DNR Invites Wildlife Artists to Enter 13th Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest Annapolis

Both Maryland residents and non-residents may enter now through March 20, 2009.

“The proceeds from the sale of the Black Bear Stamp and other related products are used to compensate farmers in Maryland experiencing agricultural damage caused by black bears,” said Jonathan McKnight, acting Director of DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.

All entries must be original, previously unreleased artwork. Each contestant may submit one entry for a non-refundable $10 entry fee. Contest entries will be judged on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md., in conjunction with the 20th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show.

For contest rules and more information visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/bbcp/bbstampcontest.html, call Doug Wigfield at 410-713-3852 or e-mail dwigfield2@dnr.state.md.us.

DNR Invites Waterfowl Artists to Enter 35th Maryland Game Bird Stamp Design Contest

“Proceeds from the sale of these stamps help fund waterfowl and migratory game bird projects as well as much needed research,” said Jonathan McKnight, acting director of DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.

All entered designs must be the artist’s original work, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints, or photographs of the contestant, or any other artist. Each contestant may submit up to three entries. The entry fee, signed “Agreement to Enter the Contest” form, and entries with completed “Entry Identification Forms” attached to the back must be received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on March 20, 2009 at The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, Friends of Patuxent, Patuxent Research Refuge/National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

Entries will be judged at noon on Saturday, March 28, 2009 in conjunction with the 20th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel. Contestants and the public are invited to attend the contest judging process. Admission is free.

The stamp can be purchased by any citizen for $9 and is required for all migratory game bird hunters in Maryland. For a list of species eligible for depiction and full contest rules visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/duckstamp or contact Doug Wigfield, Contest Coordinator, at 410-713-3852 or dwigfield2@dnr.state.md.us.

PRESERVATION OF OVER 615 ACRES OF FOREST AND FARM LAND IN CECIL, DORCHESTER AND WICOMICO COUNTIES

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation. Starting in 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.

More recently, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved almost 10,000 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.

This includes  $457,695 to acquire a conservation easement on a 52-acre farm near Fair Hill in Cecil County. In Dorchester County, the board approved $731,000 to acquire a conservation easement on a 271-acre farm in the Nanticoke River Rural Legacy Area. In Wicomico County, the board approved $709,571 to acquire a conservation easement on a 292-acre property in the Quantico Creek Rural Legacy Area.

Additionally, Cecil County gets  $16,972 to acquire 101 acres to establish the county’s first regional park about halfway between the towns of North East and Rising Sun. Worcester County will receive $23,648 to offset expansion costs of the Northside Park building in Ocean City.

The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

WATERFOWL FESTIVAL IN EASTON

▪ The 38th annual Waterfowl Festival
takes place in the colonial town of Easton, Maryland. The historic
buildings of Easton serve as venues for galleries and exhibits, while
events and demonstrations are held at the surrounding ponds and scenic
areas.

▪ The Waterfowl Festival is America’s premiere
wildlife art exposition featuring art work from more than 300 artists
recognized world-wide. Hundreds of paintings, sculpture, carvings,
photos, and fine crafts reflect the beauty of the natural world.

▪ Nation-wide dealers offering antique and contemporary decoys at their booths or during two exciting decoy auctions.

▪
The Festival offers fly fishing and retriever dog demonstrations – sure
to entertain the experienced outdoor enthusiast, children and everyone
in between. Also this year will be the DockDogs, an entertaining
competition between dogs to see who can make the longest jump into a
pool.

▪ There are numerous hands-on activities for the entire
family, especially for the little ones, such as nature arts and crafts
activities and up close wildlife education.

▪ Four
world-class calling contests take place at the Festival attracting top
callers from across the country and Canada. Contests: World
Championship Goose Calling Contest® with $10,000 first prize,
Mason-Dixon Regional Duck Calling Contest, World Champion Live Duck
Calling Contest® and World Champion Live Goose Calling Contest™ – all
with cash and gear prizes.

▪ Attendees can checkout the
latest gear, accessories and gadgets for hunting, fishing and marine
sports at the Sportsman’s Pavilion.

▪ Great Eastern shore food, daily music and After Hours concerts add to the festivities.

▪
The Waterfowl Festival is produced annually by Waterfowl Festival Inc.,
a not-for-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, the
promotion of wildlife art and the celebration of life on Maryland’s
Eastern Shore.

▪ In its 37 years, the Festival has become a
leader in the conservation of waterfowl and wildlife habitat. A
milestone of $5 million has been donated to projects throughout the
Atlantic Flyway and in particular the Chesapeake Bay.

▪ The
Waterfowl Festival takes place November 14-16 in downtown Easton,
Maryland, off Route 50. Festival hours are: Friday and Saturday, 10
a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

▪ Admission is $12 for Friday or Saturday, $10 for Sunday or $24 for multi-day ticket – children under 12 free.

▪ For additional information or tickets online, visit http://www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410/822-4567.

QACAC EVENTS

	Members’ Best Receptions are a great way to meet area artists, make new friends and enjoy the generosity of the downtown Centreville business community. Quarterly receptions are held in most locations and are from 5 to 6:30 pm on the following dates: Sep 25, 2008 through Dec 12, 2008

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September – June: Classes in Visual Arts and Fine Crafts, Music and Movement, Writing and Kids Classes.

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Crop Club Parties – Join paper crafter Cathy Downes on the last Sunday of each month here at the Centre for the Arts from 12-5 PM. Please call Cathy at 410-758-1251 if you plan to attend. Donations appreciated.

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October 11 – “Celebrate Fall” 7 – 8 pm Early Bird Salsa Lesson. Hostess Amanda Showell invites you to an evening of Ballroom and Latin Dancing.
8 – 11 pm Dance Party. $10 members / $12 nonmembers

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November 5 – “Inside & Out: Form and Image” exhibit featuring artists Carole Cascio (ceramics) and Skip Faulkner (photography). Through Nov. 29, T-F 9 am to 5 pm, Sat. 10 am to 2 pm, or by appointment. Fine porcelain and sturdy ceramics are suited for indoor and outdoor use and are contrasted beautifully by artist Carole Cascio.

Photographer Skip Faulkner captures the starkness and subtleness of architectural, natural and human landscapes. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Centre’s Building Fund.

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November 7 – Reception – “Inside & Out: Form and Image” 5:30 – 8 pm. Meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments and find an exhibit favorite to call your own. Centre for the Arts.

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November 8 – “Tango Nights” 7 – 8 pm Early Bird Tango Lesson. Hostess Amanda Showell invites you to an evening of Ballroom and Latin Dancing 8 – 11 pm Dance Party. $10 members / $12 nonmembers

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November 15 – “The Shore Men” 7pm Benefit concert features fantastic Bluegrass by Dave and Marc MacGlashan, Chuck Van Meter and Nate Grower.

Ticket price includes an After Party featuring Bay favorites – oysters, crab cakes, Smith Island Cake and more. Proceeds benefit the Building Fund. $25 advance / $30 door. Advance ticket sales end on November 14.

Only 132 seats, reserve early.

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December 6 – “Heck with the Malls!” 9 am to 2 pm. Holiday shopping at its best. Artists and artisans in two locations: the Centre for the Arts and St. Paul’s Church. Find unique gifts for friends and family and bring home something for yourself. In it’s 12th year, this annual event is a must do! Hand-crafted soaps and lotions, jewelry, mosaics, photography, fashion and home accessories, one-of-a-kind purses, ceramics, wood and metal sculpture, holiday ornaments, watercolors, wildlife carvings, Native American clothing, and book signings by area writers Niambi Davis and Marjorie Lorenz. When you finish shopping with area artists, visit downtown Centreville where merchants will have extra discounts and refreshments for holiday shoppers. Free.

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Dec 12 – Reception, “Members Best” – NEW! Now on Fridays, you’re invited to come to downtown Centreville and see artwork, enjoy refreshments and visit local businesses who will stay open a little later than usual and will have special offers for art lovers. Start at the Arts Council’s Centre for the Arts (4 to 6 pm) for refreshments and to pick up a map of participating exhibitors and merchants. Then head over to Cottage Cuts (4 to 5 pm) to Terrar After the Storm on the Choptank.jpgsee the work of Marion LeMoal. From 5 to 6:30 receptions are at the following locations:
An Optical Galleria – David Terrar
Centreville Bank – Carolyn Councell
Delmarva Financial Group – Sally Clark
PNC Bank – Kurt Plinke
Prudential Premier Properties – Susan Schauer

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December 13 – “Holiday Dance & Showcase” 7 pm Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of Ballroom and Latin dances with hostess Amanda Showell. Performances throughout the evening. Light refreshments. $15 advance / $18 door.

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.

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.

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 12-18, 2008

Whether it’s taking a walk among the fall colors, spotting a rare bird species, or learning about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2008, celebrates the diversity and resources of America’s 548 national wildlife refuges.  And it’s a great opportunity to find a family event in your community.

National wildlife refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation–from hunting and fishing to wildlife observation, wildlife photography, nature interpretation and environmental education.  The Refuge System includes 2,500 miles of land and water trails, and there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.

“America’s wildlife refuges offer great places to teach our children the importance of making a lifelong commitment to our nation?s natural resources,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall.  “Exploring the outdoors and learning how all living things are connected to one another is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”

This year, the annual Refuge Week celebration also highlights the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp and the 50th anniversary of the Small Wetlands Program.  These two programs have helped the Refuge System expand to its current size of 97 million acres.

Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes toward the purchase or lease of wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.  To date, Duck Stamp sales have helped purchase or protect more than 5.2 million acres of wildlife habitat.  For more information about Duck Stamps, go to http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/.

The Small Wetlands Program was created in 1958 to allow proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps to also be used to acquire waterfowl production areas (WPAs).  These WPAs provide habitat for migratory birds, protect native plants, help filter groundwater, control flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere.   Close to one million acres of land acquired through the Small Wetlands Program is open to hunting, wildlife watching and photography and other outdoor recreation.

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 12-18, 2008

Whether it’s taking a walk among the fall colors, spotting a rare bird species, or learning about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2008, celebrates the diversity and resources of America’s 548 national wildlife refuges.  And it’s a great opportunity to find a family event in your community.

National wildlife refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation–from hunting and fishing to wildlife observation, wildlife photography, nature interpretation and environmental education.  The Refuge System includes 2,500 miles of land and water trails, and there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.

“America’s wildlife refuges offer great places to teach our children the importance of making a lifelong commitment to our nation?s natural resources,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall.  “Exploring the outdoors and learning how all living things are connected to one another is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”

This year, the annual Refuge Week celebration also highlights the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp and the 50th anniversary of the Small Wetlands Program.  These two programs have helped the Refuge System expand to its current size of 97 million acres.

Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes toward the purchase or lease of wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.  To date, Duck Stamp sales have helped purchase or protect more than 5.2 million acres of wildlife habitat.  For more information about Duck Stamps, go to http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/.

The Small Wetlands Program was created in 1958 to allow proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps to also be used to acquire waterfowl production areas (WPAs).  These WPAs provide habitat for migratory birds, protect native plants, help filter groundwater, control flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere.   Close to one million acres of land acquired through the Small Wetlands Program is open to hunting, wildlife watching and photography and other outdoor recreation.

National Wildlife Refuge Week events:
Many special events are planned for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Here’s a sample:

The Big Sit!
Celebrate the birds on a national wildlife refuge on October 12 by participating in The Big Sit!  National wildlife refuges from Wheeler, Alabama, and Pelican Island, Florida, to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Salem, Oregon, are hosting this annual international birding event.

Families and individuals find a great spot for bird watching and sit in a circle, counting all the bird species they see or hear. Not everyone needs to stay in the circle for the whole day.    Many people come and go, but only birds seen from the circle can be included in the Big Sit count. Bird Watcher’s Digest tallies the totals and identifies prize winners in several categories.

For a list of The Big Sit! sites, including many not on national wildlife refuges, go to: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/results08/circles_registered.php.

October 3
Visitors to Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) will be building bluebird nest boxes. http://www.fws.gov/lakeilo/

October 4
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) celebrates its 13th Refuge Open House with eagle prowls, live animal programs, a puppet show about invasive species and live animal exhibits. http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/

October 10
Patuxent Research Refuge (Maryland) joins with Smithsonian Resident Associates to offer a behind-the-scenes tour of captive breeding programs for whooping cranes and conservation-related research on kestrels and diving ducks. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/

October 11
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (Wisconsin) is planning a 5K run/walk along its auto tour route. Three hiking trails are located here, along with a floating boardwalk and bicycling and hiking access to the Wild Goose State Trail. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon/

October 11
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia) celebrates the cultural resources of the National Wildlife Refuge System with an open house at the Chesser Island Homestead, where visitors can discover how people lived in Southeast Georgia at the time the refuge was established in 1933.  http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee

October 18
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge (Illinois)
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, the refuge gives visitors a chance to see the huge concentrations of waterfowl that arrive each October.  The refuge’s riverbanks are also great places to see muskrat, beaver, turtles and frogs. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tworivers/

October 21-22
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Florida) celebrates Ding Darling Days with free excursions to the protected Bunche Beach Preserve, a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, which teems with shorebirds, wading birds, ospreys, bald eagles and other feathered friends. Join local bird experts for a tram excursion to this natural beach habitat at low tide.
http://www.dingdarlingdays.com/

Calendar of National Wildlife Refuge Week Events
For a more comprehensive list of National Wildlife Refuge Week events, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm

To find a refuge in your community, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY STATEMENT ON FEDERAL BLUE CRAB DISASTER DECLARATION

Governor Martin O’Malley commended the support and leadership of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation today and thanked Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez for the federal fishery disaster declaration for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab.

“We are grateful to Senators Mikulski and Cardin, and our congressional delegation for their leadership in working with the Department of Commerce to secure this critical designation for Maryland’s watermen.  Maryland’s blue crab and the traditional fishing industry that it supports face difficult times and the federal funding accompanying the disaster designation will help to preserve the infrastructure of Maryland’s hallmark blue crab fishery, and ensure an active fishery for the future.

This declaration not only helps restore the blue crab population, but it also ensures that the livelihood of our State’s watermen continues to be sustained. While we work with the industry on the State level to rebuild stocks and restructure the fishery, this federal action will help sustain the livelihoods of Maryland’s watermen, whose work is so vital to Maryland’s economy.”

Earlier this year, the O’Malley/Brown Administration coordinated historic action with Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s beleaguered blue crab population by reducing the harvest of ecologically valuable female blue crabs by 34 percent in 2008. In May 2008, Governors O’Malley and Kaine requested a disaster assistance evaluation from NOAA‘s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for Chesapeake Bay watermen and women who have suffered economic hardships due to the extremely low and unstable blue crab abundance.  Finding that due to adverse environmental conditions including habitat loss, water quality decline, an overabundance of native and non-native predators, and decimation of key blue crab prey, economic losses to the region’s blue crab fishing industry have accumulated over the last decade, the U.S. Department of Commerce today declared a state of disaster for the fishery.