Choptank River Shore Erosion Project To Be Funded - 12/29/99
A project to stabilize approximately 450 feet of eroding Choptank River shoreline in the Lockerman Park area of Caroline County was approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works for a $3,625 grant.
New Year's Resolutions For A Healthy Future For Maryland's Natural Resources - 12/22/99
While making your list of New Year's resolutions for the new millenium, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers ideas that will help protect our state's most precious natural resource, the Chesapeake Bay, and enhance natural habitats for wildlife.
Christmas on the Chesapeake - 12/20/99
Poetry by John C. Hammond, Poet of the Sea. Christmas season on the Chesapeake is a special time and is brought to life in this work of art.
Commitment to Reduce Loss of Agricultural and Forest Land Critical to Chesapeake 2000 Agreement - 12/20/99
Commenting on the draft Chesapeake Bay Agreement released by the Chesapeake Executive Council December 8th, Chesapeake Bay Foundation officials expressed concern about the council’s inability to reach consensus on whether to set a numeric goal for curbing the development of agricultural and forest land in the Bay watershed.
The Fisherman - 12/17/99
Poetry by John C. Hammond, Poet of the Sea. Whether you are a young boy wetting a line or a seasoned veteran, the dream remains the same.
Officials Mark Beginning Of New Coastal Polluted Runoff Control Effort - 12/17/99
Federal and Maryland government officials gathered in Annapolis, Md., recently to sign documents approving the state's coastal non-point pollution control plan. Polluted runoff is a significant problem throughout the nation and especially in coastal areas and watersheds that feed into sensitive estuaries and coastal environments.
Spending Too Much Money When Cruising On The Bay? - 12/15/99
When you go out cruising in your boat for the weekend, where do you go? Do you spend the night in a slip at a marina, have a few drinks with dinner, maybe do a little shopping, or if something goes wrong have some repair work done? How would you like to save up to 40% on these and other purchases all
year long?
Gas Up Your Boat Safely - 12/15/99
Most boat explosions occur soon after refueling, according to BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of The United States). A spark and a half-cup of gasoline spilled in the bilge can blow a boat to pieces.
Here's how to gas up your boat safely...
Two Eastern Shore Rivers Opened To Shellfish Harvesting - 12/13/99
The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) will re-open two areas in Talbot County to shellfish harvesting. Effective Dec. 20, 1999, harvesting of oysters and clams will be permitted in designated sections of the Wye East River and Hunting Creek.
On-Board Bilge Water Filter Allows Unprecendented Sheen Removal - 12/10/99
Now, for the first time, an on-board filter device has been developed to remove 100 percent of sheen generated from oil, gas, diesel fuel and other hydrocarbons from boat bilge water. The device is so effective that bilge water can be sent through the system in a single pass and discharged directly into the water, free of all harmful contaminants.
Help Convince Congress to Pass the Estuary Bill - 12/9/99 Chesapeake Bay Foundation Action Alert - Would you like to see the federal government help leverage more money into restoration projects on the Bay? So would CBF! CBF has been working hard to convince the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Estuary Bill that was introduced by Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md). And, we have made great progress, successfully steering the Estuary Bill through two different subcommittees on the House side.
November Streamflows Low - 12/9/99
Below-average streamflows in November caused a drop in reservoir levels and could signal a return to drought conditions if the trend continues over the winter months. Streamflows generally increase monthly in the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. region from October through March, so the November decrease in streamflow
rates throughout most of our region is not following the average seasonal pattern, according to hydrologists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Baltimore, Maryland. The extremely low conditions of Autumn 1998 and Winter 1999 contributed to the drought conditions during the Summer of 1999.
New Chesapeake Bay Restoration Activities - 12/8/99
Emphasizing new guidelines to protect open space and curtail suburban sprawl, to enhance nutrient reductions, and to increase regional coordination of Bay protection efforts, Governor Parris N. Glendening today led the Chesapeake Executive Council in releasing the first public draft of Chesapeake 2000, the new federal-state agreement for directing Bay restoration through 2010.
Unique Holiday Gift Ideas For Last-Minute Shoppers - 12/7/99
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers last-minute shoppers a few gift
ideas that are sure to please that special someone, while encouraging the celebration of the outdoors and protection of our environment.
St. Mary's River Project and Potomac River Scenic Trail - 12/6/99
Funding for two projects important to Southern Maryland is included in the Fiscal Year 2000 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The St. Mary's River project will receive $100,000 and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail will receive $150,000.
Baltimore County Waterways To Receive Funding For Stormwater Management and Restoration - 12/3/99
Grants for design and construction of stormwater control facilities to control runoff and improve water quality were approved recently by the Maryland Board of Public Works for two Baltimore County watersheds and three stream restoration projects in Baltimore County also received funding.
Protect Your Boat From Damaging Winter Weather - 12/1/99
Winter can be hard on boats. BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of The United States) advises boaters to prepare their vessels now - or be prepared to pay for winter damage next spring.
Skipjack Fleet Named Historic Treasure - 12/1/99
State Comptroller and Maryland 2000 Chair William Donald Schaefer has named a task force to review and recommend the use of affordable insurance as a tool to protect the state’s dwindling skipjack fleet.
Chesapeake Forest Lands Not Yet Open To Public Hunting - 12/1/99
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Conservation Fund, a national land-trust conservation organization acting on behalf of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, have jointly acquired 58,000 acres of land on the Eastern Shore. These managed forest lands and wetlands are the former holdings of the Chesapeake Forest Products Corporation. At the time of sale, all of the 58,000 acres of the Chesapeake Forest lands were leased to individuals and hunting clubs. As part of the purchase agreement, the Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Fund agreed to honor the existing hunting leases. Therefore, hunters are advised that there is no public hunting during this hunting season on any of the Chesapeake Forest lands.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Oysters - 11/30/99
Each year during oyster season, the Maryland Seafood Marketing Program receives many questions from consumers concerning the purchase, storage, preparation and nutrition of oysters. Listed here are their answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
"Lights On The Bay" Will Be Brightest Ever - 11/29/99
Naval Academy midshipmen have been busy screwing in thousands of bulbs that illuminate "Lights on the Bay," Anne Arundel Medical Center's (AAMC) annual holiday fundraiser on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The drive-through display will run daily 5-10 p.m. from November 19-January 2 at Sandy Point State Park just off Route 50 on the east side of the Bay Bridge.
A Son of the Chesapeake - 11/24/99
Poetry by John C. Hammond, Poet of the Sea. A peek at growing up and growing
old with the Chesapeake Bay.
New TV Ad Campaign Aims To Pressure Maryland's Governor To Stop Site 104 Dumping Prospects - 11/24/99
U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st), an outspoken critic of the Governor's plan to dump 18 million cubic yards of dredge spoil in the Chesapeake Bay at Site 104, lauded a television ad campaign designed to put pressure on the Governor to back down on the state's plan to use the Chesapeake
Bay as a dumping ground.
Dramatic Tree Loss Costs DC Millions - 11/17/99
The District of Columbia has experienced a dramatic loss of tree cover since 1973, including a 64 percent decline in the most ecologically valuable areas with heavy tree cover, according to a new study by the national conservation group American Forests.
What Was Our Regional Weather Like 200 Years Ago? - 11/17/99
Washington D.C. weather of 1797-1798 detailed in rare book in NOAA's Central Library. A 200-year old manuscript, complete with water stains and other signs of aging, provides insight into Washington's weather from 1797 to 1798.
Holiday Turkeys Available From Maryland Farms - 11/16/99
For Thanksgiving Day cooks seeking the freshest possible turkey for the family feast,
nine turkey growers around the state offer a wide selection of the popular holiday bird's for sale.
Last year more than 600,000 turkeys totaling 15,000,000 pounds were grown on 49 Maryland
farms. For a traditional Maryland feast, try the special Skipjack Oyster
Dressing recipe at the end of this list.
Bill To Restore America's Estuaries Passes Key House Subcommittee - 11/10/99
A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) to help restore sensitive habitat to improve the health of America's estuaries including the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's Coastal Bays, was approved by a key House subcommittee last Thursday.
Maryland's "Bay Game" Receives Greater National Acclaim - 11/10/99
Maryland environmental officials knew that Maryland’s Bay Game was a hit by the overwhelmingly positive responses they received during opinion surveys. Additional accolades from academia and other organizations
were unexpected and continue to validate the game’s success as an invaluable educational pastime. Last month, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a not-for profit technical and educational organization, handed Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) its prestigious Public Education Award for creation of the Maryland Bay Game.
Governor Glendening Proclaims November 15 America Recycles Day In Maryland - 11/9/99
Standing before the HMS Rose, a 179-foot-long tall ship with sails woven from 126,000 recycled plastic
bottles, Governor Parris N. Glendening proclaimed November 15, the date of the third annual "America Recycles Day", as America Recycles Day in Maryland.
Millennium Duck Stamp Contest Open To Maryland Artists - 11/8/99
With the coming of the new century comes the opening of the 2000-2001 Maryland Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest. This year, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Friends of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, will sponsor the contest that inspires and promotes wise management of our natural resources.
Potomac River Flow Almost Three Times Normal for October - 11/5/99
In October, the average daily flow rate in the Potomac River at Little Falls was 5.4 billion gallons per day (bgd) or about 290 percent of the normal October flow rate (1.9 bgd), according to hydrologists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Dredging Back Creek In Dorchester County - 11/4/99
The Army Corps of Engineers has identified $10,000 to begin the engineering, design and environmental coordination needed to dredge Back Creek in Dorchester County.
Shore Erosion Task Force Hosts Statewide Public Meetings - 11/4/99
Approximately 31 percent of Maryland's 4,360 mile coastline is currently experiencing some degree
of erosion. Each year, Maryland loses approximately 260 acres of land along the Chesapeake Bay to shore erosion.
North Beach Stormwater, Shoreline Erosion To Be Studied - 11/3/99
Shoreline erosion and flooding in the town of North Beach, Calvert County, will be studied by the Army Corps of Engineers as the result of a new project funded recently by the Maryland Board of Public Works.
The EPA Should Reign In Factory Farms! - 11/3/99 Chesapeake Bay Foundation Action Alert -- Chicken and hog waste from factory farms in Maryland and North Carolina have washed into the Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina rivers, triggering outbreaks of the toxic microbe pfiesteria that have sickened people and killed millions of fish. A national standard is critical to the success of any farm pollution strategy because it will eliminate the incentive for factory farms to shop for more lenient jurisdictions.
Back By Popular Demand! Janes Island State Park Hosts Two More Paddle Adventures - 11/2/99
Come enjoy the unique beauty of Janes Island's marshlands while paddling along Ward Creek on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Forest and Park Service (SFPS) and the staff of Janes Island State Park invite you to a Picnic Paddle on November 13 and 14 and a Full Moon Kayak Adventure on November 19, 20 and 21 along the park's new water trail.
Ladybug Invasion! - 11/1/99
Many area residents become alarmed when large numbers of lady beetles aggregate on their homes in the
fall.
The Virginia Saltwater Review - Vol. 13, No. 25 - 26 October 1999 - 11/1/99
The Virginia Saltwater Review (VSWR) is published weekly by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The VSWR is a recreational fishing newsletter that is issued weekly during the months mid-April through October. A Fisheries Specialist contacts owners/operators of marinas, bait and tackle shops, and piers around the state to compile information on recreational fishing activity.
VMRC Invites Public Comment On Proposed Striped Bass Regulations - 11/1/99
The purpose of the proposed amendments, listed below, is to comply with an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries mandate that specifies that states must implement management measures which will achieve at least a 14% reduction in the fishing mortality rate on age-8 and older striped bass.
NOAA Issues Nation's Official Winter Weather Forecast - 10/28/99
The nation's top climate and weather experts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration today unveiled the winter weather forecast for the United States, saying that a lingering La Niña climate cycle of cold tropical Pacific waters will influence wintertime weather patterns through March.
Assistance Available For Erosion Damage Caused By Hurricane Floyd - 10/27/99
Up to $450,000 in federal funds in USDA's Emergency Watershed Protection Program are available for farmers and land owners for erosion damage caused by Hurricane Floyd in Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne's Counties in Maryland.
12th Annual OysterFest - 10/26/99
Once considered poor man's food, and later an aphrodisiac, the oyster takes center stage Saturday, November 6 at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's 12th annual OysterFest.
Historic Chesapeake Bay Ram Schooner Returns to Bay - 10/25/99
The American Tall Ship, Victory Chimes, disproves the adage that "You can't go home". Gone for most of the second half of this century, the storied National Historic Landmark is coming home to the Chesapeake Bay.
The Virginia Saltwater Review - Vol. 13, No. 24 - 19 October 1999 - 10/21/99
The Virginia Saltwater Review (VSWR) is published weekly by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The VSWR is a recreational fishing newsletter that is issued weekly during the months mid-April through October. A Fisheries Specialist contacts owners/operators of marinas, bait and tackle shops, and piers around the state to compile information on recreational fishing activity.
MD DNR Proposal To Reduce Catch Of Large Striped Bass For 2000 Fishing Season - 10/21/99
Overfishing of striped bass ages 8 and older (over 28 inches), up and down the Atlantic Coast, has prompted the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (of which Maryland is a member) to mandate a minimum 14-percent reduction in harvest of those fish in year 2000.
Maryland Rockfish Celebration Cooking Contest - 10/19/99
The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Seafood Marketing Program and the Maryland Watermen's Association are joining forces again to present the third Annual Maryland Rockfish Celebration Cooking Contest. The contest will be held on January 29, 2000 during the East Coast Commercial Fishermen's Expo held in the Ocean City Convention Center.
Radar Smart! - 10/18/99
Have you ever thought of investing in a radar system for your boat? This 8-part series takes you through why a radar system is important, what to look for in radar, how it works, choosing the right radar for your boat, environmental effects on your radar system, using your radar effectively, and adjusting for rain clutter. Consider it "Radar 101" not only for selecting your system, but jump starting you on how to use it to make your boating experience safer and more enjoyable.
MD DNR Stocks Trout At Locations Across The State, Encourages Anglers To Get Hooked On Fishing - 10/15/99
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces its fall trout stocking locations. DNR Fisheries Service staff have released more than 57,000 hatchery-raised adult rainbow and brown trout into selected fishing areas as part of the department's on-going efforts to provide and promote outdoor recreational activities to all Marylanders.
Preventing Propeller & Boat Strike Accidents - 10/15/99
There are nearly 12 million registered boats in the United States, 95 percent of which are less than 26 feet in length. These same boats account for as many as 80 percent of the underwater impact injuries in which people in the water are struck by a boat or its propeller.
During Fall, Increased Deer Movement Raise Risks Of Deer/Vehicle Accidents - 10/14/99
Brilliant leaf colors, migrating geese and cool breezes are nature's indicators that summer is gone
and winter is approaching. Plants and animals undergo many changes as Maryland's sultry summer changes to frosty fall. White-tailed deer become more active and move about their home range during the fall.
Making Smart Growth Smarter - 10/13/99
Smart growth must become smarter if Maryland hopes to control sprawl and the devastating impacts it has on communities, the environment, and quality of life.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Streamflow Has Increased and Ground-Water Levels Have Risen - 10/13/99
Streamflow has increased throughout the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. region, and ground-water levels at the end of September are mainly in the normal range for this time of year, according to hydrologists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
MD Mosquito Update - 10/12/99
In response to a recent rise in the Mid-Atlantic mosquito population and last month's encephalitis crisis in New York, State officials emphasized today that they have not seen any evidence of any West Nile mosquito-borne encephalitis in Maryland.
The Virginia Saltwater Review - Vol. 13, No. 23 - 8 October 1999 - 10/12/99
The Virginia Saltwater Review (VSWR) is published weekly by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The VSWR is a recreational fishing newsletter that is issued weekly during the months mid-April through October. A Fisheries Specialist contacts owners/operators of marinas, bait and tackle shops, and piers around the state to compile information on recreational fishing activity.
ASMFC Striped Bass Board Tightens Requirements for 2000 and Beyond - 10/8/99
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has decided to require that states reduce their fishing mortality on large fish, 28 in. and larger, by 14% in the year 2000. If the Commission does have a new management program ready to go by the end of next year, another 14% reduction will be required in 2001.
Boat Fuel Tanks 101 - 10/8/99
There Are No "Maintenance-Free" Metallic Fuel Tanks -- Permanently installed metallic tanks are assumed by the general boating population to be safe and reliable throughout the entire service life of the boat. The general boating public needs to become more educated about a product which many take for granted. Boat owners need to take an increased initiative in the inspection, care and maintenance of their boat's fuel system.
NOAA, EPA Set To Approve First State Runoff Pollution Plan in Maryland - 10/7/99
Maryland is one step away from being the first U.S. state or territory to get a final federal seal of approval on a state "coastal non-point pollution control plan" according to the two federal agencies responsible for reviewing the plan.
12,000 Acres To Be Protected By Rural Legacy Grants - 10/6/99
Demonstrating his commitment to protecting Maryland's natural resources and open space for future generations, Governor Parris N. Glendening has committed $25 million in Rural Legacy Funding to purchase and preserve more than 12,000 acres throughout the State.
The Virginia Saltwater Review -
Vol. 13, No. 22 - 28 September 1999 - 10/5/99
The Virginia Saltwater Review (VSWR) is published weekly by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The VSWR is a recreational fishing newsletter that is issued weekly during the months mid-April through October. A Fisheries Specialist contacts owners/operators of marinas, bait and tackle shops, and piers around the state to compile information on recreational fishing activity.
Maryland's State Parks To Receive $9 Million Investment - 10/4/99
Acting to preserve and protect Maryland's natural resources for future generations, Governor Parris N. Glendening has announced that he will invest $9 million to complete improvement projects in every major State park across Maryland.
Floyd's Effects on Maryland and Delaware Waters - 9/29/99
Now that the fallen trees have been removed, most power is restored, and the floods have started to recede, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) personnel have come in from the outdoors to dry off and start working on the streamflow and water-quality data they have been collecting since Thursday, September 16th, when Hurricane Floyd came through the area.
Impacts of Pfiesteria - 9/27/99
When toxic Pfiesteria piscicida microorganisms invade recreational waterways, summer tourism and seafood sales can suffer.
MD DNR To Hold Hearing Sept. 30 On Proposals To Reduce Striped Bass Fishing Mortality - 9/24/99
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on Sept. 30, to listen to public comments on a variety of proposals for reducing striped bass fishing mortality. The hearing will be held in the cafeteria of the Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave. in Annapolis, starting at 7 p.m.
Janes Island State Park Hosts Full Moon Paddle - 9/22/99
Come enjoy the unique beauty of Janes Island's marshlands under the light of the full moon while paddling along Ward Creek on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore.
Upper Potomac River Advisory - 9/21/99
The Maryland Natural Resources Police has announced, based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), that boating and other recreational uses of the Upper Potomac River, including creeks and streams should be avoided at this time.
Londontowne Marina Signs Clean Marina Pledge - 9/21/99
Londontowne Marina in Edgewater is striving to protect the resource that supports the recreational boating industry in Maryland: clean water. By signing the Clean Marina Pledge, owner Zeb Johnson Jr. and manager Glenda Felmey have committed to do their part to "keep Maryland's waterways free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients, and debris."
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Releases its 1999 State of the Bay Report - 9/17/99
Led by improvements in striped bass (rockfish), oyster, and shad populations, the Chesapeake Bay’s health improved slightly in the past year, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 1999 State of the Bay Report. The modest gains were offset, however, by increasing pressures on blue crabs and Virginia wetlands.
Virginia State of Emergency Declared - 9/14/99
In order to prepare for the potential effects of Hurricane Floyd, Governor Jim Gilmore has declared a State of Emergency for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.
Maryland Signs Deal To Secure State's Largest Land Acquisition - 9/14/99
Moving forward on his aggressive efforts to protect Maryland's natural resources, Governor Parris N. Glendening has announced that the State has completed settlement on the Chesapeake Forest Products properties, and will acquire over 58,000 acres of land on the Eastern Shore.
A Chesapeake Boy in the Bahamas - 9/14/99
On the heels of Hurricane Dennis and just a step ahead of Hurricane Floyd, your fearless publisher recently set sail for Bimini for a week long adventure aboard a dive boat. The trip was fantastic and Bahamas are beautiful -- but I'm not willing to trade my blue crabs for conch, so I'm glad to be home.
Virginia Angler Recognition Program Earns National Award - 9/3/99
At the August meeting of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame presented the Department with their prestigious annual Government Entity Award. This national honor recognizes outstanding service to anglers. State natural resources agencies and federal wildlife agencies are eligible to enter. The Department's entry, the Virginia Angler Recognition Program, bested 47 submissions from across the country.
MD Governor Lifts Statewide Mandatory Water Restrictions - 9/3/99
Declaring that the tremendous conservation efforts of Marylanders and last week's unusual amounts of rainfall had ended the State's immediate water supply crisis, Governor Parris N. Glendening has lifted the mandatory drought restrictions that he put in place four weeks ago.
Chesapeake Bay Initiative Wetland Restoration Partnership Wins Award in Maryland - 9/3/99
The Chesapeake Bay Initiative, a 10-year, multi-million dollar partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Ducks Unlimited (DU), has just received a Special Recognition Award of Outstanding Wetland Partnerships from Maryland Governor Parris N. Glendening, under the Governor’s Reward for Excellence in Environmental Nurturing (GREEN) awards program.
Streamflow and Ground-water levels still low - 9/3/99
Streamflow in parts of Maryland and Delaware increased last week due to the heavy rainfall. However, the higher flows were short-lived, and flows in most streams have begun to decline to the levels that were observed before the rainfall.
MD Announces 1999-2000 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons - 9/1/99
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Sarah Taylor-Rogers has announced the selected dates and bag limits for the 1999-2000 waterfowl hunting seasons.
Maryland Sportfishing Tournament Now On-line - 8/27/99
The Department of Natural Resources has created a tournament program that educates as well as recognizes anglers, and is intended to promote the wonderful recreational fishing opportunities in
Maryland by offering citations and patches.
New MD State Record Spanish Mackerel - 8/26/99
17 year old St. Mary's County resident Buddy Fuller now holds the new Maryland record for Spanish mackerel. The new record Spanish weighed in at 8.45 pounds, and measured an incredible 32.5 inches.
Virginia Recreational Fishing Advisory Board Seeks Project Comments - 8/26/99
The Virginia Recreational Fishing Advisory Board invites public comment on the proposed funding of projects currently being considered for funding from the Saltwater Recreational Fishing License Fund.
Fish And Water Being Assessed In Baltimore County's Middle River - 8/25/99
Following up on a call to Maryland's Fish Health Hotline, Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Fisheries Service biologists have found live menhaden, a small baitfish, with lesions in several creeks of Baltimore County's Middle River. There are no early indications of toxic Pfiesteria, no reported human health symptoms, and all other species of fish collected on Middle River have been healthy.
Volunteers Transplant Record Number of Oysters - 8/25/99
The spirit of Chesapeake Bay volunteerism was resoundingly demonstrated recently as the largest number of oysters ever transplanted by volunteers in one effort took place at the Horn Point Environmental Laboratory the week of July 12th.
Land purchase "a victory for the Chesapeake Bay" - 8/24/99
The expected purchase of 76,000 acres of wetlands and forests in Delaware and Maryland and Virginia’s Eastern Shore "represents a tremendous victory for the Chesapeake Bay, and for all who rely on and care about the Bay," says Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker.
VA Governor Gilmore Seeks Investigation Into VDOT Environmental Mishaps - 8/20/99
In a recent State Capitol news conference, Governor Jim Gilmore asked Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley to investigate recent Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) environmental mishaps, including unpermitted construction of the East-West Expressway on wetlands in Hampton
and a sewage sludge spill into Tuckahoe Creek during construction of Route 288 in Goochland County.
MD Officials Advise Caution When Recreating On Back Creek Off Manokin River In Somerset County - 8/20/99
Potential Health Concerns Being Examined; No Confirmation of Toxic Pfiesteria -- State officials are advising caution when boating, recreating and swimming in a 2 1/2-mile portion of Back Creek off the Manokin River in Somerset County. The advisory area extends from Raccoon Point up to the Millard Long Road bridge.
New Virginia Atlantic bigeye tuna record certified - 8/20/99
A 279 pound bigeye tuna boated by Shaw Hergenrather of Sterling, Virginia has been certified as the new state record for the species by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
Hurricane Camille's 30th Birthday Brings Reminder - 8/19/99
August marks the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Camille, the second strongest hurricane to strike the United States this century, and the National Weather Service reminds not only coastal residents, but also those living hundreds of miles inland, that rain from tropical storms can cause widespread flooding capable of extensive damage. The state of Virginia counted 113 dead with 39 missing with total damages amounting to more than $116 million ($534 million in 1997 dollars).
Atlantic Menhaden Public Hearings Schedule - 8/18/99
Last month the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission announced the release of the Public Information Document (PID) for Atlantic Menhaden for public review and comment. Nearly all the jurisdictions involved in the management of Atlantic menhaden have scheduled public hearings.
GPS Week 1024 Rollover August 21-22, 1999 - 8/17/99
GPS System Time will roll over at midnight 21-22 August 1999, 132 days before the Year 2000. On 22 August 1999, unless repaired, many GPS receivers will claim that it is 6 January 1980, 23 August will become 7 January, and so on. Accuracy of navigation may also be severely affected.
Great Backyard Bird Count 2000 on the Internet - 8/17/99
The National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology urgently need the help of North Americans of all ages to count birds this winter. By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count 2000, February 18-21, bird watchers, regardless of skill level, will help scientists document the status and health of our winter bird populations at the turn of the millenium, at the start of spring migrations. And you submit your results on-line and see the tally almost instantly!
Year 2000 Questions For The Recreational Boater - 8/12/99
Do you use: electronic communication equipment (VHF/FM radiotelephone, marine single sideband radio); GPS/DGPS; a fish finder; electronic navigation equipment (marine radar, Loran, depth sounder, sonar, chart plotter, autopilot); or sailing electronics? If you do, you need to contact the manufacturer to determine if a Y2K problem exists in the equipment and what needs to be done to correct it.
Catch Of The Day Is A 39-Pound Blue Catfish - 8/6/99
As Don Wilson, 16, cast his line in the early hours yesterday, little did he know that he would hook a new state record. Wilson, who often spends time fishing with his dad, was using cut herring as bait, a bobber and a 10-pound test line, when he caught the 39 lbs. 4 oz. fish, which is a new record for blue catfish in Maryland.
Study To Explore Strategies For Coping With Resident Canada Goose Populations - 8/5/99
In an effort to reduce human conflicts with resident Canada goose populations in
urban and suburban communities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced
that it has begun to develop a nationwide management strategy for resident
Canada geese.
76,000 Acres of Chesapeake Bay Wetland to be Protected - 8/5/99
More than 76,000 acres of forests and wetlands in Delaware and on the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia would be protected for conservation, outdoor recreation and traditional land use as working forests through an agreement jointly announced today by The Conservation Fund and the Hancock Timber Resource Group.
Virginia Coastal Birding Trail to be Developed - 8/4/99
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has announced the launch of the development of the Virginia Coastal Birding Trail.
Virginia to Expand Kiptopeke State Park - 8/3/99
The Trust for Public Land, a San Francisco based conservation group, recently purchased 170 acres of Virginia farmland and pine forest to sell to the state as an expansion of Kiptopeke State Park.
Chesapeake Drought Flirting with Record Lows - 8/3/99
Near-record low volumes of freshwater flowed into the Chesapeake Bay in July, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Maryland Governor Declares Drought Emergency - 8/2/99
Prompted by the most severe drought in more than 30 years, Governor Parris N. Glendening today issued an Executive Order declaring a statewide drought emergency.
Site 104 Victory! At Least For Now... - 7/30/99
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, announced Thursday that it will formally revise the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed placement of dredged material at Site 104, Queen Anne's County, MD.
Chesapeake Wildlife Sanctuary - 7/30/99
The Chesapeake Wildlife Sanctuary located in Bowie, MD is open 365 days a year to provide medical treatment to sick or injured wildlife and hand-rearing care to orphaned wildlife...all free of charge! Their goal is to provide free medical care to those wild animals in need and then return them to the wild, where they belong.
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge to Grow By 86 Acres - 7/30/99
The National Wildlife Refuge System will grow by more than 21,000 acres as the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission this month approved expenditures of $8 million for acquisition of habitat at 8 refuges, including 86 acres for the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County, MD.
MD DNR To Hold Public Meeting For 1999-2000 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations - 7/29/99
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Sarah J. Taylor-Rogers announced today that the Department will hold a public meeting to provide an opportunity for public comment regarding proposed waterfowl hunting regulations for the 1999-2000 hunting license year.
Virginia Mid-Year Boating Accident Report - 7/28/99
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the wide array of boating opportunities the Commonwealth of Virginia has to offer. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is charged with tracking this activity by registering and titling recreational boats for the state. VDGIF is also charged with compiling boating accident reports for the state.
Learn How To Adopt Your Local Stream - 7/28/99
Volunteers who live or work in the James, York and tidal Rappahannock river basins are invited to learn how to help clean up and monitor water quality in local streams.
Sharks in the Chesapeake Bay! - 7/27/99
The sandbar shark, sometimes referred to as the thickskin shark, is the most common coastal shark in Virginia and is a routine visitor of the Chesapeake Bay during early spring and into late fall.
Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan - 7/27/99
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has announced the release of the Public Information Document (PID) for Atlantic Menhaden for public review and comment. Release of the PID is the first step in developing Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
July '99 Fish Kill on the Lower Pocomoke River - 7/26/99
On July 22, 1999, Maryland Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Environment (MDE) responded to reports of dead fish on the lower Pocomoke River.
Portsmouth, VA Announces New Riverfront Project - 7/21/99
The City of Portsmouth has announced plans for public-private development of the Portsmouth Riverfront Performing Arts Center in the South Harbor area of Portsmouth. The plan is to build a high-quality 6,000-seat outdoor performing arts theater and festival park that will serve three currently unmet needs: cultural arts, contemporary entertainment and city festivals.
U.S. Rep. Gilchrest Seeks to Block Site 104 Dumping - 7/21/99
A bill which directs the US Army Corps of Engineers to dump dredge material at all other available sites instead of Site 104 passed the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.
Animal Waste Alternatives May Help Curb Nutrient Run-off - 7/20/99
Citing its importance for improving the ability of Maryland's farming community to meet new nutrient management goals, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Henry A. Virts and Secretary of Business and Economic Development Richard C. Mike Lewin today urged individuals and bio-science businesses to respond to the State's request for proposals to develop alternative uses of animal waste.
Maryland's First "Clean Marinas" Named - 7/20/99
Boating industry executives joined with members of the environmental community recently to celebrate businesses that have met the rigorous pollution prevention standards established by Maryland’s Clean Marina Committee and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as part of the agency’s Clean Marina Initiative (CMI).
Bay Program Officials Kick Off Chesapeake 2000 Project - 7/19/99
Federal, state and local officials representing the multi-jurisdictional Chesapeake Bay Program kicked off the Chesapeake 2000 project by urging environmentalists, legislators, boaters, fishermen, river enthusiasts, tributary team members, local government officials, businesses and interested citizens to voice their opinions on the most important issues facing the Bay and river clean-up effort beyond the year 2000.
Maryland Declares Drought Warning Throughout State - 7/9/99
In response to continued and widespread drought conditions, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued a statewide drought warning, advising that continued dry conditions could lead to severe water supply problems for Maryland’s public water systems and others.
On-line Coverage of America's Cup 2000 - 7/8/99
Quokka Sports has announced that it will offer digital interactive coverage of America's Cup 2000, the premier event in sailing. They will attempt to capture the sights, sounds and stories of the 149-year-old race.
Blue Crab Bowl Winners Go Shark Fishing - 7/7/99
In June, the winning team from the Blue Crab Bowl came back to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) campus to cash in on their first place prize, a research trip on the Bay Eagle!
NOAA Weather Radio - 7/7/99
During a night-time fishing trip, a charter boat captain on the Chesapeake Bay picks up a localized severe thunderstorm alert on his weather radio and moves his party to alternate fishing grounds. Not long after, an intense thunderstorm sweeps through his former fishing spot. Weather reports and warnings like the one mentioned above are broadcast directly to special radio receivers around the clock by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Weather Radio network.
MD Officials Review Details Of Ongoing Fish Kills - 7/6/99
As a result of recent drought-associated conditions -- not Pfiesteria -- the shallow creeks and coves, or sub-tributaries, of the Patapsco and Magothy Rivers in Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties continue to experience fish kills that officials primarily attribute to severely depleted dissolved oxygen levels.
Proposed 'Star Spangled Banner Trail' Includes Chesapeake History - 7/6/99
Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) has introduced a bill to start the process of establishing a
National Historic Trail to commemorate the battle that led to the writing of the Star Spangled Banner during the War of 1812.
Me? Sail Aboard an America's Cup Yacht? - 7/1/99
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation & America’s Cup Charters are offering a unique opportunity for companies and individuals around the Chesapeake Bay to improve teamwork skills, relive some of the greatest moments in sports history, and enjoy the splendor of a day on the Bay aboard one of three of the thoroughbred racing sailboats that contributed to the longest winning streak in the history of sports — the United States' 132-year defense of the America’s Cup.
Virginia Horseshoe Crab At Risk - 6/30/99
The National Audubon Society recently released "Horseshoe Crabs: Serious Business -- The Economic and Health Benefits of Strict Landing Limits in Virginia" a report detailing the importance of protecting the horseshoe crab for one of Virginia's fastest growing recreational industries - bird and wildlife watching.
Chesapeake's Health Hinges On Oxygen Levels - 6/29/99
The Chesapeake Bay is North America's largest estuary. Restoring it to its former productivity is an immense undertaking with enormous implications for Maryland and Virginia.
Bay Bridge Traffic Cameras On-line Live - 6/25/99
Going down the ocean, Hon? New on-line Bay Bridge cameras can help get you there. New cameras provide real-time traffic conditions to public via TV and Internet
4th of July Fireworks on the Chesapeake Bay - 6/24/99
What better way to spend the 4th of July can there be than on a boat on the Bay? Isn't that exactly what inspired Francis Scott Key to pen our national anthem? You haven't seen fireworks until you've seen them framed by their own reflection on the water. Here's a list of fireworks displays throughout the region.
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Facts - 6/23/99
The Chesapeake Bay blue crab has long been an important part of the seafood industry for Maryland and Virginia. Sure, we know how to catch, cook, and eat them - but what do we really know about these bottom dwellers?
Maryland Clones America’s Only Remaining Liberty Tree - 6/22/99
Linking tradition and technology, the Maryland Commission for Celebration 2000 (Maryland 2000) is cloning one of our nation’s symbols of freedom – the Liberty Tree on St. John’s College campus in Annapolis, MD.
Oyster Gardening - 6/21/99
Over the past several years, oyster aquaculture for the homeowner, or oyster gardening, has gained tremendous popularity.
Chesapeake Bay Grasses Decrease In 1998 - 6/18/99
The Chesapeake Bay's underwater grasses decreased by 5,740 acres, or 8%, Baywide in 1998, according to information released by the Chesapeake Bay Program. This decrease interrupts the improving trend observed between 1995 and 1997.
OpSail 2000: The Nation's Tall Ship Celebration - 6/17/99
The tall ships are coming...to the Chesapeake Bay. OpSail 2000's East Coast multi-port celebration will be the most inclusive of any tall ship event sponsored in the United States. In June of 2000, they will visit Hampton Roads and Baltimore.
MD Proposed Boating Regulation Changes - 6/15/99
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced possible changes to boating regulations
for areas of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. There are 11 areas under consideration for change.
The Veined Rapa Whelk - 6/14/99
Last fall, marine scientists said they knew too little about the fist-sized Asian snail discovered in area waters to fear it as an ecological threat. But now it's time to be frightened, they say. Nearly everything that scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences have since learned about the veined rapa whelk has made them worried that the alien species poses a serious threat to the region's seafood industry.
1999 Patuxent River Wade-In - 6/11/99
Retired State Senator C. Bernie Fowler will hold his 12th Annual Patuxent Wade-in on June 13th at 2:00 p.m. at Broomes Island in Calvert County. The Wade-in is part community gathering, part water quality measurement, and part baptism. Led by Fowler, community residents, school children, and local elected officials line-up along the shoreline and wade into the Patuxent to the point where Fowler says he can no longer see his feet.
Crab Pot Bycatch Reduction Devices - 6/10/99
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enacted a regulation effective April 1, 1999 which requires all recreational waterfront property owners who set crab pots attached by rope, line or pole in front of their property or privately owned pier or dock to attach a Crab Pot Bycatch Reduction Device (CPBRD) to each funnel or entrance to the lower chamber of the crab pot. This action was taken as a conservation effort to prevent air-breathing animals (turtles and muskrats) from entering and drowning in crab pots.
Maryland Bald Eagle Numbers Soar - 6/9/99
A record number of nesting pairs of bald eagles were found during this year's Maryland bald eagle nesting survey. The 260 nesting pairs exceeded the previous record of 232 nesting pairs set last year.
Code Red Ozone Alerts - 6/8/99
The past two days have seen record heat in the Baltimore/Washington corridor. This prompted Code Red Ozone Alerts for the region. As this dry, hot summer progresses this may become a normal occurence. Read on to find out what causes ground level ozone, what its effects can be, and what actions you can take to protect yourself and your family, as well as, keep ground level ozone in check.
Jane's Island To Host Canoe And Kayak Race - 6/8/99
The first annual Janes Island Power Paddle is scheduled for Saturday, June 12 at Janes Island State Park.
The eight-mile race is the third out of five races in the 1999 Delmarva Canoe and Kayak Circuit.
A Hurricane? In the Chesapeake Bay? Be Prepared... - 6/7/99
Last August, Hurricane Bonnie's wrath hammered the Hampton Roads area causing over $26 million in damages to homes, businesses and public facilities. Although the storm caused extensive damage, when Bonnie passed through Virginia, it was at tropical storm rather than hurricane strength. Find out more about how to prepare by reviewing the following tips; how to prepare a hurricane kit, what to do before, during, and after the storm, and how to safeguard your boat.
Boating Safety Should Top Captains' Checklist - 6/2/99
After a number of tragic boating incidents on Maryland waters in recent weeks, the message from Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on the eve of this year's boating season is simple: "Wear Your Life Jacket! Boat Smart from the Start."
Gilchrest Asks Governor To Delay Site 104 Dumping - 5/26/99
U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) has called on Governor Glendening to delay plans for dumping dredge material at Site 104 for at least 18 months.
Water Chestnut Rediscovered in Bird and Sassafras Rivers - 5/24/99
Water chestnut is an exotic species of aquatic vegetation that threatens to severely curtail water use of the Bird and Sassafras (Lloyd Creek) Rivers if the current population continues to spread.
Maryland Croaker Abundant In Chesapeake Bay - 5/21/99
Fishermen of the Chesapeake Bay are reporting abundant supplies of large croaker. Croaker, a member of the drum family, gets its name from the production of a loud drumming (or croaking) noise. Also known as hardhead, croakers contain delicate, lean white meat with a sweet flavor that ranges from mild to moderately pronounced. Here are some tips for both catching and cooking this great fish.
Possible Estuary-Associated Syndrome (PEAS) - 5/20/99 Centers for Disease Control Pfiesteria-related Notice Issued
A federal health agency has told the nation's doctors to watch for problems that could be associated with Pfiesteria, the microorganism blamed for sickening Chesapeake Bay watermen two years ago. The alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was not prompted by a specific public health concern - it comes as warmer, drier weather arrives to make conditions ripe for Pfiesteria piscicida.
Maryland Area Suspects Face Charges For Taking Striped Bass From Potomac - 5/19/99
Over a two day period last week, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) working in Prince George's County charged five individuals from the area with allegedly poaching striped bass, also known as Rockfish.
1999 Volvo Leukemia Cup Regatta Series - 5/17/99
VOLVO Cars of North America, sponsor of the 2001 Volvo Ocean Race, is pleased to announce its title sponsorship of the 1999 Volvo Leukemia Cup Regatta events, a series of 36 charity sailing events held throughout the United States benefiting the Leukemia Society of America.
VMRC Proposed Blue Crab Regulation Changes - 5/14/99
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on a proposed regulation, "Pertaining to Blue Crab." The purpose of the proposed regulation is to reduce effort in the hard crab and peeler crab fisheries, improve enforcement of crab pot and peeler pot limits, and to increase the size of the spawning stock of blue crabs.
Mercury Contamination of Shenandoah River Fish Worsens - 5/11/99
Mercury contamination of fish in the Shenandoah River system is increasing over time, posing significantly greater health threats to people who eat fish from these waters than state officials have previously reported, says the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
U.S. Rep. Gilchrest Introduces Bill To Restore America's Estuaries - 5/10/99
U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) will introduce The Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act, a bill which would help restore sensitive habitat to improve the health of America's estuaries including the Chesapeake Bay.
Virginia Marine Science Museum Ushers In Summer With Dolphin Watching Trips - 5/7/99
Bottlenose dolphins and Virginia Beach visitors appear to have one thing in common: they return to this coastal resort city every summer for some fun in the sun. Lured by the food-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, the marine mammals can be viewed up-close in their natural habitat on Virginia Marine Science Museum dolphin watching boat trips June 21 - Sept. 5. Museum staff serve as interpretative guides and educators to the thousands of wildlife enthusiasts on these popular two-hour trips.
Tulloch Ditching is Destroying Vital Wetlands in Virginia - 5/6/99
Last summer a Federal Court of Appeals decision struck down something known as the"Tulloch Rule" (pronounced "Tul-ic") thus allowing the drainage of vast tracts of Virginia wetlands.
MD DNR Announces Schedule Of This Summer's Boating & Personal Watercraft Safety Courses - 5/3/99
Bright sunshine and warmer weather means more people will be participating in outdoor recreation. In Maryland, that means boating in particular. Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) Supt. Col. John W. Rhoads reminds the public that no one born after July 1, 1972 may operate a motor vessel on the state's waterways without first taking and successfully completing a boating and personal watercraft (PWC) safety course.
Maryland Department of the Environment Issues Fish Consumption Advisory For Tidal Potomac River - 4/30/99
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) announced that large channel catfish, eel and carp caught in the tidal Potomac between the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and a line between Smith Point, Maryland and Brent Point, Virginia, may be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a suspected human carcinogen. The advisory pertains to only these species and therefore the vast majority of Chesapeake Bay seafood continues to provide a safe and healthy food that is high in protein and low in fat.
Volunteer in the 1999 Cooperative Striped Bass Survey - 4/28/99
The Cooperative Angler Striped Bass Survey was started in 1995 to obtain striped bass harvest data that is not otherwise available to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. And you can submit your data ON-LINE!
CCA VA Proposes 6 Point Emergency Plan to Save Crabs - 4/21/99
The Coastal Conservation Association Virginia (CCA VA) Fisheries Management committee voted unanimously
to ask the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) to consider a 6 point emergency plan
to protect depressed Virginia blue crab stocks by reducing harvest pressure particularly on prespawn females.
Duck Stamp Winner Keeps Artistic Honor In The Family - 4/14/99
An artistic vein seems to literally run through the Makuchal family of Girdletree near Salisbury. In two consecutive years, brothers in that bloodline have won Maryland’s Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest.
Striped Bass Poaching on Susquehanna Flats - 4/12/99
Just three days before a new striped bass catch-and-release program began in the upper Chesapeake Bay, three Pennsylvania men were charged for allegedly poaching the prized game fish.
Jellyfish Facts - 4/9/99
What types of jellyfish are there? Where do sea nettles come from each year? Why are there so many sea nettles in the Chesapeake Bay? As swimming season fast approaches, find out the answers to these and other "stinging" questions...
Second Span of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Opens - 4/6/99
A second span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is ready to open on April 6, 1999. Officials estimate this should decrease traffic fatalities sharply.
1999 Striped Bass Regulations Approved - 4/5/99 Including Susquehanna Flats Catch-And-Release
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin announced that the General Assembly's Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee has approved Maryland's 1999 recreational and commercial striped bass seasons and regulations.
25th Annual Bay Bridge Walk - Sunday, May 2 - 3/30/99
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) is encouraging participants to arrive early to be a part of history as the agency celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk and hosts the final walk of the 20th Century on Sunday, May 2, beginning at 9 a.m.
Chesapeake Bay Shorelines Get Help From New Trees - 3/26/99
Among spring’s new arrivals this year will be thousands of new trees along Chesapeake shorelines, thanks in part, to the efforts of Chesapeake Bay Foundation volunteers.
Four Maryland Marinas Take Clean Marina Pledge - 3/24/99
Managers at Sweden Point Marina in Marbury (Charles County), Deep Creek Lake Recreational Area in Swanton (Garrett County), and Jennings Randolph Lake Boat Ramp (Garrett County), all 3 of which are Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) facilities, and Mears Yacht Haven in Oxford (Talbot County) have joined the ranks of boating facilities seeking recognition for their environmentally responsible operations. Each manager has pledged to do their part to "keep Maryland's waterways free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients, and debris."
Boat Sewage Pumpout Program in Maryland - 3/22/99
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed a sewage disposal program through which sewage disposal stations for boats are installed at marinas.
Oyster Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay - 3/18/99 "Light at the end of the tunnel," for oysters, experts say
Oyster experts are "cautiously optimistic" about the prospects for oyster recovery on the Bay, thanks in large part to the commitment of more than 1,000 volunteers.
Help Virginia's Wildlife With Either a Checkmark or a Check - 3/17/99
Filling out an income tax form is not really for the birds. It's actually for the birds, turtles, frogs, crayfish, chipmunks, and a host of other mammals, reptiles and invertebrates that make up the category of nongame wildlife.
No Mosquitoes. No Pesticides. No Problem. - 3/16/99
Your days of swatting mosquitoes are over. Ditto black flies, no-see-ums, and sand flies.
A new, non-toxic trap is just as attractive to biting insects as humans are.
Called The Mosquito Magnet(TM), the patent-pending trap kills thousands of
insects a day without pesticides.
Operation Golden Hill - 3/15/99
A joint four-year investigation into alleged wildlife conservation offenses at an exclusive hunt club conducted by Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) in conjunction with Dorchester County State's Attorney Michael C. Maloney, culminated with the arrest of five Eastern Shore men and others from around the country yesterday. If convicted, defendants face thousands of dollars in fines and possible jail time.
Potomac Watershed Cleanup, March 27 - 3/12/99
The Eleventh Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup, to be held Saturday, March 27, 1999 from 9:00 am to noon, will be the largest ever. Winter rains have washed countless tons of trash onto the shores, and help is needed to collect this unsightly debris that mars the beauty of the river and poses a hazard to wildlife.
Enjoying Maryland Crabs - 3/11/99
It's almost that time of year again when everybody's buying, catching, cooking and eating Maryland steamed crabs. The Maryland season opens April 1st.
Off-Season Boating, Cold Shock, and Hypothermia - 3/10/99
After our recent article from the National Safe Boating Council on cold water boating, we received many responses regarding some of the claims made in the piece -- especially with regard to the recommended clothing for cold-water boating. This follow up article by Charles Sutherland examines this issue in much greater detail and provides information that may very well save your life.
Chesapeake Bay Pro/Am Fishing Tournament - June 25, 26, 27th - 3/9/99
Make sure you mark you calendars for the Solomons Charter Captains Association 1999 Chesapeake Bay Pro/Am Fishing Tournament coming up June 25, 26, and 27th. It's a three day weekend full of fun, fishing & festivities.
What a difference a year makes -- Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River flow below average in February - 3/8/99
At the end of February 1998, streamflow in the Potomac River at Washington, DC, and total freshwater inflow to the Chesapeake Bay were the highest on record, at about 39.9 billion gallons per day (bgd) and 152.4 bgd, respectively, according to the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS). At the end of February 1999, streamflow in the Potomac at Washington, DC was only 38% of the average streamflow (about 4.0 bgd; average is 10.4 bgd). Total freshwater inflow to the Chesapeake Bay was 66% of average (about 45.5 bgd; average is 68.7 bgd).
DNR Releases Results Of 1999 Maryland Midwinter Waterfowl Survey - 3/5/99
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin announced the results of the 1999 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey. The total waterfowl counted in Maryland this year was 881,100 compared to 665,800 in 1998. Higher number of several dabbling duck species, ruddy ducks, mergansers, and Canada geese accounted for the increase in waterfowl this winter. Canada goose estimates were 396,700 this winter compared to 275,100 in 1998.
Maryland Farmers Markets - 3/4/99
It's getting close to that time of year again. Spring is right around the corner and with it comes the beginning of the availability of local fruits and vegetables. Here's a list of Maryland farmers markets in the Chesapeake Bay region ordered by county, alphabetically.
Zebra Mussels: A Threat to the Chesapeake Bay - 3/2/99
Zebra mussels - which have already caused millions of dollars of environmental and economic damage in the Great Lakes region - have entered the headwaters of the Susquehanna River. Expectations are that these molluscs will spread into the Chesapeake Bay within the year.
MD DNR Sends 1999 Proposed Striped Bass Regulations to MD General Assembly - 3/1/99
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin has asked the General Assembly's Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee to approve changes in Maryland's 1999 striped bass seasons.
On Second Anniversary of Sparrows Point Consent Decree, Bethlehem Steel Still Polluting Chesapeake Bay - 2/26/99
February 25, 1999 marked the second anniversary of Bethlehem Steel's promises to reduce pollution from its Sparrows Point plant in exchange for settling state and federal lawsuits. Since those promises were made very little has been done that has resulted in less pollution on the site. In addition, the company actually has asked the state to increase the amount of copper and nickel that its Sparrows Point facility is allowed to dump in Baltimore Harbor.
Swan Harbor Farm And Rockfield Park Improvements In Harford County - 2/25/99
To improve recreational opportunities for residents in Harford County, Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of $153,750 from Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements to Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace and Rockfield Park in Bel Air. In 1994, POS funds helped preserve the 461-acre Swan Harbor Farm for public access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Restoring Chesapeake Bay Grasses - 2/24/99
Beneath the surface of the Chesapeake Bay, a vibrant community teems with diverse life, a world where scores of aquatic organisms, such as the world famous Chesapeake blue crab and juvenile fish like spot and croaker, take refuge among the green, lush Bay grasses. Also called submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), underwater grasses have always been an essential part of the Bay’s fragile ecosystem.
Can You Survive The Cold Water Test? - 2/23/99
Over the years, many of the fatal boating accidents in this country have occurred in the "out-of-season" months when the water is cold. It is the prepared boater who can handle the situation when suddenly thrust into cold water. How prepared would you be? Test your knowledge on how much you know, it just may add to your survival.
Stop Open Bay Dumping at Site 104 - 2/22/99
Site 104 is an 1800-acre open water site, approximately 4 miles in length and 3/4 mile in width, located roughly a mile off the shore of the northern tip of Kent Island, extending southward toward the Bay Bridge. Bottom depths at the site range between 40 and 70 feet. Site 104 is being proposed as a placement site for 18 million cubic yards of material dredged from shipping channels.
Do Some Internet Homework Before Heading to Boat Shows - 2/19/99
It's boat show time again, and your thoughts may be turning to the coming spring and summer. Whether you
imagine yourself on the water going after your favorite gamefish or enjoying a day of waterskiing with the family, your local boat show is likely to have just what you are looking for. With all those boats and motors to choose from at the show, it pays to do your homework ahead of time so you will know
exactly what you want.
National Weather Service Marks Centennial of Benchmark Cold Wave - 2/18/99
One hundred years ago last week [February 1899] an arctic blast froze two-thirds of the nation, setting records that stand today. A blizzard paralyzed the Eastern Seaboard and for only the second time in recorded history, the Mississippi River brought ice to the Gulf of Mexico.
Virginia Marine Resources Commission - Summer Flounder Regulations Proposal - 2/17/99
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to "Regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., Pertaining to Summer Flounder." The purpose of the amendments is to reduce recreational harvest of summer flounder in Virginia by 40 percent and to comply with the provisions of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Summer Flounder.
Atlantic Menhaden - A fishery in trouble? You be the judge... - 2/12/99
There are opposing views as to whether this fishery is in trouble. One side states the resource is healthy and abundant, while the careful eyes of conservation groups like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Acid Rain Foundation see another story unfolding.
Governor Glendening Announces Protection For Important Endangered Species Habitat - 2/11/99
Continuing to ensure protection of important habitat for threatened and endangered species in Maryland, Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of the use of $674,000 from the Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space, to purchase three properties totaling more than 560 acres.
Can We Bring Back Sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay? - 2/10/99
That giant 500-pound sturgeons once roamed the bottom waters of Chesapeake Bay tributaries and were once part of a thriving Bay fishery may come as a surprise to those who associate sturgeon caviar with Russia's Caspian Sea. That these ancient creatures are no longer native to the Chesapeake should be less of a surprise, conditioned as we are to the impact of human activities on other once-abundant species, oysters and shad and herring and submerged grasses.
Dredged Material Dumping at Poplar Island - 2/9/99
The Maryland Port Authority is desperately looking for places to dump the sand and silt cleaned out of Maryland's shipping channels leading to Baltimore.
Shipyard TBT Legislation Would Allow Long-term Pollution - 2/4/99
Three Virginia shipyards are seeking legislation in the General Assembly that could delay for more than a decade their compliance with Virginia’s water quality standards for tributyltin, one of the most toxic chemicals ever made.
New Virginia Boating Laws for 1999 - 2/3/99
There are several new Virginia boating laws that take effect in 1999. If you boat in any Virginia waters, you should be aware of these changes.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation names Conservationist of the Year and Environmental Educator Of The Year for 1998 - 2/2/99
Dr. Candie Wilderman, associate professor and chair of the Environmental Studies Department at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., and John R. Griffin, secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, were honored on Friday, January 29, at a luncheon at Harbor Inn Pier 5 in Baltimore...
The Conservationist of the Year award has been given annually since 1980. The Environmental Educator of the Year award was first awarded in 1997.
VA Anglers Earn Record Number of Citations in 1998 - 1/28/99
Anglers registered 6133 trophy-size fish for Citation awards during the 41st Annual Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, which ran from January 1st through
December 31st last year.
Adopt-A-Stream: Volunteer to clean up Virginia’s waters - 1/27/99
Most people who spend any time on Virginia roads would probably recognize Adopt-A-Highway signs. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is now working to see that a similar program aimed at reducing litter in Virginia’s creeks, streams and rivers will soon be just as recognizable.
Governor Glendening Calls For Increased Focus On Green
Infrastructure - 1/19/99
Bay grass losses in Tangier Sound illustrate need to improve water quality
Emphasizing the interconnection of land use and daily activities to the health of Maryland's natural resources, Governor Parris N. Glendening today called for an increased focus on the State's "green" infrastructure in a keynote address to the Fifth Annual Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit in Annapolis.
1999 Proposed Rockfish Regulations - 1/12/99
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin is asking the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) for approval to provide additional fishing opportunity for recreational striped bass anglers.
