Natural Resources News
Three-Day Goose Hunting Season to Open at Deep Creek Lake
A new hunting opportunity on Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County will allow hunters to harvest geese at one of three open water sites on Nov. 23, 24 and 25, 2015. Goose hunting on Deep Creek Lake is by permit and reservation only during these select days of the season. Read more…
Maryland Park Service Graduates 24 New Park Rangers
Secretary Mark Belton addressing 24 new rangers
Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton addressed 24 new rangers who graduated from the month-long Maryland Park Ranger School at a ceremony at New Germany State Park in Grantsville. Comprised of both new and veteran state park employees, the graduates have devoted themselves to protecting the state’s historic and natural resources. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police charged hunters in Frederick and Allegany counties last weekend with wildlife violations.
On Saturday, two Cumberland residents received citations for poaching deer by an officer responding to a complaint of shots fired near the intersection of West Flintstone Creek Road and Benson Farm Lane. Read more…
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail Inducted into Rail-Trail Hall of Fame
Slated to become a part of the Grand History Trail linking Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C.
Monkton Train Station
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail earned the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s highest award today at a ceremony in York, Pa., when it was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame along with its connecting Pennsylvania counterpart, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park.
Out of more than 1,900 trails in the rail trail network nationwide, only 29 hold this title. Read more…
Somerset County Farmland Protected
Maryland Environmental Trust Conserves 30 Acres
A new conservation easement totaling 30.2 acres will permanently protect important farmland in Westover, located in Somerset County. Landowner Frederick Howard donated the easement to the Maryland Environmental Trust to safeguard its resources and his family’s legacy. Read more…
Two Junior Deer Hunt Days Set for November
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to this time-honored tradition during two Junior Deer Hunt Days: Nov. 14 on public and private land in all counties; and Nov. 15 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 junior deer hunt is open on Nov. 15 on private and designated public lands. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Blotter
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged hunters and anglers in Baltimore, Allegany and Talbot counties with poaching in recent cases. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a crab poacher in Queen Anne’s County and two illegal deer hunters in Allegany County in recent cases. Read more…
Dead Manatee Found at Assateague Island National Seashore
Photo from the National Park Service
A manatee carcass was discovered last week at Assateague Island National Seashore near the Maryland-Virginia border and is currently undergoing examination to determine the cause of death.
Record Number of Black Bears Harvested During 2015 Maryland Hunt
95 Bears Exceeds 2013 Record
Ronald Oberender of Toddville harvested the largest bear of the season.
The 2015 Maryland Black Bear Hunting Season came to a close on Oct. 29, with a record 95 bears harvested and reported into mandatory check-in stations across Garrett and Allegany counties. The harvest total is one more than the previous record of 94 set in 2013. Ronald Oberender of Toddville took the largest bear of the season, a 520-pound male. Read more…
Maryland on track to meet 2020 climate goal
Maryland on track to meet 2020 climate goal
Department of the Environment reports steady progress, emerging opportunities
Maryland is on pace to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reductions required under State law while benefiting from billions of dollars in economic growth, but continued progress will be needed to minimize the effects of climate change while continuing to create jobs, a new Maryland Department of the Environment report states.
Natural Resources Police Blotter
Three hunters were charged Wednesday with bear poaching on state land in Garrett County and another hunter was charged in Allegany County by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. Read more…
Fall Turkey Season to Open in Western Maryland
Maryland’s Fall Turkey Hunting Season will open Oct. 31 and continue through Nov. 7, 2015 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
Two Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced
Young Maryland hunters can hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days on Nov. 7, 2015 and Feb. 6, 2016. On those days, hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese, mergansers and coots on public and private land when aided by a qualifying adult.
All junior hunters and their adult mentors must possess a Maryland hunting license. Youth waterfowl hunters must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, but do not need to purchase a federal duck stamp if under 16 years of age.
Natural Resources Police Blotter
Trees covered in peanut butter to attract bears
The Maryland Natural Resources Police charged nine men in Garrett and Allegany counties with illegal bear and deer hunting in separate incidents. Read more…
The Department of Natural Resources Announces New Members to the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the four new members of the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board. Deep Creek Lake residents Robert Kelly and Marta Shroyer will serve on the board as Garrett County appointees, and Greg Snook and James Bailey will serve as at-large members. Snook will also serve as the new board chairperson.
Natural Resources Police Blotter
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged men in Frederick County yesterday with violations of state forestry and hunting laws.
John Wade Dyer, 36, of Culpepper, Va., was issued two citations for operating a tree expert business without a license and soliciting business without a license (false advertising). He also was ordered to cease-and-desist operations.
Maryland pursues new tools, greater teamwork for faster, better restoration of Chesapeake Bay
Maryland is developing a nutrient trading policy to accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay while reducing costs to local governments and citizens and boosting private sector jobs, the Maryland Departments of the Environment and Agriculture announced today.
Cecil County Curatorship Opportunity
All those interested in becoming curators of the historic Old Bohemia Tennant House in Cecil County are invited to join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for an open house. Come tour the house and grounds between 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 and learn more abut this historic property and Maryland’s Curatorship Program.
The Old Bohemia Tennant House is available for restoration under the Department’s Resident-Curatorship Program, which matches up historic properties with people interested in restoring, maintaining and periodically sharing them with the public in return for the right to lifetime tenancy.
Upper Marlboro Sportsman Sets New Maryland Snakehead Record
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that Michael Meade of Upper Marlboro, Maryland set a new state sport fish record with a 17.49-pound northern snakehead while fishing with bow and arrow along the marshes of Mattawoman Creek.
“It was about 10:30 at night when I brought it onboard, and it was the biggest snakehead I had ever seen,” Meade said. “When I got home, I stepped on a bathroom scale with the fish, and it was over 17 pounds. So, I put it in a bucket of ice water and went looking for a certified scale.”
The next day in Marbury, Gray Brothers Market Store Manager Stacy Long confirmed the weight on a Maryland Department of Agriculture-certified digital scale. Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist Mary Groves subsequently confirmed the species, making the record official.
Undammed: Bishopville Project a Success
A four-foot high sheet metal dam has been replaced with 635 linear feet of re-established stable stream channel and wetland habitat. The Bishopville Pond Dam removal project, which spanned a decade, cost $1.5 million — with over half funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.
Early Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens in Maryland on October 22
The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens Oct. 22, and serves as one of several deer hunting opportunities that help manage populations, and provide hunters with food and recreation.
The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 22-24 in Deer Management Regions A and B, which comprise the entire state with the exception of Baltimore City. Region A consists of Garrett, Allegany and western Washington counties (private land codes 250 & 251), and Region B is the rest of the state.
Maryland Online Tree Nursery Now Accepting Orders
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting tree seedling orders through the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery for larger plantings on private lands. There are more than 50 tree species available to meet a variety of aesthetic and environmental needs.
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police charged men in two counties with violations of fish and game laws. Read more…
Frederick County Shotgun Deer Hunting Zone has Changed
Effective immediately, the shotgun-only deer hunting area in Frederick County has been rezoned. The change was made at the request of Frederick County officials in cooperation with the Maryland Farm Bureau to incorporate the city and surrounding suburbs, and to give deer hunters the option to use rifles in the rural sections of the county. Read more…
Maryland Motorists: Stay Alert as Deer Activity Increases
Photo by Tim Ward
Cooling temperatures, colorful leaves and unpredictable deer ─ all surefire signs that fall is upon us. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges motorists to be alert for deer and other wildlife as these animals seek food and search for mates. Read more…
Black Bear Activity Increases in the Fall
Residents Reminded to take Precautions
Black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to dangerous encounters.
Read more…
Joanne Throwe Named Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary (DNR) Mark Belton today announced the appointment of Joanne Throwe as deputy secretary. In this role, Throwe will manage the day-to-day operations and execute the direction and vision of DNR. Read more…
NRP Mourns Passing of K-9 Bear
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) mourns the death last weekend of K-9 Bear, assigned to the Central Region.
Born on Nov. 5, 2004, Bear was purchased as a hunting dog. But when the owner realized he did not have time to train the black Lab, he donated it to Delaware Fish and Game.
Maryland Striped Bass Juvenile Index is Eighth Highest on Record
American Shad, White Perch, Herring Reproduction Strong
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that the 2015 striped bass juvenile index is the eighth highest on record. The survey, a measure of spawning success, found an average of 24.2 juvenile fish per sample, approximately double the long-term average of 11.9. Read more…
NRP Investigating Fatal Hunting Accident
Maryland Natural Resources Police investigators are continuing to gather evidence in a fatal hunting accident late Saturday afternoon in Queen Anne’s County. Read more…
NRP Recovers Body of Florida Man in Back Creek
Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers recovered the body of a man Tuesday morning in Back Creek. Read more…
DNR Awards Grants to 37 Volunteer Fire Departments
Funding to Aid Rural Maryland Communities
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance program grants, totaling $88,612, to 37 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties. The funding will help fire crews better prepare for and respond to wildfires in rural areas and communities.
Fall Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) kicked off the fall trout stocking season last week, releasing roughly 3,500 rainbow trout in Western Maryland.
“When and where we stock is largely dependent on weather conditions, water flow and temperatures,” DNR Inland Fisheries Manager Tony Prochaska said. “If the weather cooperates, we will release about 25,000 trout by the end of October.” Read more…
Eastern Shore WMAs Reopen to Waterfowl Hunting
Several Eastern Shore Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) ─ or portions of these areas ─ that were temporarily closed to waterfowl hunting have reopened. Read more…
Mallows Bay-Potomac River Headed Toward National Marine Sanctuary Status
First Designation in Maryland; First in Chesapeake Bay
Photo by Daryl Byrd
In a first for the state of Maryland, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today declared its intent to designate Mallows Bay in Charles County as a National Marine Sanctuary, and is seeking public input on how the site should best be used and managed. Read more…
NRP Arrests Pair for Numerous Baltimore-Area Thefts
A man and woman suspected of numerous Baltimore area thefts—including taking a warning sign about leaving valuables in plain sight—have been arrested by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Oyster Harvest Season Opens Today in Maryland
Hand tonging for oysters in Broad Creek. Photo by Jay Fleming
The 2015-2016 oyster harvest season kicks off today in Maryland. The six-month season runs from Oct. 1 through March 31. Read more…
Living Shorelines, Healthier Waters
A recent study, funded by NOAA, found that the bay’s hardened shoreline (using rocks and walls to slow erosion) could be hindering estuary recovery following decades of pollution, as well as depriving fish, crabs and terrapins of habitat. Enter living shorelines, a concept that has existed for decades, but continues to evolve.
With progress top of mind, representatives from across DNR recently visited two living shoreline projects in Anne Arundel County, a Severn River project completed this summer and a 15-year old South River undertaking.
NRP Blotter
A St. Mary’s County man was charged Thursday with multiple violations of blue crab regulations by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged a Frederick County man with a hunting violation and a Washington County man with illegal dumping. Read more…
DNR to Host Junior Hunter Field Day in Hagerstown
Youth ages 8 to 16 with an interest in hunting, shooting sports and wildlife management are invited to participate in a FREE Junior Hunter Field Day event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the North American Rod and Gun Club, 12108 Belvedere Rd, Hagerstown. Read more…
Four St. Mary’s County Men Charged with Striped Bass Poaching
Four Lexington Park men were charged with poaching after a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer caught them with 42 undersized striped bass.
Francisco Morales Vallardes, 51, Douglas Francisco Morales, 34, Roberto Jesus Mejia Lopez, 33, and Oscar Saul Mejia Lopez, 35, were each charged with exceeding the daily catch limit of two striped bass and possession of undersized striped bass. Read more…
DNR Accepting Bids for Trapping in Somerset and Worcester Counties
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting bids for the 2015-2016 trapping season for Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in Somerset and Worcester Counties, as well as Hickory Point Natural Area, Janes Island State Park and Johnson WMA. Read more…
NRP to Participate in 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Maryland Natural Resources Police offices will participate in the 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can drop off unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe and proper disposal. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Frederick County
A Frederick County man was charged Saturday with illegal hunting in a state park by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Rodney Warren Winstead, 49, of Jefferson, received a citation for maintaining a baited area in a state park, a violation that carries a maximum fine of $1,500. He is scheduled to appear in Frederick District Court on Nov. 4. Read more…
Exploring the Patuxent: Creating environmental leaders
Group shot at the end of the week
For the past five years, we at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and Patuxent River Park have hosted a high school camping and canoeing experience.
With the hope of meeting a need for leadership-focused environmental youth, we created two, week-long paddle boat trips for high school students. Our goal: to give them a chance to become immersed in the ecology and magic of the Patuxent River. Participants gain strong teamwork skills while spending a week away from home.
Monday icebreakers
Paddling towards independence
As the staff on the trip, we view ourselves as facilitators rather than supervisors, and try to give participants as many peer-to-peer leadership opportunities as possible.
They are challenged daily by paddling with new partners, navigating down river, cooking meals, setting up camp and building fires.
The trip also provides environmental education and critical thinking skills. Throughout the week, teens perform a series of water quality tests to evaluate the health of the Patuxent. They compare results from site to site, form conclusions on the effects of land use and discuss how community actions can have a positive impact on the watershed.
Local leaders, naturalists, archeologists and ecologists educate the group about run-off, nutrient levels and invasive species. They teach teens about their role in the ecosystem and introduce them to a variety of environmental career possibilities.
Tuesday’s paddle
Highlights of the week
Monday consists of introductions and icebreakers. Throughout the day, we challenge the group to think about what makes a good leader. We analyze our personalities and role models before heading out on the water for safety training.
Tuesday begins our overnight camping. We start the day with an 8.5-mile paddle from the riparian forest zone and end in the tidal marsh.
Wednesday brings Patuxent River Park staff who introduce campers to the natural history of the river via pontoon boats, as well as the historic importance of Mount Calvert, which has artifacts from American Indians and the War of 1812. Then it’s off to our next site on Mattoponi Creek, which provides beautiful marsh views of the sunset.
Wednesday’s lesson
Thursday morning starts with a stewardship project: the clipping of invasive Purple Loosestrife flowers. To restore diversity, the plants must be removed or managed by cutting the seed-heads.
After lunch, we journey to our final stop, Nottingham Farm, home of the Patuxent Riverkeeper headquarters, where we learn about.
Accomplished alumni
While some teens come to camp with a strong passion for the environment, others may just be looking for a week of adventure. Either way, by week’s end, everyone has discoveries to share—some may be personal, others scientific or environmental. We are always excited to know that the teens really were listening and are beaming from ear to ear as they recognize the group’s growth.
Thursday’s invasive removal
“We get reacquainted with our habitat,” says Nishant Carr, a camper. “We get to know the environment around us better and see that it needs our attention. We learn first-hand that we need to do more to help protect it and that helps inspire us.”
Our alumni have used their knowledge on water quality to help them gain STEM credits. They have referenced the trip to attain internships. In addition to achieving higher levels of self confidence, they have been inspired to become local scientific volunteers and National Honor Society participants.
Even a teen who has never paddled before can’t beat a week in a tent, listening to frogs and hanging out with newfound friends. Click here to apply for one of next year’s paddles or to watch our video.
Article by Trystan Sill—Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve education specialist.
Appears in Vol. 18, No. 4 of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, fall 2015.
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: Connecting people to science for 30 years
Educators’ workshop at Jug Bay; department photos
This year marks the 30th anniversary of several interesting American events: the release of the movies The Goonies and Back to the Future, the launch of CNN’s Larry King Live, and the first registered .com, for example.
Here at the Department of Natural Resources, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve program in Maryland (CBNERR-MD). The program—a federal, state, and local partnership—protects more than 6,000 acres at three natural areas to use as living classrooms and laboratories.
Jug Bay
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated Maryland’s first CBNERR-MD site in 1985. Monie Bay in Somerset County was chosen to represent the Middle Bay environment of the Eastern Shore. In 1990, DNR decided to add two other sites: Jug Bay in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties and Otter Point Creek in Harford County. The sites represent a western shore tributary and an upper bay system, respectively.
At each location, at any given time, you may find teachers making connections to land use and water quality through the collection and analysis of data; high schoolers becoming stewards of the environment through invasive species service projects; volunteers tracking habitat changes by conducting fish and bird surveys; and local governments incorporating climate considerations into long-range planning through hands-on technical assistance and peer-to-peer sharing.
By studying Maryland’s estuaries, program staff seek to empower people to make better decisions regarding the health of the water and land around them. The program contributes to a vision of a healthy, productive and resilient Chesapeake Bay by conducting and integrating research into education, training and stewardship.
A national network
CBNERR-MD is one of 28 research reserves across the country, and is among just a handful of others comprised of multiple sites.
Frank Dawson, who was acting manager of CBNERR-MD at the time of designation provides some insight: “The vision of the Reserve program in Maryland was to have multiple sites that reflect the diversity of the estuarine systems of the Chesapeake Bay, allow us to monitor change, research pressing issues, and provide opportunities for hands-on educational experiences.”
Water logger installation at Monie Bay
Each reserve participates in what is called the System Wide Monitoring Program or SWMP (pronounced swamp). Since all Reserves collect the same type of data—habitat information, water quality and weather—SWMP paints a picture of what is happening nationally as well as locally. Results can be used individually or in conjunction with other research projects to understand how the environment is changing.
SWMP technician John Zimmerelli values the data to “understand stressors to the system—climate, storms and pollution, and subsidence—and to monitor, track and understand trends over time as well as on a daily basis.”
Mark Trice, DNR Program Chief of Water and Informatics values data afforded on a real-time basis.
“The program has been a stalwart source of information, providing an unbroken record to evaluate water quality conditions, along with other important data,” he explains.
The reserve program is also home to a number of research projects, conducted by staff and visiting scientists on topics including how vegetation reacts to increased flooding or the effectiveness of marsh restoration.
Through the eyes of a volunteer
Bryon Bodt is one of Otter Point’s most seasoned volunteers, having worked with the Reserve since the site’s designation.
“I knew Otter Point Creek when it was nothing,” he comments. “I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Estuary Center as it has evolved to provide access to the public and unique educational experiences for all ages.”
Bodt can often be found out on the creek collecting water quality samples or participating in bi-monthly fish surveys.
When asked why he loves getting out in the field, he responds, “The data helps us understand the health of the creek and how trends such as land use are affecting plants and animals that inhabit the area.”
“Every time I go out on the water with Bryon he teaches me something new. He knows more about Otter Point Creek than anyone else I know,” says Amanda Garzio-Hadzick, a full-time stewardship and research assistant with CBNERR-MD.
Barn Owl box installation at Monie Bay
The citizen science connection
Kriste Garman, director of the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center at Otter Point Creek, views the Reserve as an asset to their programming.
“The Estuary Center is unique among nature centers due to our affiliation with CBNERR-MD,” she adds. “Their focus on research and monitoring becomes our focus, and because of that we have a rich offering of citizen science opportunities that give our volunteers the chance to indulge their inner scientist and immerse themselves in a topic.”
CBNERR-MD has prided itself on connecting people to science for the last 30 years and will continue to do so for many years to come. For anyone interested in visiting these special places, the fall is a wonderful time to explore.
Article by Jennifer Raulin—CBNERR-MD manager.
Appears in Vol. 18, No. 4 of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, fall 2015.
Inside Academy: A photo essay
A balance of classroom and field work over seven months turns civilians into Natural Resource Police officers
From the time they clip a black-and-white “recruit” nameplate to their tan shirts until the moment the gold badge of a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer is pinned to their dress uniform, the 22 members of Basic Recruit Class 57 will have their minds and muscles tested as never before.
This year’s class of four women and 18 men were selected from several hundred applicants after passing a battery of tests, a series of interviews and a background check. They hail from cities and towns across Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. Six candidates come from the recently revived cadet program, which serves as an introduction to not only the law enforcement agency but also to the other units within the Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Rising Tides: Watermen rebound from crab disaster
Workboats
In 2008, a deadly combination of pollution, habitat loss, lack of prey and overabundance of predators depleted the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population. The U.S. Department of Commerce declared the fishery a state of disaster.
Maryland watermen were down on their luck and the economy was hit hard, prompting the state to request $30 million in grant funding from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service.
With the goal of providing economic relief to crabbers and preventing future fishery disasters, NOAA granted funding to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Crab in net; by Ray Jubela
Effects hit home
Crabbers and other watermen were forced to find new work. Many started leading heritage tours to earn a living. Captain Russell Dize, a sixth generation waterman, proved his resilience and resourcefulness by starting one such business, Let’s Go Crabbing.
“When I retired—I’d been in the seafood business, crabbing for 35 years—I wanted something to do,” he says.
For $450, Dize takes a party of six on a four-hour crabbing expedition, allowing the people to keep their haul. If no crabs are caught, Dize promises them a bushel.
“I thought I’d start doing a crabbing charter and show people how to do it,” he says. “You meet a lot of good people doing this.”
The Riley Kat—named for Dize’s granddaughter—sets sail twice a day, seven days a week to go trotline crabbing.
Trot lining for crabs; department photo
Building something new
Captain Mike Vlahovich, or just “Mike V” as some call him, founded the Coastal Heritage Alliance (CHA), an organization that played a prominent role in training watermen to lead heritage tours.
Part of the Waterman’s Heritage Tourism Training Program, CHA joined the Chesapeake Conservancy, the Maryland Waterman’s Association and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to train more than 100 watermen.
Preserving the culture is crucial to Vlahovich, who grew up fishing salmon in Alaska’s Puget Sound. “I was a salmon fisherman, and that was my heritage,” he explains. “That’s why I was concerned about watermen heritage, because I saw my own vanish. I want to use my experience and my passion to help these communities preserve their way of life.”
Vlahovich believes that educating others about the value of watermen is key to preserving their culture.
“Somehow I wanted to create a venue where I could teach the public about the working waterfront fishing culture, because people aren’t really exposed to it,” he says. “But I did find that I liked it. You couldn’t reach thousands of people but you could touch a few people and teach them the value of watermen.”
Vlahovich was quick to apply for funding, though he jokes that, “I did not grow to be as fond of tourism—it’s really unusual that I’m a part of this.” But, he adds, “For a lot of reasons, it was right down my alley. So I applied for it, and my experience fit pretty well.”
He continues, “When I heard about this opportunity, I started to see the value of interpreting the heritage directly to the people. So I saw it as a valuable way to impact cultural understanding. We did it with a mission of moving museum professional skills to the communities, where I thought they could do the most good.”
Trot lining for crabs; department photo
Learning a new trade
Vlahovich and CHA provided a five-day training course to interested watermen. Three days were spent in a classroom teaching the ins and outs of running a business, with aspects like marketing and customer service. Guest speakers and businesses were also brought in to help.
“Five days won’t make a waterman a heritage tour guide, but it planted the seeds,” he says.
On the fourth day, watermen were put on the water for trial runs of their tours. They had to determine costs, equipment, stories and everything else that goes into the tour. On the final day, watermen had to find guests and take them out on a tour.
“I think the main thing was teaching them the thematic tour element,” says Vlahovich. “They have a story to tell. Get them to realize the importance of telling that story to the public.”
Now, watermen are leading a variety of tours, including crabbing expeditions, kayak trips, oyster boat dredging, historic trips down the Patuxent River and, of course, the ever-popular skipjack charters.
Captain Bunky Chance; department photo
Recovery and success
Vlahovich says the program was a great success, and watermen groups in other states including Louisiana and Massachusetts have reached out for advice.
Tourism—sharing the heritage with the public—is the direction the industry is moving, according to Vlahovich. Blue crab fisheries are recovering, but leading cultural tours is a great way for watermen to supplement their income.
Even if blue crab population faces another crisis, Maryland’s watermen are better prepared and trained to succeed.
“Tourism is the way this is going,” he says. “If these watermen communities are going to survive, they have to become proactive.”
As more watermen find success giving tours, more will start giving them.
“It’s a hope, a radical hope that these encounters can preserve this culture,” he says. “It’s an iconic lifestyle that speaks to the heritage of the bay.”
Article by Brad Kroner—summer communications intern.
Appears in Vol. 18, No. 4 of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, fall 2015.
