Maryland Natural Resources Police enforcing ‘Operation Dry Water’ to curb impaired boating

NOTTINGHAM, MD—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 will partner with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Operation Dry Water campaign of awareness and enforcement to reduce boating […]

Chesapeake Bay blue crab population shows healthy spawning stock

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday announced the results of the 2020 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which estimates the number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay annually. The 2020 results showed that the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population maintains a healthy number of spawning-age female […]

How to support local farmers, restaurants during stay-at-home order

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Food and agriculture businesses remain essential under Governor Larry Hogan’s Stay at Home order; including grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands, and restaurants offering carry-out and delivery service. In compliance with the governor’s order, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s marketing program, Maryland’s Best, is working to connect Marylanders with farmers and seafood producers providing fresh, local food products. The […]

Department of Natural Resources issues updated guidance on boating, hunting, and fishing based on Governor Hogan’s Stay-at-Home order

BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Monday issued an executive order instituting a Stay-at-Home directive. Officials say 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 the order does allow for outdoor exercise recreation, the Maryland […]

DNR announces closure of Maryland State Park beaches

NOTTINGHAM, MD—The Department of Natural Resources on Saturday announced the closure of all Maryland State Park beaches due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Following Governor Larry Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, all Maryland State Park beaches are now closed,” DNR said in a statement. All Maryland State Parks remain open, with the exception of the […]

Midwinter waterfowl survey shows rise in bird count

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources made visual estimates of the ducks, geese, and swans along most of the state’s Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic coast shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 627,000 waterfowl, which was higher than the 566,300 birds observed during 2019, but lower […]

Paramedic with Fallston Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company receives 2019 Baltimore Ravens Community Quarterback Award

FALLSTON, MD—A Fallston Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company paramedic has received a big honor. Edward Benesch, who is also a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police Reserve Officer, has been given a 2019 Baltimore Ravens Community Quarterback Award for his selfless contributions to the local community. Through the annual Community Quarterback Award, the Baltimore Ravens, together with T. Rowe Price […]

MDTA Board unanimously approves toll modernization package

BALTIMORE, MD—The Board of the Maryland Transportation Authority on Thursday unanimously approved a statewide toll modernization plan and an accompanying package of new payment options that will save Marylanders more than $28 million over five years. At a meeting in Baltimore, the Board also approved a contract for the MD 301 bridge replacement in southern Maryland and authorized $58 million […]