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Vol. 16, No. 2 I Spring 2013

Features

In Every Issue

Printed on recycled paperDNR 01-182013-621 4/13

Observations, conclusions and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the

Department.

The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion,

sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental disability.

This document is available in alternative format upon request from a qualified individual with a disability.

© 2013 Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Martin O’MalleyGovernor

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

John R. GriffinSecretary

The Maryland Natural Resource...Your guide to recreation & conservation in Maryland

Darlene PisaniDirector

Office of Communications

Josh DavidsburgSenior Communications

Manager

Lauren DorrillEditor/Art Director

LaVon BostonCirculation Manager

Editorial SupportLauren Downs • Karis King

Barbara Rice • Christine RunionDarlene Walker

ContributorsKelly Barnes • Sarah Burton

Carrie Decker • Claudia Donegan Lauren Dorrill • Mike EnglishLetha Grimes • Scott Hymes

Erin McLaughlin • Kevin Smith Mark Trice • Kerry Wixted

Contact UsThe Maryland Natural Resource

580 Taylor Avenue, D-4Annapolis, Maryland 21401

[email protected]

Toll free in MD 1-877-620-8DNR ext. 8009

dnr.maryland.govSubscribe at

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Spring 2013 I 1

natural resource

the

On the coverSpring Buzz (European hornet)James Gregory Phelps

Maryland

DucklingsOlivia Hardwicke

ISSN 1521-9984

2 The Common Good

3 Consider the Elements

24 Maryland is... Smart, Green & Growing 26 Short Takes

29 DNR@Work

4 Restoring the Bay The Chesapeake & Coastal Service Works! Wetlands in Jessup Agriculture in Vienna A Watershed in Centreville 11 Celebrating Maryland Seafood Events, recipes and more 14 A Decade of Monitoring Eyes on the Bay celebrates 10th Anniversary 15 A Live Bay Best oxygen conditions since 1985 16 Go Fish! Youth programs inspire the next generation 18 Boat Safe Maritime reminders 20 Mark Your Calendars Upcoming events 22 Wild Shot

28 Chesapeake Bay Week Presented by Outdoors Maryland on MPT

Service, members of the Ross-Tubman family and many other partners and supporters, DNR is finally able to make this longtime dream a reality. Development of the park has been a spiritual journey for all of us at the Department. Thanks to the leadership of Kristin Saunders, Nita Settina, Jordan Loran, Glenn Carowan and Barbara Tagger, we are proud to finally dedicate a site of national significance to this true American hero.

As eloquently stated at the ceremony by our State Parks Superintendent Settina, “This may be one of the smallest in our system, however not unlike Harriet Tubman herself, it will loom largest for many in our hearts and minds.”

I encourage you to learn and share her story. Honor her bravery and emulate her valor. Defend those who may not be able to defend themselves. In so doing, we continue Harriet Tubman’s great work, creating a better State, a stronger nation and a more hopeful future.

I leave you with the words of Samuel Allen from his poem Harriet Tubman aka Moses.

By fire in heaven she was guidedsaved by stream

and by water reedby her terrible grimace of faith

beautiful and defiant,Till the moment in the long journey

came the first faint glimpseof the stars, the everlasting stars shining clear

over the freecoldland.

Let us vow today, together, that we will tell her story again and again to generations and generations of little boys and girls who will carry her courage in their own hearts.

Martin O’MalleyGovernor

The Common Good

John R. GriffinSecretary

2 I The Maryland Natural Resource Spring 2013 I 3

Consider The elemenTs Spring 2013

Harriet Ross Tubman was our Moses. Frederick Douglass once wrote to Harriet Tubman, “Much that you have done may

seem improbable to those who do not know you as I know you.”She was truly a tremendous individual… tremendous feats

of courage, and valor, and accomplishment. While none of us can know her in the same way that Frederick Douglass and her contemporaries knew her, I think we all have a sense that her spirit is with us today — that spirit of heroism, that spirit of courage.

The famous abolitionist leader Thomas Wentworth Higginson called Harriet Tubman the greatest heroine of her age. History remembers her as one of the greatest American heroes.

“Her tales of adventure are beyond anything in fiction and her ingenuity and generalship are extraordinary,” wrote Higginson. “She has had a reward of twelve thousand dollars offered for her in Maryland and will probably be burned alive whenever she is caught, which she probably will be…”

But she never was.On sunny weekends like this, my father would bring his boys

to the Eastern Shore and we’d go to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. And he would tell us also of Harriet Tubman. And as a little boy I remember trying to imagine the courage that it must have taken to escape as a slave. And I imagined as a little boy the courage it must have taken to come back again and again, not only for the people that she loved, but for people she had never known. I imagined as a little boy what sort of pain she must have experienced biting down on a bullet as they operated without any anesthesia on a wound on her skull. Such courage and such things for little boys and little girls to imagine in their hearts.

The above is excerpted from Governor Martin O’Malley’s remarks at the State Park groundbreaking ceremony on March 9.

One hundred years ago, one of our

greatest civil rights leaders passed on. Harriet Tubman — a Maryland Eastern Shore native and conductor of the famed Underground Railroad — led scores of slaves, including her parents and siblings, to lives beyond bondage. Courageous and determined, she successfully evaded Confederate arms and lost no one on at least a dozen trips across the Mason-Dixon Line.

But she didn’t stop there; she never tired in her search for a truly equal nation. During the Civil War, Harriet served as a nurse and a spy for the Union. In the years following, she became active in the women’s rights movement and other social issues, including establishing a safe home for elderly African Americans.

In March we commemorated her legacy and life’s work with the official groundbreaking of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park. Outgoing U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Governor Martin O’Malley and more than 400 others took part in a ceremony that featured the New Revelations Baptist Church Choir, re-enactors from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and inspirational soloist Melissa Sparks.

Slated to open in 2015, the park will be settled on 17 acres among the marshes and woodlands of Dorchester County — the land she came to navigate so well. It will feature a 15,000 square foot Visitor Center, an exhibit hall and theater, a memorial garden and picnic pavilion, and trails leading to a 125-mile scenic byway.

In close collaboration with the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Lori Livingston

Jay Baker

Left to right: Harriet Tubman Organization President David Pinder, DNR Secretary John Griffin, NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis, Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson, MPS Superintendent Nita Settina, Governor Martin O’Malley, DOI Secretary Ken Salazar, Councilman William Nichols, DGS Secretary Alvin Collins

Jay Baker

Visitor Center rendering by GWWO, Inc.

“President Obama made a long-held dream come true for countless Marylanders with his decision to forever commemorate the life and legacy of one of the Underground Railroad’s most famed conductors, Harriet Tubman. By selecting Maryland’s Eastern Shore as the site for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument, President Obama will help us preserve the life and legacy of an American hero.

“We are grateful to President Obama and our federal, local and private partners, including The Conservation Fund, for a donation of land that made this monument possible. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of many, Harriet Tubman’s legacy will live on forever.”

-Governor O’Malley on the designation of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument on March 25.


By Scott Hymes

When it comes to tackling the challenge of reclaiming our waterways, DNR’s Chesapeake & Coastal Service strives to advance the science of Bay restoration. The team relies on innovation and creativity to fund, build and assist

projects that make a difference in water quality and preserve our invaluable resources. By developing public policy and new funding mechanisms, building cutting edge projects and assisting local communities with training and

expertise, they help local governments and other organizations put into place restoration plans of their own.

Restoring the Bay

The Chesapeake & Coastal Service Works!

Late Afternoon Over the MarshKent Carlson

motor fuel and rental car taxes — toward the State’s restoration efforts. Applicants receive funding for projects that best support the Watershed Implementation Plan — part of an EPA requirement to detail Maryland’s role in Bay cleanup. Leveraging funds with partner groups helps finance more projects.

A lot of work remains to be done to meet our goals and ensure that we preserve our resources for future generations. Bringing together all of the region’s resources and knowledge, and empowering local communities, the Chesapeake & Coastal Service works to make Maryland a healthier and more prosperous place to live, one project at a time. n

dnr.maryland.gov/ccp

Scott Hymes is the Communications liaison for the Chesapeake & Coastal Service and manages the statewide Smart, Green & Growing initiative.


When John Smith first explored the Bay and its tributaries in the late 1600s, the Chesapeake

region had lush, old-growth forests, natural shorelines, bay grasses, bogs and wetlands that soaked up and filtered rainwater. Beaver dams crossed streams and caught sediment. Oyster bars rose out of and filtered the water. Nature had many tools in place to preserve the ecosystem’s delicate balance, but as the human population grew, its tools to deal with rainwater were sacrificed.

Buildings, roads and agriculture replaced forests. With fewer trees, faster moving rainwater eroded stream banks and carried nutrients from fertilizer and sewage to the Bay. The result? Choked bay grasses, buried wetlands and bogs that could no longer filter.

Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Today’s runoff restoration project designers take their cue from Mother Nature, incorporating techniques that slow runoff allowing it to sink into the ground instead of flowing freely into the water.

StreamsEveryone in the Chesapeake Bay

watershed lives near a stream, even if there is no water running through it. Empty streams allow rainwater to enter the Bay’s system, bringing pollutants with

it. For years, many streams in urban areas were used as conduits to get rainwater off of roads and out of developed areas. With less water soaking into the ground and a larger, more powerful flow, many streams have worn away. Restoration efforts now stabilize banks, incorporating tree plantings and step pool systems that trap pollutants.

In 2012, Governor Martin O’Malley initiated Maryland’s Stream Restoration Challenge as a new grant program to engage middle and high school students in restoration. The goal is to plant 1,000 acres of stream-side forests by 2015 while creating opportunities for service-learning and environmental literacy activities. The State and its partners have committed $6

million to the effort, and at this writing, 29 grants have already been awarded.

TreesTrees capture water and stabilize

eroding land. Large plantings are one of the many tools Maryland uses in urban, suburban and agricultural areas. Through the Maryland Conservation Corps, volunteers plant thousands of trees each year on public and private lands.

In the past few years, the Maryland Forest Brigade — an inmate work program — planted more than 1 million trees on public lands, while citizens planted and registered more than 100,000 new trees.

Planting trees is a tangible way people can make a difference in their communities while reducing carbon, creating habitat and stopping runoff.

WetlandsOnce considered a waste of good

land, wetlands were often filled to allow for construction and agriculture. Usually located at the end of streams, many have been destroyed when sediment flowed from upstream developments and tilling overwhelmed the delicate balance of plants and water.

Recreating these systems has become a powerful and beautiful way to capture polluted runoff while giving refuge to the Bay’s smallest creatures.

The Service’s Habitat Restoration and Conservation team has reestablished and created hundreds of acres of innovative wetland systems on public and private lands. These projects move soil and enhance habitats by planting grasses, shrubs and trees. Within weeks of completion, fish and other creatures return to the area.

Living ShorelinesHomeowners often try to prevent

waves from eroding their properties using hard materials — like wooden bulkheads — after the natural shoreline protection has washed away, taking with it critical nesting areas for terrapins, horseshoe crabs and other critters.

However, eroding sand from one person’s shoreline creates a neighbor’s beach. It’s all part of a constant process

occurring all over the watershed. When one area gets hardened, another disappears, leaving the shoreline vulnerable. Natural beaches that have gradual slopes of sand have lower wave energy and fewer grasses that hold material in place.

Living Shorelines combine stone, sand and native plants to create buffers and habitat while protecting land from erosion. DNR works with citizens and local governments to formulate solutions that fit their situation.

ToolsA number of tools help get projects

going. Partnerships with outside groups and other State agencies bring together effective funding and design expertise. Cutting edge Geographical Information Systems for mapping give a big picture view of restoration sites.

Since 2008, the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays Trust Fund has contributed $126 million — generated from the State’s

Breaking ground on the Jennifer Branch stream restoration

Cabin Branch project in Anne Arundel County MCC volunteers plant trees.

Scott Hym

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Many citizens familiar with the Baltimore Metro region know Jessup for its produce markets or

corrections facility. Few, however, realize a significant watershed restoration project recently took place in the middle of this busy industrial area.

A portion of Dorsey Run — a tributary of the Patuxent River — was in dire need of floodplain and stream restoration. Railroad tracks to the north isolated about one third of the area, and a deep agricultural ditch — which pushed stormwater downstream — prevented water from reaching the natural stream channel.

Working with the State Highway Administration (SHA), DNR devised a plan in 2009, focusing on permanently plugging the entrenched ditch so runoff

from heavy rains would remain on the floodplain instead of overflowing the run’s downstream section. Sysco System — the site neighbor — and the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company also became instrumental partners by helping build the project’s access road.

SHA provided the funds to design and construct a plan while DNR’s Habitat Restoration and Conservation team was tasked with overseeing the project. The department’s Engineering and Construction staff began site-work in the spring of 2011. Within a year, they completed construction of nine earthen dams to infiltrate water, three cobblestone weirs — low dams built across creeks to raise water level and control flow — to control flow and create macroinvertebrate

habitat, two boulder cascades to prevent more erosion and two seasonal pools to help hold stormwater.

As the project wrapped up last November, members of the Maryland Conservation Corps helped replenish the construction area by planting 260 native trees and shrubs around the earthen dams and along 500 feet of the remediated ditch.

Although too much stormwater still flows from the surrounding urbanized watershed, the floodplain function at the Jessup site has greatly improved. This work restored approximately 13 acres of wetland and 2,000 linear feet of steam restoration. The Dorsey Run project shines a spotlight on the importance of public-private partnerships for ecosystem restoration. n

Can agriculture and clean water go together? Policy makers around the Chesapeake Bay watershed

continuously discuss this question. DNR has been working with the town of Vienna in Dorchester County to enhance water quality on their vast farmlands west of the Nanticoke River.

Known as the Vienna Greenbelt, this project began when DNR purchased approximately 260 acres of existing agricultural land slated for development. At the time, 135 homes were planned for construction bordering the historic riverside town and the Mill Creek Natural Heritage Area — a riparian wetland complex containing threatened plant species rarely found along the Eastern Shore.

Community organizers and river advocates petitioned DNR to purchase the property and preserve it in perpetuity. The agency agreed and sold the parcel to the town of Vienna.

DNR’s Habitat Restoration and Conservation team then created a resource enhancement plan to maintain some farming activities on the property and incorporate best management practices to improve water quality and restore habitat.

The result allowed farming to continue on more than half the parcel — 149 acres — with the rest designated as a resource enhancement area which includes: 27 acres of riparian reforestation, 22 acres of warm-season grass buffers and 20 acres of wetland restoration.

In November 2012, the Maryland Conservation Corps and other watershed volunteers worked with the team to complete the reforestation, linking existing upland forests to riparian areas along the Nanticoke. They planted 800 trees and shrubs, following up on warm season grass buffer plantings and several large wetland restoration areas. Habitats immediately improved for migratory birds as well as the beloved Delmarva Fox Squirrel.

So, can agriculture and clean water coexist? Absolutely! By working together with local communities and conservation-minded farmers, we can farm smart and maintain prized resources surrounding beautiful tidewater towns like Vienna. n

Agriculture in ViennaWetlands in Jessup

Volunteers work to reinforce the shoreline.

Scott Hym

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Claudia Donegan

Claudia Donegan

Restoration is in full swing at the Vienna site.

Their work withstood the winter.


A tidal, 6-square mile watershed located in Queen Anne’s County, the Corsica River consists mostly of

forest and farmland. In 2005 it was targeted for restoration for its size, location and the likelihood of success in reducing nutrients.

Since then, DNR and its partners have led restoration and enhancement projects, monitored progress and assisted with community outreach activities. Hundreds of water quality and habitat projects have been installed, including 300 rain gardens, 170 rain barrels, 12 acres of riparian forest buffers, 80 acres of wetland restoration and stormwater retrofits, which treat about 112 acres of upland runoff.

A widely attended watershed festival is also held each fall, featuring environmental exhibits, kids’ crafts, pony rides, food and live music.

Recent studies show consistently decreasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in some of the Corsica’s tributaries. Future goals include determining how much additional efforts are needed to continue this positive trend, acquiring grants to create a mapping tool, expanding the rain garden program and targeting agriculture hotspots for additional best management practices.

Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the town of Centreville is currently working on several projects at Gravel Run. So far in 2013, an ordinance has passed to fund additional stormwater projects; a dam removal study has been completed and removal has been scheduled for this year; and a portion below a wastewater treatment plant will be re-designed for increased floodplain.

What started as a local watershed restoration plan has since grown into a highly functioning comprehensive effort with statewide attention. The most recent full progress report is available for download at dnr.maryland.gov/ccp/pdfs/corsica_report.pdf.

The Corsica River Initiative is a great model for what can be done and maintained. When the right partners and communities dedicate themselves and inspire others, land and water quality improvements promise a green future. n

corsicariverconservancy.orgdnr.maryland.gov/ccp

These articles were written by Carrie Decker, Claudia Donegan, Erin McLaughlin and Kevin Smith — specialists with DNR’s Chesapeake and Coastal Service unit.

A Watershed in CentrevilleWhat do you do when you catch

a dreaded Snakehead? Eat it, of course! This has become

popular opinion when it comes to the topic of invasive species — any non-native, introduced species that is detrimental to the environment. Recently, the northern Snakehead and Blue Catfish populations have grown significantly throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. While they do pose threats to the habitats they invade, they are safe (and savory) to eat.

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em

Celebrating Maryland SeafoodBy Kelly Barnes

Ever since the first Snakehead was discovered in a Crofton pond in 2002, images of a sharp-toothed, land walking (they can’t actually do that) fish have put a bad taste in peoples’ mouths. It’s true that they are not pretty and do not inspire the word delicious. However, looking past the teeth and slimy outer layer, the Snakehead is in fact a fish worthy of any plate. As a firm, mild-flavored white fish, it withstands many methods of preparation. Its higher oil content makes it ideal for smoking or dry curing as well. The Blue Catfish, although not quite as ugly as the Snakehead, has a similar texture and flavor profile, and is equally appetizing.

A market for invasivesIn January 2013, Profish — a

Washington, D.C.-based fish wholesaler — sponsored a charity dinner to bring awareness to eradicating these species, while raising funds for several area non-profits. The menu featured both of Maryland’s aquatic invasives, as well as more traditional True Blue crab, oyster and Rockfish dishes. Local celebrity chefs — including Scott Drewno of The Source in Washington, D.C. and Chad Wells from The Rockfish in Annapolis — prepared the

five-course meal and frequently feature Snakehead and Blue Catfish on their own menus.

Handle with careThese fish are extremely predatory, with

a high and rapid rate of reproduction. If left to their own devices, they threaten the natural ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The next time you go out to eat, don’t be afraid to try or request them — you won’t be disappointed! If that isn’t reason enough, consider that you are also doing something good for the environment. Remember, if you happen to catch a Snakehead or Blue Catfish don’t put it back in the water — that’s illegal. Fry it up instead! n

marylandseafood.org

(Turn the page for a mouth-watering recipe!)

Beyond first impressionsUncommon are the tales of fishing

for invasive species and the memories associated with the meals prepared from monster-like catches. Instead the fishing community regales friends and family with wild stories reeling in native, delicious fishes such as Yellow Perch and Striped Bass. Together with local chefs and wholesalers, DNR’s Seafood Marketing Program aims to challenge and change the way people view less desirable invasives.

This angler shows off his invasive catch.

This Blue Catfish looks surprised to be caught!

Snakehead preparation

Rick CorleyH

on Kwan

Adam Aghion

Keith Jacobs

Though intimidating fresh out of the water, this Snakehead would make a great meal.

The Corsica River continues to show improvement.

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Spring 2013 I 13

A (Delicious!) Year in Review

The True Blue marketing campaign — which certifies restaurants and food service establishments that commit

to using genuine Maryland crabmeat — made its debut early in 2012. At publication time, there were 150 True Blue certified restaurants/establishments in the Baltimore-Washington region (including the Eastern Shore) which collectively use an estimated 12,000 pounds of crabmeat weekly. Preliminary numbers collected from the industry showed an increase across the board in poundage processed and dockside value.

Maryland Seafood Festival Chef education trips, professional group

events and the two-day Maryland Seafood Festival — held in conjunction with the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale — accounted for an immeasurable outreach over the summer and into the fall. One of the most popular attractions, the Seafood Marketing tent was filled all weekend, retaining visitors with samples of Crab

and other various types of fish prepared by local chefs. Nearly 300 chefs, distributors and food bloggers accompanied Seafood Marketing staff on additional trips to learn how their products are harvested and received by consumers.

From the Bay,for the Bay

October marked the second annual From the Bay, for the Bay dine-out. Throughout the week-long event, participating restaurants donated $1 from all Maryland seafood dishes on their menus to the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Proceeds totaled $25,000, which not only helped the Partnership, but also raised awareness of the delicious bounty offered by the Bay.

Online renovationsAs the year wound down,

Seafood Marketing re-launched its website, featuring a history of the industry, recipes, products, sustainable practices, event promotions and other news.

The crew also honed in on social media outlets to present up-to-the-minute information on the exciting new adventures 2013 will bring. Those interested can like MarylandSeafood on Facebook and follow @md_seafood on Twitter. n

marylandseafood.org

Kelly Barnes is a member of DNR’s Seafood Marketing team.

Ink ByersKelly Barnes

Kelly Barnes

Frankenfish Tacos

Chimichurri MarinadeOne 12-ounce skinless fillet Snakehead, sliced into 1” thick slices*¼ cup white vinegar 7 cloves garlic, peeled½ tbsp crushed red pepper 1 ½ bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley½ tbsp kosher salt Juice of one fresh ripe lime ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine vinegar, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, garlic, parsley and lime juice in a food processor. Slowly add in olive oil while blending. Cover Snakehead with desired amount of chimichurri marinade and refrigerate while preparing Grilled Corn Salsa and Slaw.

*If Snakehead is unavailable, it can be substituted with Blue Catfish — another invasive fish widely available in markets.

Grilled Corn Salsa4 ½ ounces onion, small dice2 ears corn, grilled and blistered, kernels removedJuice of 2 ripe limes1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced¼ bunch fresh cilantro, stemmed and roughly choppedKosher salt

Combine onions, corn, lime juice, jalapeno and cilantro in a mixing bowl and season with salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Slaw1 ½ cups mayonnaise 1 ½ tablespoons chipotle in adobo, pureed1/8 cup sugar ½ tbsp fresh lime juice1/8 cup white vinegar ½ head cabbage, shaved

Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, chipotle and lime juice in a bowl until combined. Slowly add mix to cabbage until desired consistency is reached. For more heat, add more chipotle puree.

AssemblyCanola Oil for cooking fish Fried sweet potato sticks for servingKosher salt Lime slices, for servingGrilled 6-inch tortillas, for serving

Heat a sauté pan on high and coat with oil. Once oil slides freely, place Snakehead in the pan and sprinkle with salt. Cook until tender and fish begins to flake when pushed with a spatula. This fish cooks extremely fast!

Place the grilled tortillas on a plate and top with the Snakehead, Grilled Corn Salsa, Slaw and fried potato sticks. Garnish with lime slices.

Try new recipes — invasive or not — atmarylandseafood.org/chefs.html

as prepared by Chef Chad Wells,Executive Chef at The Rockfish in Annapolis

Chefs observe a demonstration.

Chefs trotlining on the Patuxent

12 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Freshly steamed Maryland crabs


Eyes on the Bay — DNR’s water quality website — enters its 10th full year of operation in 2013. Since its inception in 2002, this site has served hundreds of thousands of visitors, including school groups, anglers, recreational boaters, citizens, scientists and resource managers interested in the state of the

Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.

Behind the scenes at Eyes on the Bay is a dedicated team of field biologists who work long hours and brave harsh conditions to provide data. A small jack-of-all-trades group of scientists, statisticians and computer programmers create and manage the website, and conduct critical analyses that guide Bay management decisions and restoration activities. Federal, State, local and non-profit partners also contribute content and funding. n

eyesonthebay.net

Featuring a wealth of information used to assess aquatic habitats, the main page provides three types of monitoring programs that measure water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, water clarity, pH and algal bloom concentrations.• Fixed monitoring data are collected monthly or

twice monthly at stations throughout the watershed.• Continuous monitoring sites have instruments

that collect readings every 15 minutes from 30 to 50 sites, some of which provide real-time data. Over 9 million data records have been collected to date.

• Water quality mapping collects data every four seconds from a fast-moving boat.

A recent redesign via Google Maps makes content easier to navigate. In addition to accessing basic information via chart and map-based views, there are many other tools that help users determine the water’s health.

• The Current Conditions map provides a statewide view of the latest results — how current data compares to historical data and models that predict the conditions of aquatic habitats.

• The Status & Trends map answers the often-asked question, “How’s the Bay Doing?” Status indicates if an area has been good, fair or poor over the last three years, while trends analyze whether or not conditions have been improving.

• The Harmful Algae map shows the latest results of algae sampling that could jeopardize the ecosystem or human health.

• The Satellite map features daily visual imagery and water quality products from NOAA and NASA.• A variety of monitoring stories, technical publications and lesson plans for students are also available.

A Decade of MonitoringEyes on the Bay Celebrates 10th Anniversary

A Live BayBest oxygen conditions since 1985

By Mark Trice

Dead zone — it’s a catchy term heard in the news every summer to describe conditions in the

Chesapeake Bay. But what does it mean? Dead zone refers to an area of the Bay that has so little oxygen that most forms of aquatic life cannot survive.

Such areas usually form in the deep channel of the Chesapeake during the spring and summer months. They are formed by natural conditions, but greatly exacerbated by human influences. Nutrient pollution — normally an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus — enters the Bay from wastewater treatment plants, agriculture, urban runoff and air pollution, causing algae to bloom in greater than normal amounts. As the algae decays, it consumes oxygen faster than it can be produced or exchanged with the atmosphere.

Regulating the watershedSince 1985, DNR has conducted

monthly or bi-monthly water quality monitoring at numerous locations focusing on parameters — like nutrients, sediment, algal blooms and dissolved oxygen — that affect fish, crab, oyster and underwater grass habitats. Monitoring helps scientists better understand the processes that occur in the Chesapeake and guides natural resource Bay restoration policy decisions.

A streak of successIn 2011, very high spring water flows

resulted in record large summer dead zones. In late August, Hurricane Irene’s strong winds helped mix oxygen into the Bay. Close on its heels, however, Tropical Storm Lee produced near-record flows from the Susquehanna with equally high delivery of nutrients and sediment. At the time, there was concern there would be a carryover effect in 2012 and another record dead zone might be observed. However, low flows in winter and spring resulted in summer drought conditions.

Preliminary analysis indicates that due to those low flows, many DNR monitoring sites observed record low nutrient concentration in spring and summer 2012. The result? The smallest Maryland dead zone seen since the beginning of regular monitoring.

Between 1985 and 2011, an average summer would show 22 percent of the Bay’s volume as a dead zone, but 2012 only reached 16.7%. While a large area of inhospitable habitat still remains, this

encouraging progress shows that with continued adoption of nutrient reduction practices — such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades, stormwater management controls and agricultural best management practices — the Chesapeake Bay can show improved conditions not just in a drought year, but every year. n

Mark Trice is the program manager of water quality informantics with DNR’s Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Division.

Vincent G. Ferrari

An open window to the Bay


Do you remember your first fishing trip? What did you catch? Have you shared that story with a child

in your life? There is no better way to provide a child with the necessary tools to appreciate and care for Maryland’s natural resources than a fishing trip, and the excitement of a first catch is a priceless memory that will last a lifetime.

Drawing inspiration from Governor Martin O’Malley’s Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights — which proclaims all children in Maryland will have the opportunity to connect with nature at an early age and build upon that connection throughout their developing years — DNR Fisheries Service is working to provide every child with the opportunity to catch a fish. The following programs encourage youth to

take up the sport and become responsible stewards of their natural world.

Rodeos and the Maryland Fishing Challenge

DNR stocks fish for approximately 60 annual rodeo events. Sponsored by local organizations such as Lions Clubs, Sportsmen’s Groups, Community

Associations and State Parks, rodeos are open to children, regardless of skill level, ages 3 to 16.

Most sponsors provide the required gear and some even provide lunch and offer prizes for various categories. But best of all, kids almost always go home with the experience of catching a fish or an exciting tale about one that got away.

To promote the Maryland Fishing Challenge to young anglers, the agency annually partners with various organizations to send lucky anglers from 20 rodeos to the Challenge Finale at Sandy Point State Park. Each winner receives a mentored fishing trip ranging from fly-fishing on the famed Gunpowder River to casting for Tautog from a head boat in Ocean City. These trips offer many kids with limited experience a chance to continue fishing and gain a better appreciation for it.

Backyard Fishing Initiative The Backyard Fishing Initiative began

in 2010 to present kids with easy (and safe) access sites. Having a spot where they can regularly fish and explore aquatic environments provides learning experiences and inspires stewardship. Participants also learn basic skills such as gear selection, knot tying, hook baiting and casting. DNR stocks each pond with Hybrid Sunfish every summer and hosts family-friendly fishing events.

Maryland Youth Fishing Club DNR’s online Maryland Youth Fishing

Club — open to children between the

ages of 5 and 15 — gives young anglers an outlet for sharing their stories. New members receive a welcome packet with a club patch. They also gain access to dependable tips and events scheduled

across the State. The Fisheries Service is incorporating valuable teaching videos and new

information.

Youth Fishing AreasDNR also stocks 68 lakes and ponds

and 58 stream segments with adult trout. Eleven areas in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Baltimore and Cecil counties are specifically regulated for youth fishing.

Free Fishing Three annual Free Fishing Days occur

on the first two Saturdays of June and July 4. On these days, participants may catch and possess finfish in Maryland’s tidal and nontidal waters for recreational purposes without licenses.

License-Free Fishing Areas located along tidal portions of the Chesapeake Bay also provide wonderful opportunities year-round to take a trip on a moment’s notice. n

dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/keepfishingeregulations.com/maryland/fishing

Letha Grimes is a biologist with DNR’s Fisheries Service and the Maryland Fishing Challenge Youth Component coordinator.

Go Fish!Youth programs inspire the next generation

By Letha Grimes

Letha Grim

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YOUTH FISHING CLUB

Waiting for a bite at Foxhill PondOne proud angler-in-training at Middle RiverCasting practice at a Backyard Fishing event

This group from the Baltimore City Parks and Recreation enjoys a Diamond Jim tagging trip.

Letha Grim

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Letha Grim

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Gwynnbrook Pond Rodeo yields super results.

Letha Grim

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Boat SafeMaritime reminders

According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, more than two-thirds of boating related fatalities are caused by drowning. Of those who perish, approximately 90 percent are not wearing a life jacket. The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) provides safety tips, courses and other resources in an effort to encourage citizens

to develop and practice safe habits on and around the water.

Beware of Carbon MonoxideAll boat engines produce Carbon Monoxide (CO) — an odorless, colorless, poisonous

gas that can prove fatal in a matter of minutes. Boaters die each year because of improper cabin ventilation, poorly maintained equipment and careless behavior.

You do not have to be inside the boat to be at risk. Exposure can occur on swim platforms and in other areas where CO exhaust may accumulate. Early symptoms include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness.

Install CO detectors and stay off the swim platform when the engine or generators run.

Get Your Boat CheckedNRP Reserve Officers, Coast Guard

Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons® offer free Vessel Safety Checks. Learn more at vesselsafetycheck.org.

Boat Responsiblyand Wear it!

The National Safe Boating Council and NRP remind you to always boat responsibly.

An accident can happen very quickly and unexpectedly, so you must be equipped to help yourself and passengers. Be alert and careful on and around the water, and remember to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) habitually.

PFDs today are available in many different comfortable styles for children and adults, making it much easier to Wear It! at all times.

Size guidance is available at safeboatingcampaign.com/choose.htmand Maryland requirements can be viewed at dnr.maryland.gov/boating/regulations.

Take a Safe Boating CourseOperator factors, such as carelessness,

recklessness, inexperience and excessive speed, cause 70 percent of recreational boating accidents. Inexpensive boating safety courses address these topics and more. Learn more at dnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety/basiccourse.asp

Stay Sober, Stay AliveMuch like driving a car, it is extremely

dangerous — and illegal in all states — to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

An intoxicated operator is 10 times more likely to die in a boating accident than one who is sober.

How much is your life worth? Fishing buddies Travis and Mark answered this question when a newly purchased Personal Flotation Device (PFD) saved Mark’s life.

“On an early Sunday morning, Travis and I arrived at the launch point, ready to fish,” explained Mark. “We set out in an inflatable raft and were having no problems. After an hour or so, we decided to anchor in a deep, slow moving section directly over a good fishing hole.”

The two men were concentrating so intently they didn’t feel the anchor begin to slip as their boat drifted into faster water.

“We didn’t notice until it was too late,” continued Mark. “I grabbed for the anchor line, but we were already taking on water. The raft was almost vertical.”

Mark moved quickly to counter-balance the listing, but nothing was going to save the raft. As the men shifted their weight, it tipped and they were thrown into the river.

“I managed to grab my fly rod,” he continued. “Travis clung to the raft, but I didn’t know how to swim. As I rapidly sank, I realized I was in grave danger of drowning. Suddenly, I remembered I was wearing my brand-new life jacket. I easily located the ripcord and gave it a yank. To my relief, it worked.”

Mark figured he was underwater for about 30 seconds. When he reached the surface, Travis had no trouble spotting him in his bright orange PFD.

“He swam to me and pulled me over to the empty raft,” remembered Mark. “As the months and years pass, I can only wonder how many times such devices will protect fellow fishermen. Since that day, I always put my life jacket on before going near the water.

boatingsidekicks.com/sbjacket/sbtjmain.htmsafeboatingcouncil.org

The National Safe Boating Council’s mission is to be the foremost coalition to advance and promote a safer recreational boating experience through education, outreach and training.

Saved by the JacketA true story from the

National Safe Boating Council

Call for HelpThe Natural

Resources Police patrols Maryland waters to enforce conservation, boating and criminal laws.

As they aim to prevent, identify and stop potential threats, you are encouraged to follow the If you See Something, Say Something motto. Report any suspicious activity by calling 800-628-9944 or VHF Channel 16.

The Chesapeake Bay Hotline — 1-877-224-7229 — is also open 24/7 to report boating accidents, fish kills, oil spills, debris and other hazards.

Know the Navigation RulesThe nautical rules of the road are

important and apply to all boaters. Knowing what to do when meeting, crossing or over-taking another vessel can prevent costly damage, personal injury or even death.

Whenever you believe there is a threat of collision you should slow down, stop or steer away from the situation.

Maintaining a proper lookout anda safe speed are both crucial parts of boat operation.

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Boating on Greenbrier Lake

Paula Mansfield

Responsible boaters enjoy a day on the water.


Mark Your CalendarsUpcoming events

Celebrate the EarthEach year, the nation sets a day aside to inspire awareness and appreciation for the planet’s well-being. This Earth Day — April 22 — spend some time reconnecting with nature and doing your part to ensure a greener future. Many community events are scheduled across Maryland, including Celebration & Clean-up on the 21st at Elk Neck State Park. Join other volunteers to spruce up the park and enjoy a live animal program featuring birds of prey and reptiles. Discover more ideas at green.maryland.gov

Continue a TraditionHeld several times a year across the State, Junior Hunter Field Days are open to young people ages 8-16. Under professional guidance, these free events provide safe, enjoyable hands-on opportunities to learn about hunting & trapping and its important role in Maryland’s wildlife conservation. Preregister for the May 11 Field Day, to be held at the Midland Sports Club in Allegany County, at dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/education/youth

Embark on a Month-Long AdventureJune is Great Outdoors Month! Plan to attend a scheduled event or just freestyle with friends and family. Festivities kick off on the 1st — National Trails Day. Maintaining more than 1,000 miles of trails — listed at dnr.maryland.gov/land/md_trails — Maryland offers ample opportunity for hiking and biking.

So get out there! Take a picnic, paddle a kayak, watch for wildlife and join thousands of other citizens on the 22nd for the Great American Backyard Campout. Remember to check the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights to guarantee maximum summer fun! dnr.maryland.gov/cin

Plant and Be CountedAmericans have acknowledged the importance of arboriculture since at least 1872 when J. Sterling Morton led the planting of an estimated one million trees. Marylanders observe Arbor Day on the first Wednesday of every April to mark the beginning of planting season. Various opportunities exist to make planting easy. The Gift of Trees is a trifold honor — one to the memory of a friend or family member, one to future generations and one to the environment — and coupons for $25 off are available year-round. Consult TREE-MENDOUS for a species guide and care tips atdnr.maryland.gov/forests/treemendous

Try Something NewBecoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshops teach introductory hunting and shooting skills, fishing and other outdoor activities in a supportive and non-threatening atmosphere. Classes throughout the year are designed to be as hands-on as possible, giving participants enough knowledge to further pursue their interests. Evening activities are filled with fun and camaraderie, story-telling, pioneer skills and outdoor fashion shows. Upcoming Beyond BOW workshops — for those looking to develop specific skills — include birding on April 27-28 and backpacking on June 8-9. dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Education/bow/index.asp

Play the Maryland Bay GameNow in it’s 16th year, the 2013-2014 Maryland Bay Game hits shelves this month. Distributed through libraries, tourism centers, schools and other organizations, this popular publication always delights children and adults alike. This year’s activities tackle climate change in an effort to encourage all citizens to live a little smarter and a little greener, ensuring a more sustainable future. Content is available in its entirety online, along with an additional interactive game at dnr.maryland.gov/baygame

Take a Fish DayFishing Rodeos and other events occur throughout the spring and summer. Don’t know where to start? Try a Free Fishing Day. On the first two Saturdays of June, anglers may catch and possess finfish in tidal and nontidal waters for recreational purposes without the licenses or stamps normally required by law. Don’t forget, the Maryland Fishing Challenge is ongoing and open to anyone fishing legally. dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries

APRIL

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DN

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Patricia Handy

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The Turkey Point Lighthouse on the Elk Neck peninsula

A participant takes aim at a Beyond BOW hunting event.

Cara Crown

Be sure to splash and swim some this summer!

Chuck PrahlSunrise on the water

Jay Baker

Children participating in the Great American Backyard Campout

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A tradition passes from one generation to the next.

Be sure to check dnr.maryland.gov/calendar regularly for all the latest DNR happenings.

Refresh Water KnowledgeThe National Safe Boating Council, Inc. sponsors Safe Boating Week each year to promote safe practices on the water. From May 18-24, take a course, update equipment or renew registration. View requirements, checklists, fact sheets and more atdnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety

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Wild ShotAssassin bugs are amazing predators that often wait and ambush their prey. They have large, piercing tubes called beaks used for stabbing

their prey and injecting it with immobilizing, liquefying saliva. Despite such gruesome feeding habits, these bugs are very beneficial

to gardens, as they often target pest insects. n

On Top of the WorldLori Bramble


Maryland is… sMart, Green & Growinggreen.maryland.gov

GET SOCIALAccessDNR

with

Your connection toconservation & recreation in Maryland

news.maryland.gov/DNR

Over the winter, Governor Martin O’Malley signed a landmark initiative to ensure the State takes the necessary measures to prepare for climate change.

Citizens Surpass 100,000 Tree Goal

Totaling 101,056 at the New Year, Marylanders exceeded the 100,000 new trees goal set forth by Governor Martin O’Malley in the Marylanders Plant Trees challenge.

Citizens are encouraged to keep planting — the more tree cover, the greater the exponential impact. One large tree can eliminate 5,000 gallons of polluted runoff each year, and well-placed trees can help reduce energy costs by 15 to 35 percent.

To keep the successes going into 2013, DNR will be giving away a new batch of prizes at random to citizens who register their trees this spring. Coupons for $25 off are also still available online.

trees.maryland.gov

Marylanders Unite to Reclaim the Bay

On January 31, the Maryland Department of the Environment launched its new Reclaim the Bay campaign to restore the Chesapeake by 2025. Several other federal and State agencies, non-profits, schools and organizations are partners in the efforts.

Everyone living in the Bay’s watershed is linked to it and every action impacts it profoundly. Many factors — such as air pollution, storm runoff and depleted bay grasses — have contributed to its degradation over the past 40 years. Restoration is a work in progress that will take cooperation between government and citizens, but by working together, the Bay can and will be returned to its former glory.

Over the course of 2013, the campaign’s goal is to engage and encourage more citizens to take an

Volunteer Opportunities Abound

DNR offers numerous service learning opportunities for students as individuals or in groups. One popular project is storm drain stenciling. Branding drains with Don’t Dump! Chesapeake Bay Drainage discourages deliberately dumping harmful items and trash.

The Maryland Park Service is always looking for volunteers. Outdoor enthusiasts can actively contribute by building bird boxes, maintaining trails, planting trees or gardening. Those who prefer staying inside can organize files, complete computer work or desktop publishing and answer questions in Park Visitor Centers. With 65 State parks to choose from, there is sure to be one nearby with various needs.

TEAM — Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland — volunteers provide nearly 200 programs for more than 6,000 young people across the State each year. A free-to-schools, volunteer-based program, TEAM is dedicated to teaching elementary and middle school students about the Chesapeake Bay watershed, marine creatures, streams and the culture of working on the water. After completing three necessary trainings, certified teams of two choose when and where to volunteer based on a weekly schedule.

dnr.maryland.gov/educationdnr.maryland.gov/publiclands

Maryland Prepares for Climate Change

dnr.maryland.gov/CoastSmartgovernor.maryland.gov/executiveorders/01.01.2012.29.pdf

Reminded by the force and extremity of Hurricane Sandy, it is vital for Marylanders to commit to resiliency and take the necessary steps to adapt to sea level rise and unpredictable weather patterns.

The Climate Change and Coast Smart Construction Executive Order requires all new and reconstructed State structures, as well as other infrastructure improvements, be planned and constructed to avoid or minimize future flood damage. For instance, all State agencies must consider the risk of coastal flooding when designing capital budget projects. Updated architecture and engineering guidelines require new and rebuilt State structures to be elevated two or more feet above the 100-year base flood level.

Maryland has more than 4,000 miles of coastline, all of which are vulnerable to extreme weather. To assist local governments, DNR’s CoastSmart Communities Initiative (CCI) — a competitive grant program — provides on-the-ground sea level rise planning expertise, training and technical mapping tools. So far, CCI has awarded more than $500,000 to preparation efforts.

active role in making a difference. Simple activities such as recycling, building a rain garden, relying less on personal vehicles and volunteering for a local clean up are just a few examples of easy changes everyone can make on a daily basis. Additional information and a schedule of events —

including programs and student contests — are available online. Those interested can keep up with the campaign and spread the word on Facebook and Twitter by liking or following MDEnvironment.

mde.maryland.gov

Am

y McG

overn

Citizens work together to plant a new tree.

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MDE Secretary Robert Summers, DNR Assistant Secretry Frank Dawson and others proclaim to Reclaim the Bay.

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Rising waters in Annapolis

A volunteer cleans up a trail.

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SHORT TAKES For a complete list of events happening in Maryland State Parks, visit

dnr.maryland.gov/calendar

JOIN THE FORCENATURAL RESOURCES POLICE

Call 443-534-2288 or go to dnr.maryland.gov/nrpfacebook.com/MarylandNaturalResourcePoliceRecruitment

Support Outdoors MarylandWhen outdoor conditions are less

than ideal, Outdoors Maryland comes to the rescue, presenting the State’s stunning visual beauty with thoughtful stories inspired by our vast array of ecosystems, people and places — many of which are threatened or endangered.

We know you are committed to the enjoyment and preservation of nature, too. And you can help us keep Outdoors Maryland on the air with fresh, new stories.

Support the Emmy™ Award winning series: by making a tax-deductible donation and/or by purchasing Outdoors Maryland merchandise in our online store; 100 percent of funds raised will be used exclusively for productionand broadcasting.

shopdnr.com

In February, DNR and the Maryland Board of Public Works officially renamed the St. Mary’s River State Park Wildlands in honor of Eugene “Gene” Piotrowski. A dedicated natural resource advocate and employee, Gene worked diligently within the agency, never hesitating to safeguard DNR’s higher mission – to always keep sight of the big picture.

At the time of his passing in November, Piotrowski served as Director of Public Lands Policy for DNR’s Office for a Sustainable Future. He devoted more than 32 years of service, fulfilling many roles, including State Urban Forester and Director of Resource Planning.

Among his long list of accomplishments, Piotrowski was instrumental in the passage of the wildlands bill, which has protected thousands of public acres. He also helped draft the Forest Conservation Act, create the PLANT program and launch TREEMENDOUS. He worked tirelessly to

The Maryland Park Service continues to expand the Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach Program. From the mountains of Western Maryland to the sandy beaches of Assateague, our parks offer wonderful recreational opportunities for veterans and their families to enjoy. These exciting outdoor experiences promote mental and physical wellbeing and include activities such as hiking, biking, boating, hunting, fishing, swimming, horseback riding,

Eugene Piotrowski Wildlands Area

St. Mary’s River State Park

help create and promote efforts to foster a stewardship ethic among Marylanders.

The Eugene Piotrowski Wildlands Area protects threatened and endangered species, safeguards watersheds and water quality, promotes opportunities for researching and learning about the wilderness and preserves unique ecological communities. Gene’s legacy reaches across the Department and across Maryland’s vast network of open space.

Wildlife Area Named for Eugene Piotrowski State Parks Support Wounded Warriorsteambuilding ropes courses and camping.

In partnership with The North Face, Explore Your Parks program, the Park Service offers OPERATION: CAMPOUT! This program is available at select State Parks and designed for military individuals and their families new to camping, or for experienced campers stationed or recovering nearby.

Camping gear is available for loan free of charge and includes a tent, chairs,

stove, lantern and more. OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is an opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and the great outdoors in a comfortable, safe and relaxing setting. It’s never too late to discover the joys of sitting around a roaring campfire, roasting marshmallows or sleeping under the stars.

dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/armed_forces.asp

TAKE YOURBEST SHOT!

Submit by August 31

dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest

to the Maryland Natural Resource

2013photo contest

birds • insects • wildlifeflora • scenery

people in State Parks

Rules, prizes and entry forms are available at

categories include

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Saki

Eugene “Gene” Piotrowski Marjorie W

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A military family enjoys a warm camp fire.

Remembering Larry SimnsFounder and 40-year president of

the Maryland Watermen’s Association Larry Simns passed away in March after a lengthy illness.

Larry was an invaluable partner in DNR’s efforts to protect, rebuild and sustainably manage Maryland’s fish populations. In January, Larry was presented with a well-deserved Admiral of Chesapeake designation — the highest honor bestowed upon individuals for environmental contributions — in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the State and its resources.

DNR extends thoughts and prayers for Larry, his family and all those men and women who counted on his leadership to protect and promote the seafood industry. Though the community suffers a great loss with his

passing, his spirit will live on to inspire and encourage generations of stewards to come.

Larry Simns

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DNR@WORK

Electrofishing, pulling a seine and tagging stripers for Diamond Jim

— it’s all in a day’s work at the DNR Fisheries Service.

I was lucky enough to get an inside look at the efforts of this division of DNR as a full-time intern during the summer of 2012. Each day left me with a greater sense of appreciation for fisheries and a feeling of confidence and inspiration towards my future career.

Getting startedBefore starting, I expected to be a

spectator. I assumed I would be some sort of liability, and that I would learn through observation. Almost immediately, however, I was handed a pair of gloves and warned about getting a questionable muck on my clothes. I could not have been more thrilled.

I regularly joined the Coastal Bays Fisheries Investigation, Monitoring and Non-Tidal Assessment Division, Natural Resources Police, Tidal Bass Program and several other teams. No matter where I went, DNR biologists and personnel were happy to share every step of their fieldwork and explain their goals and methods.

As a college sophomore, my intended major is Environmental Studies. I enjoy the classes spent outside, identifying invasive plants and discovering how to eliminate runoff. Learning about the endangerment of the resources that I have always enjoyed and relied on made me want to impact the global conservation effort in some way.

My career goals, however, were fuzzy at best. When asked, I could merely utter a vague explanation involving conservation. I knew I learned best in active situations — seeing where my data is coming from, what it looks like and how I got it before analyzing abstract numbers and information, and a job where I could work in the field always seemed ideal. Plus, fieldwork is usually pretty fun.

Analyzing the muckWithin a few weeks, DNR lent me

my first pair of waders for electrofishing Beaver Creek near Hagerstown. I wore those trusty waders all over Maryland, from the Unicorn Lake Fish Hatchery on the Eastern Shore, to a survey on the Patapsco near Woodstock.

To my delight, I participated on each trip (in waders or not) in hands-on activities such as tagging largemouth bass and identifying, counting and measuring the haul from a Coastal Bay trawl. I was trusted to complete tasks that contribute to finding vital data obtained from each survey.

I learned how different devices for environmental sampling worked. I operated the anemometer to determine wind speed and the YSI device to measure temperature, levels of salinity and dissolved oxygen. I also used a Secchi to test water clarity and GPS technology to record trawl coordinates.

I began to feel a sense of pride and confidence each time I netted a stunned

fish or identified a previously unfamiliar species. Even shoring block nets on stream surveys or planting bushels of oysters left me happy just to be able to contribute in a small — but real — way.

Continuing the journeyI accomplished more than I ever

expected and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Participating in efforts that actively make a difference in natural resources management was inspiring, and doing so reinforced my drive to be a part of it.

This internship also broadened my knowledge of potential careers. Talking to professionals about how they got involved at DNR taught me hard work and persistence will lead me to a profession that fits my interests and goals — that I do not have to settle or cower to circumstance. They helped me remember what I am working towards and motivated me for the rest of my education and life.

I sincerely thank the Fisheries Service for their dedication to fostering my interests and curiosity. I am so grateful for their patience and enthusiasm, and I could not have asked for a better experience. n

dnr.maryland.gov/fisheriesdnr.maryland.gov/download/internship.pdf

Sarah Burton was a summer 2012 intern with DNR’s Fisheries Service.

Good Things Come to Those Who WadeInterning with the DNR Fisheries Service

By Sarah Burton

Building interestMy high school Ecology and AP

Biology classes particularly sparked my interest in natural resource management.

Have you ever been out boating only to be mesmerized by an elegant

waterfront estate? Ever wondered what it would be like to see inside? The lure of waterfront living entices many, but some Marylanders enjoy a home of their dreams on the Chesapeake Bay year-round.

Distinctive Homes of the Chesapeake airs on Monday April 22, 2013 at 9 p.m.

Other programs slated for broadcast during Chesapeake Bay Week include:BLACK CAPTAINS OF THE CHESAPEAKE — April 21 at 11 p.m.Stories of African-American mariners making their living from the Bay

TOMORROW’S HOMES TODAY — April 22 at 10 p.m.Students try to design a home using the greenest of technologies

WHO KILLED CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICAS — April 22 at 10:30 p.m.A film exploring what caused the massive decline of the native Chesapeake Oyster

THE GREAT AQUARIUM TREASURE HUNT — April 23 at 8 p.m.High School students explore the National Aquarium in Baltimore to win a contest

GROWING UP ON TILGHMAN — April 23 at 8:30 p.m.The history and maritime culture of Tilghman Islanders

THE LAST BOAT OUT — April 23 at 9 p.m.A Virginia family struggles to save their life of working on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay

POTOMAC: THE RIVER RUNS THROUGH US — April 23 at 10 p.m.An exploration of what still needs to be done to clean up The Nation’s River.

THE MARYLAND HARVEST — April 23 at 10:30 p.m.Maryland’s Farm-to-Table movement and the restaurateurs who embrace it

BUGEYE: A CHESAPEAKE LEGACY — April 23 at 11:30 p.m.An Eastern Shore man builds a Bugeye workboat in his backyard

SECRETS OF THE CHESAPEAKE — April 24 at 8 p.m.Mysteries surrounding the Chesapeake Bay are explored

CONCERT FOR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY — April 28 at 6 p.m.Local bands come together to play in an effort to encourage viewers to volunteer time to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay WeekPresented by Outdoors Maryland on Maryland Public Television

during Maryland Public Television’s annual Chesapeake Bay Week (April 21-28) — a week-long collection of programs that celebrate the Bay and explore some of its vexing p r o b l e m s .

This program opens the door to intimate tours of some of the State’s most unique, historic and magnificent homes along the Bay. Explore a colonial-era manor hand-crafted in the 1700s, take a voyage with an unusual houseboat and discover modern architectural marvels that blend the best of Chesapeake living with gorgeous settings rarely seen elsewhere.

MPT

MPT

Trout surveying on Beaver Creek

Observing Horseshoe Crabs along the Coastal Bays

Fisheries Service

Fisheries Service

The Loblolly House on Taylors Island

The Whitehall House near Annapolis

580 Taylor Avenue, D-4 • Annapolis, MD 21401

Presort Standard

U.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 62Annapolis, MD

To subscribe, visitshopdnr.com/dnrmagazine.aspx

Ole TimerChuck Prahl

Water is the driving force in nature. -Leonardo da Vinci

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