Criteria to help identify eligible watersheds for pilot restoration program The Maryland Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership has released a preliminary list of watershed criteria, along with available data sets, to aid local governments, non-governmental organizations and project sponsors to assess local watersheds for proposed restoration and funding. The Whole Watershed Act (SB 969/HB 1165) establishes Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that beginning today, state resident first responders and law enforcement officers will receive a $40 discount for an Annual State Park and Trail Passport. The passport, which allows unlimited day-use entry for all of Maryland’s state parks and park facilities for one year, is otherwise available for $75 Read the Rest…
Maryland Legislature Urges Change to Federal Rules to Spur Harvest of Invasives The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to report that the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation aimed at helping the state control the invasive blue catfish population by reducing burdensome regulatory roadblocks that have disincentivized markets. Senate Joint Resolution 4, sponsored by Read the Rest…
Conservation Measures in Review by Legislative Committee The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proposing changes for the Chesapeake Bay summer-fall striped bass season. Due to the timing of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approval process, some changes will be made by public notice. Measures that require regulatory changes have been submitted to Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is supporting a joint resolution proposed by the Maryland General Assembly that will move the state closer to controlling the invasive blue catfish population by commercial harvest. A native of the Mississippi River basin, blue catfish were introduced to the mid-Atlantic in the 1970s. Since then it has exploded 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…
Enhanced Conservation Rules on Use of Bait and Hooks; Minimum Size Reduced to 19 Inches The opening of regular striped bass season May 16 coincides with new conservation-minded regulations pertaining to the use of bait, gear and hooks. The Maryland General Assembly Joint Committee Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee recently approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, which will Read the Rest…
Largest Academy Class in Maryland Natural Resources Police History Thirty-four men and women yesterday took the first step to becoming Maryland Natural Resources Police officers when they were sworn in as the agency’s 59th basic recruit class. The class is the largest in the department’s history and is beginning its training as the agency celebrates Read the Rest…
New Law Took Effect July 1 Any Maryland veteran who has received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained defending our nation now qualifies for a 50 percent discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licenses. The new discounted rate went into effect July 1, 2017. Purple Heart recipients will join disabled veterans and former prisoners of Read the Rest…
Focus on Development, Diversity, Outreach, Research and Training The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Morgan State University, a doctoral public urban research university in Baltimore City, signed a new educational agreement today that seeks to promote collaborative research, community outreach, economic development and opportunity, and workforce training. This first-of-its-kind agreement between the two state institutions was signed Read the Rest…
Department of Natural Resources Offers Funds for Improved Access to Open Spaces The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications from cities and towns seeking to build, enhance or rehabilitate local parks and playgrounds. Funding from the Community Parks and Playground Program can be used to restore existing areas and features or to develop and expand Read the Rest…
18 Maryland Counties Receive Waterway Improvement Fund Grants The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $10.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to improve public boating access and navigation throughout the state. Passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed by Governor Larry Hogan, this critical funding will go toward 49 projects in 18 counties from Allegany Read the Rest…
State Agencies Report Progress on Implementing Construction Program Maryland state agencies have reported their progress in implementing the Coast Smart Construction Program, a statewide effort to address impacts from coastal flooding, storm inundation and sea level rise on state-funded building projects. These initiatives are recorded in the first Annual Report issued by the Maryland Coast Smart Read the Rest…
Sunday Hunting Now Permitted on Private Lands in Kent County Spring turkey hunting season starts statewide April 18, and a growing number of Maryland counties now allow hunting on Sundays. Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation from the 2017 General Assembly permitting turkey hunting on private land in Kent County on all remaining Sundays during the 2017 Read the Rest…
Oldest State Law Enforcement Agency Turns 150 Next Year Today marks the 149th anniversary of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the oldest state police force and the nation’s fifth-oldest conservation law enforcement agency. The day is being marked with the unveiling of the 150th anniversary badge, which may be worn by officers next year, and a Read the Rest…