AccessDNR...your guide to everything natural resources in Maryland.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources - March 2013
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Tree Nursery 

Maryland.gov     

 

 

 

  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Connect with us on  
From the desk of...
Secretary John R. Griffin

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
---- Harriet Tubman 

Dear Friends,
 
Tubman, a true American hero, was a civil-rights advocate who led hundreds of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. This month, 100 years after her passing, we recognize Tubman for following her dreams, and using her strength, patience and passion to change the course of history.
 
On March 9, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and its partners are hosting a Centennial Commemoration to break ground on a State Park in her honor. The Park, located in Cambridge, is part of a multi-state, national tribute ---- the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway ---- to the Dorchester County native. The event will also include a Ribbon Cutting for the national Byway. Click here for details.
 
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park will serve as a significant educational and recreational resource to citizens and visitors alike, sharing her courageous life story and protecting the rural landscape of her birthplace. Through interactive exhibits, nature trails and spiritual reflection gardens, Tubman's legacy will live on for generations to come.

Sincerely, 
Secretary John Griffin's signature.
Stream Challenge Part II [Access DNR March 2013]
Stream Challenge Part II
[Access DNR March 2013]




Breaking News!  

Backyard buffers and disc golf. What types of videos do you want to see? Check out our video & let us know!  

  
 
Children love the Bay Game. Sponsors Sought for the Bay Game Activity Book
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites citizens, businesses and organizations to become a part of the 2013-2014 Maryland Bay Game through a variety of sponsorship opportunities! Now in its 16th year, this exciting activity booklet is given to schools, libraries, State Parks, and visitor centers to be enjoyed by children all summer long. Read more...
 
Maryland Stream Restoration Challenge Take the Stream Restoration Challenge
After selecting 29 proposals last August, the Stream Restoration Challenge is now accepting new applications through May 30 from local governments, school systems and non-governmental organizations looking to complete water quality improvement projects. This program provides service learning and environmental literacy activities for students. Grants totaling up to $6 million will be awarded to establish 1,000 acres of forested stream buffers by 2015.

backyardbuffer-3-2013 Green Landscaping Program Available for Homeowners
DNR's Forest Service presents Backyard Buffers, a program that provides tree seedlings to homeowners on or adjacent to a waterway. The free native trees and shrubs provide habitat for wildlife, reduce temperatures, filter polluted runoff and slow erosion. Sign-up through local Forestry offices.

One of the 2012 Forest Poser Contest Winners. Arbor Day Poster Contest Open to 5th Graders
Maryland 5th graders have until March 27 to submit a poster to the Trees are Terrific...and Maryland Forests are Too! contest. Posters will be judged on a county level, and then submitted to the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee to compete at the Statewide level. The top three winners ---- to be announced by May 1 ---- will receive tree plantings at their schools.

Trout stocking. DNR Begins Stocking Trout
The Fisheries Service has begun stocking rainbow and brown trout in streams and lakes across the State. More than 330,000 fish will be placed in 130 locations by the beginning of summer. Schedules, maps, updates and more are available online.



Junior hunt photo. Youth Waterfowl Day is a Success
The second of two Waterfowl Youth Hunting Days was held on February 9. Taking place during the peak of Maryland's migratory waterfowl season, participants and their adult mentors enjoyed the day's events, witnessing large flights of many different species. The next Junior Hunting Day in Maryland is a turkey hunt set for April 13 and 14.  
Waterway access Increased Public Access Planned for the Chesapeake
The National Park Service and State partners recently released the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan, which reflects the current condition of public access to significant streams, rivers and bays throughout the watershed. Upon completion in 2025, the number of places for citizens to get to the water will increase by more than 20 percent.

Clean Marina Certified in Baltimore County
Gene Piotrowski Wildlands Area Named for DNR Employee
The State has renamed the St. Mary's River State Park Wildlands in honor of Eugene "Gene" Piotrowski, a dedicated natural resource advocate and employee. Gene worked diligently within the agency for 32 years fulfilling many roles, including Director of Public Lands Policy for DNR's Office for a Sustainable Future. His legacy reaches across the Department and across Maryland's vast network of open space.

Buffer guide book. Published Buffer Guide Available
The Critical Area Commission and the Adkins Arboretum have developed a new publication to assist homeowners with planting and maintaining shoreline buffers. The Green Book for the Buffer provides information about critical areas and includes sample buffer management plans that can be used to satisfy requirements for new construction on waterfront lots. Hard copies may be requested by calling 410-260-3460.
Maryland Environmental Trust lands MET Hosts Informal Roundtable Discussion 
Join the Maryland Environmental Trust at the Boordy Vineyards from 12 - 2 p.m. on March 14 for an informal roundtable discussion. Topics include the capacity and long term survival of small land trusts, the future of monitoring permanent easements and more.