Natural Resources News
FishMaryland Master Angler Award Presented to Jason Paugh of Garrett County
FishMaryland Master Angler Jason Paugh with a largemouth bass. Photo courtesy of Jason Paugh
Jason Paugh, of Red House, this month became the fourth Master Angler awarded under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program. The highest award in the program recognizes the skill and determination required to catch ten trophy-size fish species in Maryland that all meet the minimum award sizes.
Paugh reached this milestone award by catching a largemouth bass (21.25 inches), smallmouth bass (20 inches), crappie (16.75 inches), northern pike (47.25 inches), chain pickerel (25.25 inches), rock bass (10.75 inches), yellow perch (14.25 inches), carp (38 inches), bluegill (11 inches), and wild brook trout (12.25 inches). Read more…
Maryland’s ‘Gift of Trees’ Provides a Legacy of Stewardship
Maryland Forest Service staff and community volunteers plant trees purchased through the Gift of Trees program in a Baltimore City park this fall. Photo by Gregg Bortz, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering holiday shoppers a different type of gift this year–one that can be in honor of a loved one, to benefit future generations, and improve the environment.
The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees—for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration, or observation.
The department will issue and mail a Gift of Trees certificate, which can be framed, within a week or two of an order. All trees will be planted in the next growing season, either spring or fall, to promote optimal growth and survival. Orders must be placed by Dec. 17 to ensure certificate delivery in time for Christmas. Read more…
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Opens Nov. 25
Popular season helps significantly to manage the deer population
Photo by Steve Edwards, submitted to Maryland DNR photo contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 25 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 9.
The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report: November 16
“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – George Burns
A few remaining orange and russet leaves hold on tightly during fall’s final days at the King and Queen Seat at Rocks State Park. Photo by Administrative Specialist David Gigliotti.
Fall foliage in Maryland this year was unpredictable yet still delighted with breathtaking fall color, even if it was short-lived in some areas of the state. We began the season discussing possible leaf outcomes from this summer’s drought, and Marylanders in some regions certainly saw their share of premature leaf drop and subdued fall hues. The pace of leaf changes picked up markedly toward season’s end, with some of our Western Maryland foresters seeing changes in as little as 48 hours. As fall foliage draws to a close, our state foresters and park rangers – many of whom were first-time contributors to this report – summarize the season from their unique viewpoint in each region and show current foliage conditions across the state. For those of us who love (or hate) the winter, we’re including our predictions for the coldest months of the year as well. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 15
Sara LaMonica is all smiles with this large crappie she caught at Prettyboy Reservoir recently. Photo courtesy of Sara LaMonica
The weather is a bit chilly, but the fishing remains good. Anglers can be seen switching their footwear from sneakers to waterproof and insulated boots and warmer outdoor clothes.
One Year In, DNR Scientists Monitor a More Natural Way to Protect a Shoreline
Living shoreline project at Franklin Point State Park aims to control erosion and promote marsh habitat
Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff count off saltmarsh hay stalks in a quadrat at the Franklin Point State Park living shoreline. Photo by Joe Zimmermann.
The plot seemed to have vanished. Though the GPS indicated the site was within feet, there was no sign of it, and the team worried they had mistaken it for another area already collected, one long march through the tall reeds ago.
Then, Sarah Hilderbrand, a senior restoration specialist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, yelled out, “I see it!”—and there it was, a thin white PVC pipe nestled in the mess of reeds, barely noticeable.
The team, made up of DNR Chesapeake and Coastal Service staff, got to work. They laid down a white quadrat frame and started counting off the species of plants they saw there, the density of vegetation, the height of stalks, the sediment type and the elevation.
They were part of a project to actively monitor the living shoreline built at Franklin Point State Park, which sits along the Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County. This is one of the first projects of its kind to collect before-and-after data on how the anti-erosion efforts are protecting the landscape while providing a healthy marsh habitat. It was built through a partnership with Arundel Rivers Federation, an Anne Arundel County environmental organization. Read more…
Maryland DNR Announces 2024-2025 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Winner
Towson Artist Wins 50th and Final Design Contest
Jim Taylor’s illustration, “May They Always Fly,” won the 50th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Image courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Jim Taylor of Towson won the 50th Annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Taylor is now one of two six-time winners. Read more…
New DNR Project Raises Freshwater Mussels in a Mobile Lab
The Mobile Mussel Propagation Trailer cultivates mussels to restore populations in the Susquehanna River basin
Lena Sawyers, a natural resources technician, points out the trailer’s fish setup of fish tanks to DNR Deputy Secretary David Goshorn. Photo by Joe Zimmermann, Maryland DNR.
A new Maryland Department of Natural Resources project is aiming to raise imperiled freshwater mussels and restore them to waters of the Susquehanna River basin—all from the back of a trailer.
DNR’s Mobile Mussel Propagation Trailer began operations this October. It’s currently parked in Susquehanna State Park and is raising juvenile mussels from the Susquehanna River, where the mollusks play an important role in filtering water, just as oysters do in saltwater. Read more…
Where Native Plants and Food Gardening Meet
by Sarah Witcher
“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” ~ Michael Pollan
For gardeners with limited real estate, the decision between food gardening and using native plants can be tricky. Many of us got into gardening thanks to the immense satisfaction of planting and nurturing something we can put on our tables. There is nothing quite like the feeling of self-sufficiency and connection to the land brought by food gardening. I’ll never forget reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – a book by Barbara Kingsolver, describing her year-long experiment with growing and farming a majority of the food her family required on just one acre of land. That said, so many popular food plants are not native to Maryland – like carrots, broccoli, romaine lettuce, cucumber, apples, watermelon, and asparagus, for example. So, if you like planting natives to support wildlife AND eating the fruits of your gardening labor, what’s a Maryland gardener to do? The answer: plant native food crops!
The Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)
The list of edible native plants is lengthy and full of numerous species that have been all but forgotten. Generations of indigenous Americans farmed, foraged, and nurtured plants that wildlife also needed. Much of the generational knowledge of how to collect and prepare native plants has been buried – but is being rediscovered. Interested in native food gardening? Here are a few species to get you started, including a low-grower, a shrub, and a tree: Read more…
Native Animal Profile: North American Porcupine
Photo by Nathaniel Peck, submitted to the 2023 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The subject of this native animal could come right out of a horror movie! It only comes out at night; it has barbed, dagger-like spikes all over its body; its huge, orangey-red front teeth are sharp enough to chisel into wood; and its courtship shrieks and groans are truly the stuff of nightmares. The North American porcupine is our second-largest rodent (after beavers), weighing in at as much as 20-35 pounds in older individuals. Read more…
Supporting Bats With Gardening
Little Brown Bat by DNR Biologist Megan Zagorski.
Many of us have put a lot of time and energy into gardening for pollinators – but have you considered gardening for bats?
An often underappreciated and misunderstood group, bats in Maryland are important to the balance of our local ecosystems. Our 10 native species consume a vast quantity of insects, including many agricultural pests that plague food crops. Some studies estimate the services bats provide to farmers are worth more than $3.7 billion per year in the United States. Just one little brown bat, for example, can easily catch 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour, providing an undeniably immense value to our communities. Besides eating bugs, bats also provide support for other species through their guano, a valuable natural fertilizer. Read more…
Invasive Plants in Your ‘Backyard’
Guest Author: Joel Cockerham, Natural Resources Technician
Hello Habichatters! File this under “notes from the field,” in which we give you a peek into the daily challenges and triumphs of managing a rare ecosystem. And we’ll share how you can help us manage the invasive species in our backyard with the choices you make for your backyard.
A landscape of invasive plants at Soldier’s Delight with Wavyleaf basketgrass carpeting the forest floor, two autumn olive bushes in the foreground. Maryland DNR photo
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills is home to a rare ecosystem, the serpentine barrens. Also called an oak savanna, this tall grassland (and the surrounding forests) supports more than 30 rare plant and animal species! Several thousand years ago, this ecosystem formed in the presence of fire, started either by lightning strikes or by the indigenous people. Species that survive this type of disturbance are called fire-tolerant. One of the most interesting and challenging tasks we perform at Soldier’s Delight is to mimic these historic fires by conducting prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns. Fire serves two purposes: it removes any buildup of organic material that would change the unique soil composition; and it knocks back any invading non-native, fire-intolerant plant species. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – November 2023
Maryland takes the lead on Chesapeake Bay restoration
Sec. Kurtz observes an experimental floating wetland at the National Aquarium in Baltimore Harbor, which is being expanded to demonstrate the water quality and habitat benefits of wetlands. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
It’s time for Maryland to re-assert itself as an innovator and leader on strategies to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
In October, Governor Wes Moore was unanimously elected to serve as chair of the bipartisan, multi-state Chesapeake Executive Council, the primary policy and leadership body of the formal Chesapeake Bay Partnership’s effort to restore the Bay. That month, I was also appointed to chair the Council’s Principal Staff Committee, which sets the agenda and briefs the Council.
The Council consists of governors from the Chesapeake Bay states, the D.C. Mayor, and EPA officials. During the next year, the Council will re-evaluate Bay cleanup plans and ensure states are implementing the most effective ways to reduce agricultural and urban stormwater runoff–the great pollution challenge facing the Chesapeake. As Governor Moore has stressed, a key part of this effort will include improving our partnerships and holding each other accountable to ensure progress is happening. Read more…
Maryland Reports 2023 Early Deer Season Results
Deer hunting opportunities still abound for the rest of the year
Photo by Rida Allen, submitted to Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that hunters harvested 16,607 deer during the early portion of the 2023 archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was an 18% decrease from last year’s official harvest of 20,267 deer for the same period.
The annual deer harvest fluctuates from year to year for a number of reasons, including hunter effort, weather conditions, availability of natural foods like acorns, and current population size of the herd. Less than ideal weather conditions for part of the early season and abundant acorns in many areas, which reduces deer mobility making them harder to hunt, contributed to the decline this year. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report, November 9, 2023
“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant
Bold shades of red and copper are perfectly framed between blue skies and tranquil waters in Montgomery County. Photo by Tim Mohr.
Fall foliage season is coming to a close in Maryland and we’ve had plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies to take in some amazing views across the state. Leaf drop is significant, and our forest floors and park trails are providing colorful pathways to views otherwise unseen during the warmer months. We begin this week’s report from the south and east where visitors can still catch autumn’s best and final curtain call. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 8
Steve Kartalia holds up a beautiful smallmouth bass before releasing it back into the waters of the upper Potomac River. Photo by Bob Easton
Fall colors are at peak in much of Maryland, and the mild weather has made outdoor recreation like fishing a wonderful experience.
Maryland Hunters Harvest 103 Black Bears for 2023 Season
Warm weather prevailed for most of the hunt, but harvest remains steady
Photo by Mitch Adolph, submitted to Maryland DNR 2023 Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that hunters harvested 103 black bears during the state’s 20th annual black bear hunt held Oct. 23-28 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The harvest consisted of 40 male and 63 female bears. An additional nine bears (four male and five female) were harvested between September 1 and October 31 by farmers utilizing agricultural damage permits.
Despite warm daytime temperatures and abundant natural foods in the woods – which means that bears travel less and are therefore not as easy to spot – hunters were able to harvest the same number of bears during the 2023 season as they did during the 2022 season. The daily harvest stayed consistent throughout the weeklong season and many hunters contributed their success to locating hickory or white oak stands. The 2023 harvest was slightly lower than the previous 5-year average of 111 bears. Read more…
Black Bear Hunt Aims To Maintain Maryland’s Bear Population
The top predator, once abundant and later endangered in the state, is now at a healthy level
A black bear approaches a camera trap. Photo by Nathaniel Peck.
Black bear populations have risen in Maryland in recent decades and are now at a level that state biologists consider healthy.
To maintain a large enough black bear population that enables bears to sustainably reproduce while mitigating potential conflicts with humans, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has managed a limited bear hunt for the past 20 years.
“Black bears are the top of the food chain here in Maryland. They’re the largest omnivore,” said Jonathan Trudeau, black bear biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “They have no natural predators in the region to mitigate their population growth and keep the population in check. The only thing that does is humans.”’
Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Opens November 11
Hunt offers prime time for adult hunters to pass on traditions
Photo by Matthew Doged, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce young people to this time-honored cultural and sporting tradition.
The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 11. The season is also open on Sunday, November 12 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Also on November 12, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, may hunt on designated public lands. Read more…
Researchers Enlist Community Help in Studying Increase of Ticks in Western Maryland
Frostburg State University is working with the Department of Natural Resources to study the spread of ticks and provide more community information
Frostburg State Students Sarah and Alex test ticks for Lyme disease as part of the “Tick Talk” program being led by Frostburg in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Photo by AJ Metcalf, Maryland DNR.
Ticks were once rare in Western Maryland, but the disease-carrying arachnids are on the rise in the region.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Frostburg State University are working together on an initiative to study the rising prevalence of ticks and Lyme disease in western Maryland.
Rebekah Taylor, associate professor and chairwoman for the biology department at Frostburg State University, said ticks were not a concern in Western Maryland when she was growing up there. But things have changed. She started studying ticks after her son contracted Lyme disease. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report November 2, 2023
“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” — Sarah Addison Allen, from the novel “First Frost”
Photo by Vincent C., Prince George’s County.
Blink and you might miss it. Peak fall color that is. Some reports out of western Maryland this week describe past peak conditions, and foresters and park rangers in other regions of the state also report rapid changes, with tree canopies transforming from mostly green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red often in as little as 48 hours. A strong cold front at the beginning of the week brought a sweeping wind into the forests and mountain ranges, resulting in a colorful forest floor and a lot of nearly bare trees. Time is of the essence for those wanting to capture autumn’s glory before it’s gone. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Toy Drive Returns for 2023 Holiday Season
Donation locations statewide to help give a ‘Boatload of Toys’ to Maryland children
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is conducting its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive at several locations. Natural Resources Police officers are collecting donations of new, unopened toys for children in need. The program is part of the national United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots initiative.
Members of NRP’s volunteer Reserve Officer program and staff will collect the toys at drop-off locations in each region of the state–southern, eastern, central, and western. New additions to the program this year include an increase in donation drop off points and a partnership with Amazon, which is offering Marylanders the opportunity to donate a toy online via a Toys for Tots Registry hosted on Amazon’s platform. Donations can be easily added to an Amazon cart, choosing the “NRP Safety Education Unit” gift registry address that is listed. Read more…
Investigating Stream Health with the Maryland Biological Stream Survey
Department of Natural Resources scientists look for several different indicators to evaluate the overall health of Maryland streams–here’s how they do it
How can the Maryland Department of Natural Resources tell whether a stream is healthy or degraded? State scientists start by looking for critters.
Every year scientists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources crisscross the state with notebooks, nets, and other equipment looking for insects and other wildlife as part of the Maryland Biological Stream Survey. The scientists collect and analyze bugs, fish, and other indicator species to develop a score that can show whether a stream is biologically healthy or not.
On a crisp fall day in October, as part of DNR’s Science Week, several scientists from the stream surveying team demonstrated how the process works at a tributary stream of the Patapsco River in Ellicott City.
It starts with the benthic macroinvertebrates. These are aquatic animals such as mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, stoneflies, and crayfish. Their presence in a stream is one factor that can indicate healthy stream water quality.
DNR Biologist Jackie Sivalia demonstrates to Secretary Josh Kurtz how a D-Net is used to catch macroinvertebrates, and explains how they help her and other scientists evaluate the overall health of the stream.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 1
Amy Fradiska holds up a largemouth bass she caught and released recently. Photo courtesy Amy Fradiska
The colors of fall are all around, water temperatures are cooler, and it is a wonderful time to go fishing for a variety of freshwater, Bay, and marine fish.
The Baltimore Ravens and Coca-Cola Teamed Up with the Department of Natural Resources and City of Baltimore to Plant and Maintain Trees at Chinquapin Run
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service staff stand with Baltimore Ravens mascot Poe in Chinquapin Park, Baltimore. Photo by Anne Gilbert, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, along with city council members and several Ravens players, cheer squad members, and community volunteer staff helped plant 30 trees and maintain dozens of others in the community of Chinquapin Park-Belvedere this week. City Council President Nick Mosby, Councilman Mark Conway, Ravens players Tyler Ott, Tyler Linderbaum, Jeremy Lucien, Tykeem Doss, and Tashawn Manning, plus members of the Ravens’ cheer squad Jessica A. and Blake E. were on hand to take part in this urban forestry stewardship effort in the streamside park. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Water Quality Sondes
Department of Natural Resources scientists monitor Maryland’s waters to determine the habitat health for fish, crabs, oysters, and other aquatic organisms. Results from our monitoring programs measure the current status of waterways, tell us whether they are improving or degrading, and help to assess and guide resource management and restoration actions. Information is collected on nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediment concentrations, algal blooms, and physical, biological, and chemical properties of the water. While many water samples are taken and analyzed later at a laboratory, modern instruments called water quality sondes allow for the immediate collection of some parameters. Read more…
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced for 2023-24
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a great opportunity to experience the tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 4, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2024. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report October 26, 2023
“I wish that every day was Saturday and every month was October.”
– Charmaine J. Forde
The treetops of Sword Mountain awaken as the sun rises in Clear Spring. Photo by Forester Aaron Cook.
With colors intensifying across the state this week, parts of Maryland are right on the cusp of peak leaf change. The mountains of western Maryland are seeing bold shades of amber, crimson and gold, while other regions of our state are reporting marked increases in autumnal hues, spreading further along the tree canopies in central, northern, and southern Maryland. This weekend’s weather promises to bring warmer than average temperatures to the region, and we’re embracing the shift – and the burst in fall color – by including some of our best locations to enjoy a walk in the woods at one of our state parks and forests.
Join us as we follow Maryland’s changing autumn landscape each week – subscribe to the Fall Foliage Report email newsletter to have it arrive in your inbox!
Public Input Sought on State Forest Work Plan Update
Additional silviculture operation proposed for Potomac-Garrett State Forest in FY24
Potomac-Garrett State Forest, photo by Scott Campbell, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on an additional silvicultural operation proposed as an inclusion to the Potomac-Garrett State Forest Annual Work Plan for fiscal year 2024. The comment period concludes November 17, 2023.
The proposed harvest is being added to the current FY24 plan to take advantage of favorable regeneration conditions for white oak, and to permit the operation to avoid disturbance to the nearby campground during the winter months. The operation was originally proposed for the FY25 Annual Work Plan. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 25
Eric Packard enjoyed a day fishing for snakeheads in his kayak. Photo courtesy of Eric Packard
Recent chilly temperatures are causing anglers to replace their sneakers and T-shirts with rubber footwear and flannel shirts. Cooler water temperatures have fish in a very active feeding mode, which makes for great fishing.
Maryland State Tree Nursery Now Taking Orders for Spring 2024 Planting
This year marks the return of Wye Oak clone seedlings
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that its online tree seedling catalog is now open and accepting orders for spring 2024 planting from the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery.
This year’s catalog features more than 55 species, with a few different choices from last year. Also the nursery is excited to announce the return of Wye Oak seedlings for sale for the first time since 2018. This special offering of seedlings grown from clones of Maryland’s historic Wye Oak is now available for ordering from the Department of Natural Resources online store. Read more…
Major Improvements Completed at Morgan Run’s Accessible Fishing Platform
New accessibility features make it easier for anglers with disabilities to cast a line at popular fly-fishing destination
The ribbon is cut at Morgan Run’s accessible fishing platform. Photo by AJ Metcalf, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has completed significant improvements to the fly-fishing platform at Morgan Run Natural Environment Area to enhance accessibility for Maryland’s anglers with disabilities.
After several months of work, the area is now open and accessible for all to enjoy. Today, DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz, Maryland Department of Disabilities Assistant Secretary John Brennan, and project partners held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the upgraded fishing area.
Working with the Maryland Department of Disabilities and other state and local partners, DNR upgraded the fishing platform at the Eldersburg park to make it ADA-compliant. The upgrades included reconfiguring the slope of the existing pathway, paving the parking lot, and creating a more favorable instream habitat to hold trout closer to the fishing platform. These improvements allow anglers with mobility disabilities to easily and safely access the fishing platform and provide a better fishing experience at Morgan Run. Read more…
DNR Fall Foliage Report – October 19, 2023
“Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable … the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street … by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.” —Hal Borland
A Department of Natural Resources drone captured this patchwork of autumnal beauty over the Burkholder off-road vehicle trail area of Potomac-Garrett State Forest. Photo courtesy of Melissa Nash, forester.
Peak leaf change is right around the corner in the western half of the state, evident in the russet leaves of the oaks, bronze and yellow hickory canopies, and the dazzling ruby red maples. The weather conditions remain ideal during the weekdays when Marylander’s are experiencing crystal blue, sunlit skies during the day, winding down with star-filled skies and chilly temperatures at night. Weekend weather systems have been a regular feature, bringing us wind and rain across much of the region, resulting in premature leaf loss in some areas of our state. However, there is plenty of fall color to be found if you know where to look. And this week, Western Maryland steals the show. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 18
Marty Zupancic fished the lower Bay recently for bluefish on his jet ski and cradled one while taking a selfie. Photo by Marty Zupancic
The middle of October is upon us and there are wonderful fishing opportunities throughout Maryland. The fall trout stocking program is underway and Chesapeake Bay anglers are enjoying good fishing for a variety of species.
New state records were set recently for two southern species, a barracuda and a pompano dolphinfish, which decided to wander north. This infrequently happens towards the end of summer when southern species catch a ride on the northbound Gulfstream and wind up a lot farther north of their normal range. Scientists and anglers alike are observing some changes in fish species’ range as water temperatures are generally getting warmer.
Read more…
Warm Winters, Low Water Flow Are Leading Factors in Poor Striped Bass Spawn
Environmental conditions are likely influencing reproduction in Chesapeake Bay, scientists say
Juvenile striped bass counted during the 2018 young-of-year survey. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Environmental factors such as warmer, drier winters and decreased spring water flow rates are likely driving forces behind the diminished spawning success of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists.
Striped bass, or rockfish, have had low spawning success numbers for five consecutive years. DNR’s juvenile striped bass survey released Thursday found a 2023 young-of-year index of 1.0, compared to a long-term average of 11.1. The juvenile index, which measures the number of first-year striped bass per sample area, has been below 3.6 since 2019.
Maryland scientists say that these juvenile numbers are concerning, but that continued study and management can help provide for a better chance for a successful spawn in years that present the right environmental conditions. Read more…
New Maryland State Records Established for Pompano Dolphinfish and Great Barracuda
Angler Chris Stafford of Cherry Hill, N.J. caught a pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis) weighing 2.0 pounds on September 20, 2023. Photo courtesy of Chris Stafford.
Ellicott City resident Stephen Humphrey caught a great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) weighing 13.0 pounds on October 6, 2023. Photo by Erik Zlokovitz.
Two new records for new species have been established in the Atlantic Division of the Maryland state fishing records program. Angler Chris Stafford of Cherry Hill, N.J. caught a pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis) weighing 2.0 pounds on September 20, and Ellicott City resident Stephen Humphrey caught a great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) weighing 13.0 pounds on October 6. Both fish were caught off the coast of Ocean City. Read more…
Fall Hunting for Small Game and Turkey Offers Abundant Opportunities
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other small game seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Some of these species offer generous seasons and bag limits and are abundant throughout Maryland. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 12, 2023
“If I were a bird, I would fly about the Earth seeking successive autumns.”
– George Eliot
We’re feeling a drop in temperatures across the state, with parts of Western Maryland dipping into the low 30s. Cooler temperatures and sunny days bode well for leaf change. According to the U.S. Forest Service, trees are continuing to produce sugars in their leaves, but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins in leaves prevent these sugars from moving out. These conditions – lots of sugar and light – spur production of the brilliant anthocyanin pigments, which tint leaves with a variety of reds, purples, and crimson. However, optimal fall weather conditions cannot entirely undo the effects of this year’s summer drought, which is amounting to delays in leaf change and subdued color in the forest canopies. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay 2023 Young-of-Year Striped Bass Survey Results Announced
During the annual survey, Maryland Department of Natural Resources fishery managers examine 22 sites located in four major striped bass spawning areas. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2023 young-of-year index is 1.0, well below the long-term average of 11.1. Read more…
Maryland Black Bear Activity Increases Throughout Fall
Photo by Mitch Adolph, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2023 Photo Contest. Used with permission.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food.
During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears.
Residents and visitors should note that keeping bird feeders, pet food and trash in a place where bears can’t get to them is the best way to avoid problems. Marylanders should also delay filling songbird feeders until the winter months to avoid attracting bears. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 11
Mike Biskup holds up a whopper-sized largemouth bass he caught and released from a Chestertown pond recently. Photo courtesy of Mike Biskup
Fall’s cooler weather is driving many of our freshwater and marine fisheries into increased activity. The fall trout stocking program is underway, providing fun put-and-take trout fishing.
Warming Temperatures Bring Different Animals to Maryland
Climate change makes region more hospitable to some newcomers—and more difficult for native species
White ibises have started to nest at Martin National Wildlife Refuge.
A Salisbury man fishing for spotted sea trout Sept. 17 in the Chesapeake Bay pulled in a tall, silvery fish with a striking yellow underside.
It turned out to be the largest Florida pompano recorded in the state. It was also a living indication of a warming climate.
The Florida pompano is just one of multiple species of animals, largely fish and birds, that are appearing in the state more frequently at least partially as a result of climate change. Though these newcomers can increase biodiversity and generate excitement among residents and fishermen, scientists caution that they are also warning signs of a changing ecosystem.
Governor Moore Announces New Annual Record for Chesapeake Bay Oyster Planting
Governor Wes Moore. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz, and other guests toured the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge to observe oysters grown for restoration this summer. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Governor Wes Moore today announced that more than 1.7 billion new juvenile oysters have been planted on sanctuary and public oyster fishery sites in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay this year, surpassing an ambitious 2023 planting goal and setting a new annual record. The milestone means that the state has planted almost 7 billion oysters since launching its large-scale oyster restoration strategy in 2014 with the help of numerous partners.
“Planting 1.7 billion oysters this year shows the success of the broad partnership of watermen, scientists, academics, nonprofits, and state and federal government officials dedicated to this vital natural resource and economic driver for Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “I’d like to thank the partner organizations and our dedicated Department of Natural Resources staff who enabled the state to achieve this significant accomplishment.” Read more…
Secretary’s Message – October 2023: DNR to Showcase Science This Month
Science is the foundation of the department’s conservation efforts
Maryland Geological Survey scientists at work, photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
When I took the helm as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources at the beginning of this year, one of my primary goals was to reaffirm the importance of science throughout the agency. I want to ensure the department’s conservation work, ranging from fisheries management to flood mitigation, is rooted in science and evaluated through real-world testing.
The Department of Natural Resources employs scientists and technicians in numerous fields, all of whom are committed to this goal. Every day they compile and analyze information across several subject areas with a wide range of partners. To recognize their work, this month DNR will celebrate our first Science Week, from Oct. 16 to 20. During this week, I and other senior DNR leaders will be traveling across the state to observe and highlight this important work. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Celebrates 30th Annual Wetlands and Wildlife Field Day
Somerset County fourth graders participate in outdoor learning event
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve recently celebrated its 30th annual Wetlands and Wildlife Field Day, an environmental education event that provides fourth graders in Somerset County with the opportunity to engage in environmental stewardship activities and interact with natural resources professionals.
Over the course of two days in September, students visited the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area where they released banded waterfowl, engaged in stewardship and art projects, and learned about the mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians that call the marsh home. The fourth graders cycled through six stations, including hands-on learning experiences and exhibits about wetland resilience and invasive species. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage Report – October 5, 2023
“In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October.”
Alexander Smith
Fall days are here – blue skies, clouds like giant marshmallows, and gobs of sunshine. The only thing missing is the cooler daytime temperatures characteristic of fall weather. Crisp autumn air causes leaves to stop making food or stop the process of photosynthesis, which turns the leaves green during warmer months. When the temperature drops, chlorophyll breaks down and the green color begins to disappear, revealing yellows, oranges and in some tree species, purple tones. Although daytime temperatures across the state have been in the 80s this week, nighttime temperatures are dipping into the low 50s and 60s, giving us the cooler conditions necessary for leaf change. Next week, temperatures drop across Maryland, setting the stage for fall’s colorful show. Read more…
Maryland’s Early Muzzleloader Deer Season Begins Oct. 19
Photo by Mary Pat Bozel, submitted to the 2021 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 19-21 statewide.
Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 23-28 for antlerless deer only.
The popular season typically coincides with pleasant fall weather and is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 4
Ivanna Harshman enjoyed a nice day fishing from her kayak and caught this summer flounder. Photo courtesy of Ivanna Harshman
Pleasant weather returns this week, making it a wonderful time to go out and do some fishing – don’t miss the opportunity while so many species are available and active.
Pheasant Hunting Opportunity Available in Maryland Via Lottery
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all junior license holders, apprentice license holders, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunt.
The stocked pheasant hunts are do-it-yourself hunts that will take place on state-owned land throughout the state on November 18 and 19.
All applicants must have a DNR ID number to apply and will need to possess a valid hunting license to participate in the hunt, should they be selected. Applications for the stocked pheasant hunt will only be accepted through the department’s Compass online portal by Oct. 6. There is no charge to apply and no charge for selected applicants to participate. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report September 28, 2023
“I cannot endure to waste something as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house.”
– Nathaniel Hawthorne
Most of us are rejoicing after seeing the sun for the first time in days. Tropical Storm Ophelia brought drenching rain to Maryland’s coastal region last weekend, with additional rain stretching into the western portion of our state. The rainy days and cloudy skies continued for much of the week, providing much needed moisture to areas experiencing drought conditions. While this last batch of rain won’t be enough to offset the previous weeks of dry weather, it has made an impact on foliage in the region. Read more…
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