Maryland Department of Natural Resources

WE ARE HIRING: NRP Natural Resources Pilot The Natural Resources Police is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Pilot. This position is responsible for the full performance level of work operating aircraft in support of the law enforcement responsibilities of the Natural Resources Police. Natural Resources Pilots are in command of the aircraft and its passengers while performing low-level altitude flights for law enforcement, search and rescue, and other public safety missions, as well as providing aviation services in support of wildlife, fisheries and forestry for scientific purposes. This position is assigned shift work including holidays and weekends and is subject to 24-hour on-call duty during emergencies and staff shortages. Flights are conducted throughout the State under a variety of weather conditions. Pilots must be physically able to move small aircraft independently using a hard tow bar. The Natural Resources Pilot is differentiated from the Natural Resources Police Pilot in that Natural Resources Pilot provides civilian support to the Natural Resources Police Force while the Natural Resources Police Pilot is a certified law enforcement officer. Salary: $84,229.00 - $136,003.00/year Location: Talbot The NRP Natural Resource Pilot position has a closing date of December 9, 2024. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/diTJZuCZ

Maryland Lifts Statewide Ban on Outdoor Burning Following a review of weather and ground conditions, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescinded a statewide ban on open-air burning that was implemented to prevent the spread of wildfires across the state. Extremely dry conditions that had persisted throughout the year led to an above average number of wildfires statewide in October, leading to the ban. Following recent precipitation and a forecast of continued normal weather patterns for this time of year, the Maryland Forest Service determined the statewide restriction was no longer necessary, effective immediately. “Marylanders were very cooperative during the ban, and as a result the outbreak of new wildfires dropped following its implementation on Nov. 1,” Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Chris Robertson said. “The statewide burn ban has been a critical tool to minimize damage these last few weeks. We appreciate their patience and are glad to be able to rescind this restriction safely.” While the recent rainfall has mitigated the fire danger temporarily, the state continues to experience drought conditions. Landowners are urged to refrain from outdoor burning if possible, and to use extreme caution when burning is necessary. Local burn restrictions that were in place in several counties prior to the statewide ban may still be in effect; residents should check with their local authorities. During the burn ban, Maryland Forest Service firefighters and partner agencies responded to 33 fires that burned approximately 48 acres, which is close to double the ten year average of 13.6 fires for 27 acres during the month of November. In October, prior to the ban, Maryland Forest Service firefighters responded to 50 wildland fires in the state that burned an estimated 117.8 acres of land. Local fire companies throughout the state responded to many more. The public’s cooperation during the burn ban helped these joint fire suppression efforts keep wildland fires small, averaging only 2.1 acres this fall. Homeowners interested in preparing ahead of high-risk periods can follow Maryland Firewise principles.

Enter the neat rows of the White Marsh Park Edible Trail in Centreville and pick some persimmons, blueberries, or hazelnuts. If you follow their harvest schedule, you can pick them off the branch and take them home with you, at no charge. The Edible Trail is what might be called a food forest, or a forest garden. It’s an example of agroforestry—a range of practices that incorporate primarily native fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs into the landscape. Taking ideas from both forestry and sustainable agriculture, agroforestry aims to create multi-purpose areas that benefit people and the environment. It’s a new concept for public land in Maryland, but it’s also a return to older ideas of human relationships with the world around us. The Edible Trail is now open for tours as a “playground and living lab” that showcases what’s possible for food forests in the area and in someone’s own backyard. Food forests and related agroforestry practices are starting to catch on in Maryland thanks to efforts from the Maryland Forest Service as well as the work of nonprofits and residents. Would you like to see a food forest near you?

Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about the Maryland statewide burn ban: Q: Are small recreational campfires permitted? A: No, all open fires are prohibited Q: Are pellet grilles/smokers allowed? If a burning device has a stack or chimney, it may be used Q: Are propane grilles/stoves/fire pits allowed? A: Yes, since these devices have an on off switch. However, caution is advised. Q: Who can enforce the burn ban? A: Any officer who is authorized to enforce laws of the state. Q: What is the fine for violating the burn ban? A: The fine for a first offense is $300. Officers always prefer to educate citizens rather than issue citations, but that will be determined on a case by case basis. Q: When will the ban be lifted? A: When fuel, drought, and weather conditions improve — requiring a significant rainfall – the ban will be lifted as soon as safely possible. Read the full press release here: https://ow.ly/EMiF50TYgN4

🚫 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Enacts Statewide Burn Ban Dry, windy conditions have increased fire risk across the state and fueled ongoing wildfires The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing a statewide ban on open air burning, effective today, November 1, in all Maryland counties. Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future. The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide. Read more: https://ow.ly/EMiF50TYgN4

🎃 👻 On this haunted Halloween night, the forest comes alive with whispers and shadows. Beware the rustling leaves; it's not just the wind—it's the spirits of nature watching. Tread lightly, for the wild holds secrets that should remain undisturbed. Happy Halloween!

WE ARE HIRING: NATURAL RESOURCES PLANNER III Survey Administrator and GIS Technician The Department of Natural Resources, Land Acquisition & Planning Unit, Survey and GIS Team, located at the Tawes State Office Building, Annapolis, Maryland, is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Planner III. This position is responsible for the administration of Land Surveys and Property Mapping in assigned regions, with a focus on the Southern/Central regions. This position provides technical and field assistance in connection with the Department’s acquisition of real property, including reviewing existing land records, developing survey specifications, coordinating with private surveyors, and reviewing/approving final survey plats, legal descriptions, and associated property records. Additionally, this position provides both CADD and GIS technical and field assistance to DNR land managers and staff in the areas of real property management. Duties include but are not limited to property boundary identification, land records research, and boundary conflict resolutions. In addition, this position assists with the collection and development of datasets and other property asset information associated with DNR’s enterprise geographic information system (GIS) and Asset Inventory Management System (AIMS). As such, duties include capturing, storing, analyzing CADD and GIS datasets associated with potential, historical, and future real property acquisitions including, but not limited to, deeds, plats, surveys, easements and right-of-way agreements, funding sources documents, recreation amenities and other DNR property assets. Employees in this classification will be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland and be qualified to operate legally in Maryland. Deadline to apply: November 13, 2024 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e9yqmBRn

Over twenty years ago, two young filmmakers ventured into the depths of the Maryland woods, crafting a chilling tale that would forever haunt the annals of cinema. "The Blair Witch Project" became a worldwide sensation, its whispers of terror echoing through the ages, cementing its place as one of the most profitable horror films in history. But beneath the film’s acclaim lies a dark history. Maryland State Park Ranger Erik Ledbetter reveals the unsettling truth about how this horror classic was born in the shadowy depths of Seneca Creek State Park. Today, you can walk the very paths where the crew dared to tread, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs. Venture into these woods—virtually or in person—if you have the courage. Just remember: some legends never die, and the Blair Witch may still be watching. Do you dare to uncover the secrets hidden among the trees?

Founded in 1907 as the Patapsco Forest Reserve, Patapsco Valley State Park is Maryland’s oldest state park. It is the site of some of Maryland’s earliest mills and factories, America’s first common-carrier railroad and the world’s first underwater hydroelectric plant. Catastrophic floods have damaged or destroyed many of the valley’s historic structures and sites. As you travel through the park, whether by foot, bicycle or car, keep an eye out for historic structures, sites and ruins. Wayside interpretive signs will help you discover the valley’s rich history, especially in the Avalon and Orange Grove Areas. Be sure to bring a park map with you on your journey. The park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery. We have over 200 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles identified as maintained trails. There are hiker-only trails and multi-use trails accessible from many areas of Patapsco. Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park’s many popular pavilions.

💼 : Job Announcement: Natural Resource Manager III This position is a regional manager for Boating Services Ice-Breaking Buoy Operations and is responsible for assuring the unit achieves its goals and objectives. Deadline to apply: November 6, 2024 Learn more about this position and apply: https://lnkd.in/e3e8-Cm4