The Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged several individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including weapons charges at a state park, operating watercraft while intoxicated, illegal fishing, and more.
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…
Campaign Highlights Importance of Sobriety on the Waterways As part of a nationally coordinated effort to educate boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will participate in the annual Operation Dry Water campaign. This campaign aims to reduce the number of alcohol and Read the Rest…
NRP Veteran Officer Assumes Role of Second-in-Command The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that 29-year department veteran Robert C. Kersey will serve as deputy superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) effective immediately.
Emergency Responders Helped Prevent A Different Kind of ‘Wildfire’ Maryland’s interagency firefighters and emergency medical technicians, usually deployed to help fight wildland fires nationwide, have completed several deployments to assist mass COVID vaccination efforts in Maryland and other East Coast states. Maryland provided 20 Incident Management Team members and Emergency Medical Technicians to staff this Read the Rest…
As more people head outside for warm weather activities, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) have remained busy protecting the state’s wildlife, fisheries, and public lands. The following individuals were recently cited for a variety of conservation law offenses in Maryland:
An Eye to the Skies Can Avoid Disaster Boating in Maryland is an enjoyable and exciting experience, but it can quickly turn into disappointment or even disaster for boaters who fail to check the weather before departing shore. Every summer, the Maryland Natural Resources Police responds to multiple boating accidents due to rough waves and Read the Rest…
Waters Protected by Limits on Waste Discharge from Boats The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the Chester River and its tributaries are now a No Discharge Zone, an area of water where the discharge of all boat sewage — even when treated by a sanitation device — is prohibited. The U.S. The Environmental Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Waterway Users Get Ready Maryland’s boating season is on the horizon, and the Maryland Natural Resources Police is encouraging Marylanders to take proper precautions to ensure waterway safety. In 2020, Maryland had 155 reportable boating accidents; 64 of those accidents caused injuries and six were fatal, resulting in a total seven deaths. These numbers Read the Rest…
Six Individuals Nabbed for Baiting Birds With the opening of spring turkey hunting season, Maryland Natural Resources Police charged six people with poaching this week for the illegal use of bait for hunting.
Conservation Officers Build New Home for Nesting Birds Two ospreys have a new and secure nest thanks to three Maryland Natural Resources Police officers. A 1975 Marinette vessel docked at Goodhands Creek Landing in Chester has been partially sinking and resting on the natural bottom since October of 2020. Because officers were unable to locate Read the Rest…
DNR Advises Homeowners Check Tree Contractors The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions homeowners to be alert for non-licensed tree contractors who take money for work that never gets done. The Maryland Forest Service and Natural Resources Police have been made aware of one such individual operating in Baltimore and Harford counties, specifically targeting senior Read the Rest…
Is it possible for police officers to be in two places at the same time? Although the Maryland Natural Resources Police is at a near-record size force and operates more than 100 patrol boats, it can be challenging to keep an eye on a large body of water such as the Chesapeake Bay. In inclement Read the Rest…
Charges Filed During Two-Week Deer Firearms Season Maryland Natural Resources Police charged several individuals throughout the state for illegal hunting practices during the two-week deer firearm season, Nov. 28- Dec. 12.
Following an extensive investigation, Maryland Natural Resources Police charged three men with illegally hunting multiple deer in Garrett County. In November and December, Natural Resources Police investigated reports of deer illegally killed near the Blakeslee community. On December 3, officers learned of an additional incident where an antlerless albino deer was illegally hunted, and received Read the Rest…
Maryland Natural Resources Police worked tirelessly to combat illegal hunting during the state’s annual black bear hunt, held Oct. 26-30 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Officers cited several hunters who, though legally permitted to participate in the hunt, were unlawfully using bait to attract and lure bears.
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.
Conservation Nonprofit Provides Funding Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced a nearly $7,000 donation from the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Enforcement Fund Inc. (WCEF) to support the Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers in its mission to enforce conservation laws in Maryland.
Department, National Aquarium Release Three Rehabilitated Reptiles The Maryland Natural Resources Police in Ocean City recently teamed up with the National Aquarium to release three rehabilitated sea turtles. On Sept. 9, officers met with aquarium representatives along with two Kemp’s ridley turtles and one green sea turtle. The turtles, Mozzarella, Stilton, and Halloumi, were rescued Read the Rest…
Department Cites Charter Boat Operators Maryland Natural Resources Police have charged six charter boat operators with multiple fishing violations following a lengthy investigation into the use of prohibited fishing gear. The investigation began in October 2019 in response to tips received by concerned citizens. During the investigation, police discovered several charter boats had violated the Read the Rest…
Five Successful Applicants Begin Month-long Introductory Program The Maryland Natural Resources Police is proud to welcome five new entrants in its Cadet Program. Akin to an internship, this month-long program provides an opportunity for eager men and women between the ages of 18-21 to learn first-hand the job of a Natural Resources Police officer. Cadets Read the Rest…
National Campaign Aims to Curb Impaired Boating The Independence Day holiday weekend means more boaters on the water, which can also bring an increase in boating incidents and fatalities. From July 3-5, the Maryland Natural Resources Police partners with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Operation Read the Rest…
Public Should Report Stranded Marine Animals to 24-hour Hotline During the summer months, marine mammals and sea turtles are making their seasonal return to the Atlantic coast, the Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources requests people report any distressed or deceased marine mammals or sea turtles in Maryland waters to Read the Rest…
The Maryland Natural Resources Police are joining with other state law enforcement agencies to assist the American Red Cross in encouraging the public to donate blood during the coronavirus pandemic. The push to donate blood is an effort by state law enforcement employees in Maryland who want to honor the memories of those Marylanders who Read the Rest…
Safety is Essential as Boating Season Ramps Up In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2020, Maryland Natural Resources Police recommend boaters not only follow safe boating practices, but continue following updated guidance for social distancing and outdoor recreation to protect themselves against COVID-19 transmission. Following the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state Read the Rest…
Extra Six Months Granted for Completing Course Continuing Governor Larry Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is adjusting requirements for the state’s hunter education course, effective May 11, 2020 and until further notice. Any Maryland hunter education student that has completed an online field of 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…
K-9 Ruckus Helps Track Down Clues Following an investigation of illegal hunting and baiting in Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a Glen Burnie man with 17 infractions, including several weapons-related violations. On Nov. 25, officers responded to a report of deer stands and bait within the park. With the help of Read the Rest…
Natural Resources Police Target Hunting Violations Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a Carroll County woman for driving while intoxicated after she struck a deer decoy and led officers on a chase. Police on Nov. 30 were patrolling for illegal spotlighting and using a decoy deer along Flag Marsh Road in Mt. Airy. Officers reportedly saw Read the Rest…
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, a time to enjoy the cooler weather and changing leaves. One thing never changes, though — the stewardship that Maryland citizens show in support of our natural resources. In this edition of our magazine, we feature the work of our 2019 Natural Resources Photo Contest winners, which captures Read the Rest…
When Captain Tracy Campbell first joined the Maryland Natural Resources Police in 1995, newly minted officers were assigned to a boat, to which they reported for patrol or response duties.With her assignment in St. Michaels, the Baltimore native quickly felt at home on the Eastern Shore. Those days, officers didn’t have their own state vehicles—or Read the Rest…
Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged individuals throughout the state for illegally using spotlights for hunting — known as “jacklighting” — along with bear-baiting and other outlawed practices.
Natural Resources Police Starts Annual Toy Drive The Maryland Natural Resources Police invites everyone aboard for its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive, collecting donations of new and unopened items for children in need. As part of the drive, a Natural Resources Police patrol boat will be set up outside several retailers in Maryland beginning Nov. Read the Rest…
Taking The Lead on Protecting Our Natural Resources I recently had the honor of swearing in Colonel G. Adrian Baker as the new Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Colonel Baker has an impressive track record and a wealth of relevant experience – both of which will serve the department and Maryland well. The Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that Chestertown Police Chief and Natural Resources Police veteran G. Adrian Baker will serve as superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Baker will be taking the place of Colonel Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler Jr. who resigned today. The appointment takes effect Sept. 11. Baker has nearly Read the Rest…
Impaired Boating, Theft of Rental Boats, Illegal Harvesting Top Police Blotter A Pennsylvania man faces numerous charges after Maryland Natural Resources Police caught him fleeing the U.S. Coast Guard in the waters near Ocean City. Two Natural Resources Police patrol vessels answered a call for assistance June 29 after the vessel allegedly sped away from Read the Rest…
Natural Resources Police Vigilance and Education Yields Results Maryland Natural Resources Police stayed busy with heightened vigilance during the holiday weekend July 4-7, and are pleased to report a significant reduction of serious boating incidents. During one of Maryland’s busiest times on the waterways, officers were out to prevent unsafe boating, conducting 1,860 boat safety Read the Rest…
Fifty Years Young, The Department’s Mission Continues July 2019 marks exactly 50 years since Governor Marvin Mandel replaced the former Board of Natural Resources with a cabinet-level Department of Natural Resources and our operations began. As we celebrate this milestone, DNR is really proud of the fact that our work is making a difference in Read the Rest…
Aiming to keep our waterways safe this holiday weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police will again join the nationwide effort by local, state, and federal agencies in the tenth annual Operation DryWater. Officers will be on the water providing heightened enforcement and awareness about the dangers of drinking while boating. Boating under the influence continues to Read the Rest…
Tip Leads to Inspection of Montgomery County Business Police charged Lotte Plaza Market in Germantown with offering three bushels of egg-bearing female blue crabs — known as sponge crabs — for sale in violation of the state’s conservation laws. After receiving a tip, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers conducted an inspection of the market June Read the Rest…
Police Say Duo Taunted Injured Deer A 19-year-old Allegany County woman and a juvenile face animal cruelty charges over a social media video showing them taunting and throwing objects at a deer that was immobilized with two broken legs. Maryland Natural Resources Police were notified May 23 of a Snapchat video showing two female individuals Read the Rest…
Banned Pesticide Implicated in Poisoning of Bald Eagles on Eastern Shore The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are working together to address the continued illegal use of carbofuran—a banned pesticide that has been implicated in recent poisoning events in Kent and Talbot counties that have killed at least Read the Rest…
