Maryland Department of Natural Resources

06/13/2026

ATTN. SANDY POINT STATE PARK VISITORS!

Power has been restored at Sandy Point State Park. The park will remain closed for the remainder of today while storm debris is removed so that the park may reopen on time tomorrow, Sunday, June 14.

06/13/2026

‼️ ATTN. SANDY POINT STATE PARK VISITORS:

Due to the overnight storm, Sandy Point State Park is without power and cannot open safely. We will update the page on our website when it is safe to open the park.

https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/sandypoint.aspx

06/13/2026

MARYLAND FISHING REPORT: Anglers are finding good fishing for Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) in many of the Chesapeake’s tidal rivers. The Conowingo Dam pool is always a good place to find them since it is a dead end to their travels. The Bush and Gunpowder rivers are favorites in the upper Bay; the Dorchester back waters and the Nanticoke River are Eastern Shore favorites, and the tidal creeks of the Potomac and Patuxent offer good fishing on the western shore.

At the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area, bluefish and striped bass are being caught by casting soft plastic jigs or drifting cut bait. Read more: https://ow.ly/rptW50ZaqFO

06/13/2026

Red sky at night… and the storm said, “Hold my thunder.” ⚡

Snapped in Anne Arundel County just before the weather arrived. Share your craziest sky pics from this evening below!

06/12/2026

📰: Community Parks and Playgrounds Program to Invest $5 Million in Local Outdoor Recreation for Fiscal Year 2027

“Community Parks and Playgrounds grants are investments in outdoor recreation that provide children with opportunities for unstructured play and access to safe natural areas across the state,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “For more than two decades, DNR has been working with local communities to make their visions for outdoor spaces into reality through this program.” Read more: https://ow.ly/eZwe50Zb53y

06/12/2026

📰: Governor Wes Moore Announces $31.5 Million for Ecological Restoration Projects to Improve Water Quality in Local Waterways and the Chesapeake Bay

The Fiscal Year 2027 environmental restoration projects were selected based on their ability to improve water quality and provide other benefits such as resilience to climate impacts, habitat enhancement, and environmental justice. DNR estimates the projects will reduce about 45,100 pounds of nitrogen, 6,400 pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 8,900 tons of sediment each year. In waterways, nitrogen and phosphorus fuel algae blooms that cloud the water and reduce dissolved oxygen when they die off, making it difficult for marine life to thrive. Read the press release:
https://ow.ly/gpP250Zb4Hh

06/12/2026

All state residents and visitors can fish without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. Annual license-free fishing days provide a unique chance to explore the state’s diverse fishing opportunities. They are also a great time for licensed anglers to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on Independence Day to take advantage of peak spring and summer fishing. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland.
All anglers must follow current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.

DNR also has dozens of resources to help new and experienced anglers, including an interactive angler access map and fish identification charts. In addition, anglers of any level are encouraged to sign up for the weekly Maryland Fishing Report, which provides up-to-date fishing information.

Any angler looking to make a positive impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay can use these free fishing opportunities to catch invasive species such as Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) and blue catfish. These fish threaten native species, but they are fun to catch and make a tasty, high-protein meal. There are no seasons or limits on catching invasive fish.

Aside from these free fishing days and certain license-free areas, anyone age 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a fishing license when fishing in Maryland. Licenses can be obtained or renewed online, in person at a department service center or participating retail sports license agents, or by phone at 866-344-8889. Fishing license, tackle, boat, and marine fuel purchases fund DNR’s fish conservation work.

06/11/2026

JOIN US: Full Moon Kayaking 🛶
June 28
9-10 p.m. at the New Germany State Park Lake House (weather dependent)

Experience the beauty of New Germany Lake under a full moon on this one-hour kayak adventure. 🌕

Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to register, please email [email protected].

06/11/2026

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completed a 71-acre planting project at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary's County in April that will help prevent rain runoff from reaching the Potomac River.

The Maryland Forest Service oversaw the planting of 31,990 native seedlings across 15 fields along the park's edge. The project expanded the riparian buffer, the area of trees and vegetation near the shoreline, from 100 to 300 feet in most areas.

Newtowne Neck is a 794-acre peninsula surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay, and the Potomac River. The park’s seven miles of waterfront make buffer protection central to safeguarding Maryland's waterways.

Riparian buffers intercept sediment and filter pollutants, including pesticides and fertilizers, before they reach the water. Tree roots stabilize banks and reduce erosion. The expanded buffer will also increase habitat and food sources for wildlife.

Staff from DNR’s Maryland Park Service and Watershed and Climate Services proposed the project after attending a training hosted by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science to develop a climate change adaptation plan for Newtowne Neck State Park. The primary recommendation was to increase the forested buffer around the peninsula.

The Forest Service selected tree species for the planting based on site-specific environmental and soil conditions to maximize survival rates. Species planted include: beautyberry, black cherry, black locust, blackhaw viburnum, chickasaw plum, chokeberry, dogwood, hazelnut, pawpaw, persimmon, redbud, red maple, red oak, serviceberry, tulip poplar, Virginia pine, white oak, and willow oak.

Contracted workers installed trees in rows to facilitate maintenance and mowing. Each seedling is protected with a five-foot tree shelter, which shields young trees from adverse weather, animal browsing and buck rub, trampling, and maintenance damage.

The 5 Million Trees initiative funded the project, with additional support from an Arbor Day Foundation grant.

06/11/2026

📰: Maryland Landowners Encouraged to Become Certified Tree Farmers

The Maryland Forest Service is encouraging landowners to become certified tree farmers to access resources to help them manage their land sustainably. Landowners who own between 10 and 10,000 acres of forestland are eligible to participate. Read more: https://ow.ly/vRRX50Zaa2Q