We’re pleased to introduce the new Maryland Outdoor Recreation Newsletter! Every quarter we’ll share news about outdoor activities, upcoming events, highlights, and celebrate local outdoor recreation partners across the state.
Spring 2025 Newsletter
Happy spring, and welcome to the first edition of our newsletter! This marks an exciting new chapter for the Office of Outdoor Recreation as we introduce a platform to share resources, highlight key opportunities, and strengthen our vibrant outdoor recreation community.
Outdoor recreation is about so much more than just getting outside, it’s about connecting – with nature, with friends and family, and with the wider community that shares your passion for the outdoors. This newsletter is here to help foster those connections while also shining a spotlight on the many incredible recreational opportunities Maryland has to offer.
As we emerge from the quiet of winter into spring, I can’t wait to take full advantage of the longer days and all the outdoor adventures I can fit in! I’m looking forward to biking the newly paved
Western Maryland Rail Trail - a perfect way to take in the beauty of Western Maryland. I’m also eager to try my hand at blue catfish fishing, a thrilling way to enjoy Maryland’s waterways while helping to manage an invasive species. Most exciting of all, I’m thrilled to celebrate and experience our newest adaptive trail at the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park, making the great outdoors more accessible to everyone.
Beyond the physical and mental health benefits, outdoor recreation is a major driver of Maryland’s economy and tourism. The numbers speak for themselves. In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that
Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy accounted for an impressive
$9.4 billion in annual economic impact—growing by a remarkable
12% from the year before, and was ranked in the
top 3 states for recreation job growth last year. Of course, this comes as no surprise to us, as our state is rich with outdoor experiences, and there’s something for everyone in Maryland. Key contributors to this economic success include a variety of activities like boating, fishing, hunting, RVing, ATVing, climbing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and bicycling. These pursuits not only enhance our quality of life but also generate jobs and revenue that benefit communities across the state.
We’re excited to build on this momentum in 2025 and continue supporting Marylanders as they enjoy and care for our incredible natural resources. And of course, thanks go to YOU- our growing community of outdoor enthusiasts. Your passion fuels our mission, and we want to hear from you! Please
subscribe to our newsletter and feel free to share your comments, questions, and suggested topics you would like us to cover using the link below. Most importantly, keep exploring!
Here’s to a year of open trails, time on the water, and countless adventures ahead.
Sandi Olek
Director, Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit
In October 2024, the Office of Outdoor Recreation hosted the
inaugural Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit at Rocky Gap Casino and Resort in Allegany County. This three-day event brought together 175 outdoor enthusiasts, organization leaders, and business owners to connect, collaborate, and celebrate Maryland’s thriving outdoor recreation community. The summit was a great success highlighting innovation, inclusivity, and the shared passion for the great outdoors that unites communities across the state.
We are now planning for the 2025 Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit! The Summit will be in the Baltimore area in late October. Interested in learning more? Please complete our
online form to receive notification when registration opens.
Western Maryland Rail Trail Paving Complete
The Western Maryland Rail Trail is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. A paved, linear trail with an easy grade and paved surface, it is ideal for recreationists of all ages and abilities. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently installed 2,000 linear feet of guard rail and replaced about a mile of wooden traffic barriers. Contractors removed 900 cubic yards of debris from ditches along the trail and replaced culverts in the area.
In addition to the freshly resurfaced trail, DNR planted new trees in the area, through the
5 Million Trees Initiative. Trees were planted last year around a popular entrance to the trail.
The trail is open from dawn to dusk, and trailheads are located in Hancock, Fort Frederick State Park, and Little Orleans.
Business Spotlight: Bay Venture Outfitters
Outdoor recreation is more than just a hobby - it’s a vital part of local economies. As we connect with partners across the state, we will be highlighting individual businesses that contribute to this vibrant sector in Maryland. Please let us know of any outdoor recreation business that we should consider for this section; note that the Office of Outdoor Recreation does not endorse any specific businesses nor accept any kind of payment or in-kind donation to be featured.
Located in the charming town of North East, just three miles from I-95,
Bay Venture Outfitters calls itself a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of Cecil County and beyond. Nestled along the serene banks of the North East Creek and Upper Chesapeake Bay, this outfitter offers an unforgettable outdoor recreation experience for adventurers of all ages and skill levels.
Bay Venture Outfitters provides a variety of equipment rental experiences, including kayaks and paddleboards. Paddling through the tranquil tributaries promises a connection to the area’s lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. For a unique adventure, customers can try a stand up paddleboard yoga class, blending relaxation with stunning waterfront views, or join a kayak tour to learn about the area’s vibrant ecosystems and rich history.
Bay Venture Outfitters is dedicated to storytelling and education. As a certified Chesapeake Bay Storyteller, their team brings the history and ecology of the region to life, sharing captivating tales and fascinating insights during your journey. From family outings to team-building events and birthday parties, they tailor each experience to ensure it’s memorable, educational, and fun.
Bay Venture Outfitters rentals and experiences are designed to be family-friendly, and they welcome groups, students, and even furry companions. They offer special rates for group tours and a focus on creating meaningful connections with nature for families, friends, schools, and corporate teams seeking an outdoor adventure.
MD Outdoors: New Licensing System Coming Soon!
The Department of Natural Resources is getting ready to roll out a new online licensing system. MD Outdoors will feature state-of-the-art technology and an upgraded user interface designed to enhance the customer experience. The new system will continue to offer products for all outdoor activities - fishing and hunting licenses and permits, boat, and off-highway vehicle registration - plus we will look to expand the services that will be available in this one convenient location. Stay tuned for more information, and check the Department of Natural Resources website for the most up-to-date information.
Deep Creek Lions Club’s Blind Ski Program at WISP
This winter, Deep Creek Lions Club hosted its 52nd Blind Ski Program. This year’s program allowed 22 visually impaired skiers and their families to hit the slopes. Through four weeks from January 21 to February 13, 2025, these adventurers headed outdoors! On Mondays, they went snowmobiling and took to the ski slopes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, gaining confidence and skills with the support of dedicated volunteers.
For participants in the Deep Creek Lions Club’s Blind Ski Program, a typical week begins with snowmobile rides with volunteers from Garrett County Snow Drifters Club at Garrett Community Park followed by pizza from local eatery Brenda’s Pizzeria. After a good night’s rest, they wake up bright and early to a breakfast prepared by volunteers, who then assist with transporting them to WISP Resort.
At WISP, participants receive lift tickets and ski gear before heading to the slopes, where a team of volunteers - consisting of retirees and high school students from Southern and Northern High Schools of Garrett County, as well as Good Counsel High School in Montgomery County - help guide them through the learning process.
For many, their first moment on skis begins Monday on the bunny slope, where they are guided by a bamboo pole held on either end by the volunteers. Progress comes quickly: within hours, participants adventure onto green beginner or even blue intermediate trails, connected to their guides by a tether for speed control. By Tuesday, many skiers feel confident enough to navigate the slopes with minimal assistance, relying only on verbal cues from volunteers to alert them to turns and edges. A highlight of the week is a community dinner where the students get the chance to speak about their experiences and the bold guides that supported them. “The goal is to have the vision-impaired skier ski with friends and family,” said Program Director Mike O’Brien. “These kids are amazing. They are great skiers that happen to be visually impaired.”
Watch the video of this inspiring program!
This program is made possible thanks to the generous financial support of the local community and WISP Resort. The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club extends its gratitude to all who contribute to this life-changing experience. If you are interested in participating or volunteering, please contact Deep Creek Lake Lions Club at
dcllions@gmail.com.
National Confluence of States and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Celebrate “25 in 2025” Campaign
Recognizing the critical role of outdoor recreation in the national economy and community health, 24 states have created
offices of outdoor recreation like ours to catalyze new growth in this economic sector and promote access for all. The Confluence of States, a coalition of these agencies of which Maryland is a member, has gained significant national prominence for its efforts to unite offices of outdoor recreation around a shared vision.
Along with the public-private Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and other related organizations, the Confluence of States has launched a new “25 in 2025” campaign, a challenge to states to create the 25th office of outdoor recreation. In the coming months, the campaign will spotlight the accomplishments, resources, and research of the existing 24 states in the coalition.
Maryland is proud to support the campaign and shine a spotlight on our mission to make outdoor recreation more accessible to all, expand opportunities, and celebrate the economic development, conservation, and public health potential.
The “25 in 2025” campaign follows a historic year for the outdoor recreation economy that included the passage of the
EXPLORE Act, the most comprehensive update to outdoor recreation policy in recent history, as well as a new data release from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showing that outdoor recreation in Maryland generated $9.4 billion, and $1.2 trillion nationally.
Spring Happenings we are looking forward to:
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Trout Season/Youth Fishing Day - March 22 for youth, in designated places throughout Maryland. March 29 the season opens for all!
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March on the Mattawoman - March 25, at Smallwood State Park in Charles County.
- Fishing with DNR / Pescando con DNR - April 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Prince George’s County.
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Becoming an Outdoor Woman Workshops:
- Beyond BOW Catfishing Trip - April 11, in Welcome, Charles County.
- Beyond BOW Hunter Ed and Hunting 101 Workshop - May 16, in Montgomery County.
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Bay Bridge Boat Show - April 11-13, at Safe Harbor Narrow’s Point in Queen Anne’s County.
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Run for the Trees Happy Little 5k - April 19-27 asynchronously throughout Maryland.
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Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show - April 25-27 at City Dock in Annapolis.
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Steeplechase Races - Throughout Spring in Baltimore, Harford and Montgomery Counties.
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Women + Beginner Trail / Mountain Bike Rides - Thursdays starting in April, at Deep Creek in Garrett County.
- Donation Drive - May and June, at YMCA Camp West Mar in Frederick County. Contact
west-mar@frederickymca.org or 301-416-0980 for more information.
Goodbye, Winter!
For those of you who already miss winter, remember to plan ahead for these opportunities next year:
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