Crossing to Freedom: Historic Casselman River Bridge Recognized for its Role in the Underground Railroad

Casselman River Bridge State Park in Garrett County recently joined the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, which honors and preserves the history of resistance to enslavement. The landmark earned the designation thanks to its role in the emancipation of author, minister and abolitionist Josiah Henson.

When Henson crossed the bridge in 1828, it was about 15 years old, and at the time, the largest stone arch bridge in the fledgling nation. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Department of Transportation are now stabilizing and resurfacing the bridge to ensure another two centuries as a National Historic Landmark. Read more.

Preventing Tick Bites Like The Pros – Advice from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Field Staff

Visitors to Maryland’s parks and public lands should take steps to prevent tick bites and treat tick bites quickly to protect themselves from Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome and other tick-borne illnesses.

Tick prevention is especially important if you are hiking through the woods or in a meadow or field, as ticks wait on grass and leaves, and attach when a host brushes past. Department of Natural Resources staff often work outdoors in remote areas, and have shared their best tips for reducing exposure to tick-related illnesses. Read more about preventing tick bites.

Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Provides $20 Million in Capital Grants for Public Boating Access, Navigable Waterways, and Safety

Funding toward 24 public boating projects throughout Maryland will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways, boating-safety-related vessels, and other important infrastructure and initiatives.

“Boating is an integral aspect of Maryland’s cultural identity that supports our seafood and tourism economies,” said Gov. Moore. “These major investments provide resources to strengthen our boating infrastructure, expand recreational access, and ensure the longevity of our waterways for Marylanders to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.” Read more about this year's waterway projects.

Native Animal Profile: Crayfish

Most of us who have played in shallow water or let our children play in Maryland streams and ponds vividly recall an encounter with a crayfish. This creek critter is uniquely charismatic and still quite common despite the increase in threats to its survival.  Read more from the summer edition of HabiChat.

New Executive Order Promotes Use of Maryland-Grown Wood in Public Construction Projects

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order directing state agencies to increase the use of Maryland-grown and harvested wood in publicly funded construction projects. The order is intended to strengthen local markets that support sustainable forestry, rural jobs, and the conservation of Maryland’s working forests. Read more.

Secretary’s Message – There’s Plenty of Fish to Chase During the Dog Days of Summer While We Protect Striped Bass

For the month of August, we are giving our striped bass in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay a much-needed break. Heat stress is one of the major threats to the species and that stress is exacerbated during the late summer in the Bay when high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels are more prevalent. All striped bass fishing in Maryland is off limits through Aug. 31.

During the striped bass closure, DNR encourages anglers to pursue other fish instead of striped bass. August provides a huge array of fish species to target to help meet the needs of recreational anglers and businesses. Read more.

Waterway Users Urged to Boat Smart to Avoid Propeller Strikes, Other Risks on the Water

To avoid serious propeller strike accidents and other preventable boating injuries, the Natural Resources Police is providing an overview of safety steps boaters and other waterway users should follow when spending time underway.

NRP encourages all boaters to follow these critical safety practices to reduce the risk of you or someone you know being injured by a boat propeller. Read more about boating safety practices.

Are You Ready for Hunting Season?

Fall hunting season is right around the corner. Licenses are on sale now and valid through July 31, 2027. Maryland’s hunting regulations for the upcoming season can be found in our online Hunting and Trapping Guide for 2026-27. 

Also, Maryland DNR is excited to announce the release new durable hard card designs. Each card is waterproof, and perfect size to fit inside your wallet. It’s just $10 to upgrade, so don't wait to snag yours today on the MD Outdoors website!

Maryland DNR Offers Special Edition MD250 Hard Card for Sale 

This year the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new, special edition hard card for fishing, hunting, and boating licenses that honors the state’s wildlife and outdoor history.

The artwork on the card is a relic of Maryland’s past. It served as the frontispiece for Maryland Conservationist magazine, published by a predecessor agency of DNR, between 1924 and 1947. Read more about the MD250 hard card license. 

DNR Seeks New Nominations for Prestigious Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Award

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again hosting a public nomination process for the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay Award this year and is now accepting new nominations for potential awardees.

Instituted by Governor J. Millard Tawes in 1959, the admiral is a lifetime achievement award bestowed by the governor upon individuals who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. 

DNR is looking for nominees who have dedicated their careers to organizing communities, leading restoration efforts, deepening our understanding of Bay science, or otherwise helping to improve the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Read more