Maryland gears up for first-ever ‘Walktober’

BALTIMORE, MD—Fun fact: walking is Maryland’s official state exercise. This October, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is partnering with state and local agencies, nonprofits, and communities across Maryland to host Walktober, a month-long series of activities and virtual webinars promoting the state’s official exercise. Walktober features the October 7 celebration of the sixth annual Walk Maryland Day, as well […]

Governor Hogan announces statewide efforts to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias, Marylanders urged to exercise caution

For the latest Tropical Storm Isaias coverage, click here. ANNAPOLIS, MD—As the East Coast braces for Tropical Storm Isaias, Governor Larry Hogan announced on Monday that the State of Maryland has activated a government-wide response to prepare for severe conditions. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for most jurisdictions, in addition to several severe weather watches and warnings […]

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 […]

MVA to close all branch offices in response to COVID-19

BALTIMORE, MD—To help protect the health and safety of customers and employees, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will close all branch offices statewide effective at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20th. This operational change is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Branch offices will remain closed until further notice. All previously scheduled appointments are cancelled. Customers will receive […]

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 […]