Board of Public Works approves purchase of Wicomico County watershed forest land

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Department of Natural Resources’ acquisition of nearly 20 acres of forested land in Wicomico County Wednesday for $49,000. The new plot will help maintain the water quality of the Nanticoke River watershed and preserve the habitat of species endemic to forest interiors.

Proposed Chesapeake Bay funds aim to curb pollution

As much as $737 million in proposed funding expected to be included as part of the budget reconciliation package being negotiated in Congress would be used toward reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Hogan orders traffic solutions for ongoing Bay Bridge fixes

Gov. Larry Hogan, R, said Wednesday that he was “furious” about the traffic backups around the Bay Bridge in recent weeks that have resulted from a resurfacing project on the westbound span’s right lane.

New report on the Chesapeake Bay finds encouraging signs

The latest report on the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed finds improving conditions for some of the key barometers.

Maryland unveils newest Chesapeake Bay license plate design

Maryland drivers can update their expression of Chesapeake pride and help with efforts to “Save the Bay” with a new license plate design that state transportation and environmental officials unveiled Thursday at Sandy Point State Park.

Bills would update Maryland’s forest conservation law

Maryland’s forest conservation law has failed to protect some of the state’s best forests, scientists and environmentalists say.

Legislative roundup: Oyster recycling; tobacco; female inmate health services

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — The Maryland Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill that would further incentivize oyster shell recycling. “This bill continues to promote a very viable shell recovery program that’s been in existence for five years,” said Sen. Stephen…

State slashes oyster restoration acreage goal

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — The state of Maryland has decided to reduce the large-scale oyster restoration project goal in the Little Choptank River after boaters ran aground at another sanctuary and some of the man-made reefs there had to be rebuilt.…

360-degree river maps: Tool for travelers, environmentalists

The Chesapeake Conservancy, in collaboration with 360-degree mapping company Terrain 360, are creating a virtual riverview tour of the Patuxent River. Terrain 360 founder, Ryan Abrahamsen, was out on his custom pontoon boat mapping the river Sept. 26.

Natural Resources Dept. may regulate cownose-ray killing contests

The Department of Natural Resources plans to take pending state legislation to temporarily halt the contest-fishing of cownose rays and public comments about banning cownose ray tournaments in Maryland into consideration when it creates regulation to further administer the contests, according to a department representative.