Natural Resources News
College Student from Baltimore City named 17th FishMaryland Master Angler
Roman Dombrowski reaches the milestone award with a 66-inch bluefin tuna caught off Ocean City
Master Angler Roman Dombrowski with a trophy sized red drum that was released. The fish was 43 inches long and caught from the surf at Assateague Island. Photo courtesy of Roman Dombrowski, used with permission by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Roman Dombrowski, of Baltimore City, has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program.
Dombrowski, 20, is the 17th Master Angler since the program began in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 30,833 Deer during Two-Week Firearms Season
Harvest increased nearly 9% compared to last year’s total
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland hunters reported harvesting 30,833 deer during the two-week firearm season from Nov. 30 through Dec. 14. The firearms season harvest was almost 9% higher than last year’s official count of 28,312 deer. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – December 18
This Chesapeake Bay sunset helped close out the 2024 striped bass season. Photo by Keith Lockwood
This will be the last weekly fishing report of 2024. All of us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wish you the happiest holidays with family and friends. There is still plenty of fishing to be had during the winter months so please be sure to check what’s in season and enjoy.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. Nominations for the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award are being accepted now through January 31, 2025. Recipients will receive a proclamation signed by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and the chair of the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission. More information about the nominating process is on the DNR website.
Board of Public Works Approves $2.7 Million for Park Improvements, Recreational Facilities, and Land Conservation in Harford, Prince George’s, Worcester, and Other Counties
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local and Rural Legacy programs
Deer Creek Valley in Harford County; Rural Legacy funding was approved for the county to acquire conservation easements on two properties in the Deer Creek Rural Legacy Area to protect water quality in the Broad Creek and Deer Creek watersheds. Maryland DNR photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items totaling $2.7 million in grants to local governments to improve parks and protect land with perpetual conservation easements.
About $2.1 million in Program Open Space – Local was approved for five projects including funds for the acquisition of six acres to expand the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex in Worcester County and funds for repairs to the indoor pool deck at the Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness Center in Prince George’s County. Read more…
Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2025 Sport Fisheries Achievement Award
Recognition for Conservation, Education, and Sportsmanship
Dr. Ray Morgan receives the 2024 Sport Fisheries Achievement Award from Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland DNR.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit fish and recreational fishing in Maryland.
Nominations for the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award are being accepted now through January 31, 2025. Recipients will receive a proclamation signed by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and the chair of the Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission. Read more…
New Maryland Clean Marina Certified in Anne Arundel County
Facility meets standards to improve local water quality and help restore the Chesapeake Bay
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has certified Gingerville Marina Center in Anne Arundel County as the newest Maryland Clean Marina.
The department awards this designation to marinas that comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and voluntarily adopt a significant portion of recommended best practices in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook. There are now 144 certified Clean Marinas in Maryland, representing about 30% of the marinas in the state.
To meet the award’s criteria, the marina management implemented required storm water sampling, installed new plantings near the water’s edge, updated rules for contractors and boaters to control pollutants, and cleaned several storm water traps and drains. They recently installed a new sewage pumpout station and improved their spill response kit as well. Read more…
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 20
Split season ends Jan. 4, resumes Jan. 15
Photo by John Ruffa, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opens Friday, Dec. 20. The season contains two segments, Dec. 20 through Jan. 4, 2025, and again from Jan. 15 through Feb. 1, 2025.
The daily bag limit is two geese per day in Maryland’s AP Canada Goose Hunting Zone. The possession limit for all migratory game birds is three times the daily bag limit. More information on waterfowl seasons, regulations and license requirements, is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – December 11
Chris Madden found a bit of fishing nirvana and this beautiful rainbow trout on a western Maryland catch-and-release stream recently. Photo by Chris Madden
Although Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters are becoming cold, there is still plenty of excellent fishing to be found across Maryland and the ocean waters.
Recreational striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay closed on Dec. 10. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration are now posted on the ASFMC website.
Scientists from a variety of government and non-government organizations will meet for a workshop in February to discuss key factors impacting striped bass populations and management needs. This workshop, hosted by Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Committee, was prompted by concerns from the public, so we have created a short survey for commercial and recreational anglers to help us better understand the public priorities for the agenda. The survey can be taken in English or Spanish. Results will be collected through December 18.
Department of Natural Resources Offering Free Environmental Seminars for Marina Operators in January
Donna Morrow, Clean Marina Coordinator for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, leads a seminar at a marina. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
Marina, boatyard, and yacht club operators are invited to attend a free seminar in January 2025 to learn about best practices to protect our waters and how to earn a Maryland Clean Marina designation.
Seminars will also present information on departmental grants and assistance for marinas, a review of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas, and new fuel regulations. Read more…
Maryland Fifth Graders Invited to Enter 2025 Arbor Day Poster Contest
Entries are accepted until March 3, 2025
Entries in the Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest are judged by multiple staff and guests of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; in 2024, that included Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz. Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland DNR.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2025 is “Trees Are Terrific…and Forests Are Too!” Read more…
Second Half of Maryland’s Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Opens December 21
Photo by Ryan Deangler, submitted to the 2022 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The second part of Maryland’s split muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 4. The first half of the split season was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – December 4
Vincent Tucciarella holds up a nice chain pickerel he caught in Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Vincent Tucciarella
Cold weather has settled in, and if you dress warmly and keep your feet dry, there is plenty of good fishing to be found throughout Maryland. Coastal anglers are enjoying an epic bluefin tuna bite off Ocean City and tautog at the inlet.
Inland, one fish that excites cold weather anglers is the chain pickerel.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration are now posted on the ASFMC website.
The Commission will host an Informational Webinar on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. to review the management options developed by the Technical Committee and provide the public with sufficient background information to inform the development and submission of public comment by December 10. Register for the webinar online, and for more information, including public comment opportunities, see the press release on the ASFMC website.
Maryland’s 2024 Deer Firearm Season Opener Nearly Identical to Last Year
Hunters experienced seasonably cold and windy conditions for much of the weekend
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland hunters reported harvesting 10,889 deer on the opening weekend of the 2024 firearm season from Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, according to data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The overall deer harvest was nearly identical to last year’s official opening weekend harvest of 10,905 deer.
The harvest total included 4,947 antlered and 5,605 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 181 antlered and 156 antlerless sika deer. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 14. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves $3.6 Million for Park Improvements and Land Conservation in Baltimore City and Carroll, Garrett, and Howard Counties
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, and Rural Legacy programs
Nearly $1.5 million in Rural Legacy funding was approved for Garrett County to acquire conservation easements on four properties with a combined total of 570 acres in the Bear Creek Rural Legacy Area. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items totaling $3.6 million in grants to local governments to improve parks and protect land with perpetual conservation easements.
More than $2 million in Program Open Space – Local was approved for five projects including funds for the acquisition of 44 acres adjacent to Cape Horn Park in Carroll County. Future park plans may include athletic fields, walking trails, and a community center.
Another approved project funds the construction of six pickleball courts in Rockburn Branch Park in Howard County. Program Open Space – Local provides funding for county and municipal governments for the planning, acquisition, and development of recreational land or facilities.
Also approved was $100,000 from the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program for one Baltimore City project at the Hamilton Elementary and Middle School for school yard enhancements that include improving a running track, walking trail, and play amenities. Read more…
Harford County Youth Named 16th FishMaryland Master Angler
Luca Tucciarella is the third youth angler to reach the milestone award
Angler Luca Tucciarella caught a 38.25-inch northern pike in Loch Raven Reservoir on Nov 17, 2024, on his way to earning a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program. Photo by Vincent Tucciarella, used with permission by Maryland DNR.
Luca Tucciarella, of Forest Hill, has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program.
Fifteen-year-old Tucciarella is the 16th Master Angler and the third youth angler to reach the milestone award since the program began in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 27
Chesapeake Channa, photo by Vincent Volinski.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources wishes everyone peace and renewed family bonds this holiday, as we reflect on all the things we are grateful for and hopefully enjoy a long weekend. Despite the weather getting a little chilly out there, once the sun shines there is a wonderful array of fishing to be had this week.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration will be posted on the ASFMC website by December 3. The Commission will host an Informational Webinar on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. to review the management options developed by the Technical Committee and provide the public with sufficient background information to inform the development and submission of public comment by December 10. Register for the webinar online, and for more information, including public comment opportunities, see the Commission’s press release.
Archaeologists Work with Indigenous Peoples, Department of Natural Resources to Uncover History at Chapel Point State Park
Francis Gray, the tribal chairman of today’s Piscataway Conoy Tribe, stands near the dig site at Chapel Point State Park on the banks of the Port Tobacco River. Credit: A.J. Metcalf/ Maryland DNR
Before John Smith arrived and even before the glaciers melted to create the Chesapeake Bay, Indigenous Peoples had called the land that is now Maryland home.
Indigenous sites in Maryland have been dated as early as 12,000 years ago by archaeologists. Many Indigenous People lived along the then Susquehanna River, using the resources provided by the land.
As the Susquehanna’s channel widened and the Chesapeake Bay began to form about 10,000 years ago, a majority of these settlements were inundated by water. The people who lived there moved, often following food resources such as oysters and fish.
“The Chesapeake Bay has long been a vital resource for people including Native Americans, especially as the Bay began to form,” said Julia A. King, professor of Anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “It provides all sorts of seafood. The rising waters created marshlands that sort of acted as a refrigerator by providing animals and plant species that people could use. A lot of native settlements were located near riverine environments and marsh.”
Thanks to state and federal grants, a growing relationship with today’s Piscataway descendants, and a strong partnership with Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, King has been working with her students and colleague Travis Hanson, an archaeologist, to uncover the history of Indigenous Peoples in Southern Maryland.
Maryland’s ‘Gift of Trees’ Available for 2024 Holiday Season
When a Gift of Trees purchase is made, Maryland Forest Service staff and community volunteers plant them in a public space during the next planting season. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering holiday shoppers a different type of gift this year–one that can be in honor of a loved one, to benefit future generations, and improve the environment.
The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees—for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration, or observation. Read more…
New Technology Helps Beat Back Harmful Algal Blooms
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is identifying and controlling toxic algae several ways, from sophisticated imaging to sonic waves
Powered by solar panels, the sonicator buoy sits in Hunting Creek Lake in Frederick County. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/DNR
Robots in the water at Hunting Creek Lake are making it safe to swim.
That’s how Ranger Mark Spurrier said he explains the latest technology at the popular Cunningham State Park swimming hole to even the youngest visitors.
On Labor Day weekend in 2023, one of the year’s most popular times for swimming, the park had to close off all swimming access due to a bloom of cyanobacteria—blue-green algae that, in high concentrations, can be harmful to people and animals.
“That’s what prompted us to push to get these buoys,” Spurrier said of the park’s new tool to prevent harmful algal blooms. “We want to control it the best we can.”
In June, the park installed two buoys in Hunting Creek Lake, each with ultrasonic transmitters, called sonicators, that use the power of sound to disrupt cyanobacteria blooms before they form. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Toy Drive Underway for 2024 Holiday Season
Donations for NRP’s annual toy drive will be accepted at seven Maryland Walmart retail locations and online through an Amazon gift registry.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is conducting its annual “Boatload of Toys” holiday gift drive at several locations across the state in advance of the 2024 holiday season. NRP officers are collecting donations of new, unopened toys for local children in need. The program is part of the national United States Marine Toys for Tots initiative.
Members of NRP’s volunteer Reserve Officer program and staff will collect the toys at drop-off locations listed below. NRP’s online gift registry is back for 2024, allowing Marylanders the opportunity to donate a toy online via its Amazon Toys for Tots Registry. Donations can be easily added to an Amazon cart, choosing the “NRP Safety Education Unit” gift registry address that is listed. Read more…
Maryland Natural Resources Police Partners with U.S. Department of Justice to Perform Organizational Assessment
The Maryland Natural Resources Police will receive recommendations from the Department of Justice based on organizational structure, community policing, and other focus areas.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has partnered with the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office to conduct an organizational assessment to evaluate the agency as it seeks review and recommendations in several focus areas.
Conducted via voluntary request, the COPS Office assesses police departments around the country through its Collaborative Reform Initiative. During the next year, the agency’s assessment will focus on community policing, workforce development, strategic planning, employee wellness, technology, data, and organizational learning. Read more…
Maryland Lifts Statewide Ban on Outdoor Burning
Photo by Taylor Hadley, submitted to Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
Following a review of weather and ground conditions, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescinded a statewide ban on open-air burning that was implemented to prevent the spread of wildfires across the state.
Extremely dry conditions that had persisted throughout the year led to an above average number of wildfires statewide in October, leading to the ban. Following recent precipitation and a forecast of continued normal weather patterns for this time of year, the Maryland Forest Service determined the statewide restriction was no longer necessary, effective immediately. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 20
Luca Tucciarella will certainly have fond memories of the day he caught this large northern pike at Loch Raven Reservoir. Photo by Vincent Tucciarella
There are plenty of good fishing opportunities this week across Maryland and our offshore waters. Anglers are urged to get out and enjoy the action, which may provide wonderful memories to reflect on this winter.
Nick Perez of Perryville recently earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Department’s FishMaryland program. He is the 15th Master Angler and his daughter Lucy Moore was the 10th Master Angler and the first youth and female angler to reach that milestone.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASFMC) Striped Bass Management Board will meet in-person and via webinar on Monday, December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures to increase the probability of rebuilding the stock by the 2029 deadline. The draft agenda, webinar information, and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration will be posted on the ASFMC website by December 3. The Commission will host an Informational Webinar on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. to review the management options developed by the Technical Committee and provide the public with sufficient background information to inform the development and submission of public comment by December 10. Register for the webinar online, and for more information, including public comment opportunities, see the Commission’s press release.
Public Invited to Savage River Lodge in Garrett County for Open House and to Provide Input on New State Property
Photo by Judd Vickers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Park Service will host an open house at Savage River Lodge, 1600 Mt. Aetna Road, Frostburg,on Monday, December 16, from 5 -7 p.m., and is accepting public comment on the newly acquired state property.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acquired this 42-acre property, featuring 18 cabins, 8 yurts, and a multi-purpose lodge, to incorporate it into the Park Service’s portfolio of Western Maryland public lands and outdoor recreation sites. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – 2024 Year End Summary
Monitoring results show near to below average hypoxia through most of summer 2024
Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show the volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen—was generally near or below average in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in 2024.
For the year, hypoxia volumes were larger than average in May and early June, but declined to smaller than average volumes through the end of August. In September, hypoxia was slightly above average for the period and there was no hypoxia during October sampling. Deep water hypoxia in the Bay normally dissipates after September, with no observed hypoxia in 30 out of the past 40 Octobers. Read more…
Cecil County Angler Named 15th FishMaryland Master Angler
Nick Perez joins his 12-year-old daughter Lucy on the list of Master Anglers
Nick Perez holds a carp he caught in 2020 while fishing with his daughter, Lucy. Photo courtesy of Nick Perez.
Nick Perez of Perryville has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program.
Perez is the 15th Master Angler since the program began in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland. Perez’s daughter, Lucy Moore, was the 10th Master Angler and was both the first youth and first female award recipient. Read more…
Maryland’s Two-Week Deer Firearms Season Opens Nov. 30
Popular deer hunting season inspires camaraderie with friends and family
Photo by Penny Ingles, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
Maryland’s two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 30 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 14.
The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
Druid Heights Project Brings Green Space and Flood Protection to Baltimore Neighborhood
With DNR support, Etting Street Green Space creates resiliency in underserved area
Government and nonprofit officials and community members cut the ribbon on the Etting Street Green Space. Photo by Joe Zimmermann/DNR
Over the years, a block in the Druid Heights neighborhood in West Baltimore had become a dumping ground for old mattresses, broken appliances, and rubble.
But now, the site is transformed. Where heaps of trash had once covered enough surface that they increased flood risk to the area, there’s now a green space, with native trees, flood mitigation, and a place for the community to come together.
On Wednesday, state and local officials and community leaders cut the ribbon on the Etting Street Green Space project.
“For many years this was a dumping site in the community where illegal dumping and environmental crimes took place on a daily basis,” Tavon Benson, director of outreach for the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, said at the event. “The community was able to transform this lot into a beautiful space offering stormwater management, future artwork and a safe place for residents to gather.”
Maryland Fishing Report – November 13
Flounder, photo by Monty Hawkins
There are plenty of excellent fishing opportunities this week across Maryland and our offshore waters, don’t miss out on the exciting action. Bundle up and enjoy good fishing before the cold of winter descends upon us, and most importantly take the younger anglers with you. Memories and smiles will last a lifetime.
Survey Teams Fish for Signs of Successful Shad Restoration in Maryland’s Rivers
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
On a drizzly day in late September, a crew of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists cast off from a dock in Denton to survey the Choptank River for juvenile American shad (Alosa sapidissima).
The native fish was once a staple of commercial and recreational fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Their population plummeted in the first half of the 20th century due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and dam construction. Today, DNR stocks and monitors American and hickory shad as part of a decades-long effort to revive self-sustaining populations of these two species. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Enacts Statewide Burn Ban
Dry, windy conditions have increased fire risk across the state and fueled ongoing wildfires
Maryland Forest Service crews work to suppress smoldering leaves from a wildfire in Washington County. Photo by Aaron Cook, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
UPDATE: Maryland Lifts Statewide Ban on Outdoor Burning, Effective Nov. 21.
In Their Words: NRP’s Veteran Personnel Reflect on Military Service
NRP celebrates its prior and current service members and all others that faithfully served in the Armed Forces this Veterans Day.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is proud to have numerous veterans among its officers and professional staff that courageously served in the United States Armed Forces. Their sacrifice and dedication to their country and fellow citizens can not be understated. On this Veterans Day, NRP recognizes the contributions service members have made to keep others safe.
NRP’s veterans hold various positions and assignments throughout the agency. From patrol officers to command staff to non-sworn personnel, veterans help shape the department’s character and values. Below are their words on how their service shaped them. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Issue Citations in 2024 Black Bear Hunt
Nine hunters face fines up to $1,500 for illegally baiting during black bear hunt.
Photo by Ranger Sarah Milbourne, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) took action to stop illegal hunting during the state’s annual black bear hunt, held Oct. 21-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Officers cited several hunters who, although legally permitted to participate in the hunt, were unlawfully using bait to attract and lure bears.
While baiting is legal for white-tailed deer in Maryland on private property, baiting bears is prohibited and is a tightly-controlled aspect of the annual week-long black bear hunt. Due to the nature of the hunt, targeting bears must take place 150 yards or more from a baited location, and if hunting a location previously baited for deer, 10 days must pass after all bait has been removed. Hunters that violate the baiting law for black bears can face up to $1,500 for a first offense and up to $4,000 for a second offense. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for November 7, 2024
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Cecil County. Photo by Ranger Lesley Leader.
All of Maryland is now past peak foliage for the year.
A drought that has affected Maryland throughout the year continues. As of Nov. 5, more than 53% of the state is experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. More than 83% of Maryland is experiencing moderate drought.
These dry conditions have made for a dangerous wildfire season. Firefighters across the state are busy fighting and monitoring brush fires. Since Oct. 1, the Maryland Forest Service has responded to more than 30 wildland fires statewide. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: There is a Place for Everyone in Maryland’s Outdoors
In October, more than 150 people attended the inaugural Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit. The event, held at Rocky Gap State Park, represents a milestone for the Department of Natural Resources.
We welcomed academics, park rangers, business owners, students, nonprofit leaders, and others who are engaged in outdoor recreation activities to the summit to build networks, share environmental stewardship ideas, and expand economic opportunities. As part of the event, attendees joined excursions and activities such as kayaking on Lake Habeeb, landscape painting at Rocky Gap, and mountain biking the Great Allegheny Passage. Other outdoor activities included campfires, birding expeditions, rock climbing, and disc golf. Read more…
Maryland Reports 2024 Early Deer Season Results
Deer hunters enjoy successful early season with increased harvest compared to 2023
Photo by Mary Pat Bozel, submitted to the Maryland DNR Photo Contest
Maryland hunters harvested 20,592 deer during the early portion of the 2024 archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 24% increase from last year’s official harvest of 16,631 deer for the same period. Read more…
Maryland 2024 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants Help Local Firefighters Enhance Wildland Fire Protection
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service has awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments in 18 counties across the state this year.
The funding helps volunteer fire companies enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities.
In 2024, 64 volunteer fire departments from 18 counties applied for funding assistance to help pay for $403,686 worth of projects. The Maryland Forest Service awarded $159,234 in match funding to help complete $331,551 in project costs statewide. The maximum grant awarded was $3,500 per department. Funds are provided by the USDA Forest Service. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 6
Frankie Goff hoists up this large blue catfish she caught at the Conowingo Dam pool. Photo by Don Goff
Maryland anglers will be dressing a little warmer this month, but the fishing action is still hot for a variety of species.
Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Opens November 16
Annual hunt is an excellent opportunity for adults to mentor young hunters
Photo by Chauntell Hawkins, submitted to the Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Maryland’s 2024 Junior Deer Hunt will be open November 16 statewide and in certain counties on Sunday, November 17. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of these days to introduce young people to the time-honored tradition of hunting.
The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 16. The season is also open on Sunday, November 17 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s counties. Also on November 17, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, may hunt on designated public lands. Read more…
Food Forests Bring Fruit Harvests and Deeper Connections to Land
Maryland Forest Service promotes the many benefits of making space for edible plants
Francis Smith, Maryland’s lead agroforestry planner, points out a persimmon at the White Marsh Park Edible Trail. Photo by Joe Zimmermann, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Enter the neat rows of the White Marsh Park Edible Trail and pick some persimmons, blueberries, or hazelnuts. If you follow their harvest schedule, you can pick them off the branch and take them home with you, at no charge.
The Edible Trail is what might be called a food forest, or a forest garden. It’s an example of agroforestry—a range of practices that incorporate primarily native fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs as well as herbaceous species and fungi into the landscape. Taking ideas from both forestry and sustainable agriculture, agroforestry aims to create multi-purpose areas that benefit people and the environment. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 31, 2024
Harriet Tubman State Park and Visitor Center. Photo by Casey Bennett.
Eastern Shore foliage has hit its peak for the season.
“We have had a slow start but are now experiencing those vibrant Autumn colors of deep reds, oranges and yellows,” Park Ranger Joanna Trojanowski reports this week.
Oak trees are still showing some color throughout the state, with red oaks bringing some of the most dramatic colors.
Western Maryland is nearing the end of its season, but there are still flourishes of color, and always plenty to see and do.
“While we are past peak, the woods remain wonderful,” forester Aaron Cook reports from Western Maryland this week.
Cook also reminds people that the fallen leaves can also contribute to wildfire season. The Maryland Forest Service and partner agencies contained two wildfires in Washington County this week; fallen leaves and dry conditions have further exacerbated fire conditions. Be sure to check for any localized burn restrictions and follow Maryland’s Firewise recommendations to protect our natural resources and your property. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – Late Summer 2024
Dissolved oxygen conditions continue to be better than average in August
Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show a smaller-than-average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early and late August. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 30
Herb Floyd enjoyed some light tackle fishing in the Chesapeake Bay recently, catching this red drum. Photo by Rhonda Floyd
A change of seasons is all around us this week, vibrant colors abound, the mornings have a little more chill in them, and anglers are enjoying fishing across Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2024 young-of-year index is 2.0, well below the long-term average of 11.0, and marks the sixth consecutive year of poor reproduction.
Efforts to rebuild the Atlantic Coast population of striped bass have been ongoing for several years. Although recent population estimates indicate improvement, low levels of reproduction will influence future conservation measures under consideration by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Board of Public Works Approves $900,000 for Park Improvement and Rural Land Conservation in Charles, Frederick, Worcester, and Other Counties
Funding approved for DNR’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement, Rural Legacy, and Program Open Space Local programs
Zekiah Rural Legacy Area in Charles County follows the watershed boundaries of Zekiah Swamp Run and is abundant with farms, forests, wetlands of special concern, and historic and archeological sites. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources items totaling $900,000 in grants to local governments and land trusts to improve parks and protect land with perpetual conservation easements.
Among the approvals was a $470,000 grant for a permanent easement through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) on a 75-acre property in Frederick County. This conservation easement will protect water quality in the Israel Creek and Lower Monocacy River watersheds by retaining forested and grassed buffers on the property in perpetuity. Israel Creek is designated by the Maryland Department of the Environment for use as recreational trout waters and public water supply.
In addition, more than $380,000 in Rural Legacy funding was approved for local sponsors to acquire conservation easements on two Charles County properties totaling 103 acres: Read more…
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days Offered in November and February
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel are afforded a unique opportunity to experience the tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 2, 2024 and Feb. 8, 2025. Read more…
Maryland State Tree Nursery Now Taking Orders for Spring 2025 Planting
Tree seedlings are loaded at John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is accepting orders for spring planting. The online tree seedling catalog can be found at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 125 Black Bears for 2024 Season
Photo by Mitch Adolph, submitted to Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Maryland hunters harvested 125 black bears during the state’s 21st annual black bear hunt held Oct. 21-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The 2024 harvest was higher than the previous 5-year average of 104 bears.
The 2024 harvest consisted of 52 male and 73 female bears. Total harvest from each county was 80 from Garrett County, 24 from Allegany County, 11 from Washington County, and 10 from Frederick County. The largest bear had a live weight of 650 pounds and was taken in Frederick County. An additional 16 bears (8 male and 8 female) were harvested between August 15 and October 27 by farmers with agricultural damage permits. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report for October 24, 2024
Greenbelt Lake, Prince George’s County – Photo by Vincent Chiang
In Western Maryland the foliage season is coming to a close, while trees on the Eastern Shore are hitting a midpoint. Trees in Central Maryland are at peak.
“In Anne Arundel, the sun-splashed yellow hickory leaves are sprinkled through the forest canopy. The red black gum are prominent while sweet gum are reddening up,” says Francis Smith of the Maryland Forest Service.
“In the Hagerstown watershed forest, the sugar maple, sweet birch, and tulip poplar are positively glowing with the fine weather we’ve had,” Forester Bob Schwartz reports. “These less developed areas with more extensive shallow groundwater flow seem to be avoiding the lackluster color predicted due to the drought this summer.”
The pine trees on Assateague Island are evergreen, but Assistant Park Manager Meghan Rhode said fall color makes its presence known, “Whether it is the orange of the monarch butterfly, the bright yellow of the goldenrod or red-brown coats of the Assateague ponies.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 23
Angler Manny Gomez caught a 27.1-inch spotted seatrout, also called a speckled trout, in the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Manny Gomez
Mild weather conditions and a full spectrum of fall fishing opportunities await anglers this week from the mountains of Western Maryland to the Atlantic.
With the fall fishing season well underway, anglers are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources’ volunteer angler surveys. This is a chance for anglers to directly help with fisheries management. The information you provide assists the Department’s fisheries biologists with collection of important data, including species caught, harvest (fish kept), total catches, and fish released.
The Gunpowder Falls Tailwater: Assessing One of Maryland’s Coldwater Trout Fisheries
Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff assist with netting trout during a survey of the Gunpowder River. Photo by AJ Metcalf/Maryland DNR.
On a brisk September morning, fisheries biologists with the help of an electrofishing pontoon barge and a 12-person net crew waded central Maryland’s most popular self-sustaining brown trout fishery searching for what lies beneath the surface.
Between the Prettyboy Reservoir and the Loch Raven Reservoir is a 17-mile stretch of fertile trout habitat, where wild brown trout have flourished since the late 1980s due to one of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ greatest success stories. Read more…
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