Natural Resources News
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…
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…