Chesapeake Bay News

“R/V Miss Nancy” Will be Used by Middle School Students for Authentic Bay Investigations.

The christening of the “R/V Miss Nancy,” a 48-foot-long vessel that will be used by NorthBay Adventure Camp in North East, Md., to take classes of students out on the Chesapeake Bay where they will conduct authentic science investigations related to environmental restoration. The vessel will play a key role in NorthBay’s mission of changing children’s lives. The “R/V Miss Nancy” expands NorthBay’s commitment to giving students opportunities to participate authentic science investigations and get them reconnected to the natural world. NorthBay is now operating a full school year program, which makes the Christening of the “R/V Miss Nancy” a next logical expansion component. NorthBay’s mission is to challenge middle school students to realize that their attitudes and actions have a lasting impact on their future, the environment and the people around them by using approved Maryland Department of Education curriculum and the outdoors as an integrating context.

The ceremony occurs on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., at NorthBay, 11 Horseshoe Point Lane, Northeast, MD 21901. John Erickson, chairman and CEO of Erickson Retirement Communities, and his wife Nancy – for whom the vessel is named – will officiate at the christening ceremony. Faculty from George Mason University who are conducting research at NorthBay on the use of technology to aid in connecting students to the environment will be present for the ceremony, as will Baltimore City Public Schools children. The research project will be conducted using Baltimore City Public School students piloting a 20-pound remote-controlled submarine. R/V MISS NANCY is a 48′ x 14′ twin 115hp vessel that has been USCG inspected for 49 (Seating for 44).

NorthBay was established in 2005 by The Erickson Foundation to establish educational opportunities for young people. Through its partnerships with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of Education, NorthBay hosts more than 10,000 middle school students each year. With a full-time staff of more than 100 professionals, NorthBay uses experiential education to instill confidence, knowledge, and leadership in young people and teach them that their actions have a lasting impact on the future. NorthBay is located on more than 97 acres at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River in Cecil County, Md.

A benefit will be held at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), Gloucester Campus, on April 25 and 26. “Scenes From the Seas” is the 10th annual art show and auction held at VIMS. This year’s event will help fund research concerning damage from coastal storms, bycatch issues with the white marlin fishery, mercury-tainted seafood, and interactions between pollution, eel grass and fishing.

The featured artist for this event is Dr. Guy Harvey. Dr. Harvey is back by popular demand. He was here for this event in 2006 and helped to raise more than $60,000 for VIMS programs. Guy Harvey is one of the most popular marine artist of all time. He is also an author, photographer, angler, conservationist, television show host, and scientist. Dr. Harvey spends much time promoting fisheries research and conservation.

This two evening event begins with a public art show, book signing, and autograph session with Dr. Harvey on Friday, April 25, at 6:30 pm in Chesapeake Bay Hall, including light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. At 7:30 pm, the audience will move to Waterman’s Hall, where Dr. Harvey will narrate several of his dramatic billfish films. His footage of billfish feeding in the wild is amazing. If you are an angler, you will now know what is happening the next time you drop back to a billfish. There is no cost to attend this evening. There will be a large variety of Guy Harvey’s art to view and to purchase. There will be both originals and prints available. Dr. Harvey has painted an original just for this event which features a striped bass, white marlin, bluefish, and yellowfin tuna. This artwork has also been made into a special Guy Harvey/VIMS t-shirt. Almost everyone who appreciates marine life has a collection of Guy Harvey shirts. This is one that you will not be able to get anywhere else.

The event resumes on Saturday, April 26 at 6:30pm in Chesapeake Bay Hall. Guy Harvey’s art show will continue and both silent and live auctions will be conducted. This ticketed event ($100 per person) will feature a silent auction of items from regional artists and craftsmen, festive cuisine and a hosted bar, and a live auction with the original Harvey painting along with other art, nautical, and maritime items. mailto:lcphip@vims.eduIn addition to the auctions, a limited edition Turner Sculpture, “River Otters” has been donated http://www.turnersculpture.com/gallery/317.htm . This bronze sculpture will be available through a raffle.

There will be many items available for silent auction. Some of the live auction items include:

Guy Harvey Original Framed Watercolor, “A Tribute to VIMS”

Bass Pro Outfitted Fishing Kayak

Condo for One Week at Pueblo Real in Costa Rica

Condo for One Week at Tapatio Cliffs in Phoenix, Arizona

Two Tickets to a Boston Red Sox/New York Yankees Baseball Game with Hotel

“Blue Fury” Kent Ulberg Sculpture
Offshore Fishing Trip for Five

The Nautical Wheelers will perform at Dobbins Island Anchorage on June 14, 2008 from 6pm to 9 pm. The event will honor the historic event of Captain John Smith’s exploration of the Magothy River on June 12,1608.

The Magothy River Association has declared June 12 Magothy River Day! A celebration of Magothy River Day, will be hosted by The Magothy River Association on FLAG DAY, Saturday, June 14, 2008. Come join in for a number of family fun activities within the protected waters of the historic Dobbins Island anchorage.

The Nautical Wheelers will entertain boaters by performing on a boat anchored in the anchorage.

BYOB (Bring your own boat)

Activities Planned:

4pm Rendezvous at Dobbins island (Free parking)
5 pm Re-enactment of Captain John Smith landing on the Dobbins Island sand bar officially declaring “ the Dobbins Recreational Area as the LAND of Pleasant Living”
6 pm to 9 pm Band Concert featuring the Nautical Wheelers
9:30 pm Christmas light boat parade back to home ports Be patriotic, June 14 is flag day the color of the day is Red White and Blue the color of the night is up to you.

Details contact Friends of Dobbins at www.SaveDobbins.org

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin today announced the selection of Tom O’Connell, a respected 15-year veteran of the department, to serve as director of the department’s Fisheries Service, effective immediately.

“From the time Captain John Smith first sailed into the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s fisheries have helped define our culture and drive our economy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Tom O’Connell has the vision, the conviction and the expertise to guide our efforts to ensure sustainable fishery populations remain a birthright for future generations of Marylanders.”

Over the past year Governor O’Malley has taken significant steps to support the department’s management efforts on behalf of people across Maryland who depend on our fisheries for recreation and economic opportunity  including: creation of the Fisheries Management Task Force and Oyster Advisory Commission to help guide the agency’s decision-making; a provision for $750,000 in additional fiscal year 2009 funding for fisheries management; adoption of new regulations to conserve yellow perch populations; and an ongoing collaboration with Virginia to develop strategies to better manage the states’ shared blue crab resource.

“This a critical time for fisheries management in Maryland,” said Secretary Griffin. “Tom’s personal passion for protecting our resources, coupled with his extensive scientific and management experience, makes him the ideal choice to successfully lead the Fisheries Service.”

“We have important decisions to make regarding blue crab conservation, oyster restoration strategies, and other key populations,” the Secretary continued, “while we also have the benefit of new resources provided by our recreational anglers and through Governor O’Malley’s commitment of matching funds. Together, they give us a chance to work for real progress on behalf of these resources and our stakeholders.”

O’Connell began his tenure with DNR in 1993 as a fisheries biologist working on striped bass monitoring and management.  Since then he has served the Maryland Fisheries Service as its Legislative and Policy Program Administrator, Coastal Bays Fisheries Management Plan Coordinator, Oyster Restoration Program Manager, and most recently the Assistant Director for the Estuarine and Marine Fisheries Division.

“It is with great seriousness that I accept this new responsibility of directing management of Maryland’s fisheries resources,” said O’Connell.  “Our goal will be to manage these treasured natural resources sustainably, and to increase opportunities for their enjoyment and appreciation by all Marylanders and the tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy fishing in our state’s waters.  I look forward to continuing Maryland’s tradition of science-based fisheries management and hope to expand our efforts to bring stakeholders together to ensure transparent, technically sound, and sustainable management decisions.”

O’Connell holds a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry.  Prior to his service with DNR, O’Connell worked as a biologist with Wildlife International, Ltd. in Easton, Md. and as a wildlife and fisheries technician with both the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the Adirondack Ecological Center.  O’Connell, who lives with his wife and four children in Goldsboro, enjoys fishing, camping and hunting.

Rich Novotny, Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) had this to say when he learned of the appointment: “We are very pleased that Mr. O’Connell will be heading the fisheries department of DNR.  MSSA has worked with him over the years and have found him to be very knowledgeable, and also very sincere to the entire fishing community.”

The Maryland Fisheries Service strives to manage the state’s fisheries in balance with the ecosystem for present and future generations and provide high quality, diverse, accessible fishing opportunities.  O’Connell replaces former Director Howard King, who retired in December after 38 years with the department.

Annual Patuxent River Cleanup

Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Greenwell State Park, 25420 Rosedale Manor Lane in Hollywood (St. Mary’s County)
The Maryland Conservation Corps invite all to spend the morning enjoying and preserving the beauty of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay.  Volunteers should RSVP by April 1 by calling 410-279-2116.

Point Lookout State ‘Park Day’

Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; FREE

Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Road in Scotland (St. Mary’s County)

Civil War enthusiasts will enjoy helping to preserve the park’s last remaining (of 3) historic earthen walls of Fort Lincoln.  Lunch and a Living History Fort & Prison Pen tour will be provided for the volunteers.  Volunteers must pre-register by March 31 by calling 301-872-5688 or emailing rjones@dnr.state.md.us.

1st Virginia Garrison Weekend

Saturday & Sunday, April 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $3

Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road in Big Pool (Washington County)

Members of the 1st Virginia will garrison the fort and demonstrate the life of Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary War.

Equestrian Scavenger Hunt Trail Ride

Sunday, April 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $3

St. Mary’s River State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Road in Scotland (St. Mary’s County)

Pet Hike

Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.; $2

Patapsco Valley State Park, Hilltop Road Area in Catonsville (Baltimore County)

Bring your canine friend along for a 2 hour hike and informative tour of some of the pet friendly areas of the southern portion of Patapsco Valley State Park.

The Maryland State Park Service offers countless opportunities for children of all ages to explore the outdoors during the springtime. Events across the state enable children to enjoy festivities of the season and investigate their natural world.

“Maryland’s state parks are safe, positive environments which encourage discovery and foster an appreciation of the outdoors in youth,” said Nita Settina, Maryland Parks Service Superintendent. “With nearly 50 parks in Maryland, there is sure to be one near your home.”

A variety of holiday-themed activities are taking place throughout the state, including:

Central Maryland:

Star-Gazing Party
Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m.
Soldier’s Delight N.E.A., 5100 Deer Park Road in Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

Eastern Shore:

Tuckahoe Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m.
Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Road in Queen Anne (Caroline County)

Southern Maryland:

Smallwood Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 22 at 10 a.m.
Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road in Marbury (Charles County)

Nondenominational Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, March 23 at 6:30 a.m.
Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Road, in Scotland (St. Mary’s County)

Western Maryland:

Natural Egg Dying on Dan’s Mountain
Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m.
Deep Creek State Park and NRMA, 898 State Park Road, in Swanton (Garrett County)

Sport Fish Advisory Commission Meeting

Monday, March 17 at 6 p.m.

Tawes State Office Building, C-1

580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Hunting & Trapping Regulations Public Comment Meeting

Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

Parkside High School, 1015 Beaglin Park Dr. in Salisbury (Wicomico County)

Coastal Fisheries Advisory Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 25 at 6 p.m.

Ocean City Marlin Club, 9659 Golf Course Road in Ocean City (Worcester County)

Navigating Living Shorelines

Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; FREE

Washington College, Goldstein Hall Room 100, Campus Avenue in Chestertown (Kent County)

Learn how living shorelines function, what designs work, how to move through the contractor and permitting process, and visit examples of living shorelines in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties.  RSVP by calling 410-260-8732 or emailing dbell@dnr.state.md.us.

Opening Day of Trout Season at Fair Hill

Saturday, March 29

Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, 300 Tawes Drive in Elkton (Cecil County)

Outdoor Survival Workshop & Hike

Saturday, March 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; $3/person

Pocomoke River State Park, Shad Landing Area

3461 Worcester Highway in Snow Hill (Worcester County)

The sixth Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop will be held on Thursday, March 20 Tilghman Island, Maryland. The one-day program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Harrison’s Chesapeake House, 21551 Chesapeake House Drive, Tilghman Island.

Organized jointly by the Sea Grant programs at the University of Maryland and the University of Delaware, the workshop will focus on business management, marketing, safety, and fishery resource issues pertaining to the charter and head boat industry and also to eco-tourism based charter businesses.

“We encourage all charter captains and business owners to attend, as well as those individuals interested in entering the charter industry,” says John Ewart, aquaculture and fisheries specialist with the Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service. “The workshop will provide a great opportunity for boat owners to come together to learn about improving the management of their businesses and to discuss mutual issues and challenges.”

The day long workshop will offer a variety of presentations representing important topics for the charter boat operator including legal issues, business management, marketing, customer relations, and insurance needs. Program topics will also focus on current Coast Guard issues, seafood handling safety and sport fish species management.

Seminar speakers are regional leaders in their respective fields. This is a great opportunity to participate in a program dedicated to helping the charter boat operator deal with current and anticipated challenges in small business management. Attendance will be held to 50 participants and available seating is expected to fill quickly, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration for the workshop, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and resource materials, is $40 per person. On-site registration will be limited and the registration fee will increase to $50. Overnight accommodations ($65.00 for workshop attendees) are available at Harrison’s Chesapeake House www.chesapeakehouse.com/. Please call 410-886-2121 for reservations.

To register, make your check payable to “University of Delaware,” and mail to:

Rita Baty
ATTN: Charter Boat Workshop
University of Delaware Sea Grant Program
700 Pilottown Road
Lewes, DE 19958-1507

The registration deadline is Thursday, March 13. For additional information about the program agenda, contact John Ewart at (302) 645-4060 or ewart@udel.edu or visit the workshop Web site <darc.cms.udel.edu/charterboat/cbw08.html>.

The following upcoming public meetings are related to Chesapeake Bay issues.

Working Waterfront Commission Meeting

Wednesday, February 20 at 6 p.m.

Maryland Department of Agriculture, Room 110

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Communication Towers Construction Public Information Meeting

Wednesday, February 20 at 7 p.m.

Smallwood State Park, Marina Services Building

2750 Sweden Point in Marbury (Charles County)

The meeting will offer information and public comment opportunities regarding construction of communication towers for use by the Natural Resources Police, Maryland Park Service and other state agencies at the Nanjemoy Natural Resources Management Area and Smallwood State Park.  For additional information contact Neal Welch at 410-260-8409 or nwelch@dnr.state.md.us.

Sportfish Advisory Commission Meeting

Monday, February 25 at 6 p.m.

Tawes State Office Building, C-1, 580 Taylor Ave. in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Do you, family, or friends enjoy spending time on the Magothy River? Would you like to find out how you can help to protect and restore this precious resource? Would you like to hear about all of the great things happening on your river?

The Magothy River Association will hold its sixth annual “State of the Magothy River” presentation on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, starting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will feature the annual Magothy River Index (with a new format this year) and a Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail overview.

Scheduled speakers:
1) 2007 Magothy River Index. Prepared by Dr. Peter Bergstrom, NOAA and MRA. (Produced each year since 2003)
2) Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail overview – Sarah Bransom, National Park Service

3) MRA Creek Watchers – Carl Treff, MRA Volunteer Coordinator

4) Update on the Magothy River Oyster Plan – Dick Carey, MRA Dive Coordinator/Dive Safety Officer

DISPLAYS:
1. Friends of Dobbins Island
2. Bayland Consultants, Mill & Dividing Creek Study
3. Severna Park Watershed Action Group display on North Cypress Branch
4. Department of Natural Resources-Natural Resources Police – Vessel Management Plan & Boating Safety
5. National Aquarium in Baltimore

6. Magothy River Land Trust – Conservation Easements in the Magothy Watershed

7. MRA Team Diver Poster: “Scientific Divers of the Magothy River for Boating and Diver Safety.”
8. MRA – Oyster Reefs in the Magothy River
9. Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Doors and displays open at 6:30. Program to start at 7:00. Following the presentations, there will be refreshments and time to visit the displays and chat with watershed residents and the experts. Are you interested in clean water, healthy fish, living oyster reefs and limiting suburban effects on the Magothy?  Come and see how you can help!

Date:    Wednesday February 20, 2008

Place:   Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, West Campus

Cade (Fine Arts) 219 (use Parking Lot F, closest to Ritchie)

directions at: http://www.aacc.cc.md.us/locationsandmaps/maps.cfm

Doors open 6:30 P.M., program 7:00-9:00 PM

Refreshments will be served

For Information call: Paul Spadaro, President of Magothy River Association, 410-647-8772, email: spadaro@cablespeed.com, or visit our web page: www.magothyriver.org

In case of inclement weather, if the college is closed, the program is postponed.  College closings are announced on WNAV radio (1430 AM) and on the college web site, http://www.aacc.edu