Maryland DNR reports increase in deer with chronic wasting disease, management area expanded

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced this week that 62 white-tailed deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease in 2024, a neurological condition affecting deer, elk, and moose. The discovery marks an increase in confirmed cases within the state, prompting an expansion of the existing chronic wasting disease management area. Of the positive samples, all but one were […]

Maryland expands roadside habitats to boost ailing pollinator populations

HANOVER, MD—The Maryland State Highway Administration is transforming roadsides and medians into thriving meadows for bees, butterflies, and other crucial pollinators as part of a statewide effort to combat habitat loss. Timed with National Pollinator Week, which runs June 16-22, the agency announced the expansion of its program to cultivate native plant ecosystems. Nearly seven new acres of pollinator-friendly meadows […]

Local angler breaks Maryland state record for Chesapeake Channa

BALTIMORE, MD—An Anne Arundel County angler has set a new Maryland state record for the Chesapeake Channa, also known as the northern snakehead, an invasive species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced this week that Matt Foreman, 43, of Crownsville, caught the 21.8-pound fish on June 7. Foreman’s record-breaking catch was made in the Susquehanna River below the […]

Maryland Natural Resources Police annual awards ceremony honors officers for exceptional service

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Natural Resources Police held its annual awards ceremony Thursday, recognizing conservation law enforcement officers and professional staff for their achievements in 2024, including acts of bravery and significant contributions to public safety and environmental protection. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and Natural Resources Police Col. Orlando Lilly presented the honors at Annapolis High School […]

Maryland approves $3.2 million for parks, trails across state

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works this week approved more than $3.2 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to develop and upgrade trails and park facilities in nine counties across the state. The funding, primarily from the Program Open Space – Local initiative, will support projects in Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Prince George’s, […]

Harford County high school student named 20th FishMaryland Master Angler

BALTIMORE, MD—Nathan Choinski, a 10th-grade student from Harford County, has been named the 20th Master Angler by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ FishMaryland program, recognizing his achievement of catching 10 trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland waters. Choinski, of Churchville, began fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic after friends introduced him to the sport and the FishMaryland program. What […]

Parkville man named 19th FishMaryland Master Angler

BALTIMORE, MD—A Parkville man has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award from Maryland’s FishMaryland program. The FishMaryland program recognizes anglers who catch and release ten trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland waters. Jeffrey Spicer achieved the milestone on March 16, 2024, when he caught a 32.25-inch Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) near Aberdeen. Spicer, who learned about the program from […]

Maryland’s Best kicks-off 2025 Ice Cream Trail with new digital app

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure! Maryland’s Best, the state’s marketing program connecting consumers to local farmers, officially launched the 2025 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail last week week at Misty Meadows Farm Creamery in Washington County. The trail features 14 on-farm creameries across the state, offering a delightful taste of Maryland’s dairy industry. These creameries stretch […]