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…
Maryland is Invested in Our Natural Resources Spring is around the corner, and as usual, many of us have spring fever. The good news is that our amazing DNR staff have readied our parks and public lands to greet the millions of visitors we receive each year. It is essential that we balance increased visitation Read the Rest…
State and Local Partnership Will Preserve Open Space on Significant Historic Property on Chesapeake Bay Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the State of Maryland will provide more than $4.8 million toward the purchase of a historically significant waterfront property for the development of a new Annapolis Read the Rest…
Weekend of Events Planned Next Month at Underground Railroad State Park Governor Larry Hogan today announced that in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Harriet Tubman and the 5th anniversary of its opening, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center will host a series of free, family-friendly programs during the weekend Read the Rest…
He Previously Rescued a Woman Who Had Jumped into a River A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer prevented a suicide for the second time in two months. On Dec. 29 at about 6:30 p.m., Officer First Class Jacob Gerczak was on patrol near the Chesapeake City Bridge when he observed a woman leaning over the 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…
Program Provides $5 Million for Outdoor Recreation Statewide in Fiscal 2022 The Board of Public Works today approved the last of 31 Community Parks and Playground projects for this fiscal year, totaling $5 million in grants for new and upgraded outdoor facilities in communities across Maryland. Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included funding Read the Rest…
Event Continues Outreach to Grow Stewardship and Involvement In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sandy Point State Park will host a Hispanic Heritage Environmental Festival on Oct. 2. Presented by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Conservancy, Corazón Latino, the National Park Service, and Defensores De La Cuenca, the event runs 10 a.m. to Read the Rest…
Proclaims Sept. 25 for National Public Lands, Fishing and Hunting Day Governor Larry Hogan today announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the hiring of J. Daryl Anthony to serve as its first executive director. “One of our state’s hallmarks is the stewardship of Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Outdoors Preparing a Cool Transition to Fall One of Maryland’s favorite summer pastimes is visiting the Maryland State Fair. Now in its 140th year, DNR was pleased to participate again this year and showcase the many ways we work to preserve, protect, and enhance our state’s natural resources. It was also a great Read the Rest…
Outdoors Career Training Offers a Lifetime of Growth Outdoor recreation has become more welcome than ever as we seek safe activities to do with our friends and family. Recognizing its importance even before the pandemic, Governor Hogan charged Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz and me with co-chairing the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission (MOREC). Since Read the Rest…
‘Deputized’ Organizations Help Promote Maryland Outdoor Recreation A century-old yacht club, a historic ferry, a YMCA and senior center, and two outdoor retailers have been named Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors in Talbot County for their efforts to promote and expand access to the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), today announced an additional $3.4 million in economic relief funds for the state’s commercial seafood industry through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.The funding will support activities previously authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, for those Read the Rest…
Leaving a Positive Impact in our Wake I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Sarah Taylor-Rogers, former Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary, Maryland Environmental Trust board member, and longtime leader and champion of environmental stewardship in Maryland. Dr. Taylor-Rogers was the first woman to head our department and her public service Read the Rest…
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Supports 123 Unique Sites Governor Larry Hogan today announced the award of $22 million to 25 ecological restoration projects that will improve water quality and habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, while building local resilience to climate impacts. These awards encompass 123 unique sites that will be restored Read the Rest…
Funding for 60 Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety Projects in 19 Counties Governor Larry Hogan today announced $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2022 to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state. “Boating is not just an important part of our history and our culture, it Read the Rest…
‘Deputized’ Ambassadors Help Promote Maryland Outdoor Recreation A longstanding fishing club that promotes marine conservation and a nonprofit organization that teaches surfing to autistic children have been named Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors in Ocean City for their efforts to promote and expand access to the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Commerce Secretary Read the Rest…
Four Baltimore Organizations Help Promote Outdoor Recreation Two nonprofit organizations and two private businesses have been named Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors, recognized for their efforts to promote and expand access to the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz and Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio named the ambassadors during Read the Rest…
Public, Private Sector Partners will Promote State’s Status as Recreation Destination The Maryland Department of Commerce and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have announced that 18 Marylanders from the public and private sectors have been named as the state’s first Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors. As part of their responsibilities, the ambassadors will work to enhance the Read the Rest…
Governor Hogan Addresses DNR Crews That Battled Fires in 11 States Maryland’s wildland firefighters who served on interagency crews nationwide through the busy and challenging 2020 wildfire season were honored recently in a virtual recognition event. Governor Larry Hogan addressed the firefighters with a recorded greeting and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio Read the Rest…
State Has Now Provided More Than $9 Million For Farmers, Watermen, and Producers; Part of More Than $600 Million In Emergency Economic Relief At the direction of Governor Larry Hogan, the Maryland Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) have now provided more than $9 million in COVID-19 relief funding to farmers, watermen, and Read the Rest…
Nominations for Next Year’s Award Now Being Accepted The Maryland Sport Fishery Advisory Commission presented its inaugural award for lifetime achievement to two individuals: the late fishing legend Bernand “Lefty” Kreh, and Baltimore County resident Kenneth Lewis. The Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award was established by the commission to honor individuals who have provided sustained Read the Rest…
Governor Hogan Addresses 62nd Basic Class; Force at Near-Record 268 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is proud to welcome 27 new officers to our agency. In front of supporting family, friends, and officers, the former recruits raised their right hand and took an oath to protect Maryland’s citizens and natural resources.
Expansions and New Easements Benefit 17 Maryland Counties The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved recommendations of nearly $20 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easements and expansion in 17 Maryland counties. Funding from these grants will permanently protect more than 4,500 acres of working farms, forests, marshes, open space, shorelines, and Read the Rest…
Visitors Number 17.1 Million and Counting State Officials Continue to Promote Safe Outdoor Activity During Pandemic Parks Follow All Federal and State Health Guidelines Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Park Service is reporting a total of 17.1 million visitors to date in 2020, already surpassing the previous record of 14.9 million total Read the Rest…
Safety Protocols Allow Access at Most Locations The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will begin offering appointments at select licensing and registration centers in a phased reopening of in-person services for customers. Appointments will be available starting June 15 at the following locations (unless otherwise noted): Bel Air – 501 W. MacPhail Road #2 Centreville, Read the Rest…
UPDATED May 7 Marylanders are reminded that the governor’s Stay at Home directive to reduce COVID-19 transmission remains in place, and recreational fishing and boating are currently prohibited. Fishing for sustenance is allowed, which means anglers must catch and keep any legal fish and should return home as quickly as possible after doing so. Effective Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan has issued an executive order on March 30, 2020, which institutes a Stay at Home directive and says that no Maryland resident should be leaving their home unless it is for an essential job or reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes. While Read the Rest…
Information for our Patrons, Customers, and Friends Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are taking proactive steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. Following Governor Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will remain operational, but we Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan, chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, wrote to congressional leaders today calling for a reversal of proposed cuts to federal funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration. Maryland is urging an increase in funding to $90.5 million, while the Trump administration’s proposed FY21 budget cuts funding for these programs by more than 90 percent, 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…
State, Partners Working on New Market Strategies The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and other state agencies are working with partners across the state to direct grants, programs, and strategies for building new markets for Maryland’s forest products industry. Overall market decline and sudden losses such as the closure of Read the Rest…
2020 is the Year of the Woman As we begin a New Year, it is a good time to sit back and reflect on the successes we had in 2019. While there are too many to name in one article, a few rise to the top, including the designation of Mallows Bay as a National Read the Rest…
Funding Will Protect 4,500 Acres Statewide The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved recommendations of more than $18.8 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easements in 18 counties. Funding from these grants will permanently protect more than 4,500 acres of working farms, forests, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and Read the Rest…
Nominations Accepted Through Jan. 31, 2020 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission announce the creation of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. This prestigious honor will recognize an individual who has provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful Read the Rest…
Benefits, Discounts Provided for Those Who Serve In recognition of Veterans Day, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces its numerous resources available to veterans. In February 2019, joined by more than 100 veterans, Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2019 as the Year of the Veteran in Maryland. This yearlong observance honors United States veterans and Read the Rest…
A Natural Expression of Gratitude to Our Veterans Governor Larry Hogan declared 2019 the Year of the Veteran, a yearlong observance to raise awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland and our country. While our nation will celebrate on Veterans Day, the governor’s declaration is Read the Rest…
September is a Great Time to Enjoy Nature and to Give Back Fall is one of my favorite seasons, so while I am sad to see summer coming to an end, I am also looking forward to cooler weather and changing leaves. Autumn is a great time of year to experience outdoor recreation in Maryland; Read the Rest…
Final Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan Sets Path to Achieving Bay Restoration Goals by 2025 Maryland has developed a comprehensive plan for the next steps in continued progress in restoring the Chesapeake Bay. The Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan — submitted Aug. 23 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — was developed to meet Maryland’s Read the Rest…
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary to Protect World War I-era Shipwrecks NOAA, the state of Maryland and Charles County today announced the designation of a new national marine sanctuary to protect the remains of more than 100 abandoned steamships and vessels built as part of America’s engagement in World War I. Mallows Bay-Potomac River Read the Rest…
Maryland Was Made for Great Outdoors Month June marks the official start of summer — although it feels like it really began weeks ago — and June also marks National Great Outdoors Month. While this is a national celebration, no one does outdoors better than Maryland! The State of Maryland features a unique array of Read the Rest…
Department Supports Projects in 19 Communities The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the award of 19 Community Parks and Playgrounds grants, totaling $2.5 million, to municipalities across the state. The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand or improve existing parks, create new parks, or Read the Rest…
Ranger Rachel Temby Recognized by Peers Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio presented the department’s 2018 Employee of the Year award to Rachel Temby, park manager for the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County. Ranger Temby was selected for exemplifying what Read the Rest…
Increases in Male, Female, and Juvenile Populations Governor Larry Hogan, chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, announced that the results of the 2019 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey showed that the Bay-wide blue crab population increased 60 percent from last year, to an estimated total population of 594 million crabs. “We are proud of 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…
Public invited to comment on draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan A draft plan for continued progress in restoring Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay is now available for public review and comment. The draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan represents the next step in Maryland meeting its commitments as part of a multi-state bay 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…
Honor the Past by Investing in the Future This past month marked the passing of a friend and mentor — former Governor Harry Hughes. I feel privileged to have known Governor Hughes, a fellow Eastern Shore resident, who was a man of integrity. He was also a leader who greatly influenced the mission of the Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, which would drastically cut funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration: “As Governor of Maryland and Chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, protecting the Chesapeake Bay remains one of my top priorities. The EPA Administrator himself called the Chesapeake Bay Program Read the Rest…
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