Maryland’s tidal waters are visited by a variety of aquatic wildlife. Unfortunately, some of these animals find themselves stranded along the state’s shoreline, particularly between May and October. Since 1990, Maryland’s Stranding Response Program has documented strandings of 25 species of marine mammals and four species of sea turtles. On average, 40 to 70 protected […]
Continue ReadingThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on proposed hunting and trapping seasons for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The proposed regulations were published in the Maryland Register June 8, 2018 and would establish hunting season dates and bag limits for deer, bear, wild turkey, and small game species such as squirrels and […]
Continue ReadingTurtle walking over grass in the wildIt’s that time of year when turtles may be seen more frequently. Irresistible as turtles may be, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges people to resist the temptation and to leave these reptiles in the wild. Helpful Marylanders do sometimes move turtles off roads to protect them from […]
Continue ReadingIn the coming weeks, visitors to Maryland’s coastal bays and beaches can experience one of the world’s oldest migrations – horseshoe crabs emerging to spawn, as they’ve done here for the last 350 million years. Massive numbers of these “living fossils” will come out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean in May and June […]
Continue ReadingThe opening of regular striped bass season May 16, 2018 begins 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 are effective now through Oct. 12, 2018. Effective May 16, […]
Continue ReadingThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites new or experienced anglers to enjoy Maryland’s License Free Fishing Days June 2, 9 and July 4, 2018. This is a unique opportunity for Marylanders to test their fishing skills without the need to obtain a fishing license, trout stamp or registration. “Free fishing days are the perfect […]
Continue ReadingThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the results of the 2018 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which shows that the population of blue crabs remains healthy and sustainable. While this year’s cold weather and ice cover took a toll on the adult crab population, causing an estimated 35 percent mortality of adult females […]
Continue ReadingTo recognize the 150th anniversary of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to a free open house 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Sandy Point State Park. The celebratory event, “Great Outdoors Maryland,” will showcase the missions of law enforcement agencies and affiliated conservation […]
Continue ReadingRegistration for Popular Annual Program Now Open; 1,000 Slots Available The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has opened registration for Park Quest, the beloved family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities throughout the summer and fall by encouraging them to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, […]
Continue ReadingThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports 2017 was the third consecutive record-breaking year for underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay. An annual baywide survey showed 62,356 acres of underwater grasses were mapped in Maryland’s tidal waters, a 5 percent increase from 2016. This is the fifth straight year of expansion for […]
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