The meeting agenda includes updates on the WHS Regional Operations Program, waterfowl population, and the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program. Additionally, reports will be presented regarding the Natural Resources Police, and the session will feature discussions on non-lead hunting ammunition and updates to reptile and amphibian regulations.
The meeting agenda includes updates from the Wildlife Diversity Advisory Committee, the Natural Heritage Program, the Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) Program, the Maryland Farm Bureau, and the Natural Resources Police. Additionally, the commission will facilitate a group discussion regarding non-lead hunting ammunition and address nominations for the Conservationist and Farmer of the Year awards.
Aug 19, 2026·Board meeting
Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission Minutes
The board meeting included updates on the Natural Heritage Program, focusing on rare species conservation, habitat restoration efforts, and the approval of the State Wildlife Action Plan. The Commission discussed the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program, including hunter education statistics and mobile app improvements for license access. Updates were provided regarding the Maryland Farm Bureau. Key business items included discussions on non-lead ammunition, nominations for conservation and farming awards, and a turkey study presentation. The meeting also addressed a formal public comment letter regarding Western Maryland deer population management, prompting a decision to provide a formal response and improve public access transparency for future meetings.
Jun 29, 2026·Strategic plan
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Strategic Plan
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed this Environmental Justice Strategic Plan to define its vision for environmental justice and set forth goals, objectives, actions, and metrics to track progress, in alignment with the Governor's Executive Order 01.01.2025.17 VOICE. The plan focuses on three main goals: building knowledge and capacity within DNR and through interagency partnerships to identify and address environmental justice issues; stewarding and providing equitable access to Maryland's natural resources, lands, and waters for all communities; and engaging meaningfully with communities and Tribes by increasing partnerships, reducing barriers to participation, and providing accessible information. The plan aims to advance environmental justice outcomes over a two-year timeframe, with semi-annual updates and biennial revisions.