement in 2015 during the Maryland Natural Resources Police annual awards ceremony. Read more…
Reminder: Riparian Property License Applications Due June 1
Photo by Larry Hindman
As a reminder, riparian (waterfront) property owners who want to apply for offshore blind and shoreline licensing must have their applications postmarked before June 1. Read more…
Winners Chosen in Maryland’s Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contests
Moving Through by Larry Smail
A Pennsylvania man won the Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest and the top Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design went to a St. Mary’s County man, as chosen by a panel of judges last week at the annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival in Ocean City, Md. Read more…
Maryland Names Top Tree Farmer and Tree Farm Inspector of 2016
Tree Farmer of The Year, Robert Shives, holds his award after being recognized in the Senate on April 1.
As part of Maryland’s annual recognition of outstanding individuals in the tree farm industry, landowner Robert Shives has been named Tree Farmer of the Year, and state project forester Dan Hedderick earned Tree Farm Inspector of the Year in awards given by the Maryland Tree Farm Committee earlier this month. Read more…
53,000 Acres of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Mapped in Maryland
Record Grass Abundance Indicates Progress on Bay Restoration and Improved Water Quality
Widgeon grass in clear mid bay water
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that underwater grass abundance – a key indicator of water quality– in the state’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay increased 29 percent between 2014 and 2015, reaching a new record of 53,277 acres. This puts Maryland at nearly 94 percent of its 2017 restoration goal of 57,000 acres. Read more…
Susquehanna State Park Home to New American Indian Petroglyph Exhibit
On weekends from Memorial Day through Labor day at Susquehanna State Park, visitors can view a collection of ancient, carved rock fragments, known as the Bald Friar Petroglyphs. These storied stones, which are thought to have been carved by American Indians, were once part of an historic island-sized boulder that parted the waters of the Susquehanna River. Read more…
Sunday Turkey Hunting Now Permitted on Private Lands in Carroll County
Photo by Lori R. Bramble
Legislation signed today from the 2016 General Assembly permits turkey hunting on private land in Carroll County on all remaining Sundays during the 2016 spring season ─ May 1, 8, 15 and 22. Read more…
Statewide Eyes Program Calls on Citizens to Help Find Invasive Plants
Department to Host Trainings Statewide, Seeks Participants
Statewide Eyes participants on the hunt for invasive plants
Citizens and scientists are working together to tackle the problem of invasive plants on state lands through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ new Statewide Eyes program. Statewide Eyes is seeking people interested in identifying and mapping invasive plants that threaten ecologically sensitive sites.
Charles County Man Convicted of Dumping; Two Turkey Poachers Charged
Feeder used to bait turkey
Two men were charged with baiting turkey and a man was charged with illegally dumping fish and geese last week in separate cases brought by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Seek Information About Thomas Point Break-in
Investigators for the Maryland Natural Resources Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating individuals who broke into and vandalized the Thomas Point Lighthouse between April 15-16.
Read more…
Governor Larry Hogan Announces New Partnership during National Park Week Visit to Assateague
Maryland Park Service to Honor “Every Kid in a Park” Pass
In recognition of the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton announced today that the Maryland Park Service will honor the national “Every Kid in a Park” program. Through this initiative, which provides complimentary national park admission to fourth grade students and their families, Maryland will accept the pass for admission to state parks. The Earth Day announcement was made during a National Park Week visit to Assateague Island National Seashore and tour of Assateague State Park.
Winners Named in Color Maryland Green Contest
Record Number of Students Submit Original Art Inspired by Nature
In celebration of Earth Day, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment today announced the winners of their annual Color Maryland Green contest. A record 300 students, grades K-12, submitted original artwork, film and poetry inspired by their appreciation for the Maryland’s great outdoors.
Officers Nab Striped Bass, Turkey Poachers; Arrest Drunken Driver
Turkey seized in poaching case
Striped bass poaching cases on the Eastern Shore, illegal turkey hunting in western Maryland, and the arrest of a drunken driver in Washington County highlight cases recently handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Marylanders Urged to Avoid Attracting Bears
Black bears are starting to leave their dens after a long winter slumber and search for food. Since natural foods, such as plants, berries and insects are scarce in the early spring, bears are particularly attracted to human-provided sources. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds Marylanders to be proactive and exercise good judgment to avoid contact. Read more…
Hunting and Trapping Regulations Submitted for Final Approval
After spending several months obtaining and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected regulation changes for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 hunting seasons. The regulations are currently being drafted and will be submitted to the Maryland Register for final approval. Read more…
Two Men Lose Hunting Privileges in Deer Poaching Case
Two men will lose their hunting privileges after pleading guilty Monday in Harford District Court to deer poaching charges. Read more…
Spring Turkey Season to Open
Junior Turkey Hunt Days April 16-17
Youth hunters will kick-off Maryland’s spring turkey season with a Junior Turkey Hunt Day on April 16 statewide and on April 17 in select Sunday hunting counties. The regular spring turkey season will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Population Shows Improvement
Spawning-Age Female Number Nearly Doubles
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the results of the 2016 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which show another year of growth in the stock of the Chesapeake Bay crab population and bodes well for a better harvest this year. The survey indicates a bay-wide crab population of 553 million, a 35-percent increase over last year. This is the fourth highest level in two decades, and builds on last year’s 38-percent boost in abundance. Read more…
Draft State Wildlife Action Plan Open for Public Comment
Responses due May 8
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on its draft State Wildlife Action Plan, a plan that each state is required to review and revise every 10 years as requested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more…
Anglers Nabbed for Poaching; Animal Cruelty Case Settles
Two men were charged with poaching striped bass, and an incident involving animal cruelty was settled in court this week in cases brought by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Bloede Dam Removal Project Receives Approval
The Board of Public Works today granted approval for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to move forward with the Bloede Dam removal project. The department and its partners have been working for several years on a comprehensive, cost-effective plan to remove the public safety hazard and fish obstruction on the Patapsco River in Patapsco Valley State Park. Read more…
Anne Arundel County Student Wins Annual Arbor Day Poster Contest
1st Place: Leonardo Perez-Alfaro of Glen Burnie
The Department of Natural Resources today announced the winners of the 2016 Maryland Arbor Day poster contest open to fifth-graders across the state. The top three contestants were chosen from more than 500, who submitted art showcasing the importance of trees in urban environments as per this year’s theme, Trees are Terrific… in Cities and Towns. The grand prize went to Leonardo Perez-Alfaro of Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie. Read more…
Department Donates 625 Trees to Allegany County
Gift of Trees Program Helps Beautify Communities
In celebration of Maryland Arbor Day, forestry staff, Conservation Corps members and Allegany College Students planted 29 trees in Flintstone on April 5, 2016.
In one of the largest projects in Gift of Trees history, the Maryland Forest Service donated 625 trees to school and community groups for planting on 13 public properties throughout Allegany County. Read more…
Howard County Man Arrested for Illegal Off-Road Riding, Assaulting Officer
A Howard County man has been charged with illegal dirt bike riding at a state park, assaulting a police officer, providing false information and resisting arrest, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said. Read more…
Governor Hogan Restores and Protects Funding for Land Conservation and Preservation Programs
Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 462, a bill that restores and protects state funding to transfer tax-funded land conservation, preservation and recreation programs, into law this morning at an event at the State House. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton, Assistant Secretary Daryl Anthony, and Land Acquisition and Planning Director Emily Wilson were all in attendance. Read more…
Former Crisfield Police Chief Charged with Setting Woods Fire
The former police chief of Crisfield was arrested Thursday by a Natural Resources Police investigator and charged with setting a fire last September in a grove of pine trees. Read more…
New Pumpout Boat Destined for Eastern Shore
To help protect the Wye and Miles rivers, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources secured federal funding for a new pumpout boat on the Eastern Shore. The vessel will join two other public-service pumpout boats, which serve Annapolis and Shady Side. Read more…
Migratory Game Bird Seasons Submitted for Final Approval
Photo by Larry Hindman
After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the 2016-2017 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…
Thirty-one Recruits Begin Natural Resources Police Academy
Senior Officer Norris Shannon instructs the new recruits
Thirty-one men and women took the first step today to becoming Maryland Natural Resources Police officers as they entered the agency’s 58th basic recruit class.
The class begins training on the same day 148 years ago that the police department was formed as the State Oyster Police. Read more…