DNR NEWS BRIEFS

DNR Completes Shore Erosion Control Project For Little Deal Island

DNR recently completed a shoreline erosion control and environmental restoration project to protects a portion of the eroding shoreline on the 225-acre Little Deal Island in Somerset County.  The project will help reduce sedimentation of a nearby channel leading into Wenona Harbor fishing village.

“This year-long project helps to preserve a valuable Wildlife Management Area on the Eastern Shore that is popular with bird watchers, anglers, photographers, boaters, waterfowl hunters and hikers,” said Len Casanova, director of Shoreline Conservation and Management Service at DNR.  Click here for full press release.

Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Opens November 15

The first portion of Maryland’s Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season opens Saturday, November 15. The AP Canada goose season is split into two parts, running from November 15 to November 28 and then from December 18 to January 24. The daily bag limit is two Canada geese.

“Banding crews on the Ungava Peninsula encountered large numbers of goslings, indicating that gosling production was good. The high proportion of juveniles in the fall population should make for great goose hunting, as birds should decoy well during the first couple weeks of the hunting season,” said Larry Hindman, DNR’s Waterfowl Project Leader.

Small Game Seasons Provide Ample Hunting Opportunities

Hunting seasons for upland game species including cottontail rabbits and bobwhite quail start on Saturday, November 1.  Seasons for other small game species including squirrels and ruffed grouse are already underway.  Hunters should note that bobwhite quail hunting at Millington Wildlife Management Area in Kent County will be prohibited again this season.

Furbearer Trapping & Hunting Seasons Begin in November

Trapping seasons for terrestrial furbearers (opossum, raccoon, weasel, skunk, fisher, red and gray fox, and coyote) open on November 1 for in areas of Maryland that are west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River.  Seasons in the remainder of the state open on November 15 for these species.

Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative to Create New Reef Near Choptank River

Friday, Oct. 31 at 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Reporters to board the Intigator at the Cambridge Boat Ramp

End of Franklin Street, behind the Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge (Dorchester County)

MARI partners including DNR, the Maryland Saltwater Sportfisherman’s Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and NOAA will set more than 130 artificial reef balls with more than 400,000 young oysters to create the Cook’s Point Reef at the mouth of the Choptank River.

VOLUNTEERS TO PLANT 1,000 TREES NEAR BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2145 Key Wallace Drive in Cambridge (Dorchester County)

Approximately 30 volunteers from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will assist DNR and the Dorchester County Soil Conservation District in planting 1,000 native trees and shrubs along the Little Blackwater River.  Restoration of the natural buffer on the property recently preserved by Governor Martin O’Malley through Program Open Space will help to protect and improve water quality and wildlife habitat.  The site will also serve as a new public access launch for canoes and kayaks in the near future.

Draft Oyster EIS Public Comment Meeting

Fri., Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
Minnette Dick Memorial Hall, 2000 Hambrooks Blvd. in Cambridge (Dorchester County)

Comments Encouraged on Draft Oyster Environmental Impact Statement

Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Marine Resources Commission today released a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates oyster restoration alternatives for the Chesapeake Bay.

The study analyzes the direct and indirect ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of introducing a non-native species, the Suminoe oyster, continued efforts to restore the native Eastern oyster, and eight oyster restoration and management strategies.

“The document is the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary oyster recovery study published to date,” said Norfolk District Commander Colonel Dionysios Anninos, and “involved the work of more than 90 scientists and several reviews by multiple independent panels.”

“The public release of the draft PEIS is a significant milestone for the five-year study,” Anninos added. “The PEIS will lay the foundation for all future oyster recovery actions in the Bay and we look forward to the public’s input on this important topic. The document does not name a preferred alternative; however, we’ve narrowed the alternatives to three basic combinations. Through extensive researched, we determined that no single alternative meets the established purpose and need of restoring the population.”

A preferred strategy will be identified in the final version of the PEIS, which the team expects to publish in late spring 2009, following the public comment period.

The Draft PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, includes an evaluation of the potential outcomes of a range of alternatives for restoring the native Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), as well as the outcomes of an introduction of a nonnative species, the Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis).

“This five-year effort built a sound scientific foundation on which to base a decision on whether to introduce a nonnative oyster species to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “Many, many scientists worked very hard on this and I thank them for their labors. Their work has been peer reviewed and those peer reviews have been peer reviewed. Exceptional diligence has been exercised. Now is the time for the public to make their voices heard. Public hearings will be held over the next two months and we eagerly await the public’s input. We are at the crossroads of an important decision. Rest assured, it will not be made lightly.”

Maryland officials also recognized the findings of the study and the importance of public feedback during the public comment period, Oct. 17 through Dec. 15.

“Thanks to the work of 90 scientists, we now have a significantly greater understanding of the ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of several different oyster restoration strategies,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin. “Their work, along with public feedback, will help us decide the best way to re-establish a healthy, sustainable oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay — a goal that we must ultimately accomplish for the future of the bay, our children and grandchildren. We hope that Marylanders will share their ideas and concerns as we work to identify, and begin to implement, the best strategies to achieve our restoration goals.”

In order to facilitate public comment, the lead agencies have scheduled six public meetings, three in Virginia and three in Maryland. The schedule for those meeting is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

Maryland:

– Wednesday, Nov. 12, Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 HG Truman Road, Solomons, Md. 20688

– Thurs. November 13: Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Md. 21401

– Friday, Nov. 14, Minnette Dick Memorial Hall (St. Mary’s Catholic Church), 2000 Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, Md. 21613

Virginia:

– Wednesday, Nov. 5, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Va. 22443

Friday, Nov. 7, VMRC main office 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607

Monday, Nov. 10, Nandua High School, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Va. 23418

Comments may be submitted until Dec. 15, 2008 via verbal testimony at the public meetings, mail to Department of the Army, Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers, Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield, Planning and Policy Branch, Fort Norfolk, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096.
or email to Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil. Comments should reference the Draft PEIS.

Form more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp or the following libraries:

• Anne Arundel Community College – Andrew G. Truxal Library – Arnold, Md.
• Anne Arundel Co. Public Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Calvert Co. Public Library – Prince Frederick, Md.
• Central Rappahannock Regional Library – Fredericksburg, Va.
• Chesapeake College Library – Wye Mills, Md.
• Corbin Memorial Library – Crisfield, Md.
• Dorchester Co. Public Library – Cambridge and Hurlock, Md.
• Eastern Shore Public Library – Accomac, Va
• Enoch Pratt Free Library – Baltimore, Md.
• Fairfax Co. Public Library – Fairfax, Va.
• Federal Maritime Commission Library – Washington, D.C.
• Henrico Co. Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Kent Co. Public Library – Chestertown, Md.
• Lewis Egerton Smoot Memorial Library – King George, Va.
• Loudoun Co. Public Library – Leesburg, Va.
• MD State Law Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Norfolk Public Library – Norfolk, Va.
• Northumberland Public Library – Heathsville, Va.
• Petersburg Public Library – Petersburg, Va.
• Queen Anne’s Co. Library – Stevensville and Centerville, Md.
• Richmond Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Somerset Co. Library – Princess Anne and Ewell, Md.
• St. Mary’s Co. Memorial Library – Leonardtown, Md.
• State Dept. of Legislative Reference Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Sudlersville Memorial Library – Sudlersville, Md.
• Talbot Co. Free Library – St. Michaels, Easton and Tilghman (Elementary School), Md.
• Calvert Co. Library – Twin Beaches Branch – Chesapeake Beach, Md.
• Virginia Beach Public Library – Virginia Beach, Va.
• Wicomico Co. Free Library – Salisbury, Md.

Md. Ag Commission Tours Kent, Queen Anne’s Counties

The Maryland Agricultural Commission held its annual fall agricultural tour and visited agricultural operations in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties on October 9.  The commission toured operations including a new farrowing facility and organic, horse breeding, dairy, community supported agriculture, and poultry operations. The tours were organized by local University of Maryland Cooperative Extension agents John Hall and Jenny Rhodes.

To conclude the day, the Commission held a public meeting in Chestertown where nearly 50 participants discussed issues impacting the agricultural community, exchanged ideas, and became better acquainted with the role the Commission plays in Maryland’s leading industry.

Chestertown Show raises funds for Wildlife Curriculum in Schools

The 29th annual Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition and Sale – a showcase of decoys, paintings, photographs, and arts and crafts with a naturalist’s theme, runs through October 19 in the downtown historic district of Chestertown, Maryland.

Proceeds from the 2008 show go to support the development of a wildlife curriculum for elementary and middle schools throughout the Delmarva region.  Earlier in 2008 the organization went through an in-depth strategic planning process that resulted in a revived energy and focus on its mission of wildlife preservation, conservation, and education.

A pre-show fundraising event on Thursday evening, October 16th, 7pm to 9pm at Prince Theatre served as a kickoff to this year’s show.  The premier of “Ribbon of Sand,” the 2007 NonBroadcast Finalist from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival took place.  The proceeds from the $60 per person event will benefit the Delmarva Wildlife Curriculum Project.

The show’s traditional Preview Party took place  Friday evening, October 17th, from 5pm to 7 p.m.  Donations of $25 per person including  light hors d’oeuvres and open bar at selected venues along with early admission to all venues, provide an opportunity to preview exhibitors prior to the general public.  Patrons may also enter all venues on Saturday.

General admission to the Exhibition itself is $5 per person, and is good  all day Saturday, October 18th.  Children under 12 are admitted free.  Attendees to the Exhibition may  enter for a chance to win one of the many working and decorative decoys that will be raffled at the end of the show.  Chances are available for $1 each and one does not need to be present to win.

Starting in 1965, the Exhibition has become a major event on the Maryland’s Eastern Shore bringing together wildlife enthusiasts from throughout the region.  The event has become known for its high caliber of art and its attraction of extremely talented artists.  Event organizers have endeavored to enhance this year’s Exhibition & Sale with a number of new and exciting additions aimed at creating a different kind of show that to re-attract those who have seen the show in previous years.

The show, entering its 16th year in its current downtown format, has commitments from more than 65 exhibitors.  Because of growing popularity, the show uses a number of venues throughout downtown Chestertown such as the Parish Hall of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Prince Theatre, Chestertown Fire Hall, Town Hall, and Visitors Center.  Other showcases throughout downtown include banks, shops, art galleries, and business offices.

Other interactive workshops were added to this year’s show.  Techniques of Decoy Carving for the Beginner is  offered by Warren Saunders.  Warren Saunders is a loyal participant in Chestertown Wildlife, a well-known and accomplished carver, a teacher, and an Eastern Shore native with stories to tell.  Learn more about him at http://www.saundersdecoys.com.  His one and a half hour class begins at 2pm, Saturday at the Chestertown Firehouse. This is mainly a demonstration but participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at carving.  Cost is $10 and in order to guarantee a spot, reservations can be made in advance.

Another workshop features Lu Fisher’s DVD, in which this accomplished carver and loyal participant in the Wildlife Exhibition demonstrates her techniques.  The filming of Lu at work was done by the Woodworkers Guild of Annapolis. The DVD will be shown at various times at the Chestertown Town Hall on Saturday.  Lu Fisher will be available to take questions after the viewings.  Admission is free.

A more hands-on workshop provides the opportunity to create a natural wildlife feeder.  Volunteer members of the Chestertown Wildlife Decorating Committee will host a workshop that will instruct participants in creating an attractive grapevine wreath full of nature’s bounty for wildlife to enjoy.  The workshop will be held at Town Hall, outside weather permitting.   Time is 11am on Saturday, and the cost is $15.  Make your reservation to guarantee a spot at http://www.chestertownwildlife.org.

Other features of the show include food vendors and live music in the town park area, decoy carving demonstrations, a decoy identification table, a live raptor exhibit, and the always enjoyable autumn soup sampling booth offering a delicious area of tastes from area restaurants.

The primary goal of the Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition and Sale is to raise funds for habitat preservation, wildlife conservation and education.  In 2001 the organization completed a shallow water impoundment in Radcliffe Creek that provides refuge and nesting grounds for ducks and other wetlands species.  During 2005 a three year commitment was undertaken to support the Maryland Wood Duck Initiative.  Future plans include development of a water habitat and nature trail near MD Route 213 in Chestertown.

“The show is a success because we have great exhibitors, volunteers, and board members; without their valuable participation this show would not be one of the premier events on the Eastern Shore,” said Mary Burton, Exhibition board president.

“It’s a great show, and a great weekend.  There’s a lot for people to do,” she said.  To purchase tickets and for detailed information about the Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition and Sale as well as a complete list of participating artists visit http://www.chestertownwildlife.org.