Tag: maryland

Maryland Sets 51 Youth Fishing Rodeos for 2025

The Southern Maryland Chronicle

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is ready to make waves in 2025, rolling out 51 youth fishing rodeos across the state for kids ages 3 to 15. From the first blooms of spring to the crisp days of late fall, these free events aim to hook young anglers—whether they’re casting their first line or sharpening seasoned skills—in a tradition that’s been reeling in Maryland families for over six decades. Spanning 16 counties, the rodeos promise a blend of excitement, education, and a chance to connect with nature, often set against the backdrop of Maryland’s sprawling State Parks.

This isn’t just about fishing—it’s about legacy. Some of these rodeos trace their roots back to the 1960s, sparked by a vision to give kids a safe space to learn the art of angling while planting seeds of environmental care. Last year, the program drew over 3,300 young participants, a splashy success that’s buoyed DNR’s plans for 2025.

A young angler with his catch during a 2024 youth fishing rodeo near Easton. Maryland DNR photo.
Partnering with dozens of local organizations—from community clubs to park rangers—they’re staging events at ponds, lakes, and streams statewide, backed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. That federal funding keeps the rodeos free, ensuring every kid gets a shot at the water.

Picture this: a sunny morning at Patapsco Valley State Park, a 5-year-old gripping a rod as a sunfish tugs the line, or a 14-year-old at Tuckahoe State Park perfecting a cast under a volunteer’s watchful eye. The rodeos teach more than technique—knots, baiting, patience—they instill a respect for the ecosystems that sustain Maryland’s waterways.

In 2022, DNR stocked over 6,000 hybrid sunfish and trout for these events, per agency records, tipping the odds toward a catch. No license needed for those under 16, though adults and teens can grab one online or at agents, with every dollar fueling conservation efforts like habitat restoration and fish stocking.

The schedule’s a county-by-county haul—Garrett’s mountain streams, Worcester’s coastal flats, and everywhere in between. But some venues cap attendance, so DNR’s nudging families to hit the website, register via listed contacts, and double-check for weather-driven shifts. Last fall’s downpours bumped a few 2024 dates, a heads-up to stay sharp. Events often come with perks—loaner rods, bait, even snacks at spots like Cunningham Falls—making it low-stakes fun with high rewards.

Maryland’s fishing heritage runs deep, from the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty to Deep Creek Lake’s quiet shores. With over 500 miles of fishable streams and countless ponds, per DNR’s maps, the state’s a natural stag

Wolf Den Run State Park Trail Added to Jeep ‘Badge of Honor’ Program

Maryland Department Of Natural Resources

An off-highway vehicle trail at Wolf Den Run State Park is now part of the Jeep Badge of Honor trail program. The Jeep brand announced the designation on Feb. 28, along with designations for trails in Minnesota and Washington. There are 61 Badge of Honor trails nationwide.

When a driver takes on the adventure of completing a trail, they are rewarded with a badge through the program, which they can proudly display on their vehicle. For adventure-seekers, these badges mark achievements they can trace throughout the U.S.

“Owner feedback is essential at the Jeep brand, and Trail 2103 was one of the most highly requested. We’re excited to finally bring it to life. With no previous trails in Maryland, this addition helps us achieve our goal of ‘spreading the love’ by filling in geographical gaps and offering new adventures to our Jeep community in every corner of the country,” said Joe Brungardt, manager, Jeep Badge of Honor program.

Located in the Potomac River Area of the park, Trail 2103 follows the north branch of the Potomac River through the rocky forest. Maryland Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance Board Member Ken Kyler nominated Trail 2103 through Jeep’s Badge of Honor phone app, and thinks the trail was selected because it has amazing views of the Potomac River. There are more challenging trails at Wolf Den Run, but none with such scenery.

“Particularly in the springtime when the rhododendrons and dogwoods are out, it’s just a flat-out gorgeous trail,” Kyler said.

Kyler encouraged other off-road enthusiasts to nominate the trail, including those from the Capitol Off-Road Enthusiasts (CORE 4×4).

CORE 4×4 President Jendra Rambharos said his organization has hosted events at Wolf Den Run since the park’s opening in 2019. These trips include camping, eating at local restaurants and using local repair shops.

“The proximity to Deep Creek, and the amenities there are also a draw for us, as we’ve visited, stayed at, and even fished in the area, adding to both public and private resources through amenities and licensing,” Rambharos said.

DNR worked with Jeep to get the information submitted for the recognition.

“We want to thank the community for nominating our trail for this prestigious program – it shows off-highway recreation is gaining traction here in Maryland and provides another way to get people connected to the land as well as provides an important economic impact to the nearby community,” Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Sandi Olek said.

Park Manager Donald Oates said there are unique rock outcroppings along the trail. The area has rugged and mountainous terrain, with meadows, wetlands, small tributaries and many ephemeral streams throughout. Drivers may encounter the occasional water feature depending on the time of year.

Trail 2103 isn’t the only fun OHV trail at Wolf Den – there are more than 50 miles of trails to check out. Campsites are also available.

“We have miles and miles of trails that are good for Jeeps,” Oates said.

Most off-road trails at Wolf Den Run are former mining or logging roads, with plenty of space for larger vehicles like Jeeps. Trail 2103 can be made into a loop using trails 2104 and 2101. A map of Trail 2103 and adjoining trails can be found on the Wolf Den Run State Park website.

There are no air compressors available at the park, so drivers need to plan accordingly and be prepared.

Wolf Den Run State Park opened in 2019, the first park in the state to offer trails for off-road vehicles. Maryland Park Service expanded Wolf Den Run in 2020.

Before the park opened, Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance Board volunteers spent a day clearing appliances and other large debris from the site. The Alliance and DNR work together to promote environmental stewardship when riding. ATV

Riders can recreate responsibly by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other trail users. In addition, riders can practice good stewardship by avoiding muddy areas, crossing streams at a 90-degree angle, using four-wheel low and first gear for engine braking, and going over obstacles like rocks rather than around them to prevent trail widening and erosion.

DCL 100

Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee announces lecture series

The Garrett County Republican

MCHENRY — The Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee (DCL100) has announced the lineup for its Lecture Series.

Every Thursday in March, the DCL100 Committee will present a lecture at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College on a different aspect of the lake.

Planned lectures include:

March 6: “Wildlife and Natural Habitats of Deep Creek Lake” Chance Friend, Naturalist Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Even though it was not intentional, Deep Creek Lake has become the habitat for a rich ecosystem of wildlife that have adapted to the “new” waterbody. A Naturalist from Deep Creek Lake State Park will go through the predominant wildlife around the lake, including many fascinating, but lesser known species.

March 13: “The Fish of Deep Creek Lake” Eric Null, Executive Director Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited.

Null will share his extensive knowledge of the fish species, habitats and behavior of the fish of the lake with the potential to learn about special techniques and hot spots.

March 20: “Operation of the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station” Operations Manager Brookfield Renewable.

The dam that forms Deep Creek Lake is rather unremarkable in appearance, but it channels water to a power plant that generates enough electricity to power thousands of homes.

The Operations Manager of the owner and operator of the dam and power plant will provide an overview of how hydroelectric power works and how the electricity it generates gets to the grid and its end users.

March 27: “History of Real Estate at Deep Creek Lake” Karen Myers, Taylor Made Deep Creek Sales.

The State of Maryland first defined most of the property parcels in the county when it created 50 acre lots as payment to soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

Myers will go through how these lots changed (and how much they cost) to become many of the lake-area property developments we recognize today.

The Lecture Series will occur each Thursday in March at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.

Attendees at the lectures will be able to collect a DCL100 Exploration Ticket and receive the stamp for the month of March, and they will be able to enter to win a DCL100 swag pack.

The use of the Performing Arts Center and AV support have been generously contributed by Garrett College.

The lectures will be recorded and published to YouTube for those who are unable to attend in person.

For more info on the lectures and the Centennial,go to dcl100.com.

February 2025 Market Stats

Public Hearing: County Road Name Changes

Garrett County Government Department of Community Development
Planning & Land Management Division

Public Hearing: County Road Name Changes
The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland, will hold a public hearing on February 18, 2025, to consider and potentially adopt the following road name additions and changes as part of the Garrett County Road Name Index, in accordance with the Garrett County Address Ordinance.

Proposed Road Name Additions & Changes
Tax Map
Former Name
New Road Name
67 N/A Azalea Lane
67 N/A Magnolia Way
49 N/A Enclave Lane
49 N/A Nature Run
95 N/A Bovie Bend
29 N/A Moon Ridge
200 Flat Street Polk Street
200 N North Street Polk Street
The Board of County Commissioners will officially adopt these road names following the public hearing, and they will become effective on February 18, 2025.

For further information or to provide before the hearing, please contact the Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management at swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov

January 2025 Market Stats

Community Effort Ensure Groceries for Low-Income Students Over Christmas Break

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, local businesses, non-profits, and individuals came together to ensure low-income families in Garrett County had enough groceries over the Christmas break.

It all began when Jessica Wilson from Morningstar visited the Garrett County Extension Office, looking for a non-profit organization to support during the company’s annual Global Giving Drive. Employees donated funds, which were then matched by both the company’s owner and the company itself. Willie Lantz,  Garrett County Extension Agent, introduced Jessica to the newly formed Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance (AFFA), highlighting it as a deserving recipient of their generosity.

At that time, Willie Lantz and Melissa Bolyard, Garrett County Business Development’s Agriculture Business Specialist, had been collaborating with Community School Specialists on various projects. When the specialists expressed their urgent need to supply groceries to low-income families for the holiday break, we knew this was a perfect opportunity for a community-wide initiative.

They reached out to Casselman Market, who helped them order groceries for each family. Funds raised by Morningstar covered the costs. They also partnered with ALL Produce to include local potatoes and apples. Three members of a local Lutheran church further contributed by donating the $250 gift cards they each received for community volunteer work from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans towards the grocery expenses. Casselman Market also covered some of the costs of the groceries.

Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, led by Josh Wilson, played a pivotal role in securing deer meat through an extraordinary community initiative. Yoder’s Butcher Barn, owned by Ryan and Morgan Yoder, put out a call for deer donations on social media. The response from Garrett County hunters was nothing short of remarkable. These dedicated hunters, driven by a strong sense of community and generosity, donated 15 deer in a single weekend.

The efforts of these local hunters highlight a profound dedication to supporting those in need within their community. Many of these hunters regularly participate in such donation drives, understanding the significant impact their contributions can make. The donated deer not only provided a vital source of protein for many families but also demonstrated the deep-rooted traditions of sharing and caring in Garrett County.

Yoder’s Butcher Barn graciously covered the processing costs for 10 of the donated deer, ensuring the meat was properly prepared and packaged. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry stepped in to cover the remaining costs, showcasing a seamless collaboration between various community members and organizations. This concerted effort yielded approximately 500 pounds of meat, with each family receiving a minimum of 2 pounds, and many families receiving even more.

Mountain Laurel Medical Center, represented by Corey Edmonds, donated the 125 bags needed to package the groceries. The coordination of the entire project was made possible by Melissa Bolyard and Willie Lantz, who each played a crucial role in organizing and facilitating the initiativ, together with the tireless efforts of the 5 Community School Specialists, Amy Egress of Broadford Elementary, Ashley Wilt of Crellin Elementary, Dana Mason of Grantsville Elementary, Heather Roth of Friendsville Elementary, and Megan Knepp of Yough Glades Elementary. The efforts were further supported by the AFFA.

In total, 125 families were served at five different school locations across the county, thanks to the incredible community effort and generosity of all involved. This initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support those in need. What started as a group of employee donations of approximately $995.00 grew into $9,000.00 project.

List of donations:  

• Employee Donations at Morningstar’s Oakland Office: $995.00
• Morningstar Company/Owner Match: $1,738.00
• Lutheran Gift Cards: $750.00
• Yoder’s Butcher Barn’s Processing Donation: $1,225
• Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry: $425.00
• Value of Deer Donated: $3,960.00
• Cloth Bags for Bagging Groceries: $150.00

This is the kind of work the AFFA wants to be involved with moving forward. Seeing a donation made by employees grow to an amount that made an actual difference in the lives of each student who received provisions over the Christmas season.

Wednesday Fire Reported at Friend's Stockyard - Accident, MD

Deputy State Fire Marshals are on the scene and actively investigating this two-alarm commercial building fire in Garrett County.

At around 5:45 p.m., the Accident Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments were dispatched to Friends Stockyard in the 300

block of Stockyard Rd. Firefighters have requested law enforcement and cowboys to assist with the wrangling of cattle that have been left loose. This will be an extended operation. The current temp is 10 degrees.

#Update (7:16 p.m.): Firefighters continue to extinguish the fire. One firefighter has been treated by on-scene EMS and released. Three cows have perished. Our investigators will remain on the scene throughout the night.

#FinalUpdate (1/16/25) – Investigators remained on the scene late into the night and returned Thursday morning. The cause remains under investigation; however, Deputy State Fire Marshals cannot rule out an extension cord plugged into a skid steer or a portable heater. Investigators have no evidence of a criminal act and will continue to look at all accidental causes.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated/released on scene. Numerous cattle and hogs were able to escape the fire. However, three cattle perished, and three hogs were found inside during overhaul operations with injuries.

More info https://tinyurl.com/462rwsry

A HUGE thank you to all community members and volunteers who worked together to control this fire. We live in an amazing community!

• Accident
• Grantsville
• Friendsville
• Bittinger
• Deep Creek
• Addison
• Confluence
• Gorman
• Eastern Garrett
• Salisbury
• Oakland
• Deer Park
• Markleysburg
• Meyersdale
• Fire Marshal
• Potomac Edison
• MDOT
• Garrett Roads
• Public Utilities
• Garrett County Emergency Services
• Garrett County Emergency Management
• Northern Garrett EMS
• Bittinger EMS
• Accident Auxiliary – Our auxiliary coordinated food and drink donations from several community members and businesses to help feed and keep the firefighters warm.
• Barb Lynch from Hartmans Accident Liberty for coffee.
• Keysers Ridge McDonald’s for the generous donation of burgers and coffee.
• 11 pizzas from Brenda’s Pizzeria donated by a citizen.
• Donuts and snack cakes donated by Rodney from Husky Insulation and Remodeling.