Funding will protect 7,400 acres statewide with largest appropriation in program’s history Maryland will provide more than than $34.6 million in Rural Legacy Program grants to county governments and land trusts to purchase conservation easements in designated Rural Legacy Areas throughout the state. The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the funding on August 23. “From Mountain Read the Rest…
Funding Will Protect 7,100 Acres Statewide with Largest Appropriation in Decades The Board of Public Works on October 12 unanimously approved more than $27.1 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easement acquisitions, reflecting the highest annual amount appropriated since 2002. Funding from these grants will permanently protect 7,100 acres of working farms, forests, Read the Rest…
Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request to fund the first group of Community Parks & Playgrounds Program for Fiscal Year 2023. Overall, Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget included $5 million to 39 local projects statewide, providing greater Read the Rest…
Planting Seeds for Future Growth Recent cold weather aside, spring is in full swing, and this year is definitely one to celebrate. As flowers begin to bloom and birds begin to nest, we are pleased to return to many of our favorite warm-weather traditions — including burning socks and planting trees! In fact, I recently Read the Rest…
Maryland Honors Forest Service, Forest Products Industry Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed April 6, 2022 to be Maryland Arbor Day, marking the 150th anniversary of National Arbor Day, celebrated the last Friday of April each year, and the 139th Maryland Arbor Day, celebrated the first Wednesday of April. “Arbor Day is a great reminder of the Read the Rest…
More than $20 Million For Baltimore City Outdoor Recreation This Year The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved 11 Program Open Space projects totaling $6.3 million in grants for Baltimore City. These projects include new and upgrades to existing park facilities across the city. In January, the board approved about $4 million in Program Read the Rest…
Funding Will Protect 6,000 Acres Statewide The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved more than $26.2 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easements in 17 counties. Funding from these grants will permanently protect about 6,000 acres of working farms, forests, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and historical resources — Read the Rest…
State Developing Leaders to Address Climate Challenges The Hogan administration today recognized 40 professionals as Maryland’s first class of Climate Change Professionals, an international credential administered by the Association of Climate Change Officers, during the meeting of the Board of Public Works. These professionals earned their certifications by participating in six days of training provided Read the Rest…
100,000 Acres Conserved Over 20 Years With the Board of Public Works’ approval of five new conservation easements, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has now conserved more than 100,000 acres of land throughout the state. In presenting the properties for approval, Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio observed that this year marks the 20th Anniversary of Read the Rest…
Day to Highlight Trees and Those Who Help Them Grow Following an annual tradition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored Maryland Arbor Day by delivering tree seedlings to state leadership. The department celebrates the first Wednesday of April every year by giving away trees for planting and honoring the achievements of individuals who have Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Provides Funds to Convert Former Office Site The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item to commit $2.14 million in Program Open Space funds toward developing a local park at the former Consumer Product Safety Commission site in Gaithersburg. The city plans to improve the Read the Rest…
Conservation Easements Protect Farmland and Watersheds The Board of Public Works today approved Rural Legacy Program grants totaling $2.1 million that will provide dedicated state funding to permanently protect working farms and forests, and provide vegetative stream buffers to improve water quality and bolster climate resilience in designated areas across the state. Working through local governments and Read the Rest…
Funding for Large-Scale Restoration, Marylanders Grow Oysters and State Sanctuaries The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been approved to invest more than $3 million in oyster recovery and restoration activities in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, following unanimous support from the Board of Public Works. The board, consisting of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Read the Rest…
Conservation Easements Protect Farmland, Forests and Waterways The Board of Public Works today approved Rural Legacy Program grants totaling $3 million that will provide dedicated state funding to permanently protect working farms and forests, and provide vegetative stream buffers to improve water quality in designated areas across the state. Working through local governments and private Read the Rest…
Charles County Acquisition Enhances Conservation and Recreation The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to acquire 182 acres in Charles County as an addition to Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area. The mostly forested property along a tributary of Mattawoman Creek seeks to expand public access and recreation opportunities for birding, Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Funding Used to Rebuild Facility The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that provides $6 million to Prince George’s County for the development of the Tucker Road Ice Skating Center in Fort Washington. The board is comprised of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Read the Rest…
Five Projects to Improve Accessibility, Connectivity and Usability The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that allocates $3,875,000 to Baltimore City for the construction, development and enhancement of five recreation projects. Funding will be provided through Program Open Space Local as well as Baltimore City Direct grants Read the Rest…
Funding for Development on Pinecrest Local Park The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will commit $1 million for the development of Pinecrest Local Park in Montgomery County. The 5.6-acre park, managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is adjacent to Pine Crest Elementary Read the Rest…
Acres Added to Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and New Germany State Park The Board of Public Works today approved two Maryland Department of Natural Resources items that seek to expand two existing state parks, one in Southern Maryland and the other in Western Maryland. Program Open Space funds will go toward the purchase of Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Acquisition The Board of Public Works today approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will grant more than $468,000 to acquire a 77-acre Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program easement in Frederick County. Program Open Space funds will be used to purchase a permanent conservation easement Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves Conservation Easement The Board of Public Works today approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that authorizes a $1.7 million grant to the Cecil Land Trust to acquire a 535-acre conservation easement. Rural Legacy Program funds will be used to protect productive agricultural and forestland along Northeast Creek as Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves Program Open Space Acquisition The Board of Public Works today approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 212 acres along the Pocomoke River as an expansion to Pocomoke River State Park. The former golf course will be repurposed to provide access to the Pocomoke River Water Trail as Read the Rest…
Help Celebrate and Preserve Maryland’s Historic Beauty Labor Day may be the end of summer vacation, but now is a time when outdoor recreation is getting ready to peak. September is a month when the Maryland Department of Natural Resources highlights our state’s spectacular and diverse terrain, and the role it plays in our culture, heritage and living history. Read the Rest…
Upper Eastern Shore Location to Provide Environmental and Recreational Benefits The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 1,172 acres in Queen Anne’s County for the development of a new Wildlife Management Area that will provide conservation, habitat and recreation benefits, including birding, hiking, hunting and trapping. Read the Rest…
Harriet Tubman Rural Legacy Area Designated in Dorchester County; Five Other Areas Expanded The Board of Public Works today approved 16 Rural Legacy Program grants – totaling over $25 million – that will provide dedicated state funding to permanently protect working farms and forests in designated areas across the state. Working through local government and private Read the Rest…
$380,000 to Design Restoration Projects in Four Jurisdictions The Board of Public Works today approved funding for six Coastal Resiliency Grant Program projects, selected through a competitive solicitation, to help Maryland’s communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of climate change, erosion, flooding and extreme weather. In year two of the program, the Maryland Department of Natural Read the Rest…
Lease Agreement Enhances Public Access and Recreation Opportunities The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a lease agreement between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism allowing the county to manage approximately 50 acres of Chapel Point State Park for public recreation. The area includes access roads Read the Rest…
Funding for Bioretention Areas, Pervious Surface and Tree Plantings The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that grants $380,000 in general obligation bond proceeds to Baltimore City for the installation of stormwater management facilities. “Working with local communities and partners, the department identifies and prioritizes projects aimed at Read the Rest…
Now Accepting Grant Applications for Next Year The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the awarding of 26 Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grants – totaling $2.5 million – to local municipalities across Maryland. From new playground equipment in Bowie and softball field lights in Delmar to tennis court repairs in Friendsville and new basketball courts in Vienna, Read the Rest…
Design Work to Begin as Facility Prepares to Host International Equestrian Competition The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that will authorize $1 million for design improvement services at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in anticipation of the Cecil County site hosting a newly-designated, international equestrian event. Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Acquisition Benefits Environment and Outdoor Recreation The Board of Public Works today unanimously voted to approve the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 224.5 acres in Worcester County as an addition to Pocomoke State Forest. The site provides both exceptional ecological benefits as well as recreational opportunities, especially for hikers — with trails linking Pocomoke River State Read the Rest…
Celebration Branches into State’s Highest Offices Today is Maryland Arbor Day, celebrated the first Wednesday of April every year. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is highlighting the importance of trees by delivering seedlings to Maryland’s elected officials and leaders, and honoring the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the state’s tree farming industry. Following an Read the Rest…
Total of Six Demonstration Projects Statewide The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved dedicated funding of two Coastal Resiliency Grant Program projects in Anne Arundel County to help communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of climate change, extreme storms and weather. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping to design six shoreline improvement demonstration projects statewide to Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves Program Open Space Acquisition The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 522 acres in Charles County for the development of a new Wildlife Management Area that will provide both conservation and recreation benefits. Adjacent to county managed land, the site will provide numerous Read the Rest…
Somers Cove Marina Executive Director Tom Schisler Recognized at Board of Public Works Governor Larry Hogan recognized Maryland Department of Natural Resources employee Tom Schisler today with a Customer Service Heroes Award. Schisler, executive director of Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, was honored for enhancing customer service and improving facility maintenance at the state-managed marina. Read the Rest…
Easement Covers 232 Acres of Countryside Farm and Forest Land The Maryland Environmental Trust, partnering with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, has permanently protected 232 acres of farm and forest land along Maryland Route 33, known as the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway. Gannon Family, LLC granted a conservation easement on what is locally called “Lee Read the Rest…
Board of Public Works Approves Department of Natural Resources Items The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a series of Maryland Department of Natural Resources items providing dedicated funding to Baltimore City, allocating $7.6 million for 11 different city and community projects. The portfolio includes funding from Program Open Space Local, the Baltimore City Direct Read the Rest…
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 191 acres in Kent County as an addition to Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area, which is adjacent to the property. The site features rolling farmland and mature forests as well as 1 mile of accessible shoreline along the Sassafras River and Read the Rest…
Grants Permanently Protect 6,500 Acres Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Board of Public Works, including Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, unanimously adopted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommendation approving 17 Rural Legacy Program grants – totaling over $23 million. Funding from these grants will permanently protect over 6,500 acres of working farms, forests and Read the Rest…
Ecologically-Important Area Conserved and Preserved; Public Access and Recreation Expanded The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 2,009 acres in Western Maryland for the development of a new state park. This acquisition in Garrett County consists of three parcels near Kitzmiller, with two of the parcels being adjacent Read the Rest…
Four Demonstration Projects Proposed The Board of Public Works today approved funding for a new Coastal Resiliency Grant Program to help Maryland’s coastal communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of extreme storms and weather. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources program will help design four shoreline improvement demonstration projects across the state with an additional two Read the Rest…
Growing Access to Public Lands One of the key objectives in our mission at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is to provide diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens and visitors. This has been an exciting year for our department’s efforts to expand recreational access, opportunities and options within our beautiful public lands.
Maryland Forester Brian Stupak Cited for Commitment to Citizens and Customer Service Maryland Department of Natural Resources employee Brian Stupak was honored by the Hogan Administration today with the Customer Service Heroes Award for July. Stupak, a project manager with the Maryland Forest Service, was presented a citation by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford before the July 26 Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Acquisition Supports Economy, Environment and Recreation Chesapeake Forest Lands will increase by 1,664 acres following Board of Public Works approval today of a Maryland Department of Natural Resources conservation acquisition in Somerset County. The adjoining and contiguous parcel will be integrated into the Chesapeake Forest Lands sustainable forestry management plan and provide for Read the Rest…
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460-Acre Parcel Set to Become Bohemia River State Park The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item to acquire 460 acres in Cecil County for the future development of a new state park. The new water-access site, located near Chesapeake City, will complement existing Maryland Park Service properties in the Read the Rest…
Department Funds Projects from Aberdeen to Williamsport The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the awarding of 23 Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grants – totaling $2.5 million – to municipalities across the state. From pickleball courts in Ocean City to new playground equipment in Mountain Lake Park, the program provides essential funding for the creation, enhancement Read the Rest…
Board Approves Department Acquisition along Patuxent River The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 1.83 acres in Calvert County that will consolidate department properties along the Patuxent River for the development of a new waterfront park and regional headquarters.
Outstanding Tree Farmer and Tree Farm Inspector of the Year Recognized The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is celebrating Maryland Arbor Day today with citations and seedlings. Maryland Forest Service staff delivered potted Red Bud seedlings to Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp this morning before the Board of Public Works meeting.
Federal, State and Local Partnership to Restore Beaches and Berms The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved $4.6 million in funding for regularly-scheduled beach and berm nourishment and repairs in Ocean City. The Ocean City Beach Replenishment Project will be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in close cooperation with the Maryland Read the Rest…
Program Open Space Acquisition will Provide Access to Patuxent River The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Board of Public Works unanimously approved the acquisition of 163 acres in St. Mary’s County to provide for the development of both active and passive recreational opportunities, and critically-important water access to the Patuxent River. Read the Rest…