Chesapeake Bay blue crab population remains healthy, but still low

BALTIMORE, MD—The Chesapeake Bay blue crab population remained healthy in 2024, according to the results of a winter dredge survey released Wednesday, but the population is still low. The survey, conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, found 317 million blue crabs in the bay in 2024, compared to 323 million crabs […]

Maryland hits land conservation goal 6 years early

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday announced that the state has met its land conservation goal six years ahead of schedule. The announcement also said that Maryland has added more than 1.85 million acres of land to the state’s protected lands to date, and that it is on track to reach its goal of 40% land conservation […]

Maryland DNR announces $2.1 million in grants to protect land, expand recreational opportunities

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced grants totaling $2.1 million that will fund local government and land trust initiatives to protect land, expand recreational opportunities, and promote healthy outdoor lifestyles. The grants were approved by the state’s Board of Public Works and will support three projects, including the acquisition of 4.3 acres to expand the Brunswick Sports […]

DNR: Baltimore County deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease in 2023

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said 52 deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease in 2023. Of those, 49 came from Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties, with one coming from Baltimore and two from Montgomery. Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said they monitor […]

Baltimore County angler earns Master Angler Milestone Award

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore County man has caught ten different trophy-sized species of fish in Maryland, and has been awarded the Master Angler Milestone Award from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The award is given to recreational anglers who catch ten different species of fish. Adam Krauss, 21, is the ninth Master Angler to receive the award since it […]

Maryland’s striped bass emergency closure now in effect through mid-May

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the state’s striped bass emergency closure is now in effect and will remain in effect through May 15, 2024. This closure, which began on April 1, targets large migratory striped bass and is enacted to protect the species’ populations following several years of below average spawning success. The emergency […]