Chance has been penning his local nature column in Harford County since 1972 and, for the first time, nearly 100 of those columns spanning more than 30 years have been reprinted and reorganized into this 180-page book.

“Earthline: A 30-Year Anthology” is a captivating journey through the collected field experiences of naturalist-author Chance, a man who has dedicated his life to preservation and appreciation of the natural world.  Whether he’s studying the outdoor terrain of Harford County, Maryland, marveling over creatures great and small, or exploring distant exotic lands, Chance presents his thoughts and observations with an informed, passionate voice that calls for ecological conservation through awareness, education, and understanding.

Autographed copies of the book, with postage pre-paid and one-of-a-kind nature inserts included, can be purchased HERE for just $25.  Chance is available for environmentally-themed appearances, nature talks and book signings accompanied by an assortment of snakes, turtles, fossils and Native American tools. (more…)

Bush was charged on Oct. 2, 2007, after the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) seized four taxidermal animals, two Delmarva fox squirrels, a Red-tailed Hawk and a Yellowleg Sandpiper from his residence.

Bush was found guilty on one count of possessing wild birds without a permit and was fined $1250. Bush received probation before judgment on the two counts of possessing endangered species of wildlife and other count of possessing wild birds without a permit and was fined $150 for each of those charges.

The Board of Public Works approved $671,000 for the initiative, of which $375,000 is from the Program Open Space State Share and the remaining $276,000 from the Program Open Space Local Share allocated to Harford County. The funds assist Harford County in acquiring 43.9 acres as an addition to the existing Eden Mill Nature Center and Park.

The property includes one-half mile of stream bank of Big Branch Creek, and more than 30 heavily wooded acres as well as flood plains and wetlands.   As a partner in this acquisition, the Harford Land Trust is contributing $64,000 to the purchase.

Commenting on the support received from the State of Maryland for this Program Open Space initiative, County Executive David R. Craig stated, “We are pleased the Board of Public Works supported us with this project to enhance the Eden Mill Nature Center and Park. The acquisition of this property will add to the beauty of Eden Mill,” Craig stated.

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently adopted regulations to clarify that captive-raised mallard ducks may not be released to the wild except under the authority of a permit from DNR.

“Considering concerns over health standards and proper husbandry, it is imperative that the DNR know the origin, as well as when and where captive-raised mallards are being released in Maryland,” said Paul A. Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.

Captive-raised mallard ducks may be released only under the authority of a Regulated Shooting Area Permit, Retriever Training Permit, or a special Field Trial Permit. (more…)

Interviewed anglers will be asked a series of questions describing the effort, catch and residence of their yellow perch fishing activity for the day. Anglers will also have to opportunity to voice their opinions and level of satisfaction with the current perch fishery. Interviews will be conducted in the Bush River, the Chester River, Mattawoman Creek and Wicomico River.

In addition to the interview survey, a yellow perch creel site has been established online. This survey, modeled after DNR’s striped bass and summer flounder online surveys is designed to provide yellow perch angler input throughout the entire Bay. Participating anglers will be asked basic questions regarding the day’s locations fished, effort and catch.

The information collected from both surveys will be utilized by the Department regarding future yellow perch management and regulatory decisions as well as the upcoming Yellow Perch Fisheries Management Plan. For more yellow perch information, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/articles/ypmgmnt.html.

“Continued progress in preserving our woodlands and working farms in Baltimore County remains critical to protecting and restoring our local streams and nationally treasured Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Board of Public Works approved the purchase of two conservation easements located in the Piney Run Watershed Rural Legacy Focus Area with $785,500 of Rural Legacy funds. The easements adjoin with a large block of 12,000+ acres of previously protected land. Protection of the properties from future development helps protect water quality of the Black Rock Run and Piney Run by permanently preserving stream riparian butters. The easements, totaling 117+ acres, will be held cooperatively by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Land Preservation Trust.

Since 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve 57,915 acres vulnerable to sprawl development.

FREDERICK, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service recently completed a study of the City of Frederick’s existing and potential urban tree canopy. Finding that Frederick’s urban tree canopy covers 12 percent of the city (1,592 acres), the report’s analysis estimated that an additional 72 percent of the city (9,553 acres) could be covered by trees in the future.

“Tree cover provides so many benefits to City residents in addition to esthetics, that it is greatly important that the City maintain and expand its urban tree canopy,” said Frederick Mayor William J. Holtzinger.

Recognizing the benefits of overall tree canopy cover as a water quality best management practice in urban areas, the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council established a goal for 120 communities in the Bay watershed to adopt an urban tree canopy goal by 2020 at its recent meeting last December. The City of Frederick committed to establishing an urban tree canopy goal in April of 2007. To date, 38 communities in Maryland have committed to adopting urban tree canopy goals.

DNR has completed assessments for three communities and two cities – Annapolis and Baltimore - have adopted goals.

“Frederick’s urban tree canopy is a vital city asset,” said Michael F. Galvin, DNR Urban Forestry Supervisor. “Trees reduce storm water runoff, enhance quality of life, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and provide wildlife habitat. Improving the condition and extent of tree canopy in urban areas is vital to community livability as our cities grow.”

Eighty-six percent of Marylanders live in urban areas. Residents can help by planting trees and maintaining local trees by watering and mulching around the base.

Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Vermont, the DNR report utilized high-resolution satellite data and GIS information to calculate various types of land cover (trees, grass, buildings, roads) at the parcel level across the city. Click here to view the full report.