MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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General​ Information​

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MORE FROM DNR

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Natural 1, piloted by Sgt. John Buchanan, flies over Sandy Point State Park as part of a June 2025 Natural Resources Police demonstration. Maryland DNR photo.

Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Summer 2025​​

The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action related to alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from June through August this year. During those months, individuals were charged for violations including fishing without a license, hunting out of season, weapons charges, oyster and crabbing violations, forestry citations, and other crimes.
Rustin Moore is all smiles with this beautiful red drum that he caught and released in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy of Rustin Moore
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Maryland Fish​ing Report
​ – ​​September 17​​

We will experience some wet weather for a few days, but the forecast looks good for the weekend. Anglers are enjoying good fishing in all areas of Maryl​and.

​Oysters
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Secretary’s Message – Maryland is Experiencing a Bivalve Boom​

Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay are in the midst of a comeback. During the pa​st 20 years, the oyster population in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay has tripled​, according to this year’s stock assessment conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
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This silver maple at Green Ridge State Forest is the biggest Big Tree on Maryland public lands. Maryland DNR photo.

‘Big Tree Centennial Contest’ Offers Prizes for Exploring Maryland’s State Forests​​

In partnership with the Maryland Forest Service, the program is offering its Big-Tree Centennial Contest​, encouraging the public to explore Maryland state forest and to report back on any trees larger than 15 feet in circumference.
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St. Clement's Island lighthouse and 25 in 2025 button ​​​​​​​​​​

Maryland State Parks Adventure Challenge 25 in 2025​​​​

The Maryland State Parks “25 in 2025” Adventure Challenge is here! This program challenges you to get out to visit Maryland State Parks and complete at least 25 themed ​challenges- before November 15, 2025.
​​ New Germany State Park in Garrett County. Photo by Melissa Nash, Maryland Forest Service.​​​​​​​​​
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Maryland Fall Foliage Preview 2025​​

Welcome to the Maryland Fall Foliage Report for 2025. Fall officially begins on Monday, Sept. 22, but we’re expecting to see color changes in the coming weeks. Our weekly reports featuring observations from Department of Natural Resources’ foresters, naturalists, and rangers throughout the state will be posted every Thursday into November.​

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The Benefits of Urban and Community Forestry

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Trees offer multiple benefits for our communities, improving both the environment and the quality of life for those who live in it. Trees promote social interaction, strengthen community pride, and improve quality of life. Exposure to green spaces reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes physical activity. Learn more about how The Trees of Maryland Connect Us.

​ LEARN MORE​​​​ ​​​​
​​​Mature tree in a park with the sun setting in the background 
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