The Maryland Natural Resource by Stephen Schatz

maryland department of natural resources $2

the

Maryland

natural resource Vol. 20, No. 3 I Summer 2017

ON THE COVER Then & Now: Improving pollinator habitat

IN THIS ISSUE... Chesapeake lighthouses Click to fish High school detectives

CONTENTS

features

Celebrating 50 Years Greenbrier State Park

Es Mi Parque

This is my park

High School Detectives

Investigating plankton’s connection to water quality

Sharks of Maryland

Coexisting with the kings of the ocean

Click Before You Cast

Using online resources to catch more fish

Ladies of Light

Chesapeake lighthouses and the women who kept them

Somers Cove Marina

The front door to the bay’s bounty

Restoration of Conococheague Aqeduct Took Tenacity

Williamsport groundbreaking

A Regal Butterfly

Setting Our Lands A-buzz

22 24

...in decline

Creating sustainable habitat

Ride Inside

Avoid the risk of bow riding

the

Maryland

natural resource

Cover photo by Frederica Weiner Contents photo by J. Scott Bruce

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The Maryland Natural Resource 580 Taylor Avenue, D-4 Annapolis, MD 21401 customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov 410-260-8021 n 877-620-8DNR

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staff

Editor-in-Chief Stephen Schatz Publication Manager; Design & Layout Lauren Mitchell Subscriptions & Distribution Stephen Badger Editorial Support Gregg Bortz, Karin Dodge, Chris Hintz, Cheryl Wise

in every issue 2

The Nature of Change & Aboveboard Ask an Expert

Short Takes

Department News

5 25

From the Field

contributors

Tamela Baker, Mary Jo Bartles, Jim Bennett, Kevin Chesley, Amy Henry, Dave McMillion, Mary Owens, Tom Parham, Tom Schisler, Candy Thomson, Spring 2015 I Linda Wiley, Angel Willey

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 upon request in alternative format from a qualified individual with a disability.

Larry Hogan, Governor

Mark Belton, Secretary

ISSN 1521-9984

Summer 2017 I 1

THE NATURE OF CHANGE O

he lands and waters we protect and cherish belong to all of us. In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource, we honor a milestone for one of our great state parks. For 50 years, Greenbrier has welcomed guests from all walks of life. This Mountain Maryland icon, like all of our parks, is the living example of our mission to provide everyone with access to our natural bounty and cultural heritage. What’s more, our parks tell a unique story about our state’s history of freedom and inclusion. That story is reflected well in our story Ladies of Light (page 14), which tells us about the women who operated the Chesapeake Bay’s lighthouses, two of which are within the boundaries of state parks at Elk Neck and Point Lookout. You will be surprised to learn how common it was for women to hold the job of lighthouse keeper, an important and often lifesaving job in 19th century navigation. In fact, women tended the lights at Point Lookout for all but six of its first 40 years of operation. It’s essential that our parks not only tell the story of inclusion, but assure it for our guests. Greenbrier and Point Lookout are also part of our ongoing effort to ensure that the state’s magnificent natural resources are accessible to all citizens and visitors.

2 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Larry Hogan Governor

Of our 72 State Parks, those two facilities along with Cunningham Falls, Patapsco Valley, Rocky Gap and Sandy Point are visited most often by Hispanic families, who account for about 650,000 visits each year. I’m pleased to see the interest in our parks from a strong and growing community in our state, although often a language barrier exists between these customers and our staff. For this reason, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a program to lessen that barrier: Es Mi Parque, which translated means This is my park. This educational outreach program (page 9) is meant to assure that we are properly communicating information our customers need to get full enjoyment of what our parks offer, and also that they understand their role in stewardship by knowing the rules. This year, we are proud to continue this initiative, working closely with the Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives and the Governor’s Hispanic Affairs Commissioners to host six events this summer. When we help everyone feel a sense of ownership to our public spaces, we will encourage greater respect and appreciation for our natural resources among all Marylanders for decades to come.

Mark J. Belton Secretary

ASK AN EXPERT Send YOUR questions for our experts to news.dnr@maryland.gov

KIM COVER

ABOVEBOARD

to “respect and inform rather than lecture or reprimand,” as well as “maintain the highest level of professional standards, integrity and conduct.” During the two-week application period for new officer candidates this spring, more than 1,500 people applied to be a Natural Resources Police officer—a tremendous response! I have every confidence that the next class of recruits and cadets will live up to its proud legacy. Our state’s uniformed officers are often the face of our agency —from police officers to park rangers to lifeguards. Throughout the year, our officers are dedicated to serving the public and providing the type of customer services our citizens expect and deserve. I hope every Marylander has a wonderful and safe summer and takes full advantage of the recreational opportunities our land and waters have to offer, thanks to the stewardship of the Department of Natural Resources.

ROB GOEBEL

ne of the highlights of this past year was serving as the keynote speaker for the 2016 graduating class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. It was an honor to be part of commissioning 58 men and women who are embarking on the mission of protecting Maryland’s natural resources, public lands and waterways, ensuring boating and hunting safety for our citizens and visitors, and enforcing Maryland’s conservation laws. I am further pleased that the General Assembly approved our administration’s request for $1.9 million to support the addition of 17 new officers to bolster the ranks Maryland’s oldest state law enforcement agency. These funds also support restored aviation capability through the return of the department’s helicopter, Natural 1. The Natural Resources Police is committed to doing their job “through proactive and responsive law enforcement services with courtesy, integrity, dedication and professionalism.” Their creed is

Snakehead

Broad Creek

(Dan in Boonsboro) Since initially being observed in the lower tidal Potomac River in 2004, the distribution of the northern snakehead in Maryland has rapidly expanded to include watersheds on the Eastern Shore (Choptank, Nanticoke and Wicomico rivers), Middle Bay (Patapsco, Patuxent and South rivers), and Upper Bay (Northeast and Susquehanna rivers). Fisheries experts had hoped the snakehead would be inhibited from traveling farther north. Unfortunately, in 2014, northern snakeheads were observed in the C&O Canal above Great Falls, and in 2016 the first confirmed report came in from the main stem upper Potomac River. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources conducts routine surveys in this area to determine the abundance of various species of fishes, but additionally asks the general public to report any sightings. The department also works with other jurisdictions and the federal government to remove snakeheads from the Chesapeake Bay watershed to study their biology. For the predator-less fish, there is one big disadvantage: it’s known to be quite tasty. Fried, baked or grilled, the snakehead is a culinary delight. The department strongly encourages anglers to harvest and kill any northern snakehead that they catch. And because we want them gone, there is no minimum size or creel limit. That’s also why we’ve begun extensive outreach including fun and educational events like the Stop the Snakehead Fishing Derby at the C&O Canal. The purposes of events like these are to raise awareness, inform the general public with up-to-date biological information, and help reduce the negative impact of snakeheads in our ecosystem. Whether you are intentionally fishing for snakehead or not, there are some important points to remember. The department encourages their harvest, and the transport of a live snakehead is illegal. If you catch one from waters excluding the tidal Potomac River, please report your catch by calling 410-260-8300 or emailing fishingreport.dnr@maryland.gov. —joseph w. love, ph.d., fishing and boating services resource planner

(Belle in St. Mary’s) The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science produces this report card annually to assess the health of the Chesapeake Bay, track progress on our restoration efforts, and to enhance and support the science, management and restoration of this waterway. Also called the Chesapeake Bay Health Index, much of the data used to calculate it originates from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ long-term comprehensive monitoring programs. The overall health of the largest estuary in the nation improved in the past year, a positive sign that recovery efforts are working. It scored a C grade (54 percent) in the 2016 report card, one of the highest scores calculated. In addition, fish populations greatly improved to an A (90 percent). The Fisheries Index is made up of blue crab, striped bass and anchovy indicators, which are ecologically, economically and socially important fish species in the Chesapeake Bay. This index, which increased greatly from the previous year, can be more variable than the overall bay health index. Another important indicator is the total area of the bay covered by aquatic grasses, which also increased. This important habitat provides a home for blue crabs and striped bass, provides food for waterfowl, reduces nutrients, stabilizes sediments and improves water clarity. There were also improvements in seven bay regions including Baltimore, an important urban center that has made great strides to reduce pollution. Scientists are encouraged by these improvements despite many pressures across the watershed. Although the 2016 report card shows encouraging signs, our restoration efforts need to continue in order to bring the grade up to an A. Maryland and the other Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions—Delaware, the District of Columbia, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia—are committed to full implementation of our nutrient and sediment reduction strategies to bring back a healthy, vibrant Chesapeake Bay. —bruce michael, resource assessment service director

dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries

chesapeakebay.ecoreportcard.org

What is the status of the snakehead, and what can we do as anglers to combat its spread?

What is the Chesapeake Bay Report Card?

Summer 2017 I 3

SHORT TAKES

DEPARTMENT NEWS

INGREDIENTS Tacos 1 lb rockfish filet, skin on, cut into ¼ lb pieces 4 Flour or white corn tortillas – taco size 1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, thinly sliced 4 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro Old Bay Marinade 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh jalapeño 2 cloves finely minced fresh garlic ¼ cup canola oil 1 tsp chili powder ¼ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Avocado crema 1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, chopped 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup sour cream 2 tbsp fresh lime juice ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp chili powder

4 I The Maryland Natural Resource

TO SERVE add cooked rockfish chunks into each tortilla, top with 2-3 tbsp roasted corn salsa. Finish with a drizzle of avocado crema. Garnish with avocado slices, chopped fresh cilantro and a light sprinkle of Old Bay. *The cook times are for 1-inch thick pieces of rockfish. Adjust cooking time as necessary for thicker filets. Prepared by Stephen Badger

Essex Service Center

Records set across the state

2017 PHOTO

CONTEST ENTER BY AUG. 31 ONLINE OR MAIL-IN

WIN BIG!

dnr.maryland.gov

Two new Maryland state fishing records have been set this past spring. On April 7, George Venker of Baltimore caught a 1.9-pound white perch at Loch Raven Reservoir. The retired Bethlehem Steel worker fishes there often and used a bottom rig and a nightcrawler to bring in his record catch, which measured 14.75 inches in length. “At first I thought it was a catfish,” Venker said. “I’m really proud. I’m going back to see if I can catch an even bigger one.” His historic catch broke the previous record of 1.6 pounds held by James Stiars of Bel Air since August 2016. Venker’s record perch was weighed on a certified scale at seafood wholesaler Mr. Fish Inc. in Baltimore. Natural Resources biologist Erik Zlokovitz officially confirmed the species. Upstate along the upper Potomac River, Tessa Cosens caught a muskellunge recorded at 32.5 pounds on May 6. It was 49 inches long with a 24-inch girth. A relative newcomer to muskie fishing, Cosens—who at the time was several months pregnant and had been feeling under the weather—was using a 7-foot

Combined service center opens in Essex Delivering on the Hogan Administration’s commitment to improve customer service across state agencies, the departments of Natural Resources and Transportation have officially opened a combined regional service center in Essex. “This center will serve as a one-stopshop for citizens to obtain titles and registrations for motor vehicles as well as boats and boat trailers,” said Natural Resources Secretary Belton. “Customers will now need to visit only one location to get their vehicles and vessels out on the road and into the water.” The combined office replaces the Natural Resources Dundalk Service Center,

which in 2016 served more than 8,500 customers, mostly related to boating activities. The Motor Vehicle Administration’s Essex Branch processed 186,839 transactions during the same time. Situated in the Middlesex Shopping Center on Eastern Blvd., this location creates a greater capacity to serve residents in Baltimore County and beyond. The Motor Vehicle Administration’s Essex Branch is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Natural Resources services will operate Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

rod and double-spinner. She snagged her record catch after a 15-minute struggle. “All the guys around me stopped fishing and looked at me,” she said. “No other fish fights like that.” Muskie’s are one of the largest freshwater fish in the state. Cosens’s catch broke the previous Maryland record of 31.75 pounds, set by Kenneth Files in 2011. To help determine the age of the fish, Cosens is donating a sample of the scales and cleithrum—a large bone above the gills—to the department for further analysis.

The department maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions—Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal and Invasive—and awards plaques to anglers who achieve record catches. Fish caught from privately owned or fee-fishing waters are not eligible for record consideration. Anglers who are reporting a potential record catch should call 443-569-1381 or 410-260-8325. The fish should then be immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be checked, confirmed and certified.

George Venker with his white perch

Tessa Cosens with her muskie

STATE PHOTOS

Roasted corn salsa 1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped ¼ cup diced red onion 1 ear roasted sweet corn, cold 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 2 tbsp finely diced fresh jalapeño 2 cloves finely minced fresh garlic 2 tbsp fresh lime juice ½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients for marinade and whisk thoroughly. Add rockfish. Cover and chill for 15-30 minutes. Add all ingredients of avocado crema to food processor. Blend until smooth. Move to sealable bag, remove excess air and keep chilled. Remove corn kernels from cob and combine with all other salsa ingredients. Cover and chill. Move oven rack 6-7 inches from broiler flame and preheat to the highest broiler setting. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and add rockfish. Broil on high for 7-8 minutes until meat is golden brown.* Remove from broiler and move to serving plate. Filets should flake apart slightly and easily separate from skin. While fish is cooking, warm tortillas over medium heat in non-stick pan, flipping every 20 seconds until dotted with roast marks.

Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,175 wild turkeys during the 2017 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons, an 8 percent increase from 2016. The Department of Natural Resources attributes the record harvest to a combination of factors, including growing turkey populations and expanded Sunday hunting opportunities. Hunters in 10 counties were able to hunt on Sundays this year, resulting in a harvest of 337 birds. Youth hunters kicked off the spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt April 15 statewide and April 16 in select counties, reporting 230 wild turkeys harvested. The turkey season ended May 23.

STEPHEN BADGER

Rockin’ rockfish tacos (Serves 4)

Turkey hunt yields record

Summer 2017 I 5

SCOTT CANTNER

DEPARTMENT PHOTOS

1967

By Mary Jo Bartles

t’s hard to imagine a time when there were no state parks. Most of Maryland’s were created between 1945-1975, though even by 1960 there still weren’t very many. Under the direction of Gov. J. Millard Tawes, the state began acquiring property and creating several new sites. Back in the 1760s, the land on South Mountain was primarily owned by the Hughes Brothers, who ran the Mount Aetna Iron Furnace. This company used the forests as fuel for their fires. By 1850, the business had closed, and they started selling their land. After the Civil War, the area that would later become Greenbrier State Park was actually a patchwork of wood lots—small parcels of land owned by nearby residents for firewood or lumber. Some

6 I The Maryland Natural Resource

of the parcels were turned into small farms. In the 1950s and early 1960s, the state began acquiring these parcels and consolidating them into what is now one of the most visited water-related parks in Maryland. Greenbrier welcomed its first guests in the summer of 1966 in order to test its popularity, but did not officially open until 1967. The park offered a man-made 42-acre, stream-fed lake with 1,000 feet of sandy beach, picnic tables and grills. There were no bathrooms or showers; only port-a-pots. That first summer saw so many visitors that future plans for the park had to be changed. Planners essentially had to double everything they had originally designed. The $1.1 million originally

allocated increased by another $1.4 million to construct enough facilities to handle the crowds. By the summer of 1967, when the park was officially opened, what we now refer to as the main road into the park was constructed, and the welcome booth and camp office were built. In 1968, bathhouses were in place. One year later, 165 campsites had been created, the maintenance shop had been built and 140 more parking spaces had been added. By the early 1970s, water and sewage treatment plants had been built, and the visitor center was constructed soon thereafter. By 1975, the park looked pretty much as it does today, with classic, park-style architecture and stone buildings.

Greenbrier started out as a very popular park, and it continues that tradition to this very day. n dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands Mary Jo Bartles is the lead ranger at Greenbrier State Park. Today, Greenbrier continues to serve a very high volume of visitors during summer weekends and holidays. To ensure the safety of our guests and the protection of the park’s natural resources and facilities, the park has a limited capacity and closes as needed. Please follow @GreenbrierSP on Twitter for real-time updates.

Summer 2017 I 7

es mi parque this is my park

n the United States, we are fortunate to have access to vast public lands, from local parks and state-managed assets to national monuments and other cultural sites for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone. These household names instantly call to mind dramatic, inspiring and somehow familiar scenes to many of us, even if we have CANDY THOMSON

Welcoming guests to Greenbrier

Teaching a youngster how to fish at Point Lookout

8 I The Maryland Natural Resource

never been there personally. In fact, did you know that over the past decade, many guests visiting these iconic American sites were from abroad? This presents a unique challenge: communicating with and serving various culturally diverse populations. Maryland State Park visitation is robust in itself, seeing more than 12 million guests annually. Of our vast network of 72 parks, a few in particular—Cunningham Falls, Greenbrier, Patapsco Valley, Point Lookout, Rocky Gap and Sandy Point— greatly appeal to the Hispanic community for their family-friendly environments, access to water and large day-use facilities. More than two-thirds of summer visitors to these six parks are of Hispanic descent. As with other publicly managed areas, a language barrier exists between these customers and staff. This is especially true during peak visitation season.

Building a connection Last year, we at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources launched a pilot project to improve customer service and reduce that barrier. Our objective was simple, as was the strategy. We needed to better connect with a major population. How? Through environmental education programming and outreach activities. We learned reaching children helped bridge a gap in communicating with parents. Knowing the draw of water-access parks, we especially wanted to emphasize fishing opportunities for kids as well as the need for licenses and proper safety gear. Through partnerships with other state agencies, friends groups, bilingual volunteers and outdoor industry partners, we connected with families through fish identification games, interactions with Splash the Water Safety Dog and hands-on fishing demonstrations and lessons.

Learning from each other Throughout the pilot process, we interacted with more than 700 Hispanic visitors and learned that, for a variety of reasons, many were unfamiliar with state natural resource laws and regulations. “For many of us, it was the first time we had gotten a chance to swap ideas and talk about how best to reach our goal,” says Natural Resources Police spokeswoman Candy Thomson. “As a result, I brought back and shared lots of ideas to strengthen our bond with the Hispanic community.” Department efforts have since included making fishing regulations and our boater safety course available in Spanish. We also focused on showcasing some of our other parks and their amenities. Visitor feedback has helped us plan more effectively for high visitation days and gauge our needs for future amenities.

Ongoing efforts This year, we are proud to continue this education and outreach initiative. We are working closely with the Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives and its Commission on Hispanic Affairs to host events throughout the summer, as well as the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, which awarded the department a grant specifically for this program. This summer, we plan to build upon the success of last year, interacting with even more visitors and foster our view of young park goers as the next generation of anglers, conservationists, hunters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It is of utmost importance that all visitors feel a sense of ownership of our public spaces, which we believe will encourage greater respect for our natural resources. n

HIGH SCHOOL DETECTIVES Investigating plankton’s connection to water quality

By Amy Henry

hat IS that?!” an Advanced Placement biology student from Broadneck High School exclaims, squinting into the microscope eyepiece. “Ooooh…” squeals another. “Check out this thing! It looks like a segmented hair, but it’s totally moving on its own!” This can only mean one thing: it’s plankton identification lab time at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary! The Plankton Land Use and Nutrient Studies field trip—offered to high school students in Anne Arundel, Harford and Prince George’s counties—provides a studentdriven, investigative and meaningful educational experience based on real life environmental issues. Participants learn firsthand the causes and issues associated with sediment and nutrient runoff and the resulting degradation of our waterways.

dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands Kevin Chesley is the policy analyst for the department’s land resource management.

We hope to see you in the parks!

Their experience begins back in the classroom where they explore nutrient enrichment by culturing algae with varying amounts of liquid fertilizer. The teachers work with Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve educators to prepare students for their fieldwork.

field trip by conducting a bioassay—a test method used in measuring the response of a living animal or plant tissue to the toxicity of the chemical contaminants—to uncover the grazing capacity of oysters. This illustrates the important role that filter feeders play in helping to clean an ecosystem. Through experiential learning, students have shown improveNatural Filters Did you know oysters remove nutrients from the water just by eating algae? One oyster ments in attitude and knowledge toward the health of our watercan filter about 30 gallons of water a day! ways. This program provides Learn more about these impressive bivalves and what a model for teacher training, a Marylanders can do to help increase their presence in curriculum and meaningful wathe bay at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries. tershed educational experiences On-site—at either the Anita C. Leight to help students increase their understandEstuary Center, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuing of their direct role in the health of the ary or Patuxent River Park—students collect Chesapeake Bay and their role as stewards water samples from a pontoon boat, learn in helping to enhance, protect and restore to identify plankton and participate in a this iconic estuary. n nutrient limitation experiment. They then dnr.maryland.gov/education perform tests for pH balance, temperature and water clarity, as well as levels of nitroAmy Henry is a conservation education specialist with the gen and phosphorous. They round out their department’s Chesapeake and Coastal Service. DEPARTMENT PHOTO

Sharing laughs at Point Lookout

By Kevin Chesley

“Although I myself cannot speak Spanish,” says Greenbrier Manager Mary Ironside, “visitors approached me to ask about basic park rules and recreational opportunities. The event, in itself, made park personnel more approachable and friendly.”

Classroom study

The Plankton Land Use and Nutrient Studies program was made possible through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Society for Ocean Sciences, and Morgan State University’s Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory, which received funding through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Currently in their fourth year of offering this high quality, rigorous environmental science field trip, sites are looking to expand to other interested high schools. To learn more about the project or to have your students participate, please email amy.henry@maryland.gov.

Summer 2017 I 9

Finding fish to bite

A strategy for survival Most people catch and release sharks. In federal waters,

Mako

Natural management

Swimming at the top of the food chain, sharks play an important part maintaining the balance and distribution of fish and marine mammal populations. anglers are required to release sharks in a manner that maximizes survivability. Strategies include keeping the shark in the water at all times, having a release plan and the right tools such as a dehooker or line cutters, cutting the line as close to the hook as possible, no gaffing and using corrodible, non-offset circle hooks. Additionally, surf anglers are asked not to drag sharks onto the sand, not to sit on them and not to hold open jaws. At the suggestion of shark fishing expert Capt. Mark Sampson, the Maryland

Sharks of Maryland

Reduce your risk

1. Never swim alone. 2. Stay out of the water if sharks are present. 3. Use caution from dusk to dawn, in murky waters, and in areas with drop offs or in between sandbars. 4. Use caution near people who are fishing. 5. Avoid wearing shiny things like jewelry, sequins and watches. 6. Avoid dumping fish carcasses where people recreate.

Coexisting with the kings of the ocean

MARK SAMPSON

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Shark Interactions There has never been a reported shark bite in the Chesapeake Bay and only one in Chincoteague Bay. However, there has been at least one angler mishap off Assateague. n dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries Angel Willey is the coastal fisheries program manager with the department’s Fishing and Boating Services.

Scalloped hammerhead

STEPHEN BADGER

Additional information for federal regulations is available in the Highly Migratory Species Recreational Compliance Guide.

ally prohibited species include sandbar, dusky, silky and sand tiger sharks.

Department of Natural Resources teamed up with him in 2012 to conduct a recreational hook study. Although the benefits of circle hooks were well known, there was no specific research confirming that for sharks. The following species were included in the study: Atlantic sharpnose, blue, blacktip, dusky, sandbar, scalloped hammerhead, shortfin mako, smooth hammerhead, spinner and tiger sharks. The three-year study confirmed that circle hooks outperform J hooks. Circle hooks were also shown to deep hook

Before going shark fishing...

1. Get some firsthand practical experience identifying, handling and gearing up from local mentors such as a fishing group, guide or charter captain. 2. Have the appropriate license(s), tackle, tools, measuring tape, identification guide, regulations and a release plan. 3. Check for local regulations. The Town of Ocean City has relevant surf fishing ordinances. 4. Fishing for sharks in federal waters anywhere from three to 200 miles from the coast requires a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Highly Migratory Species permit.

fewer sharks than J hooks, which serves as a conservation measure to positively contribute to maximum survivability. The shortfin mako and Atlantic sharpnose are the most commonly kept sharks in Maryland. Anglers that keep a shark must ensure that it is legal to keep. Sharks can be difficult to distinguish, especially since they are not frequently encountered by most anglers. Many of the sharks commonly caught off Maryland are prohibited species and must be released. Examples of recreation-

NOAA

Sharks are found year-round in the Atlantic off the Maryland coast. Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, dusky, sandbar, spinner, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, tiger, sand tiger and smooth dogfish sharks may be found nearshore from May/ June through September/October. Many of those species are caught surf fishing too. Spiny dogfish are available to surf, nearshore and offshore anglers from November to May. Offshore anglers mostly catch blue, shortfin mako and thresher

sharks in May and June, although they can be caught into October and November. Sandbar sharks and smooth dogfish are available in Chincoteague Bay from May to October. Although most shark fishing takes place on the ocean, sharks have historically ascended far into the Chesapeake Bay and still occur there. Back in 1876, hammerheads were documented at the mouth of the Miles River. Hammerheads have not been reported that far up since, but sandbar and bull sharks regularly visit Maryland’s portion of the bay. They typically arrive in late May and can stay well into October. Bull sharks have been reported as far north as Aberdeen Proving Grounds, but that is pretty uncommon and usually occurs only in drought years. Most reports are from the mouths of the Choptank, Patuxent and Potomac rivers. Sandbar sharks are also known to use the lower Chesapeake as a nursery and can swim up to Tangier Sound.

MARK SAMPSON

harks are an important component of Maryland’s marine and estuarine ecosystems, and some are highly sought-after as gamefish. There are four main areas where anglers actively pursue sharks in Maryland: the Atlantic coast surf, nearshore Atlantic waters, offshore Atlantic waters and the Coastal Bays. This article provides a primer on how to responsibly fish for sharks and strategies for staying safe when sharing the water with them.

By Angel Willey

Identification tips

1. Start by looking for an interdorsal ridge. The presence of an interdorsal ridge can help identify the species and determine if the shark is legal to keep. There are only three species with an interdorsal ridge that can be kept that are likely to be encountered: smooth dogfish, spiny dogfish (weak interdorsal) and tiger shark. 2. Note the position of the first dorsal fin relative to the pectoral fin to further narrow down the species options. 3. A shark with black-tipped fins could be a spinner, blacktip or even a juvenile bull shark. 4. Ultimately, “If you don’t know, let it go.”

A few additional reminders: Blue

Sandbar and dusky

Make sure to meet minimum size requirements, if applicable. Complete a Maryland Catch Card if required by Code of Maryland Regulations and then tag it. This is not necessary for spiny dogfish.

Summer 2017 | 11

USIN G O NL INE R ESO UR CES

TO CATCH MOR E FISH By Tom Parham

The State of Maryland, Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal government collect and post a variety of environmental monitoring data online to help us better understand and care for our waters. This goldmine of information also provides powerful tools to help you eliminate unproductive waters, saving you fuel and increasing your chances of fishing success.

JIMMY WHIPPLE

Step 1:

Think like a fish There is a wealth of information available about all Chesapeake Bay gamefish that can teach you where, when and how to catch them. Once you understand their favorite seasonal haunts, pull out your charts and get ready to start zooming in on productive spots.

Striped bass

Some bay fish are better than others at surviving over a range of salinity conditions. For instance, rockfish are found anywhere from freshwater to the ocean. The habitat of fish with limited salinity ranges, such as largemouth bass, expands or contracts with changing salinities. However, salinities in any spot vary greatly due to the amount of rainfall entering through the Chesapeake’s rivers. During years of low rainfall, saltier conditions spread further up the bay. If you know what salinity your target gamefish prefers and compare it to current salinity maps, you can eliminate unproductive waters.

Water temperature greatly influences the seasonal distribution of gamefish. Each species has a preferred temperature range where cooler temperatures slow them down and warmer temperatures increase their activity. Some fish avoid high water temperatures, often moving as deep as possible. An angler’s adage: To find fish in the cooler months, look for warmer water, and in the warmer months, look for cooler water. An event called the Rockfish Squeeze occurs in the summer when striped bass try to find cooler water but are prevented by poorly oxygenated waters. They end up squeezed into a small layer of barely suitable water at the extremes of their maximum temperature tolerance (84°F) and their minimum dissolved oxygen requirements (~3mg/l).

12 I The Maryland Natural Resource

preferred temperature range

Fish need places to live, eat and reproduce. Due to constantly changing water conditions, preferred habitat can vary greatly throughout the year. Experienced anglers know that gamefish often congregate on or near areas where relatively deep water is near shallow water or habitat edges. Typical areas include channel edges, drop-offs, flats, grass beds, oyster bars and points. In the remaining areas on your chart, mark places with these types of features. The best fishing areas often include a combination of several key habitats.

Step 7: Find moving water

Once you have identified your fishing spots, check the streamflow, wind, wave conditions and tide charts to find moving water. This is important because moving water can funnel baitfish and crabs through the prime habitat areas gamefish feed. Rising tides can move fish into shallower areas while falling tides can pull prey out into deeper channels. Wind direction, duration and speed can mean a big difference to your fishing day. Not only does wind oxygenate the water, but winds blowing against the tide can often produce larger waves than normal and can slow tidal flushing. Likewise, winds blowing in the same direction of the tide can speed up tidal flushing. Increased flows can improve fishing by cooling and oxygenating the water and dislodging food, but when flows get too high, they can quickly alter conditions by decreasing water clarity and salinity.

Helpful sites Maryland EYESONTHEBAY.NET Frequently updated water quality information and satellite maps

DNR.MARYLAND.GOV/FISHERIES Extensive fishing-related information ARCGIS.COM Bay bottom survey information (Keyword search: Benthic habitat)

Virginia

WEB2.VIMS.EDU/VECOS Frequently updated water quality conditions VIMS.EDU/BAYINFO Tides, bottom oxygen information WEB.VIMS.EDU/BIO/SAV Seagrass map

Bay-wide

BUOYBAY.NOAA.GOV Surface water, weather conditions WATERDATA.USGS.GOV Extensive network of streamflow sites FORECAST.WEATHER.GOV Reliable marine forecast for future wind and wave conditions Black drum

BUCK HICKS

Fish, just like us, need oxygen to survive. During cooler months, there is plenty of oxygen in most areas of the bay. However, when the waters warm, there are large areas, generally in deeper waters, which have very little or none. This is caused by the denser, saltier, deeper water’s inability to be recharged with oxygen from surface mixing. Algal blooms also cause low oxygen levels at night through respiration, or when they die and decompose. Avoid fishing in waters with less than about 3 mg/l of dissolved oxygen.

KEN WESTERFELD

Step 4: Eliminate areas outside of

poorly oxygenated areas

Step 6: Identify preferred habitat

Largemouth bass

Step 2: Eliminate areas outside of preferred salinity range

Step 3: Eliminate

Flounder and black sea bass

CLAYTON BRITTINGHAM

RICK GUNION

Hickory shad

RUSSELL ANDERSON

here are the fish? It is an age-old question Chesapeake Bay anglers ask when searching countless tidal creeks, rivers and bays stretching over 4,500 square miles and averaging 21 feet deep. We all understand that fish are influenced by food, shelter and water conditions. So where do we find this information? The answer is just a few clicks away.

Poor water clarity can make it hard for fish to find and capture food. Clarity is impacted by the amount of suspended sediment and algae in the water. Excess sediment carried into the bay by large rains or re-suspended by wave action can reduce clarity and result in coffee-colored water. Fish avoid high levels of suspended sediment but often feed in or near the edges of this murky water because these areas often contain food. Large algal blooms can often color the water various shades of green or brownish red. In some cases, fish avoid areas with dense algal blooms because the algae can be toxic or cause low oxygen levels.

STEVE DOCTOR

Click before you cast

Step 5: Eliminate areas with poor water clarity

Step 8: Get out there!

You have now identified the best places to find fish right now—not last week or last month—but right now. All that is left to do is to go out and catch a bunch of fish! n Tautog

dnr.maryland.gov/waters Tom Parham oversees Maryland’s tidal monitoring program for the department’s Resource Assessment Service.

Striped bass

Summer 2017 I 13

ARCHIVES

By Linda Wiley

DAVID MIELCAREK

Ladies of Light

Chesapeake lighthouses and the women who kept them

COMMON TASKS

lighthouse marked the shipping channel’s change in course from the Chesapeake Bay east to the Elk River, then to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, which carried ships to the Delaware Bay. Built in 1833 on a 100-foot high bluff, it is visible for 13 miles.

Summer 2017 I 15

Destination Crisfield

the bay’s bounty

The front door to By Tom Schisler

ANTHO NISE

MENT P HOTO

DEPARTMENT PHOTO

NY DEPA

DEPART

The southernmost city in Maryland, Crisfield is located on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Delmarva and is a day or less sail from Annapolis or Virginia Beach. It is the home of the Ward Brothers— world famous decoy carvers—as well as the J. Millard Tawes museum, Smith Island Baking Company, many restaurants and gift shops, and a favorite destination for various cruise ships. It also happens to be the “Crab Capital of the World” due to the city’s unique connections with the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry. Come explore Crisfield from the pristine white sand beaches of Janes Island State Park to the historic Depot, literally built on the bedrock of oyster shells from the Chesapeake Bay.

Summer events

DEPARTMENT PHOTO

Somers Cove hosts several events throughout the boating season. The Freedom Fest on the Fourth of July presents live bands, great seafood and wondrous fireworks over the marina’s harbor. The annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake, an event for families as well as politicians, is held on the third Wednesday in July. This annual bake is an all-you-can-eat sea-

food festival held in the marina’s very own Crab Bowl. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the highlight of the 2017 events calendar is the National Hard Crab Derby and Fair. Starting with the Miss Crustacean and Little Miss Crustacean pageant on the Thursday before Labor Day, the fair culminates with some of the best waterman on the bay competing in a boat docking contest that ranks among the best in the Chesapeake Bay. Imagine docking a boat in mere seconds!

The wheels on this bus…

float? Students are transported onboard the Chelsea Lane, a school boat that ferries students through all kinds of weather to and from Smith Island across 12 miles of open water each day! STEPHEN BADGER

v e o M C s ari r e n m o

elcome to Somers Cove in Crisfield, Maryland—the largest single marina on the Chesapeake Bay and the only one owned and operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources! We offer 515 magnificent slips that can accommodate boats up to 150 feet, as well as the best fuel prices and least expensive, annual, semiannual and transient slip rates on the Eastern Shore.

Cast for your supper Somers Cove will help book reasonable crab and fishing charters for any size group. Learn to crab like the professionals. Then, bring them back to the dock to arrange to get them cooked. You’ll enjoy the freshest seafood dinner you’ll ever experience.

Island life Somers Cove is also the eastern hub for visitors to Smith and Tangier islands—two inhabited islands first mapped by John Smith himself—in the center of the Chesapeake Bay whose culture, accent, and dialect date to the late 1600s. We have daily tour boat departures from the marina to both islands. So step back in time and learn about these fascinating Marylanders.

Stay awhile Somers Cove is your gateway to all things Eastern Shore. Come to the Eastern Shore by boat, forget about the traffic and let Somers Cove get you to the casinos, annual festivals in Ocean City and even the world famous Chincoteague Pony Swim.

Staff can find you reasonable deals on rental cars, taxis as well as hotels from Ocean City to Chincoteague. We can also make arrangements for history tours, cake baking classes on Smith Island and microbrew, wine and cheese experiences. We have some great deals for golfers as well. The Great Hope Golf Course was rated the second best golf course in Maryland by golf.com, and marina guests can play a round for just $25, cart included! We are also less than an hour ride from over two dozen other courses as well. Somers Cove is a marina that offers state-of-the-art amenities, a friendly, knowledgeable staff, convenient mid-bay location and on-going activities that represent the rich cultural heritage of Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. n dnr.maryland.gov/boating Tom Schisler is the executive director at Somers Cove. DEPART

NY DEPA

HOTO

JANE MRUK

MENT P

ANTHO NISE

Gov. Hogan at the clam bake

Steamed crabs Pumpout station

16 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Summer 2017 I 17

Restoration of the WILLIAMSPORT GROUNDBREAKING

Took Tenacity By Dave McMillion

isitors at Williamsport’s Riverbottom Park might be doing a doubletake once the National Park Service completes its next multimillion-dollar attraction next to the Cushwa Basin. They will glance up at Conococheague Creek, then... Wait a minute? Is that a boat mysteriously floating above the creek? It might appear that way, but actually the boat will be gliding through another body of water hanging over the Conococheague. It’s known as an aqueduct, and Kevin Brandt said it is oftentimes difficult to explain the concept to park visitors because there are very few of them in existence. Aqueducts are essentially water-filled bridges, and the Conococheague Aqueduct next to the Cushwa Basin was an integral part of C&O Canal operations in Williamsport during the 1800s and early 1900s. It’s been a long time since there was water within the stone structure, but the National Park Service is getting ready to embark on an $8 million effort to re-water it, opening a whole new experience for boat riders on the canal in Williamsport.

18 I The Maryland Natural Resource

“Aqueducts like this are truly unique and attract a lot of people,” said Brandt, superintendent of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Rebuilding the aqueduct has been the stuff of dreams for years for people like former Williamsport Mayor James G. McCleaf II. When he was elected in 2005, McCleaf questioned how the town could grow. “But we had the C&O Canal in our backyard,” McCleaf said in a recent interview. The park, which stretches 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Md., attracts about 5 million visitors a year. Between 2005 and 2016, the number of visitors to the Williamsport section increased from 159,444 to 433,484 annually as the park has added new attractions there, said McCleaf, who decided not to seek re-election this year. But when he was elected, McCleaf said, he did not believe the town was do-

ing enough to capitalize on the local attraction. Donald F. Munson, who was then a state senator, agreed. Munson, now a Hagerstown City Councilman, was able to help secure bond bill funding through the Maryland General Assembly, which helped with making an old railroad lift bridge along the canal at Williamsport operational again and restoring Lock 44 near Williamsport, McCleaf said. McCleaf wanted to eventually see the Conococheague Aqueduct restored, and it received some funding early on. But the money had to be diverted to repair the canal in the Big Slackwater area, McCleaf said.

“It kind of sat dormant a while to find the money,” McCleaf said. Then McCleaf was told that Maryland House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore City, was going to be making a visit to the Washington County Free Library one day. McIntosh is an advocate of the canal and loves to ride bikes. McIntosh told McCleaf about a Maryland Transportation Alternatives Program Grant as a possible funding source for the aqueduct restoration. It worked, with $6.24 million coming from the grant program to refurbish the aqueduct. “Then we got a little sugar on top,” McCleaf said. To help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service last year, a National Park Service Centennial Challenge Fund was set up to fund projects. It was a matching grant program, meaning any funded projects would have to get money from another source as well, said Brandt. Because the aqueduct project also received a $722,904 Maryland Bikeways Grant, that funding was used as part of a match to receive a $1.33 million National Park Service Centennial Challenge Fund, according to Brandt and McCleaf. There were other nonfederal sources of money that were used for the grant, Brandt said. With a groundbreaking of the Conococheague Aqueduct restoration set for May 5 and an invitation list that includes Gov. Larry Hogan and other dignitaries, McCleaf is happy, to say the least. “I tell you what, on May 5, you won’t see a happier man than me,” McCleaf said. Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, credited McCleaf and Town Clerk/Treasurer Donnie Stotelmyer with being “tenacious” in their pursuit for project funding. “They have never taken no for an answer. Not even a maybe,” Serafini said. Stotelmyer said McCleaf sent him everywhere, from crab feeds to Capitol Hill, to lobby for the project.

Williamsport marks start of $8.3M C&O Canal Project By Tamela Baker

The long-awaited restoration of the Conococheague Aqueduct on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal officially got under way on May 5, as leaders from every level of government gathered with National Park Service officials and residents to celebrate. Even the skies took a break for most of the groundbreaking ceremony from the steady rain that started the previous night. When finished, the aqueduct will be returned to its 1920s appearance and become the first watered, operational aqueduct on the canal since 1924. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Conococheague Aqueduct

LEFT Federal, state and local dignitaries scoop and toss dirt to mark the beginning of the aqueduct’s restoration. Photo by Kevin G. Gilbert.

2013

1959

Stotelmyer said talk of re-watering the aqueduct has been going on in town for 50 years. “A lot of people in Williamsport still don’t believe it (is about to happen),” Stotelmyer said. State Sen. George Edwards, R-Washington/Allegany/Garrett, said projects that get state and federal funding happen every so often. But the Conococheague Aqueduct renovation is unique because of the millions of dollars in funding, Edwards said. Brandt said the aqueduct revitalization will involve construction of a wooden wall, a simulation of a wood wall that was installed on the aqueduct after a wall collapse in 1920 that resulted in Capt. Frank Myers’ canal boat tumbling into Conococheague Creek. Among the attractions that the C&O Canal has added in recent years are launch

2017

boats, which enable visitors to ride from the Cushwa Basin to Lock 44. Once the aqueduct is refurbished, Brandt estimated, about another 1,000 feet of watered canal will be added for visitors to ride on. The funding for the project will pay for other projects at the canal, including a new crossing for tourists at the Williamsport Visitor Center. Because the project will result in a longer watered section of the canal, there will have to be a new crossing over it, said Brandt. Other work will include restoration of a historic coal yard. Additional funding will be sought to create a “new interpretive landscape” around the Cushwa basin, the National Park Service said. n nps.gov/choh Dave McMillion and Tamela Baker are reporters with Herald-Mail Media. Republished with permission from Herald-Mail Media.

Summer 2017 I 19

THEN...

versus

20 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Summer 2017 I 21

JUDITH DOLEHANTY

DEBBIE KOENIGS FR ED ER

NOW...

Setting Our Lands A-buzz Creating sustainable habitat

IC A EI W

R NE

2014 memorandum called for a task force to address this issue, and since then, the Environmental Protection Agency has engaged state agencies in developing plans to protect important pollinator species.

Strategic habitat

Ruby-throated hummingbird on milkweed

Bumblebee on an aster

he warm days of la te s p r in g a n d early summer provide many opportunities throughout the state’s natural areas to see a wide variety of blooming flowers, shrubs, trees and vines. From the low-lying coastal plains to the rocky meadows in the mountains, Maryland is in full bloom. Unfortunately, within these diverse and colorful landscapes, scientists and laymen alike are noticing something quite disturbing. Pollinators, including once common species like the monarch butterfly, are conspicuously absent. Unfortunately, this is not a sitespecific observation, but part of a documented trend of shrinking populations across the globe. As many as 40 percent of invertebrate pollinator species are now threatened with extinction.

GARDENS

successful; currently only three populations have been documented in the nation’s entire eastern region. The Regal has not been confirmed in Maryland since 1993; however, the conservation efforts there sparked early interest in and concern about pollinator habitat.

Conservation continues

Painted lady on zinnias

This concern is not new. In the Summer 1998 issue of the Maryland Natural Resource, an article documented the decline of the Regal Fritillary butterfly and described an attempt to protect the last population in the state. Ultimately that effort was un-

Over the past three years, 15 state parks have established pollinator gardens. They are generally less than 1,000 square feet and usually located near nature centers or ranger stations. While small in scale, these gardens can provide an important source of nectar during migration. They show visitors how attractive they are and how they can easily become a landscape feature in any yard. They also provide wonderful opportunities for park staff to educate visitors through interpretive signs or as part of environmental education programming.

22 I The Maryland Natural Resource

EDGE

What is different now is the need to intensify efforts based on the scope and scale of the decline. Species that were once common and abundant are now being affected. These losses have been attributed to a variety of causes including urban and suburban development, pesticide use, air pollution and climate change. Diseases and parasites also play a role, and declines in pollinator populations adversely affect biodiversity and the nation’s food supply. A

Edge habitat is typically a strip of land adjacent to a road, trail or agricultural field that is managed by regular mowing. In many cases, these areas have been mowed simply because that is the historically used management practice. In some instances, these areas already include pollinator species, so “no-mow” practices are sufficient to create edge habitat.

With the responsibility of managing nearly 500,000 acres of mostly undeveloped properties, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has tremendous potential to create, conserve and restore pollinator habitat. Prompted by observations in the field of a variety of health issues, biologists, foresters, land managers, naturalists and planners have quickly become engaged in evaluating the problem, looking for solutions and implementing innovative strategies. These include creating pollinatorspecific gardens, habitat and meadows. In addition, the department is exploring opportunities with land management partners, including utility companies that maintain rights-of-way within state parks. Last fall, the Maryland Park Service came to an agreement with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Inc. to identify and implement plans for such sites that could be converted to pollinator habitat through integrated vegetation management. Implementation of the plan began

MEADOWS

immediately with the cessation of mowing activity. The rights-of-way are to be inspected regularly to determine if limited spraying and removal of tree saplings is necessary, and any maintenance is to be conducted in accordance with pollinatorfriendly protocols.

Expanding awareness To educate the public, displays in nature centers, interpretive programming and additional content highlight the important role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and the nation’s food supply. Nearly every state park nature center includes an exhibit where visitors learn about bats, bees, birds, butterflies and wasps. To emphasize efforts and help visitors understand why certain areas are no longer maintained as mowed lawn, No Mow Zone signs are posted in affected areas to raise awareness and show what pollinator habitat looks like.

Making opportunities One challenge is the lack of resources to properly plant and maintain habitat during the three to five years necessary to establish a healthy and self-sustaining mix of pollinator plant species. Planting meadows on a large scale is also hindered by a lack of equipment, funding and technical

On a larger scale, land managers are creating pollinator meadows in open areas that are currently farmed, maintained as turf grass or mowed. These are difficult-tomow areas, or they are not heavily used by visitors. Finding these locations involves using aerial imagery and geographic data and maps. Once identified and verified as suitable, actual site conditions can be assessed and a plan can be developed. It can take up to five years to successfully convert these areas to viable habitat, and in some cases, specialized equipment, seed and technical expertise are necessary.

By Mary Owens

expertise. It is anticipated that some measures may require partnerships with firms that specialize in this type of planting or include provisions for habitat creation in agricultural leases. Other challenges include addressing deer browse, controlling invasive species, ensuring that newly-established meadow areas do not detract from an area’s appearance and protecting areas from high visitor impacts. The department’s pollinator habitat creation and enhancement efforts are possible because the state owns and manages land that is set aside for conservation and protection purposes. Having protected fields, forests, meadows, stream valleys, waterways and wetlands in every county provides an important food and flyway. Additional lands are acquired for conservation each year, and dedicated staff works diligently to restore the health of pollinator populations. If successful, common species will become more abundant, and perhaps there will be a return of long-gone species like the Regal Fritillary. n dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Mary Owens is the director of planning and conservation programs with the Maryland Park Service.

orking to plant and restore new gardens, edge habitat and meadows provides an opportunity for the department to actively engage in an important stewardship activity, as well as connect visitors with the beauty and wonder of nature.” ---Nita Settina, Superintendent of Maryland State Parks.

Summer 2017 I 23

COAST GUARD

By Jim Bennett

Responisble boaters

RIDE INSIDE

AVOID THE RISK OF BOW RIDING By Candy Thomson

ew people would consider allowing a family member or friend to ride on the hood of their moving car. Yet every summer, boat operators permit their passengers to ride on the bow— legs dangling over the front—or perch along the sides, or sit on the stern. The practice, called bow riding, is dangerous and sometimes deadly. And in Maryland and many other states, it is illegal.

Safety patrols This summer, the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Coast Guard are urging boaters to stay safe and Ride Inside their vessel. The campaign is rooted in education and outreach, with signs at popular launch ramps and boat rental shops. It also will feature reserve officers handing out literature at marinas and ramps. “Bow riding is considered reckless and negligent operation under Maryland boating laws,” explains Superintendent Col. Robert “Ken” Ziegler Jr. “The penalty is up to $500 for a first offense, but often—and sadly—the ultimate price is much higher. The solution to this problem is simple: Ride Inside.”

24 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Fatal consequences There is no denying the thrill of riding all the way up front on a hot, summer afternoon. But, in the case of youngsters, beneath the exhilarating sensation of being on an amusement park ride lurks the danger that they are more likely to lose their grip and bounce off the front of boats. Last summer, a young boy on a family outing in Ocean City slipped from the bow of a rented pontoon boat and was swept into the path of the propeller. Despite quick action by medically trained people who were in a nearby boat, the youngster died. There were at least three other serious bow riding accidents in the state last year that resulted in injury.

Boating rules of the road Bow riding is just one of the violations listed under the regulatory umbrella of reckless and negligent operation. Other offenses are drunken or drugged operation, speeding, boating in a swimming area, and hazardous operation of a personal watercraft. Pontoon boats and smaller motorboats that lack factory-installed seats, railings and non-skid decks are favorite platforms for

bow riding. Slipping from the bow of a pontoon boat is particularly perilous because the victim is channeled between the two pontoons and directly into the propeller. Bow riding is an activity guaranteed to trigger a response from officers, who will stop boaters who appear to be in violation of state law and issue a written warning. Egregious violations or repeat offenses will result in a citation. Other factors also conspire against bow riders. “You might be a skilled boater with many years of experience, but the guy in the next boat may be new or rusty,” says Ziegler. “One boat can hit another or an inattentive boater can cut across your bow and create a wake that can toss someone riding into the path of the boat. Regardless of who’s at fault, the person riding on the bow is the one who pays the price,” he says. The Ride Inside campaign will extend throughout the boating season. n dnr.maryland.gov/nrp Candy Thomson is the Natural Resources Police public information officer.

ABOVE Injured deer; RIGHT Bennett, Hopkins, Adams

t all started with a phone call over the weekend this past January. There was a small deer— most likely a button buck—roaming the Bel Air neighborhood of Glenwood with a clear plastic jug stuck on its head. Matt Adams, Samantha Hopkins and I met the homeowner who had spotted the deer that became known across the state as Jughead. We started searching and spotted him that very morning, though we were unable to capture him.

Maryland has a

large network of volunteer rehabilitators who take care of injured, orphaned or sick wildlife until they can be released safely back into the wild. Signs a creature could need help include evidence of bleeding, an apparent broken limb or audible distress calls over a prolonged period of time. Remember, even with the best intentions, interfering with wildlife may do more harm than good. Before approaching in aid, evaluate the situation and report it by calling 877-463-6497.

saving jughead

wildlife response team Several attempts were made over the next few days to get close enough to tranquilize him but the combination of high winds and the animal’s mobility and awareness made those attempts fruitless. Tracking his movements was made easier by the community’s Facebook page, where members had posted updates as well as our team’s contact information. Their texts and phone calls played a huge role in informing us of Jughead’s whereabouts. After many sightings occurred throughout the week, we identified two distinct areas as likely spots to capture the animal. We set up portable tree stands Saturday morning and took our places in the evening. Unfortunately, he did not show up in either one. Sunrise Sunday found Sam and myself again sitting in the stands, waiting. I spotted the buck but was unsuccessful in tranquilizing him. Fellow staffer Rick Walls joined Sam in the afternoon. Sightings diminished into nothing, and back to the stands they went. When I returned , I spotted him bedded down near a small pond. One thing was different though. The jug was now com-

pletely covering his head; the ears were now inside. Realizing this would make it difficult for him to pinpoint direction of sound, we decided to attempt another tranquilizer shot. Rick stayed on stand since he was close by, and Sam moved to a location nearby to cut off an escape route. I snuck up the creek. Jughead was on his feet by this time and obviously knew something was up, but as hoped, he didn’t know where the threat was coming from. Finally, I was able to successfully deliver a dart full of immobilizing drugs to his hindquarter. He walked about 20 yards and quickly became still. We removed the plastic container using a pair of pruning shears and administered the reversal drug once enough time had passed. The deer recovered quickly and began eating almost immediately, having gone more than a week without food or water. We watched for more than an hour as he got his bearings. Once it became apparent Jughead was regaining his balance, we watched him wander off into the darkness. n dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Jim Bennett is the central region wildlife manager.

Summer 2017 I 25

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Believe. No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted island, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.â&#x20AC;? - h e l e n k e l l e r