Maryland Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Projects

crappie

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will undertake restoration projects at lakes throughout Maryland under the new State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which provides $1 million for each of the next three years to improve state-owned lakes.

Governor Hogan approved the total $3 million fund in May 2018. DNR was tasked with determining priorities and a work plan for the funding.

Five public open houses were held around the state in the fall of 2018 to solicit project ideas, and the department’s lake managers also helped identify the most pressing needs to protect and restore the water bodies under their care.

Each of the lakes will benefit from at least one project. Deep Creek Lake, the largest state-owned lake and the economic driver for Garrett County, will receive approximately $420,000 divided between three projects. At least 41 projects will be funded statewide.

The funds will be used to remove sediment, treat contaminated sediment, prevent the spread of invasive species, improve ecological and recreational value, and any other action the department deems necessary.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Fall Trout Season

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released roughly 3,500 rainbow trout in Western Maryland as part of its fall trout stocking program.

Fall stocking locations include popular fishing areas such as Bear Creek, Big Elk Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Deer Creek, Great Seneca Creek, Greenbelt Lake, Gunpowder Falls, Lake Artemesia, Morgan Run, North Branch Potomac, Patapsco River, Town Creek, Tuckahoe Creek, and Wheatley Lake.

“When and where we stock is largely dependent on weather conditions, water flow and temperatures,” DNR Inland Fisheries Manager Tony Prochaska said. “If the weather cooperates, we will release about 25,000 trout by the end of October.”

Weekly trout stocking updates are available via the DNR website or by calling the Trout Hotline at 800-688-3467.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Deep Creek Lake Northern Pike Survey

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking Deep Creek Lake anglers to participate in a northern pike survey.

Survey forms are available at the following tackle shops: Deep Creek Lake Outfitters, McHenry; The Bassin’ Box, LaVale; Backbone Mountain Sports Shop, Oakland; and Nicklow’s Wholesale Bait, Addison, Pa.

Completed forms are due April 30, 2015 and may be returned to the Department via:

Mail: Maryland DNR Fisheries Service; 301 Braddock Road; Frostburg, MD 21532;

Fax: with cover letter to: (301)689-7200; or

Email: to: matt.sell@maryland.gov (Please include “Northern Pike Survey” in subject line).

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

July is Lakes Appreciation Month

July is Lakes Appreciation Month in Maryland. Marylanders are encouraged to visit and enjoy their favorite lake, pond or reservoir during Lakes Appreciation Month and discover ways to help protect and enhance these vital resources.

Maryland contains 60 man-made lakes of five acres or more, all of which are open to the public. Maryland lakes provide a number of recreational activities, ranging from fishing and swimming to boating and water sports

Maryland's largest impoundment is Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. Deep Creek lake features 18 species of fish, camp sites, boat rentals, and other resources. Another large lake, Liberty Reservoir, contains landlocked striped bass up to 40-pounds.

Lakes Appreciation Month is a nationwide initiative by the North American Lake Management Society. The non-profit organization promotes partnerships between citizens, scientists, and professionals in order to protect lakes and reservoirs in North America.

source: MD DNR