Natural Resources News
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…
Officers Arrest Striped Bass Poachers, Drug Dealers and a Fugitive
Four anglers were charged with poaching striped bass in Dorchester County, three juveniles were arrested for attempted drug dealing in a state park in Worcester County, and an unlicensed tree contractor in Garrett County was cited in cases handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police last weekend.
Five Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has received laboratory confirmation that five white-tailed deer harvested in Allegany County tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease in deer, bringing the total overall cases to 11. Four of the five deer were harvested in the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area (the eastern one-third of the county). The other deer was taken near Cumberland, marking the first documented case outside of the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest is Underway
2013 Photo Contest Submission: Fox Siblings by Susan Cardaro
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting entries for its annual photo contest through Aug. 31, 2016. Enter now—online or by mail—for the chance to win cash, park passports and other terrific prizes! Read more…
Oyster Violations in St. Mary’s, Somerset Counties
Two watermen were charged with illegal oyster harvesting in separate incidents in St. Mary’s and Somerset counties by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. Read more…
Watermen Charged in Oyster, Yellow Perch Poaching Cases
Officers of the Maryland Natural Resources Police charged watermen in Talbot and Harford counties with poaching, and arrested a Garrett County man on drunken driving charges in cases highlighted this week. Read more…
Saving Smith Island: A Vision Plan to Save the Future
Crab pots; by Stephen Badger
“Welcome to Mayberry,” jokes Eddie Somers as our boat docks at Smith Island’s Ewell—his hometown. With a total population of 276 year-round residents, it’s safe to say everybody knows everybody, even when part-timers arrive, swelling the population to upwards of 600.
The American Tree Farm System: Celebrating 75 years
Department of Natural Resources forester Scott Daniels remembers that day nearly 30 years ago like it was yesterday.
He was on his way to the Dorchester County homestead of Richard Abend, a federal worker who spent his free time tending the 106-wooded acres of Abend Hafen Farm—German for “Evening Heaven.” Read more…
A Walk in the Park: Rocks
The Susquehanna River; by Scott McDaniel
Residents and visitors seeking a magnificent outdoor adventure in Harford County need not look further than Rocks State Park. Totaling 855 acres and nestled within Deer Creek Valley, the park boasts three separate day-use areas—Hills Grove, Rock Ridge and Wilson’s—each providing unique recreation opportunities. Read more…
Partners in Pollination: Flowers and plants and the animals who love them
Top: rue anemone (by Karen Messick), purple pitcherplant (by Lisa Garrett), bloodroot (by Kerry Wixted), trillium (Karen Messick); bottom: tickseed, Virginia bluebells, trumpet creeper, dutchman’s breeches (all by Kerry Wixted)
Did you know? More than 3,000 plants species—including an amazing number of wildflowers, from mysterious orchids to carnivorous plants and everything in between—call Maryland home. Much of that diversity results from animal pollinators, which account for nearly 80 percent of pollination around the world. Read more…
From the Bay and Back Again: The lifecycle of the blue crab
Adult and juvenile; courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Program
The blue crab embodies a unique life experience for aquatic animals in the Chesapeake Bay.
Unlike finfish, this invertebrate has a hard exoskeleton and must molt, or shed, its shell in order to grow. As you can imagine, this process puts the crab in a vulnerable situation as it loses its protective hard shell and becomes a soft crab—a top menu item on many predators’ lists, including ours.
Before a crab can achieve this delectable point in its life, it must survive a gauntlet of challenges from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay out into the Atlantic Ocean and back up the bay toward Maryland. Read more…
It Can Happen to You: How to stay safe on the water
Wake; department photo
Brad Stemcosky is a careful boater. He knows all the rules and owns all the best safety gear.
Experienced and cautious, he’s a walking poster boy for boating safety.
Yet on a late December afternoon last year, he and a fishing buddy were flailing in the frigid waters of the Potomac River, the day’s light failing and their options running out. Read more…
Man Gets Jail Time for Stealing Gear During Ocean City Fishing Tournament
A Berlin man will spend one year in jail after pleading guilty Tuesday in Worcester County Circuit Court to stealing fishing gear from vessels participating the White Marlin Open, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said. Read more…
Officers Investigate Boat Fire, Charge Impaired Boater and Illegal Angler
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers investigated an Eastern Shore boat fire, arrested a man for impaired boating in Washington County and charged another man with illegal striped bass fishing at a state park in incidents this past weekend. Read more…
Robert K. Ziegler Jr. Named Superintendent of the Natural Resources Police
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that Governor Larry Hogan has appointed law enforcement veteran Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler Jr. to serve as superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. The appointment takes effect immediately. Read more…
Conowingo Dam Report Shows Time is Now for Collaboration, Innovation on Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Scouring Nutrients and Sediment May Affect Implementation of Bay Goals
A newly finalized report on the Conowingo Dam underscores the urgency of finding innovative multi-state solutions to reduce the water pollution that threatens the Chesapeake Bay. The Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment Study ─ conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the state of Maryland ─ confirms that the Conowingo Dam reservoir and two dam reservoirs further upstream have essentially reached their capacity and are no longer capable of trapping sediment and associated nutrients over the long term. Read more…
Dry and Windy Conditions Elevate Wildfire Risk
Firefighters Battle Mountain Fire in Gambrill State Park
With spring’s high winds and dry foliage, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges citizens to use caution in outdoor fire activities and postpone open-air burnings. Just last night, nearly 60 firefighters spent two hours battling a five-acre blaze in Gambrill State Park in Frederick County. Read more…
Four Watermen Charged with Poaching Oysters from Protected Waters
Four watermen were charged with poaching oysters from protected state waters in Dorchester County by the Maryland Natural Resources Police in separate incidents last Wednesday. Read more…
Rare Plant Rediscovered in Maryland after 112 Years
Riverbank Goldenrod Found in Montgomery County
Riverbank goldenrod (Solidago rupestris)
After 112 years, riverbank goldenrod has been rediscovered in Maryland. Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Ecologist Wes Knapp and a team of researchers discovered the rare flower in Montgomery County. Read more…
Maryland and National Park Service to Host Harriet Tubman Day Symposium
Event will Explore the Universal Definition and Reach of Freedom
Celebrate the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman at a symposium on March 10 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge visitor center in Cambridge. Hosted by the National Park Service and Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the evening will feature a panel of scholars and historians delving into African American history, the journey toward equality and the true meaning of freedom. The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge visitor center is located at 2145 Key Wallace Drive. Read more…
Dorchester County Waterman Charged with 146 Counts of Poaching Oysters
James A. Horseman
A Dorchester County waterman, twice convicted of poaching oysters, was charged Friday with 146 counts of harvesting undersized oysters by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
James Alexander Horseman, 26, of Madison, is scheduled for trial in Dorchester County District Court on April 4. If found guilty, he faces a maximum fine of $146,000. Read more…
Maryland Forester Earns National Award
Dan Hedderick Recognized as Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector
Tom Martin of the American Forest Foundation presents Hedderick (Right) with his award.
The American Forest Foundation named Dan Hedderick the Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of the Year for 2016. As the Maryland Department of Natural Resources forestry project manager for Allegany County, Hedderick received this national award for his work as an exceptional certified inspector and natural resources professional.
Maryland Tree Nursery Accepting Orders for Spring Planting
Loblolly Pine at the State Tree Nursery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting tree seedling orders through the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery for larger plantings on private lands through April 29. There are more than 50 tree species available to meet a variety of aesthetic and environmental needs. Read more…
Hunting and Trapping Regulations Proposed
Public Comment Accepted through March 15
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on the proposed changes to the 2016-2018 hunting and trapping seasons. The department reevaluates the regulations for select resident game species every two years to ensure best management. Read more…
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Proposed
Public Comments Accepted through March 14
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on the proposed 2016-2017 migratory game bird hunting seasons. The seasons will be finalized in early spring after the department reviews input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more…
2017 Maryland State Forest Work Plans Released
Public Comment Deadline March 25
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed 2017 fiscal year work plans for Chesapeake, Garrett, Green Ridge, Pocomoke, Potomac and Savage River state forests Read more…
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Season Opens April 16
Spring Limit is One Fish Daily, 35 Inches or Larger
Photo Credit Sean Russell
The spring season for the state fish, striped bass, kicks off on April 16 in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Spring recreational fishing opportunities for striped bass, locally known as rockfish, will run from April 16 through May 15, with a catch limit of one fish per person, per day, 35 inches or larger. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Charges Oyster Poacher, Seizes Illegal Eels, Arrests Drunken Driver
Oyster poaching, the illegal sale of invasive species and a drunken driving arrest were some of the recent cases handled by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Maryland Seeks Environmental Literacy Project Proposals
Funding Supports K-12 Stream Study and Stewardship Programs
The state is looking to engage more students in stream study and stewardship projects aimed at improving the health of local waterways. As such, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is actively seeking proposals for environmental literacy projects through Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grants. Projects will be evaluated based on their ability to establish strong partnerships with schools, and support state education requirements and environmental commitments. Read more…
Waterman Charged with Dumping Animal Carcasses, Hunter Cited for Poaching
Dead fish dumped on private property
Illegal dumping of animal carcasses and deer poaching were among the cases handled recently by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Maryland Funds Water Quality Improvement Projects in 15 Counties
27 Projects to Receive $1.43 Million
A bioretention project along a traffic circle in Takoma Park filters contaminants and sediment from polluted runoff
Community groups and local governments across Maryland have been awarded Watershed Assistance Grants totaling approximately $1.43 million to carry out local water quality improvement projects. In total, 15 different counties and Baltimore City were selected to receive funding. Read more…
Maryland Challenges Virginia Coal Ash Permit
State Files Appeal Documents in Richmond
Potomac River by Amber Hare
The state of Maryland has filed an appeal with the Commonwealth of Virginia calling for an official review of a recent Virginia Department of Environmental Quality decision to approve a coal ash water discharge permit for Dominion Virginia Power. That permit would authorize the release of potentially toxic pollutants into Quantico Creek and the Potomac River. The appeal will go before the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond. Read more…
Nominations being accepted for 39th 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 14
Nominations are being accepted for the 2016 Tawes Award for a Clean Environment and for the James B. Coulter Government Employee Award. The Tawes Award recognizes individuals, civic, community and non-profit groups that have demonstrated outstanding efforts to enhance Maryland’s environment over a period of time or with a single project. There are separate categories for youth and adults. The James B. Coulter Award acknowledges outstanding environmental contributions by a government employee. 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
The deadline for nominations is April 14. Nomination forms are available on the department’s website, and may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to: Maryland Department of the Environment, Office of Communications, 7th Floor, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230, Attention: Adrienne Diaczok – Tawes Award. Read more.
Carroll County Poacher Placed on “Do Not Hunt” Registry
Christopher Robert Meyer
A Carroll County man convicted of multiple game violations and prohibited from hunting in Maryland for a year has been placed on a suspension list in 44 other states.
Christopher Robert Meyer, 35, of Westminster, was entered this week in the registry for the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact, a reciprocal agreement that recognizes suspension of fishing, hunting and trapping licenses in member states. Read more…
Riparian Property Licensing Now Open
Applications Due by May 31
Riparian (waterfront) property owners, or those with landowner permission, can now submit their applications for offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline licenses. Read more…
Maryland Offers Fishing License Discount for 16-Year-Olds
New 16 in 16 Program in Effect through 2016
Now through the end of 2016, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a half-price incentive to 16-year-old anglers purchasing a fishing license for the first time. In Maryland, anglers under the age of 16 are not required to possess licenses. Read more…
Enhancing Maryland’s Working Waterfronts
Department Awards Three Grants
Photo by Allan Napfel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded three municipalities—Talbot County, the City of Annapolis and the Town of Rock Hall—with financial and technical assistance for projects through the new Working Waterfronts Program. These one-year projects will begin in early to mid February with the goal of enhancing and preserving their waterfront communities.
Natural Resources Police, Fire Divers Recover Bodies of Severn River Duck Hunters
The bodies of two duck hunters, who drowned last month when their boat capsized in the Severn River, were recovered today not far from where they were last seen, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported. Read more…
Nearly 3,500 Acres on Eastern Shore Added to Chesapeake Forest Land
Program Open Space Acquisition to Benefit Maryland’s Natural Resource-Based Economies
In one of the largest acquisitions of its kind, the Board of Public Works today approved funding to secure 3,486 acres of prime forest land on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore for economic, environmental and recreational purposes. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will manage the property as part of its Chesapeake Forest Lands, helping to preserve the state’s sustainable forest products industry. Read more…
84,022 Deer Harvested in Maryland during 2015-2016 Hunting Season
Harvest Declined 3 Percent from Last Year
Photo by Douglas E. George
Maryland hunters harvested slightly less deer than last year during the combined archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons (Sept. 11, 2015 through Jan. 30, 2016), according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The harvest of 84,022 deer represents a 3 percent decrease from last year’s total of 86,883. Biologists attribute the slight decline to reduced deer numbers in some rural areas and poor weather conditions, which impeded hunting. Read more…
Body Identified in Boating Accident Near Bay Bridge
Note: headline was corrected 2-5-16 at 6:42 p.m.
A body recovered at the mouth of the Choptank River has been identified as the boater who fell from his sailboat on New Year’s Eve just north of the Bay Bridge, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said. Read more…
Oyster and Waterfowl Poachers Caught by Natural Resources Police
Three Charles Co. men were found with 24 geese over the limit.
Illegal goose hunting and oyster poaching were among the cases handled recently by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Spring Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland Streams and Lakes
Four Locations to Receive Weekly Deliveries
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service will stock about 338,000 rainbow, golden and brown trout throughout the state beginning in February.
Following the popularity of previous years’ weekly deliveries to Antietam Creek, department crews will do the same during the spring stocking season at Bear Creek in Garrett County, South Branch Patapsco River at River Road in Carroll County and at Lake Artemesia in Prince George’s County. Read more…
The Maryland Environmental Trust Calls for Award Applicants and Nominees
The Maryland Environmental Trust is seeking nominations for Maryland land trusts and individuals that have demonstrated innovative and outstanding work in land conservation. These recognitions are given annually through the trust’s Janice Hollmann Grants and the Aileen Hughes Award. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Officers Nab Three Deer Poachers
Three men were charged with deer hunting violations by the Maryland Natural Resources Police in separate incidents in Allegany and Frederick counties. Read more…
2016 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Results Released
Photo by J. Scott Bruce
Each winter, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources make visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline and Atlantic coast. This year, the teams counted approximately 663,000 waterfowl, lower than the 855,500 birds observed during 2015 and less than the five year average of 759,460.
Natural Resources Employees Recognized for Saving Lives of Crash Victims
Ozzie Wilkinson, Jim Wilson, Rob McVicker and Paul Carey receive Governor’s Certificates of Appreciation from Sec. Mark Belton.
Four employees with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Boating Services unit were recognized last week for their lifesaving actions in two separate vehicle accidents. Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton and Boating Services Director Mark O’Malley presented certificates of appreciation from Governor Larry Hogan to Ozzie Wilkinson, Jim Wilson, Rob McVicker and Paul Carey for their quick thinking and bravery.
Poacher Loses Commercial License, Cited for Additional Oyster Violations
A Wicomico County waterman convicted of multiple oyster poaching violations has been permanently banned from commercially fishing in Maryland waters by an administrative law judge.