Trout stocking in autumn begins in October
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will begin trout stocking for the fall in October. Thousands of brown, golden and rainbow trout are released in several streams, ponds and lakes across the state. As a reminder, new brown trout regulations are in effect now that require catch-and-release fishing only in all put-and-take trout areas and all waters east of Interstate 81. Anglers should take the time to properly identify brown trout not stored by DNR – when fishing in catch-and-release waters. Anglers can log in for up-to-date information on the stocks dnr.maryland.gov or can call a recorded hotline at 800-688-3467 which is updated on Fridays.
Urban Wildlife Conservation Day events October 2nd
Patuxent Research Refuge, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, celebrates Urban Wildlife Conservation Day with a variety of outdoor skill building activities in the visitor center and in areas in the south and north wings. The Tram Loop Trail opens for hiking and biking from Walk on the Wild Side. Rodney Stotts and his live birds of prey will be in the theater at 1pm (registration recommended). Visitors can try kayaking on Cash Lake with a free introductory lesson. Registration required. Archery, pellet gun and fishing sessions as well as an interactive nature walk will be held in the North Tract, registration required. To sign up for activities call 301-497-5887.
No ORV daily use fee for trails in Savage River
Maryland DNR removed the $ 9 daily fee to ride the St. John’s Rock off-road trail in the Savage River State Forest in Grantsville. DNR has also done away with pre-registration. Additionally, St. John’s Rock’s primitive camping area is now open to all campers, not just hikers. The campsites can be reserved at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
Md. Chapter Trout Unlimited to present programs on brown trout
A series of Zoom presentations will highlight the efforts of Maryland Chapter Trout Unlimited and a consortium of partners including state and federal agencies working to protect the native brown trout populations in Upper Gunpowder Falls Watershed. The series “Clean, clear, cold water – protection of our waterways, bay and preservation of the native brown trout” – offers guest speakers on specific topics. Stream buffers and Maryland grant funds will be the topic on October 12; Upper Gunpowder Falls Brown Trout and Habitat on November 15th and Best Land Management Practices on December 13th. All start at 7pm. Further information and pre-registration can be found at Wildlifeforever.org/home/state-fish-art.
DNR photo contest winners announced
“A raven eating breakfast,” a photo by Nathaniel Peck of Flintstone, was chosen as the grand prize winner of the Natural Resources Photo Contest. Almost 2,000 photos were submitted by more than 400 photographers in this year’s competition. Peck received $ 500, a Maryland State Parks Pass, a subscription to Maryland Natural Resource Magazine, and five copies of the 2022 calendar with the winning picture on the cover. The photo entry “Fan Favorite” is still open. You can vote for your favorite on the DNR Facebook page until October 20th.
Out of state RV campers pay more in Oregon
Starting in 2022, non-resident RV campers in Oregon State Parks will pay a 25 percent fee for RV parking at dozen of campsites due to increased demand for the parking spaces, according to the Statesman Journal. The fee applies to everything from small pop-up trailers to large RVs. This year, RV sites are between $ 24 and $ 40; For the next year, the non-resident fee will be $ 30 to $ 50.
