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…
Appoints Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as Secretary of Natural Resources Governor Larry Hogan today announced Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as the Secretary of Natural Resources. Haddaway-Riccio currently serves as a Deputy Chief of Staff in the governor’s office, where she advises on environmental-related issues. “Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio has been a strong member of my executive team since day one and has Read the Rest…
FY 2020 Budget Includes Record Investment in Bay Restoration For the fifth year in a row, Governor Larry Hogan has proposed major funding for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and protecting the environment and well-being of Marylanders. “Through his funding priorities, Governor Hogan continues to demonstrate unprecedented support for initiatives that protect our lands and waters Read the Rest…
Hogan Administration Takes Legal Actions Against Federal Government Governor Larry Hogan today authorized the State of Maryland to file a lawsuit against the federal government aimed at preventing seismic testing for offshore oil exploration off Maryland’s Atlantic coast. “As governor, I take my role as a steward of our environment extremely seriously. We have made 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…
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…
Scientific Collaborative Sees Best Bay Progress in Decades Maryland’s Coastal Bays have received their highest grade ever reported according to the new 2017 Coastal Bays Report Card from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a snapshot assessment on the health and resiliency of the coastal bays surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island. The “B-” grade reflects 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…
Dedicates $2 Million a Year for Oyster Fishery and Recovery Governor Larry Hogan announced today that the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have entered into a new agreement that will provide millions of dollars for ongoing oyster activities in Chesapeake Bay. “Our administration has invested more than $4 billion to Read the Rest…
18 Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Grants Announced The Hogan Administration has awarded funding to 18 recipients through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund to improve the health of Maryland’s waterways. The “Trust Fund” allows Maryland to accelerate Chesapeake Bay restoration and improve water quality by focusing targeted financial investments and resources on the Read the Rest…
Award-Winning Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills Training The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental and natural resources management projects across the state. The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will work Read the Rest…
“Es Mi Parque” Focuses on Conservation, Regulation and Safety The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is endeavoring to keep the conversation going with the growing Hispanic population at state parks with the start of this season’s “Es Mi Parque” or “This is My Park” program. Sandy Point State Park is hosting the first of a Read the Rest…
Cheers On Students’ Efforts to Become Stewards of Maryland’s Environment Governor Larry Hogan today attended the 9th Annual Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit, held at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, where he greeted more than 2,750 students and educators from across the state. The governor congratulated the students and schools on achieving the Maryland Green Schools Award from Maryland Association for Environmental Read the Rest…
Projects Funded Statewide for Better Boating Access, Navigation and Safety The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $12.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities and navigation throughout the state. This critical Fiscal Year 2019 funding will go toward 57 projects in 18 counties, from Garrett to Wicomico counties as well Read the Rest…
Effort to Support Communities in Sustainability Planning Maryland is launching the nation’s first state-sponsored Climate Leadership Academy to help local governments, critical infrastructure organizations and state agencies effectively plan, prepare and implement climate change initiatives. At a launch event on the first day of Maryland’s inaugural State of the Coast conference, senior state and local officials 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…
Centralized Location Becomes “One-Stop Shop” for Services Cumberland residents and those living in the surrounding area now have one central location to complete their Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Department of Natural Resources transactions. As part of Governor Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to make services more accessible to Marylanders, the Department of Read the Rest…
Commission Hits the Ground Running Recently the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission held its first meeting – and we’re ready to hit the road. Created by Governor Larry Hogan last fall, this commission will develop innovative strategies to market Maryland’s unique outdoor and heritage recreation brand, as well as recommend initiatives to attract and retain outdoor Read the Rest…
Combined Center includes Driving, Fishing, Hunting, Boating and Crabbing Licenses Residents of Annapolis and the surrounding area are now able to complete Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Department of Natural Resources transactions in one convenient location. As part of Governor Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to make services more accessible to Marylanders, Read the Rest…
Maryland Natural Resources Police honored dozens of officers, civilian staff, first responders from other agencies and members of the public Saturday at its annual awards ceremony. Officer First Class Antonio Colvin received the Medal of Valor, the agency’s highest award, for rescuing an injured duck hunter whose kayak capsized in the ice-choked water of the Read the Rest…
Connecting People, Innovation and Opportunity May 21-23 in Cambridge The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science will bring together more than 200 local officials, business and industry leaders, resource stakeholders and users, scientists, and federal and state agency experts for Maryland’s first State of the Coast conference. The 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…
Oldest State Police Agency to Host Public Celebration May 12 at Sandy Point State Park One hundred and fifty years ago today, Maryland’s oldest state police agency began its mission of protecting people, wildlife and public lands and waters. Maryland Natural Resources Police is marking its sesquicentennial with a proclamation from Gov. Larry Hogan and congratulatory resolutions from Read the Rest…
I’m proud to help commemorate an important milestone in Maryland history—150 years since the founding of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. The department is our first state law enforcement agency, predating the Maryland State Police by almost a half-century, and is also one of the oldest conservation law enforcement organizations in the nation.
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…
Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Public Television and Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts Receive Honors The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces individuals and organizations recently recognized by the Park Advisory Commission and Maryland Park Service as outstanding supporters of our state parks. The commission presents the awards annually. Governor Larry Hogan received the Leadership Award of Excellence Read the Rest…
Seeking the Input of Maryland’s Experts – You I have the privilege of working with a dedicated team of experts in the natural sciences. The staff of every unit at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is committed to constantly refining the management of public resources – fisheries, forests, public lands, waterways and wildlife. But Read the Rest…
Hogan Administration Continues Strong Support for Environment and Natural Resources Governor Larry Hogan’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2019 continues to demonstrate his administration’s strong support for Chesapeake Bay restoration and the preservation and protection of Maryland’s environment and natural resources. “Actions speak louder than words and the governor’s budget can be heard loud and Read the Rest…
All Hands on Deck for Bay Restoration Happy New Year! At the end of 2017, I reflected on the progress that we’ve made protecting and restoring our most precious natural resource and treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. Now entering 2018, I want to focus on partnerships and opportunities we have to build on in the coming Read the Rest…
Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life. My administration is committed to doing everything we can to expand opportunities for our citizens and visitors to appreciate all that our state has to offer, and to create and grow economic opportunities for all 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…
New Interagency Platform Enhances Renewal Process As part of Governor Larry Hogan’s Customer Service Promise to provide government services in an accessible and convenient manner, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that Maryland boat owners can now renew their vessel registration online. The new digital platform can be accessed through the department’s online 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…
A Watershed Year for the Chesapeake Bay When this year began, I knew it held great promise for the future of our most precious natural resource and treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland is committed to protecting and restoring the nation’s largest estuary, and I’m pleased to say this year we’ve seen strong signs of progress.
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Focuses on Water Quality; Local Governments and Nonprofits Encouraged to Submit Letters by Jan. 19 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites local governments and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to help restore the Chesapeake Bay and improve water quality. Through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Read the Rest…
Chester River Association, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, and Sassafras River Association officially announced today the merger of their three organizations to form ShoreRivers, a new nonprofit dedicated to healthy waterways across the upper and middle Eastern Shore.
New Office Creates “One-Stop Shop” for Customers Delivering on the Hogan administration’s Customer Service Promise, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Deputy Secretary Jim Ports today joined Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Assistant Secretary Allan Fisher and Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration Administrator (MVA) Christine E. Nizer in officially unveiling a combined service Read the Rest…
Complimentary Benefit Extends to Residents and Nonresidents In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced today that all military veterans, including residents and nonresidents, will be granted free admission and entrance to the network of 72 state parks managed by the Maryland Park Service. The governor’s announcement directly impacts over 414,000 veterans living in Read the Rest…
National Program Extends to Maryland State Parks The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again is partnering with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Every Kid in a Park program, which provides fourth-grade children and their families free admission to Maryland state parks along with national parks and other federal lands across the country. The purpose of Read the Rest…
Will Strengthen the Outdoor Recreation Industry, Boost Rural Maryland Economy Governor Larry Hogan today announced Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 establishing the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission (MORE). This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s Read the Rest…