Department of Natural Resources increases use of radar, cameras to take on poaching

SALISBURY -- To better monitor the Chesapeake Bay and reduce poaching, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is moving toward enhanced and increased surveillance.

Later this year, the Maritime Law Enforcement Information Network is scheduled to go online. The network, which will consist of camera and radar units, is part of an initiative to upgrade the Maryland Natural Resources Police's fleets.

"This will give us 24/7 surveillance of areas in the Chesapeake and it provides us with information about what's going on out in maritime waters," said Lt. Art Windemuth, NRP spokesman. "It allows us to better protect our maritime structure that is so vital to the state's economic success."

More here.

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EPA Awards $300K To Help Potomac Highlands Region

Apr. 26, 2012

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Rivers recently awarded a $300,000 grant to Frostburg State University (FSU), the Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council (WMRCD), and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce flooding, restore forests, and promote local food production in the Potomac Highlands region.

In the past, many of the region's streams have been damaged by harmful logging, mining, dams, and other development, noted U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin.

The $300,000 grant is part of a comprehensive initiative to help protect and restore rivers in the Potomac Highlands region. WMRCD is partnering with FSU, the DNR, and others to convert unused mined land into a five-acre greenhouse complex designed to train community members for high quality jobs, while producing local food and tree seedlings to be used in restoration projects throughout the region.

"This grant is a win-win for everyone involved because it represents a true partnership in which Frostburg State, the WMRCD and the DNR have joined with EPA and American Rivers to initiate a comprehensive environmental restoration effort that will create jobs and help restore the Potomac watershed," said Cardin, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee. "Contamination from mining activities and other development can have a devastating effect, and this grant will help restore the area's rivers, streams and forests."

The environmental, social and economic benefits include reducing runoff that contributes to Potomac basin flooding and acid mine drainage,;re-establishing natural forest habitat on strip-mined lands; creating two permanent, sustainable jobs, and a training facility that will help create additional job opportunities; and providing local healthy food to the residents of western Maryland.

American Rivers is implementing the EPA grant program that awards local, innovative solutions to benefit clean water and local economies. A total of $1.3 million is being awarded to seven projects to protect rivers and clean water in the Potomac Highlands region of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The Highlands region is the headwaters of the Potomac River, which flows through the nation’s capital. Cardin noted the region's forests and streams provide rich habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants, as well as an increasingly popular recreation and tourism destination.

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DNR talks Savage River trout at open house

Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News


CUMBERLAND — More than 30 people came to an open house Saturday to hear about brook trout management in the upper Savage River drainage, some traveling from as far away as Baltimore and Sugar Grove, W.Va.
The Maryland Fisheries Service, a part of the Department of Natural Resources, conducted the meeting at Allegany College of Maryland to discuss impacts of special regulations in place for brookie fishing during the past five years.
Beginning in 2007, the use of bait and the keeping brook trout in 111 miles of the river’s drainage was prohibited. Much of the drainage is made up of tributaries flowing into the Savage River Reservoir or the river that feeds it.
“There has been no significant improvement (in the brookie population),” said Don Cosden, chief of the freshwater fish management. “In fact, there has been a drop across the board.”
Cosden said bad reproduction of baby brookies throughout the study period have made the results inconclusive. Robert Hilderbrand, PhD, of the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Sciences, Appalachian Lab in Frostburg, directed the study.
Reproduction was poor, Cosden said, because of high water flows in some years and low water flows in others.
Visitors to the open house were given the opportunity to supply written comments about the brook trout management.
“We had the gamut,” Cosden said. “Some passionately told us we had made the wrong decision (with the regulations). Some agreed with the regulations and some wanted the regulations to be even more strict, such as a moratorium on fishing.”
The complete study is available at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries as is a place for online comments.
Cosden said all public comments will be reviewed and considered in future management decisions.
Doug Oxford, Oakland, said he is an avid Garrett County brook trout fisherman who has mixed emotions about the regulations.
“In 1987, a friend and I would start at the top of Poplar Lick and fish all the way to the bottom. We would catch 200 brook trout using small red garden worms and hooking them in the lips. We put them all back,” he said.
On the other hand, Oxford said he doesn’t think all fishermen have the knowledge and skill to use bait to catch brook trout in that manner. More fish die that swallow hooks into their throats or gullets, according to Hilderbrand.
The regulation will remain unchanged for now, Cosden said. The agency will continue annual population surveys of brook trout by shocking them with electric current for weighing and measuring before their return to the water.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.

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As Temperatures Drop, Stay Smart, Stay Safe

As temperatures drop to near-freezing, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds everyone to stay smart and stay safe during the winter months. Cold weather safety hazards are hard to see, especially at night, and even a small mistake can lead to serious injury or worse.

“We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy all of the recreational opportunities this season brings,” said Colonel George F. Johnson IV, Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. “However, be mindful that there are cold-weather dangers that require increased preparation and awareness.”

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Despite some concerns, Deep Creek Lake relatively healthy

Elaine Blaisdell
The Cumberland Times-News Wed Nov 16, 2011, 11:30 PM EST

OAKLAND — Despite some issues, three years of data show Deep Creek Lake is healthy, John Griffin, secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday.

“(The lake has) good water quality, diverse plant and animal life and a moderate load of nutrients. That’s not to say there aren’t some areas of concern,” Griffin said during a public meeting in Oakland.

Those concerns include an invasive aquatic plant known as Eurasian water milfoil, the deaths of about 1,000 fish last year, deepening sediment in some coves and low water levels.

“I think we our on the verge of a new era,” Griffin said. “Generally the lake is healthy and we want to keep it that way and that means we need to develop a much more prominent relationship with everyone with the county and the town of Friendsville to keep it the way it is and solve some of these problems so they don’t become major problems.”

Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, wants the state to help promote a positive image of the lake, noting that a negative portrayal could have an effect on tourism and real estate.

“We need you guys to help to spread the message that the lake is in good health because, right now, the only message that is out there is about sewage spills, fish kills, that the lake is in poor health or sediment is filling it in,” said Christian. “Not that there aren’t issues, but we need to handle those issues here locally working with our partners. We don’t really need that battle fought in the media.”

Sixteen sites are used to monitor lake conditions and the water is tested and sampled during all seasons, said Bruce Michael, the DNR’s director of resource assessment. The agency is establishing a water treatment program that will assess trends in data and look at potential impacts of development and land use changes.

“We want to make sure we assess the health of the lake at these potential impacts,” Michael said.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Friendsville Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle, Councilman Jess Whittemore and Charlie Walbridge of American Whitewater spoke about the importance of lake levels to the whitewater rafting businesses in Friendsville.

Griffin said recreation on the lake is important and that one of DNR’s goals is to continue to preserve the lake and maintain it as a recreational and economic asset for the county and the state.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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Md. DNR investigating possible spread of invasive aquatic plant in Deep Creek Lake

DAVID DISHNEAU Associated Press
First Posted: November 15, 2011 - 4:01 am
Last Updated: November 15, 2011 - 8:07 pm

OAKLAND, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday it is taking a closer look at an invasive aquatic plant in Deep Creek Lake that some area residents say could strangle the boating opportunities that make the mountain reservoir a tourist magnet.

Agency officials said at a public meeting that they will assess the distribution of Eurasian water milfoil across the entire lake over the next year and advise property owners on how to limit its effects.

"We realize that there's been a lot of a lot of concern over the last year. People are complaining that it's exploding over the lake," said Bruce D. Michael, director of resource assessment.

The weed, called EWM for short, is a green, leafy plant with long, slender stalks. It grows in water up to 20 feet deep and forms dense mats that can entangle swimmers and hinder boats. It first arrived in Wisconsin in the 1960s and has become a nuisance nationwide.

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DNR suspending fishing licenses of 60 offenders

New regulations implemented in spring
Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Wed Sep 14, 2011, 11:31 PM EDT

CUMBERLAND — Acting for the first time on newly implemented regulations, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources intends to suspend the fishing licenses of 60 recreational anglers.

“We were given legislative authority in 2009 for suspensions and revocations and this spring the guidelines were implemented,” Thomas O’Connell, director of the Fisheries Service, said Wednesday. “Fishermen need to follow the rules or know that there are consequences.”

Even first-time offenders may face a suspension for violations such as exceeding the trout creel limit in put-and-take waters or possessing trout while in a catch-and-return area. Other qualifying violations include the possession of trout in a zero-creel-limit area, too many or wrong-sized yellow perch and keeping or possessing trout in a delayed-harvest area during prohibited times.

The use of bait or artificial lures where they are prohibited are violations, but will not trigger suspensions, according to Fisheries Service spokeswoman Sarah Widman.

“These 60 anglers were sent letters on Aug. 26 informing them that their licenses would be suspended and telling them that they have 30 days to appeal,” O’Connell said. Appellants will meet with an administrative law judge — in Annapolis, Hunt Valley or Centreville — who has the options of upholding, lessening or eliminating the suspension.

Suspensions range from 30 days to one year, depending upon the violation.

“This time around, we have recommended the maximum suspensions for the particular violations,” O’Connell said. Suspensions are proposed only after conviction in court or prepayment of fines.

Four of the proposed suspensions, each of 180 days, are for violations committed in far Western Maryland.

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Wait-and-see: Reintroduction of elk to state

Michael A. Sawyers
The Cumberland Times-News Fri Sep 02, 2011, 09:37 AM EDT

CUMBERLAND — The possibility that Rocky Mountain elk could be reintroduced into Garrett and Allegany counties has gotten the attention of many people, most of whom are taking a wait-and-see attitude.

A week ago, the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a 12-month study would begin to determine whether or not elk could live in Western Maryland and whether or not residents there want the animals to be reintroduced.

Elk have been gone from Western Maryland’s landscape for more than 200 years.

Gary Fratz could be considered to have a multi-directional interest in a possible reintroduction. Fratz is a farmer near Accident in Garrett County as well as a citizen member of the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission that consults with DNR.

“I don’t have a problem with it if the elk won’t be really damaging to crops,” Fratz said. “We’ll have to see what the ag community thinks about it. We’re all in a learning process right now.”

Fratz grows soybeans, oats, pumpkins and sweet corn, all of which are dined upon by deer and bear.

“We’ve found ways to live with that,” Fratz said.

State Sen. George Edwards, a co-chairman of the state’s Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation, said he is all for taking a look at the possibility.

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is paying for the study ($125,000), so let’s see what is says,” Edwards said Tuesday morning. “The hunters I’ve talked with would like to have elk. We’ll have to see what other local people think, especially the farmers.”

The dates of public meetings and surveys have yet to be established.

“It would be amazing to see an animal like that in Maryland,” said A.J. Fleming, president of the Garrett County chapter of Quality Deer Management Association. “Not everybody can afford to go out West to see or hunt elk,” Fleming said.

“But if the average white-tailed deer eats 1 ton of food a year, how much would a 700-pound bull elk eat?”

Fleming posed that question in regard to farm crops as well as competition with deer for available nutrition.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has no plan to actively reintroduce elk, but is getting them anyway.

“We have elk in our southwestern counties that have crossed the border from Kentucky,” said DNR spokesman Paul Johansen. “And we have developed a plan to monitor and manage them.”

Johansen said elk, especially immediately after relocation, are very mobile and he would not be surprised if any animals put in Western Maryland would cross the North Branch of the Potomac River or the Preston County line.

“We are very appreciative that the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service has already coordinated with us,” Johansen said. “We trust the judgment of the Maryland biologists.”

Johansen said his main concern is crop damage and collisions with vehicles should elk enter West Virginia.

Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com

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State Weighs Elk Reintroduction To Western Maryland

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Aug. 25, 2011

The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation (MLSF), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) have announced the formation of a partnership in order to determine the viability of elk reintroduction to western Maryland.

The partnership plans to make biological, social and economic feasibility assessments, which are estimated to require a minimum of 12 months to complete. The groups state that a thorough evaluation will be completed before any decision is made.

"Elk once roamed Maryland but have been absent since the 1700s," said David Sutherland, MLSF chairman.

"We are pleased to initiate the first steps toward evaluating elk reintroduction in western Maryland."

The Sportsmen’s Foundation will contract with a professional consulting group to conduct a formal survey of public opinion on the question of returning elk to Maryland. DNR will oversee development of the survey — which will include outreach to farmers and other stakeholders who may be impacted by a return of the species — and assist with analysis of the results. In addition, the agency will conduct an assessment of potential elk habitat in the state's western end.

More here.
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GC Commissioners Hear Update From DCL Organization

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Jul. 14, 2011

Friends of Deep Creek Lake – a nonprofit community group dedicated to the watershed's protection, preservation, and restoration – presented an update report to the Garrett County commissioners last Tuesday morning. Executive director Barbara Beelar stressed the importance of the county's role in revitalizing the 86-year-old man-made, state-owned lake.

"Our taxes are your revenue," Beelar told the commissioners about DCL users and property owners. "We have a relationship, and I don't think that's been fully understood or explored."

She noted the lake's natural aging process is evidenced in the amount/types of submerged aquatic vegetation, invasive species, and sediment build-up in many of Deep Creek's 20+ coves. The ramifications of not addressing these problems quickly, she reported, include declining property values, the loss of tourism tax revenue, and increased restoration costs.

"The faster we move on this, the less sediment we're going to have to remove, and the less negative impacts we're all going to experience," Beelar said.

She reported that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently completed Phase I of the Deep Creek Lake Sediment Plan/Study and is expected to publish the results in the next few weeks.

Funded by the DNR, the $100,000+ study looked at sediment build-up in 10 specific coves, included a survey characterizing existing sediment throughout the lake, and compared past/current data and samples.

As noted by DCL manager Carolyn Mathews in an article titled "DNR Selects 10 Coves For Sediment Study" in The Republican's Oct. 28, 2010, issue, the chosen coves represented areas where DNR did not have sufficient data. In addition, some coves were selected because they represented different drainage basins, soil types, slopes, or land uses.

The results of Phase I will determine if DNR should move to Phase II of the study/plan, which will quantify and characterize the accumulated sediment and identify "reasonable, feasible, and sustainable" alternatives to address that issue, Mathews noted in the article.

During last week's meeting with the commissioners, Beelar indicated that Phase II could begin as early as Sept. 1 if funding can be secured.

"They (DNR) want you guys to pay for Phase II," Beelar told the commissioners.

She asked the commissioners to fund the $180,000 project. Possible revenue sources, she noted, include dock permit fees, the state "flush tax," state/federal coffers, and through establishment of a public/private restoration fund.

Beelar also asked the commissioners to lobby lawmakers to establish watershed implementation programs to address lake issues.

Commission chair Gregan Crawford indicated he was well aware of the importance of Deep Creek Lake and has contacted the DNR about the need to make a commitment to address the problems.

"But it's very hard to get the DNR's attention," Crawford said.

More here.

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Natural Resources Careers Conference accepting applications from teens

Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011 12:15 am | Updated: 9:39 pm, Thu Jun 23, 2011.

Natural Resources Careers Conference accepting applications from teens By Carrie Ann Knauer, Times Staff Writer Carroll County Times | 0 comments

Natalie Crabbs was going into her senior year at Francis Scott Key High School in 1998 when she signed up for the Natural Resources Careers Conference.

The week-long camp, held in Western Maryland, gave her a glimpse of what it would be like to work in natural resources, and specifically in forestry.

"I had always wanted to do some type of job in natural resources at that time," she said, so she was very enthused when she was accepted to the program....

More here.


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Stay dry

It’s illegal and unsafe to go boating and drinking
Anonymous
The Cumberland Times-News Thu Jun 23, 2011, 09:26 PM EDT

There may be people who actually believe that while it’s inadvisable to drink and drive an automobile, it’s OK to drink and operate a boat.

Well, it’s not.

Not only is it illegal to operate a boat while under the influence, it’s dangerous. In Maryland, alcohol and illegal drug use were contributing factors in 8 percent of the state’s 219 reportable boating accidents during 2010. In 2009, alcohol contributed to 16 percent of boating fatalities nationwide.

Warm weather brings the boating season, and Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged a Pennsylvania man with operating a vessel under the influence on Deep Creek Lake.

Just as police are on the lookout for drunken drivers, they’re also trying to keep the boating public safe from drunken boat operators.

Today through Sunday, Maryland’s Natural Resources Police will be participating in the nationally coordinated Operation Dry Water, in which officials across America — including the U.S. Coast Guard — will be trying to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking in a boating environment.

The situation becomes even worse in waters that are comparatively crowded, like those of Deep Creek Lake.

Also, NRP officials say, boaters are subject to increased fatigue from sun, wind and water, and alcohol use magnifies this fatigue and impairs judgment and can can lead to arrest, accidents and death. The maximum penalty for operating a boat while impaired by alcohol is a $1,000 fine and a year in jail for first offenders.

As NRP says: Boat safe, boat smart and boat sober

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Green salamander, other rare species, subject of western Md. conservation meeting

SWANTON, Md. — How private landowners can help preserve the green salamander and other rare species found in Garrett County will be discussed at the annual meeting of the Allegheny Highlands Conservancy.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center in Swanton.

Ed Thompson, the forest ecologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program, will speak about rare, threatened and endangered species of the region. Thompson will also explain how conservation of privately held lands can play a role in preservation of those species.

The Natural Heritage Program is part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife and Heritage Service.

___

Online:

http://www.AlleghenyHighlandsConservancy.org

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Green salamander subject of conservancy meeting

Annual event scheduled to be held Wednesday evening in Garrett County
From Staff Reports
The Cumberland Times-News Mon May 16, 2011, 10:16 PM EDT

— SWANTON — Members of the Allegheny Highlands Conservancy will learn about rare species in Garrett County during their annual meeting Wednesday at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with a covered-dish supper. At 7 p.m., Ed Thompson, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will provide a slide presentation on the special habitats and rare species found in Garrett County. The annual election of officers and board members will take place following the program.

Thompson is the forest ecologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program, which is part of the Wildlife and Heritage Service of DNR. He graduated with a master’s degree in wildlife management from Frostburg State University and has worked in Western Maryland for the Natural Heritage Program since 1983. Most of his work has revolved around the inventory and conservation of rare species and special natural communities.

His program will showcase the rare, threatened and endangered species of the region and explain how private conserved lands can play a role in their preservation.

The event is open to the public and reservations are required to participate in the covered-dish dinner by calling Ron Boyer at 301-895-3686.

The Allegheny Highlands Conservancy is a local land trust dedicated to conserving the natural resources, scenic beauty and rural character of the Allegheny Highlands of Maryland. For more information, go to www.AlleghenyHighlandsConservancy.org.


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DNR Announces Closing Of Three Off-Road Vehicle Trails

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May. 12, 2011

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has permanently closed three off-road vehicle (or ORV) trails. The Green Ridge, Chandler, and Poplar Lick trails had been temporarily closed pending the results of a forest certification audit. That audit, which was completed recently, was part of the state's effort to receive dual certification for all three western Maryland state forests—a move the DNR claims will protect the $950 million western Maryland forest products industry, and secure 9,200 jobs.

"The DNR has been looking closely at the sustainability of these ORV trails for the past few years. While it is unfortunate that these three trails must be closed, the decision is based on the results of environmental assessments conducted by the department and the results of our recent forest certification audit," said Steven Koehn, DNR state forester.

"These trails were built and sited decades ago and long before the current trend of riders and riding machine options," continued Koehn.

"The locations of the trails are not sustainable in their current configuration, and they cannot be reconfigured to protect the environmental features located on these lands. We came to fully understand these facts as we reviewed all of our state forest management activities in preparation for a statewide forest certification audit. We were not surprised that the forest audit confirmed these particular ORV trails were unsustainable."

Green Ridge trail is part of the Green Ridge State Forest; Poplar Lick trail is in the Savage River State Forest; and Chandler trail winds through the Pocomoke River State Forest. Walk-in access will still be permitted, including walk-in camping at Green Ridge and Poplar Lick trail camping areas.

The Green Ridge trail vehicle-access closure is effective in all sections of that trail, including the portion formerly open to licensed on-road vehicles.

"While it is unfortunate that these three trails must be closed, to do otherwise would be irresponsible," said John Griffin, DNR secretary.

"The good news is that this process has brought to light the need for us to more actively engage with the ORV community. Input from several hundred stakeholders has underscored the fact that this important community of outdoor enthusiasts deserves the opportunity to ride and is prepared to do so responsibly in partnership with DNR."

The DNR has stated that it recognizes ORV trails and riders as an important part of the Maryland outdoor recreation community and has pledged to identify new and improved trail locations.

Such options include several privately owned sites with "ready to ride" trail systems in place that could be purchased or leased by DNR, and/or its partners, to provide public ORV trail access. The DNR is also considering several existing public land locations for inclusion in this new trail evaluation process.

Read the full article here.

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Department of Natural Resources program gets back to basics, teaches how to grow, preserve Earth's bounty

Friends Delight Store, a part of Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County, is a former general store that now features locally made crafts. It also has a small classroom, where the “Green Gardens to Green Homes” workshop was held.


By Karen Gardner
News-Post Staff

Photo by News-Post photo by Karen Gardner

GARRETT COUNTY -- Saving the Earth begins at home, and the "Green Gardens to Green Homes" workshop aims to help homes become greener places.
A dozen women converged on a former general store in Deep Creek Lake State Park for the workshop in mid-April. There they learned about ways to make their home lives more Earth-friendly, and how to grow and preserve their own food.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources planned the workshop in response to requests made at its annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop each fall. Those workshops have included classes in vegetable gardening, canning and preserving, and greening the home.

Read the full article here.

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Recognized For Raising Environmental Awareness

Ranger Caroline Blizzard, Maryland Park Service, received the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's 2011 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award last Thursday for her contributions to environmental education in western Maryland. For her efforts, she received a check for $1,500 to support the work of local volunteers. Blizzard is director of the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center and shares her knowledge as a monarch butterfly "ambassador" with local students. See story for details. Left to right are UMCES president Dr. Donald Boesch, Blizzard, and Appalachian Laboratory director Dr. Robert Gardner.

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Ranger Blizzard Honored For Her Education Efforts

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Apr. 28, 2011

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory has selected Maryland Park Service's Caroline Blizzard as its 2011 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award recipient for helping "elevate environmental stewardship and understanding throughout her western Maryland community."

The award, presented last Thursday evening by Appalachian Laboratory director Dr. Robert H. Gardner, recognizes local citizens for their contributions to environmental education. It was awarded to Ranger Blizzard for her work engaging visitors at the Deep Creek State Park Discovery Center and her personal contributions to local schools and civic organizations.

"Caroline has set a new high water mark when it comes to engaging others about the need to conserve and protect our natural resources," said Gardner. "Her passion and leadership have helped bring the natural world into the lives of thousands of local residents and park visitors every year."

Blizzard has spent a lifetime helping western Maryland residents and visitors better understand and appreciate nature. Whether through her work as a certified interpretive guide, directing the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center, or developing the Maryland Department of Natural Resources "Become an Outdoors Woman" program, Blizzard has long been a regional leader in the environmental education field.

Since 2004, she has directed the Discovery Center and its interpretive programming and education programs.

"Caroline and her team have worked hard to make the center a frequent destination spot and hub for people to enjoy and learn about nature around Deep Creek Lake," notes Chris Conner, Appalachian Lab spokesman

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If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.

877-563-5350 Questions about ANY listed property? I can help! Call me!

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Natural Resources Police honor their own

In a packed church basement in Annapolis last night, Natural Resources Police honored officers for their work in law enforcement, rescue, conservation and boating safety.

Cpl. Michael Friend was named Officer of the Year for his tireless efforts to catch drunken boaters on Deep Creek Lake, pursue wildlife poachers and carry out dangerous underwater recovery operations and for his work on behalf of charities such as the annual Polar Bear Plunge that raises money for Special Olympics.

Friend, whose conservation work was recognized in 2008 by the National Wild Turkey Federation, is known for his ability to “improvise, adapt and overcome any situation,” NRP Capt. Bob Davis said.

John Griffin, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, called the police force a “vital link to our healthier future,” noting that NRP is one of just two law enforcement agencies to have statewide jurisdiction.

Read the full article here.

If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.

877-563-5350 Questions about ANY listed property? I can help! Call me!

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Edwards, Beitzel Meet With Parties Opposed To DNR's Trail Closings

Apr. 21, 2011

Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel met Sunday with members of the Citizens Rights and Heritage Group (CRHG) and other interested parties, nearly all of whom oppose the plan by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to close off-road vehicle trails in Green Ridge and Savage River state forests this week. Both trails will be closed by April 24 to all four-wheeler, bike, and equestrian use. The closings reportedly come with little notification to the public.
Jeffery Conner, CRHG president, encouraged several actions in response to the closing of the Poplar Lick and Green Ridge state forests' ORV trails.

Individuals are encouraged by Conner to send letters to Governor Martin O'Malley (State of Maryland Executive Department, State House, Annapolis, 21401) stressing the following points: 1) Investigate the ORV Impact Report and Sustainable Forest Initiative impacts to ORV trails and report the findings to Maryland residents; 2) Develop an ORV trail system for the state of Maryland; 3) Find and adopt responsible recreational use and environmental sustainability in our state forests; 4) Increase dialogue between interested parties and DNR prior to actions being taken on trails; and 5) Development of new ORV trails in western Maryland with active input from interested parties and user groups.

He also noted that DNR is still accepting input at its web site, www.dnr.mary-land.gov/forests/ovre-port.asp until April 30. Over 72 pages of comments about the ORV trail closings have been published so far.

Edwards also encourages persons to send letters to DNR Secretary John R. Griffin and provided the following address: DNR, Office of Secretary Executive Direction, Tawes State Office Building, C-4, Annapolis, 21401.

"We need your help," Edwards said. He told the group to support his efforts in battling DNR's and the legislature's attempts to diminish use of state property in western Maryland. Edwards reminded those attending the meeting that he and Beitzel are just two of 188 votes. He noted that it's unlikely that they can force change in favor of their district without vocal support from their constituency.

"We keep trying," Edwards said. "We keep asking. We can't twist their arms to get answers."

Delegate Beitzel called the DNR's actions part of "an assault on rural Maryland" and stated that delegates from Montgomery and Prince George's counties and Baltimore City are "ganging up to take resources away from us."

Senator Edwards said that he had met with Secretary Griffin and other DNR leaders recently, but that they weren't told of DNR's plans to close the trails. Edwards shared the various issues that he and Beitzel have been fighting for on behalf of western Maryland, including monitoring of stream pollution at state borders, increasing the amount of timber to be cut, and keeping state park revenues in the county, calling these issues his "battles with DNR."

Conner said it's likely that Poplar Lick Trail in Savage River State Forest won't be reopened. He said advocates' time would be better served in fighting for the ORV trail in Green Ridge State Forest.

In a meeting in Owings Mills late last month, the DNR presented a detailed argument on why Poplar Lick Trail should be closed. Its argument was based largely on environmental impact from ORVs and the impact on brook trout. Poplar Lick Trail crosses a waterway six times. When it came to the 16-mile loop at Green Ridge, the details were reportedly scarce.

Ken Kyler, a Middletown resident and a member of the Northern Virginia Trail Riders, attended both the Owings Mills meeting and Sunday's meeting, and said that it seems DNR has already made up its collective mind. In DNR's 90-page report, Kyler said there was little analysis done on the Green Ridge trail. There were also no alternate recommendations, he said, which are a typical part of the package when making such a presentation.

Read the full article here.

If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.

877-563-5350 Questions about ANY listed property? I can help! Call me!

Visit the 'I Love Deep Creek & Garrett County group' on Facebook! News, events, photos, real estate, community, info, more! 1,750+ members & growing!