DNR is acquiring additional acres for the state park
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has purchased 212 acres in Worcester County for an extension to Pocomoke River State Park. The acreage spans 1,400 feet of riverside and consists of two lots near Snow Hill, including the former Nassawango Golf Course. The acreage includes an additional access point for the Pocomoke River Water Trail and expands recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Maryland Wildland Firefighters honored for exemplary efforts in 2020
Maryland’s Wildland Firefighters who served on Interagent teams nationwide during the 2020 Wildfire season were recently honored in a virtual recognition event. Governor Larry Hogan addressed the firefighters with a recorded greeting, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio presented a departmental quote. In 2020, 65 members of the Maryland Fire Department participated in 103 sorties and worked on 28 different incidents in 11 states. 2020 Frederick County’s Interagency Wildfire Team members included Dakota Durcho, DNR-Maryland Forest Service, and Shaun Jones, non-DNR contributor.
New Brown Trout Regulations for Maryland Anglers
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has issued a new trout fishing ordinance that only requires catch and release in all put-and-take waters east of Interstate 81. The aim of the new regulation is to prevent the harvest of adult brown trout in the EU in the most pressurized waters of the state (put-and-take) and stressed population groups. The department does not store brown trout. A characteristic of brown trout is that they have cream-colored spots on a dark background. All other trout species in Maryland have dark spots on a light background. DNR encourages anglers to take the time to properly identify brown trout through a visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries.
Fish art competition for grades K-12
The Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest is open to K-12 students worldwide. The deadline is March 31st. To participate, create an original picture of the selected fish from the official fish list. Students in fourth grade and up should also submit a one-page creative writing work based on the behavior, habitat, or conservation needs of their species. The evaluation will take place in April and the winners will be announced in May. You can find detailed information and the official fish list at www.wildlifeforever.org, Email jluger@wildlifeforever.org or call 763-253-0222.
Bass Pro Shops recognized as one of the best places to work
Bass Pro Shops is recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Places to Work and ranks ninth out of 500 employers that qualified for the award. The results are based on an independent survey of 50,000 employees in 25 different industries who work for companies with at least 1,000 employees in US locations. The employees were asked open questions about their employer. For more information visit www.basspro.com/careers.
Register for Race for the Birds
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is holding its 21st annual “This Race is for the Birds!” Event virtual and live. The trails at Broomgrass Farm near Gerrardstown, West Virginia, will offer personal 5-mile and 10-mile run / walk options for all skill levels on April 17th. Virtual event options will be available for those ages 11 and up between April 9 and April 17 and attendees will email their results to Race4birds@potomacaudubon.org. The fun run for children aged 10 and over is only virtual. Registration for adult events is $ 30 through March 14. The fees increase on March 15th. The virtual event for kids is $ 15. All proceeds support the Potomac Valley Audubon Society’s programs and canned goods. More information at www.potomacaudubon.org/race or 681-252-1387.
