Natural Resources News
DNR Regional Service Centers Will Be Closed Friday
State parks and lands will remain open
Photo by Tammy McCorkle
All Maryland Department of Natural Resources offices, including regional service centers, will be closed Friday, May 22 for a Service Reduction Day. Maryland State Parks and other DNR-managed public lands will remain staffed and open to the public. Read more…
NRP Steps Up Patrols As Boating Season Gets Underway
NRP Officer Kristen McFarland checks a jet skier’s fishing license
With the Memorial Day holiday approaching, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers will be stepping up enforcement of state maritime laws as part of National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22. Read more…
Blotter: NRP Investigating Illegal Commercial Fishing Operation in St. Mary’s County
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers are investigating an illegal commercial fishing operation at the mouth of the Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County that resulted in the harvesting of thousands of pounds of undersized croaker. Read more…
Snakeheads Found in Two Eastern Shore Ponds
Invasive catches eligible for prizes in the Maryland Fishing Challenge
In early April, anglers caught several northern snakehead fish from private ponds in Wicomico and Queen Anne’s counties. While surveying the pond in Wicomico County, Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists found three more adult snakeheads. A DNR survey of the Queen Anne’s County pond turned up seven more, including subadult fish, which suggests that snakeheads are reproducing there. Read more…
DNR Certifies New Clean Marina in Kent Island
Photo Credit: Kent Island Marine, www.kentislandmarine.com
Kent Island Marine Services in Stevensville is the latest Maryland Clean Marina certified by the Department of Natural Resources. The facility, which sells and services power boats, earned the award after taking steps to prevent pollution for more sustainable operations. Read more…
Maryland to Issue 365-Day Recreational Fishing Licenses
New legislation offers anglers more value and flexibility
SFAC Vice Chairman Dave Sikorski (directly behind Governor Hogan) & Larry Jennings (in grey) attend the bill signing.
Today, Governor Larry Hogan signed into law a bill that authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to issue recreational fishing licenses for 365 days from the date of purchase, rather than for the calendar year. Created by Senate Bill 666/House Bill 785, the new law takes effect October 1. Read more…
DNR Welcomes Public Input on Plans for Newtowne Neck State Park
Photo by Mark Odell
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on three draft plans detailing the future design and use of Newtowne Neck State Park, located in St. Mary’s County. Each proposal presents a different scenario that will conserve and showcase the site’s natural, cultural and recreational resources. Input is being accepted via online survey through June 30, and will be used to finalize a master plan for the park later this summer. Read more…
NRP Blotter
A Garrett County man was arrested on multiple impaired driving charges Monday after a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer stopped him outside New Germany State Park for erratic driving. Read more…
NRP Answers Call to Assist Baltimore Law Enforcement Efforts
NRP Officer First Class Greg Harris and son. Taken by NRP
One day, they were looking for illegal hunters and anglers, patrolling state parks and conducting homeland security checks of bridges, power plants and the Port of Baltimore. Read more…
NRP Blotter
A hunter was charged Saturday with illegal turkey hunting in Allegany County by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Read more…
Marylanders Reminded To Keep Fawns Wild
White-tailed deer fawn by DNR’s Peter Jayne
With late spring being the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases the doe is nearby protecting and feeding her offspring as needed. Removing these animals from the wild for care is unnecessary, dangerous and illegal. Read more…
Reminder: Riparian Property License Applications Due June 1
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds riparian (waterfront) property owners who want to apply for offshore blind and shoreline licenses that applications must be postmarked before June 1. Read more…
Towson Artist Wins the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest
Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Winner
Jim Taylor from Towson won the 41st Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his painting titled Sunset Canvasbacks.
Delaware Artist Wins Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest
Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest Winner
Steve Oliver from New Castle County, Delaware won the 19th Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Contest with his painting, Autumn Morning, of a black bear taking a walk in a meadow.
NRP Blotter
Fourteen hunters in Western Maryland were charged in the opening days of spring turkey season with hunting over bait.
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Population Shows Modest Improvement
Photo by Katie Macdonald
Adult females are no longer depleted, but remain at low levels
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the 2015 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey results, which showed the abundance of spawning-age females was 101 million, a substantial rise from 2014 when adult females were considered depleted. Despite the increase, the number of adult females remains well below the peak abundances observed in 2010 and 2011 and below the established target level of 215 million crabs.
NRP Honors Officers for Bravery, Initiatives and Promotes 25
NRP Officer First Class Franklin Wright received the Medal of Valor from DNR Secretary Mark J. Belton and Col. George F. Johnson IV.
For saving the lives of two Maryland citizens, three Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were awarded the agency’s highest honor Wednesday night, April 22, at a ceremony at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills.
Cpl. Lindsey Markert and Officer First Class Mark Greef, both of Baltimore, and Officer First Class Franklin Wright of Somerset County each received the Medal of Valor for their efforts in 2014 during NRP’s annual awards event.
More Zebra Mussels Found in Upper Chesapeake Bay
Zebra Mussels
DNR calls on boaters to help prevent further spread of this harmful invasive
As the weather warms and boating season begins, DNR reminds boaters to be on the lookout for zebra mussels and to take precautions to prevent their spread. Department biologists recently found a significant increase in this harmful invasive during their most recent zebra mussel monitoring effort in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Read more…
NRP Blotter: NRP Charges Annapolis Men in Impaired Boating Incident
Two Annapolis men were arrested Monday afternoon in a boat just off Sandy Point State Park and charged with alcohol and drug violations by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. Read more…
Don’t Go Out on a Limb, Hire a Pro!
DNR urges Marylanders to hire Licensed Tree Experts
Spring clean-up, especially after a harsh winter, often includes pruning and removing dead trees.
Unfortunately, the warmer temperatures that bring out the best in Maryland’s landscape also trigger the proliferation of unscrupulous and unskilled tree service workers masquerading as the real deal. Read more…
DNR Urges Western Marylanders to Be Mindful of Bears
Bears are leaving their winter dens in search for food now that their long winter slumber has come to an end. Since natural foods are scarce in the early spring, they often seek out human-provided sources. Those living in, or visiting bear country can help keep Maryland’s black bears wild by being proactive and exercising good judgment. Read more…
DNR Expands Park Quest Registration Opportunities with New Lottery
Photo courtesy Elton Stokes Jr
1,000 families to experience outdoor adventures in state parks
New this year, the Maryland Park Service will conduct an open lottery registration for Park Quest ─ its popular family-based outdoor adventure program ─ from April 27 through May 1. With past years’ registration reaching the 1,000-team capacity in less than an hour, the new process will expand the opportunity to those unable to register at a set time due to prior work or personal commitments. Read more…
NRP Investigating Hunting Accident in Allegany County; Pa. Man Wounded
A Pennsylvania man was injured Monday morning in a turkey hunting accident at Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported. Read more…
“Report a Harvest” Feature within AccessDNR Mobile App Fixed
Update 4/20: The Report a Harvest feature has been fixed. Hunters can use this resource to check in their harvests.
DNR is experiencing problems with the Report a Harvest procedure within the AccessDNR Mobile App. We are currently working on the fix and will notify you once it is in place.
Hunters can report their harvest by phone or online:
Maryland Big Game Registration Phone Line 1-888-800-0121
Compass Online: https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/DnrCompassPortal
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Celebrate Earth and Arbor Days with DNR!
Get outside with activities, tree plantings
Looking to give back to our planet in celebration of Earth and Arbor days? The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting a variety of activities to help you get outside, spend time with friends, family and neighbors, and beautify your natural world. Read more…
NRP Urges Boating Safety as Striped Bass Season Kicks Off
While Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the boating season, thousands of Maryland anglers will get a jump on water activities Saturday with the opening of catch-and-keep striped bass season.
NRP Charges Two Watermen with Oyster Violations in Final Days of Season
During the final days of the 2014-15 oyster season, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged two watermen with illegal harvesting. Read more…
Maryland’s Striped Bass Season Opens April 18
New catch limits, license discounts and Governor’s conservation award in place
Photo Courtesy of Mackensie Smith
With the April 18 opening of spring trophy season just days away, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds striped bass anglers of new catch limits and incentives, including license discounts and a conservation award. Read more…
DNR to Host Junior Hunter Field Days in May and June
Events in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s and Somerset counties
Youth ages 8 to 16 with an interest in hunting, shooting sports and wildlife management are invited to participate in free Junior Hunter Field Days taking place this spring in regions across the state. DNR staff and representatives from sporting and conservation groups will use hand-on activities to teach participants about natural resources stewardship, wildlife biology, shooting safety and ethical conduct in the field. Read more…
Striped Bass, Oyster, Drug and Weapons Charges Top NRP Enforcement Efforts
From nabbing anglers hiding illegal fish in their vehicles to charging a suspect who ate potential drug evidence to avoid arrest, the Maryland Natural Resources Police dealt with a wide range of activities over the past week. Read more…
Environmental Literacy Grants Available
Funding supports programs for K-12 student stream studies
Students in Carroll County assessing stream health.
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to include more Maryland students in studying, monitoring and engaging in restorative actions to improve the health of local streams through EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grants. Read more…
Three St. Mary’s Hunters Charged with Violations, Dumping Deer on Public Road
Two men and a juvenile have been charged with illegal deer hunting as the result of an extensive investigation by the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
NRP Blotter
Oyster violations and illegal deer hunting activities on the Eastern Shore topped the list of charges filed last week by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. Read more…
NRP Seeking Applicants for Cadet Program
Marguerita Gay of Parkville and Vinnie Arillo of Stevensville successfully completed the NRP cadet program and were just selected to attend the NRP Academy.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police has opened the hiring process for seven young men or women to join its cadet program. Read more…
Maryland’s Spring Turkey Hunts to Open
Youth hunters will kick-off Maryland’s spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt on April 11 statewide and on Sunday, April 12, in select counties. The regular spring turkey season will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide. Read more…
NRP Welcomes 57th Basic Recruit Class to Training Academy
57th Recruit Class at Training Academy
Twenty-two men and women this morning began a seven-month journey to become members of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the oldest statewide law enforcement agency. Read more…
Registration Open for the Maryland Land Conservation Conference
Keynote speaker Stephanie Meeks of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
This year’s Maryland Land Conservation Conference will feature engaging educational workshops and peer-to-peer networking to highlight land conservation issues affecting our state. Hosted by the Maryland Environmental Trust, the gathering will take place on April 30 and May 1 at The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights. Read more…
NRP Blotter
A Lusby man was arrested Sunday and charged by the Maryland Natural Resources Police in connection with smash-and-grab thefts and destruction of property at Calvert Cliffs State Park in Calvert County. Read more…
Mark J. Belton Sworn in as DNR Secretary
Secretary Mark J. Belton was officially sworn in by Governor Larry Hogan this afternoon as the 9th Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Natural Resources. Belton was confirmed by the Maryland State Senate on March 20. Read more…
NRP Blotter
A Frederick County woman was charged Saturday with heroin possession after a traffic stop on I-97 by a Natural Resources Police officer. Read more…
Maryland Park Service Reopens All Appalachian Trail Shelters
***3/25 Update: All Appalachian Trail Shelters Now Open***
Original release, 3/19: Maryland Park Service Reopens Five Appalachian Trail Shelters — Crews from the Maryland Park Service and Maryland Forest Service today felled a number of trees to allow the reopening of five overnight shelters and campgrounds along the Appalachian Trail in time for weekend use.
Deep Creek Lake Anglers Urged to Participate in Northern Pike Survey
Deep Creek Lake angler, Ryan Cooper, with his trophy northern pike.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking the anglers of Deep Creek Lake to complete a short questionnaire regarding northern pike management. The results will be used to evaluate the need for regulation updates to develop a trophy northern pike fishery in the lake. Read more…
Two Pasadena Men Convicted, Jailed for Stealing Crabs from Watermen
Photo by Toni Quigley
Two recreational crabbers caught by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers stealing from the crab pots of commercial watermen were sentenced Friday to 30 days in jail by an Anne Arundel District Court judge. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Two Somerset County watermen were charged Thursday morning by Maryland Natural Resources police officers with harvesting oysters from protected state waters.NRP Blotter
A Gaithersburg man and a Frederick woman were arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute on Wednesday by a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer conducting a highway safety patrol.Appalachian Trail Shelters and Campgrounds Closed As Maryland Park Service Assesses Tree Safety
The Maryland Park Service has temporarily closed all overnight shelters and campgrounds on the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail as a precaution as managers assess the condition and conduct maintenance on the trees near the sites. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Three Tilghman Island watermen were charged Wednesday with multiple violations of oyster regulations by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. Read more…
Bass Pro and Costa Offer Incentives for 2015 DNR Volunteer Survey Anglers
Survey participants proudly displaying their Yellow Perch bounty
Costa Sunglasses has joined Bass Pro Shops as key sponsors of the annual DNR Volunteer Angler Survey. Read more…
Select Roads to Deal Island WMA to Close Temporarily
Portions of Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will close to all routine vehicle traffic so crews can carry out a small maintenance dredging project. The affected area, the “North Ramp Access Road” from Route 363, will be closed March 10 through May 1, tentatively. Read more…
Recreation Upgrades Approved for Local Parks in Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties
Governor Larry Hogan today announced Board of Public Works’ approval of recreational projects in Queen Anne’s and Wicomico counties through Program Open Space. Read more…