Natural Resources News
Muskrat Trapping Season Extended
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one week extension to the muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington. The season will now close on March 21, 2015 to make up for unfavorable weather-related trapping conditions. Read more…
DNR Releases 2014-15 Deer Season Results
Maryland hunters harvested 86,883 deer during the archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons combined (September 5, 2014 through January 31, 2015). The harvest shows a 9 percent decrease from last year’s total of 95,863. Biologists attribute the lower harvest to declines in deer numbers in rural Maryland after last year’s strong harvest, and an abundant acorn crop this year that resulted in reduced deer movement for much of the season. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Four men and a juvenile have been charged with illegal waterfowl hunting on Gibson Island in Anne Arundel County by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
DNR Releases 2015 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Results
Aerial photo of geese in the lower Chester River
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 ducks, geese and swans along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline and Atlantic coast. This year, the teams witnessed more than 855,500 waterfowl, slightly lower than the 905,000 birds observed during 2014, but higher than the five year average of 757,000. Read more…
DNR Icebreaker to Free Frozen Tangier Island
The largest icebreaker in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources fleet will make an out-of-state house call Saturday to free the frozen residents of Virginia’s Tangier Island.
Tree-Mendous Now Accepting Spring Orders
Tree-Mendous Maryland — a program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service — is now accepting spring orders! Those looking to green their communities are encouraged to check out the recently released 2015 order form, which features high-quality, native trees and shrubs available at discounted prices for plantings on public lands. Read more…
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged two men with wildlife violations in Cecil and Somerset counties.
Acting on a tip, officers went to the Elkton home of David Michael Reeves, 29, on Feb. 7 and saw him butchering a deer carcass hanging from a swing set. Read more…
Recreation Upgrades Approved for Local Parks throughout Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan today announced Board of Public Works’ approval of recreational projects in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties totaling $3,028,625 through Program Open Space.
“Providing exceptional parks, playgrounds and athletic fields is essential for healthy families and communities across Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “From ensuring the safety of park-goers to expanding trail access, these projects build a better future for our state.” Read more…
NRP Blotter
Individuals in Somerset and Allegany counties were charged this week by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers with oyster poaching and hunting violations.
NRP Officers to Test New Airboat on Deep Creek Lake
There’s a new boat on Deep Creek Lake that rises above it all — literally.
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers are training on a 32-foot airboat, capable of skimming above winter’s ice to quickly reach an emergency to provide comfort and assistance. Read more…
Young Artists Encouraged to “Color Maryland Green”
Calling all young poets, photographers, artists and producers: Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit original creations inspired by our outdoors to the 2015 Color Maryland Green contest. The contest is sponsored by the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment. Read more…
DNR Telephone System Restored
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources telephone system in the Tawes office building in Annapolis has been fixed following a fire under nearby College Creek bridge. While there may still be a few minor technical difficulties, the majority of the phone system is working. Read more…
NRP Blotter
The Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged four men in Howard, Allegany and Talbot counties with violations of hunting, forestry and oyster regulations.
Riparian Property Licensing Now Open
Applications Must Be Submitted Prior to June 1
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service is accepting applications for offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline licenses for riparian (waterfront) property owners.
DNR Telephone System Down in Annapolis
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources telephone system in the Tawes office building in Annapolis is not working due to a fire under nearby College Creek bridge. Verizon is working on the problem, but it could take several days to fix.
Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Available for Environmental Education
Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway awarded KMB grant for their planting and stream clean-up project.
The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) is now accepting applications for grants through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program to help volunteer-based, nonprofit groups and communities develop environmental education projects and solve natural resource issues. Read more…
Maryland Hunting Guides Sentenced for Violating Black Bear Hunting Regulations
Defendants violated state law by using bait to attract bears
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan Wednesday sentenced Larry Eugene Harding, 57, of Friendsville, and Wallace A. Harward, 58, of Forest Hill, to pay a fine and restitution totaling $8,000 and $5,000, respectively, after the defendants pleaded guilty to violating Maryland black bear hunting regulations. Read more…
DNR Welcomes Public Input on Plans for Indian Springs WMA
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on the draft 15-year vision plan for the Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a 6,635-acre property in north central Washington County.
NRP Blotter
Maryland Natural Resources officers on the Eastern Shore and in the Central Region recently charged 13 men with oyster poaching and hunting violations.
Officers conducting surveillance of the Nanticoke River Oyster Sanctuary in Wicomico County last Friday shortly after 4 a.m. saw two men dredging within its boundaries. The officers intercepted the unlighted vessel after it finished dredging and began heading upstream. Read more…
NRP Aggressively Enforces Striped Bass Conservation Measures along the Atlantic
NRP officer monitors fishing activity off Ocean City using MLEIN
Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers checked a record number of Atlantic coast recreational anglers and commercial fishermen in December and January as part of enforcement efforts to support striped bass conservation measures. Read more…
Local Recreational Projects Approved in Washington and Wicomico Counties
Kayaking in Green-Land by Saki
Governor Larry Hogan today announced Board of Public Works approval of recreational projects in Washington and Wicomico counties totaling $220,500 through Program Open Space.
Maryland Adds to Rural Legacy Area in Allegany County
Battlefield at Peace by Chris Platt
The State permanently preserved 43 acres of woodland and farmland, eliminating six developmental rights in Allegany County through the Rural Legacy Program. Governor Larry Hogan and the Board of Public Works approved funding for the easement in the Mountain Ridge Rural Legacy area at today’s meeting in Annapolis. Read more…
Maryland Announces Preliminary Winter Turkey Season Results
Strutting by Lori R. Bramble
Hunters reported taking 108 wild turkeys during Maryland’s inaugural winter turkey season that was open January 22-24 statewide. This season was established to provide hunters additional turkey hunting opportunities while minimizing conflicts with other hunting seasons. Read more…
NRP Charges Four Watermen with Oyster Violations
DNR to Begin Spring Trout Stocking in February
Josh Henesy with DNR Fisheries stocks trout
Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists will begin stocking rainbow and brown trout in early February, depending on stream, ground and weather conditions. By the start of summer, more than 337,000 trout will have been released in about 130 streams and lakes statewide.
Historic St. Mary’s City CWMA to Open to Deer Hunting
Starting January 24, there will be a new public hunting opportunity available in St. Mary’s County. The 170-acre Historic St. Mary’s City Cooperative Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) will be open to regulated deer hunting only. The site will follow the season dates and bag limits in the 2014-2015 Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland. Read more…
Beat Cabin Fever with Outdoor Fun!
DNR encourages Marylanders to connect with nature this winter
Do you have a case of the cold-weather blues? Often overlooked for outdoor adventure, winter offers a variety of sights, sounds and experiences that you just won’t find any other time – the quiet solitude, crisp air and easy to spot wildlife are just a few. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers a variety of ways to help you connect with nature this season, so what are you waiting for? Read more…
NRP Blotter
Four men were charged over the past week with illegal hunting activities by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers in the Western Region. Read more…
Maryland Park Service, NRP Urge Ice Safety Awareness
Monty Cowan caught and released this 32-inch northern pike while ice fishing in the Sky Valley area of Deep Creek Lake.
As winter reaches its coldest weeks, the Maryland Park Service and Natural Resources Police remind outdoors enthusiasts to stay smart and safe. Cold-weather hazards are hard to see ─ particularly at night ─ and even a small mistake can quickly turn an outing into a struggle to survive. Read more…
Four Maryland Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources received laboratory confirmation on January 16, 2015 that four additional white-tailed deer harvested in Maryland tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), bringing the total number of overall positive cases to six. The deer, all male, were harvested in the CWD Management Area in Allegany County during the regular deer firearm season. Read more…
NRP Uses MLEIN to Catch Oyster Poachers
Armed with their newest enforcement tool, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers Friday morning pierced a blanket of fog to nab a waterman illegally harvesting oysters from a state sanctuary in Somerset County. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Two watermen were found guilty on Thursday of 10 counts each of possessing undersized oysters in Talbot County District Court. Read more…
Maryland’s New Winter Turkey Season to Open Statewide
Strutting by Lori R. Bramble
This month kicks off Maryland’s first-ever winter turkey hunting season, taking place January 22-24 statewide. The new season will provide hunters with increased turkey hunting opportunities while minimizing conflicts with other seasons. Read more…
NRP Charges Two Crisfield Watermen with Oyster Sanctuary Violations
Two Crisfield watermen were charged Monday by the Maryland Natural Resources Police with illegally harvesting oysters from protected waters.
Volunteers Needed to Educate Students on the Chesapeake Bay and its Natural Resources
Trainings Postponed: The first two trainings are being rescheduled for dates in March. Check back for an update or call 410-260-8809.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites adults interested in teaching elementary and middle-school students about the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and its marine and estuarine life, to become a part of TEAM, Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland.
Read more…
First Day Hikes See Record Participation Nationwide
A First Day Hike in Colorado
Across the nation, a record-breaking 41,000 people kicked off the New Year with First Day Hikes January 1. All 50 states hosted outdoor adventure, offering special hikes and environmental activities to encourage adults and children to get outside and celebrate the first day of 2015. Read more…
DNR to Host Clean Marina Workshops in January
“Shore Set” by Kristi Lynn Morris
The Department of Natural Resources invites marina operators to take part in a free workshop on the Maryland Clean Marina initiative, which recognizes and promotes environmentally-responsible marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs. Read more…
Funding Available to Help Communities Respond to Coastal Hazards
Local governments are encouraged to apply for CoastSmart Communities Grant funding through the state to improve their ability to respond to coastal hazards such as sea level rise, flooding and storm surge.
Maryland Adds 60 Acres to Rural Legacy Area in Carroll County
Photo by John K. Hatley
The State permanently preserved 60 acres of woodland and farmland, eliminating four developmental rights in Carroll County through the Rural Legacy Program. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved funding for the easement in the Upper Patapsco Rural Legacy area at today’s meeting in Annapolis. Read more…
Recreation Upgrades Set for Local Parks throughout Maryland
Baltimore, Caroline, Dorchester, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s and Talbot counties will receive funding for recreational enhancements through Program Open Space. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis.
“Program Open Space ensures families in communities all across Maryland can conveniently enjoy the exciting natural wonders and diverse recreational opportunities found throughout our State,” said Governor O’Malley. Read more…
Anglers Open the New Year with Two State Fishing Records
Westerfeld’s state record tautog. Photo by Capt. Kane Bounds
Possible world record tautog caught
On January 2, two anglers brought in the New Year with Maryland state record tautog and chain pickerel catches.
Kenneth Westerfeld of College Point, NY reeled in a 28.8-pound tautog 20 miles southeast of Ocean City while fishing in about 75-feet of water with Captain Kane Bounds on the charter boat Fish Bound. Maryland’s previous record was a 23-pound tautog caught by Charles Donohue near Ocean City in 2012. The current world record is 25 pounds. Read more…
NRP Blotter
Saturation patrols, surveillance and tips from the public led to oyster poaching charges being filed by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers against four Eastern Shore watermen over the holiday period.
Cannon, Relic of the 19th century Oyster Wars, on Display in Annapolis
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is exhibiting its historic cannon at the Casper R. Taylor Jr. House Office Building in Annapolis now through spring 2014.
A relic of the Oyster Police of the 1800s, the cannon was used to protect the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty during the “oyster wars” of the 19th century. The Maryland Natural Resources Police, which observed its 145th anniversary last March, is a descendant of both the State Oyster Police and the Office of the State Game Warden, created in 1896. Read more…
Casselman River Bridge State Park Prepares for Bicentennial
Maryland Park Service employees have been hard at work gearing up for the Casselman River Bridge Bicentennial celebration, taking place September 20-22. This exciting event is expected to be one of the largest in the park’s history. Read more…
DNR Dedicates Fred W. Besley Demonstration Forest
Fred Besley, Maryland’s First State Forester
To honor Maryland’s first State forester, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officially dedicated the Fred W. Besley Demonstration Forest in Dorchester County on April 20. The ceremony, held in Linkwood, recognized Besley for his influence on the future of forestry conservation.
“As Maryland’s first State Forester, Fred Besley built a legacy of conservation and sustainable forestry management, which the Maryland Forest Service still follows to this day,” said State Forester and Director Steven Koehn. Read more…