Maryland Fee Reductions

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released a series of fee reduction proposals, following Governor Larry Hogan’s announcement that the state is eliminating or reducing $51 million in state-issued fees.

Fee Reduction Highlights: 

Golden Age Pass holders will no longer have to pay a fee to use state park boat launches or ramps. The pass entitles Maryland adults, ages 62 and older, to a lifetime of free day-use entry into all state parks, as well as half price camping Sunday through Thursday.

The Forest Product Operator Licensing Fee, which requires renewal every year, will be reduced from $30 to $20 a year.

The Certified Tree Expert Licensing Fee, which requires renewal every two years, will be reduced from $25 to $20.

The Forest Conservation & Management Program Property Fee, which requires participating landowners to pay a $50 fee plus an additional .22 percent enrollment fee on assessed woodland value, will be simplified to a flat $50 fee.

The Game Husbandry Licensing Fee, which requires renewal every year, will be reduced from $10 to $5 a year.


source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Hunting Coalition Rally in Annapolis

High winds and freezing temperatures did not deter Maryland’s hunting community from attending a Hunter’s Rally at the State House on February 5, 2015. The event, which was organized by the Maryland Hunting Coalition, brought together hunters from across the State to meet lawmakers as they traveled to and from the State House.

“We were not there to lobby for a particular issue or to make speeches. We were there simply to meet lawmakers and ask they support our traditional privileges to hunt, trap and lawfully use our firearms” stated Allan Ellis, Executive Director of the Maryland Hunting Coalition.

During the rally, an estimated 75 plus lawmakers expressed their support for hunting in Maryland.

source: Maryland Hunting Coalition

MSSA Calls for Oil Spill Plan

The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) is calling on Maryland’s legislators, the coast guard, and state agencies involved with natural resources and the environment in an effort to prepare and plan for the worst should oil make its way up the East Coast and into Maryland waters.

The Gulf Stream travels from the southern tip of Florida up the east coast and is essential to the marine and coastal life that recreational fishermen enjoy. When the Gulf Loop Current carries the oil and some toxic dispersant chemicals used for oil cleanup to the tip of Florida, these toxins will inevitably travel up the coast in the Gulf Stream.