Showing posts with label outdoor recreation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor recreation. Show all posts

Saturday, July 6, 2013

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

Monday, February 11, 2013

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Evaluations

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking citizens for their input on State outdoor recreation facilities and services in areas throughout Maryland. The Department gathered information from those in Southern Maryland earlier this month.

The recreational evaluations are the first step in a comprehensive statewide effort to enhance existing recreation areas in Maryland, these include; State parks, forests, wildlife areas and trails.

DNR will ask participants to assess the extent to which outdoor recreation facilities, programs and services meet the needs of the community and identify future demand and need.

The public input will help guide the update of the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for future State outdoor recreation facilities and services.

The Department has hired a nationally-known parks and recreation management consulting firm, GreenPlay, LLC, to oversee the Recreation Component of this planning process.




Maryland Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Evaluations

Western Region - March 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro

Eastern Region -  March 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Recreation Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), Easton

Central Region - March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Howard County Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia

Cost: Free

source: MD DNR

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

New Maryland ORV Permit Locations

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently announced that off-road vehicle (ORV) permits will be offered at three new locations.

Effective January 19, 2013, ORV permits will be available for purchase at Deep Creek Lake and New Germany State parks. The permits will also be offered at Savage River State Forest, beginning on January 22.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Maryland Geocaching Seminar

A free Geocaching 101 seminar will be taught by members of the Maryland Geocaching Society, from 9 to 10 a.m. on October 8. The seminar, hosted by New Germany State Park, will be held at the New Germany Lake House.

“There are a number of approved geocaches hidden in the park,” said Ranger Erin Thomas of New Germany State Park. “If you’re new to the game, this is a great place to get started.”

Geocaching is a world-wide treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS units to locate ‘geocaches,’ which are containers that usually hold a logbook and other items.

Upon locating a geocache, participants are encouraged to take an item from the container and replace it with something of equal or greater value.

A limited number of GPS units will be available for loan during the class. For more information, contact 301-895-5453 or park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us.

source: MD DNR

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Maryland Fall Surf Fishing - Spot, Croaker and Kingfish

As Summer nears its end, Maryland beaches begin to thin and surf fishermen begin their fall fishing season. Spot, croaker and kingfish are among the most common fish in Maryland's surf during the early fall.

Each of these fish are known to school up and feed heavily before moving farther into the ocean for the winter. Surf fishermen in Maryland sometimes experience excellent fall fishing for these 3 species.

As the runs of fish peak, a larger class of spot arrive, known for their bronze or yellow coloring. Spot, croaker and kingfish catches usually remain consistent until hurricanes or Noreasters pass thru. During the fall runs, spot, croaker and kingfish are joined by flounder, bluefish, sea trout, rockfish and others.

Fishing for these species is easy; fishermen need only a basic surf rod and reel in good condition. Tackle is basic, consisting of top and bottom float rigs and baits such as bloodworms, squid strips, pieces of shrimp, one of the processed bait products that do not need to be kept cold.

Anglers fish where ever beach access is available. Much of the fishing occurs on Assateague Island, where beach access is available to the public. For surf fishermen, the fall runs are one of the highlights of Maryland saltwater fishing.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Birdwatching on Assateague Island Maryland



Mid-Winter on Assateague Island Maryland might seem like the least enjoyable time to visit, but for birdwatchers, waterfowl enthusiasts and photographers, there are excellent opportunities to enjoy activities.

Assateague Island is a barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. Access to the Maryland portion of the island is available at Assateague Island National Seashore. In addition, two miles of the beach can be accessed at Assateague State Park.

Both parks contain seaside beaches, coastal marshes, protected coves, and other bird habitats. The bridge between the mainland and Assateague Island includes a pedestrian walkway and viewing platform with scenic views of the estuary.

Among the most common winter birds seen on Assateague Island are mallards, black ducks, pintail, teal, shovelers, buffleheads, mergansers, goldeneye, scaup, Canada geese, brant, snow geese, trumpeter swans, and the ever present herons, egrets, and gulls.

In addition to waterfowl and songbirds, Assateague Island is inhabited by sika deer, whitetail deer, muskrats, cottontail rabbits, otters, and wild ponies.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Ocean City Maryland Deep Sea Fishing

Ocean City Maryland is famous for deep sea fishing. Private anglers and fishing charters target a variety of tuna, dolphin(mahi mahi), billfish, and other species.

In the summer months, fishing can be excellent. Inshore fishing spots include the Jackspot, Hot Dog, Parking Lot and other hot spots as well as deep sea structure including the Wilmington, Baltimore, Poor Man's, Washington and Norfolk Canyons. These hotspots vary from 25 - 100 nautical miles from port.