Hunting and fishing are traditional uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System. At Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), we welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in recreational hunting.

Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex is seeking public review and comment on its proposed hunting and fishing plan. The public is invited to review the draft document for our proposed hunts and fishing access, which includes the Draft Hunting and Fishing Plans, Compatibility Determinations and Environmental Assessment.

Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWRs are proposing to allow the use of rifles using straight walled cartridges, allow the take of coyotes incidental to deer hunting, and align with the state bag limits. Both refuges would add a primitive hunt in February following the state season and align the youth deer hunt with the state. At Blackwater only, we propose to add an early teal season as well as add youth, veteran and military waterfowl dates. A “sportsman pass” to purchase all deer hunts with one permit is proposed. At Blackwater, an additional 723 acres will be added for hunting, as well as bank fishing from Key Wallace Drive causeway and ponds for youth and mentored fishing events. The refuges will move towards the reduction and future elimination of lead by proposing the use of non-lead ammunition and fishing tackle over a five-year period, with a complete elimination by 2027. The voluntary use of non-lead ammo and fishing tackle would be encouraged in the interim.

Draft documents are available online at the refuge’s official website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater and https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck. There will be an open house on June 9^th from 4pm-7pm at the Environmental Education building at the beginning of Wildlife Drive at Blackwater NWR. This is an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes and to provide your comments on the draft plans.

The comment period will stay open for no less than 60 days after the publishing of the “2022–2023 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations,” which will be announced in the Federal Register. If you wish to comment, please note “Chesapeake Marshlands NWRC” in the subject line of an email, and send to HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov. They may also be mailed to the refuge, provided at the open house, received by phone at 410-221-2034 or emailed to matt_whitbeck@fws.gov.  

Across the country, National Wildlife Refuges work closely with state agencies, tribes, and private partners to expand recreational hunting access. Hunting provides opportunities for communities, families, and individuals to enjoy the outdoors, support conservation efforts, and participate in a popular American tradition.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov. 

Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsnortheast/, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/usfwsnortheast. 

In partnership with the Friends of Blackwater and the Harriet Tubman State Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Youth Fishing Fun Day on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  This family-friendly event will be held at “Hog Range” Pond behind the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located off Route 335.  Young people 15 years old and under can pre-register for the event by calling 410-228-2677 or register at the event on June 4.  Fishing will begin at 9:00 am and end around 1:00 pm.

The first 100 registered youth to check in at the event will receive a t-shirt and special gift. Each registered youth will also receive a free lunch ticket for a hot dog, drink, and chips. Bait (nightcrawlers) will be provided for anglers, or they may bring their own bait or lures. A limited number of sanitized “loaner” fishing rods will be available, but anglers are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. As always, staff and volunteers are on hand to provide assistance to any of the young anglers who might need help.

Parents should note that this is a non-competitive, catch-and-release event, meant to introduce children to the fun of fishing. Any snakeheads that are caught may be kept, but they must be deceased before they leave the premises. Participants should also note that no pets are allowed at this event. If you have any questions, please email us at fw5rw_BWNWR@fws.gov .

Directions to Hog Range Pond:  From Route 50 in Cambridge, turn onto Route 16 West.  Travel approximately 7 miles to Church Creek.  Turn left onto Route 335.  Travel approximately 5 miles.  Once you pass Key Wallace Drive on your left, turn right at the entrance to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center.  Park in the secondary parking lot next to the pavilion behind the Tubman Visitor Center.  For further information and pre-registration, call 410-228-2677.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

 The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is offering Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) positions for young people ages 15 to 18 during the summer months in 2022.  This year’s YCC program will last 8 weeks, starting on Tuesday, June 21 and continuing until Friday, August 12.  YCC recruits work 40 hours a week, 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day, and are paid minimum wage, currently $12.50 per hour. They must be a permanent resident of the United States, its territories or possessions, and be able to provide their own transportation to work.  The refuge plans to hire four (4) young people for this program.

The Youth Conservation Corps offers students the chance to learn a variety of skills in the great outdoors, get plenty of exercise, engage in teamwork, make new friends, accomplish goals, and learn about the natural world.  YCC recruits will spend several paid hours each week participating in environmental education programs, getting to know the many different aspects of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Field trips to other refuges are also a possibility for Blackwater’s YCC team.  Recruits will be provided with all necessary safety and work equipment, and will be under constant supervision of an adult YCC Leader or other refuge staff.

Youths interested in the YCC program can obtain an application from Ranger Tom Miller by calling 410-221-8156, or email Thomas_J_Miller@fws.gov.  Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Blackwater Visitor Center on Key Wallace Drive, and are also available on the refuge’s website.  Applications must be returned by Monday, May 2, 2022.  YCC recruits will be randomly selected from applicants in early May.  If more applications are received than positions available, students who did not get selected will become “alternates” in the event a selected applicant cannot work.  After selections are made, recruits are required to meet with refuge staff to complete employment paperwork prior to the first day of work.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Come experience the changing of the seasons at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by participating in one of our Guided Birding tours in the winter and spring of 2022.  You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy identifying and learning about the many species of birds that inhabit the refuge!

Winter and spring guided birding tours at Blackwater highlight migratory species and the returning spring nesters. You will not want to miss the opportunity to observe and identify our diverse array of feathered friends, from warblers and wading birds to numerous species of waterfowl and raptors, including the bald eagle. Tours on Sunday, February 27, Sunday, March 27, and Sunday, April 24 will be led by Harry Armistead. The tour on Saturday, April 9 will be led by Terry Allen. Participants should meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. for each tour, which usually lasts 2 to 3 hours.  The birding party usually carpools, stopping at various points around the refuge’s Wildlife Drive.

Binoculars and field guides are highly recommended for an enjoyable experience and be sure to dress for the weather!  There is no fee or advanced registration for these activities.  For further information, please call the Blackwater Visitor Center at 410-228-2677 or visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater.

Please note that federal COVID protocols are followed, and currently all visitors (age 2 and older) are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings and in outdoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained.  Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Come experience the changing of the seasons at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by participating in one of our Guided Birding tours in the fall of 2021.  You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy identifying and learning about the many species of birds that inhabit the refuge.

Fall birding tours at Blackwater highlight the returning migratory waterfowl, and you will not want to miss the opportunity to observe and identify our diverse array of feathered friends, from woodpeckers and wading birds to numerous species of waterfowl and raptors, including the bald eagle.  Sunday, October 24 and Sunday, November 7 will be led by Terry Allen; Sunday, November 21 and Sunday, December 5 will be led by Harry Armistead.  Participants will meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. Tours may last 3 to 4 hours.  The birding party typically tours via car, stopping at various hotspots around the refuge’s Wildlife Drive.

Binoculars and field guides are highly recommended for an enjoyable experience and be sure to dress for the weather!  There is no fee or advanced registration for these activities.  For further information, please call the Blackwater Visitor Center at 410-228-2677 or visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater.

Please note that all visitors (age 2 and older) are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings and in outdoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained.  Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has announced the Compatibility Determination (CD) for Environmental Education, Interpretation, Wildlife Observation, and Photography on Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is available for public comment. Prior to allowing a new, or continuing an existing activity on a refuge, the Service must determine if the use is compatible with the establishment purpose of the refuge. The draft Compatibility Determination evaluating these activities on the refuges is now open for public comment.

According to US Fish and Wildlife Service policy, priority public uses are wildlife-dependent uses – hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation – under the Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd– 668ee), as amended by the Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105–57).  A separate CD addresses hunting and fishing.

The compatibility determination is available for viewing on the refuge website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater. Comments should be submitted in writing to ray_paterra@fws.gov, or to the attention of Mr. Ray Paterra, Visitor Services Manager, at Chesapeake Marshlands NWRC, 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613. Comments will be accepted until Saturday, September 25, 2021.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

With the recent acquisition of 150 acres this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has acquired a total of 870 acres of land for the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as space for local marshes to migrate to as sea-levels rise.  Without intervention, Maryland stands to lose 90% of its critical marsh habitats by 2100 under current climate scenarios.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, in Dorchester County, encompasses nearly 1/3 of MD’s tidal wetlands, providing critical habitat for birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway migration route. Since the mid-20th century, roughly 8,000 acres of Blackwater’s wetlands have been lost. Tidal marshes have been migrating to higher ground, but the gain in marsh habitat is less than 3,000 acres since the 1930’s.

“TNC has helped conserve nearly half of the Nanticoke Division of the refuge, which has grown to over 2,000 acres since the first acquisition in 2011,” said Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex Manager Marcia Pradines. “The Nanticoke is a priority area for conservation due to its ability to withstand future sea level rise, and high value for many important species from waterfowl to migratory songbirds. At the same time, the acquisition also provides a natural buffer against flooding and sea-level rise.”

The Nature Conservancy has transferred more than 870 acres to the Blackwater refuge since 2016.  The Conservancy’s role in helping the refuge protect Maryland’s marshes goes back almost 50 years and has assisted in the acquisition of nearly 5,000 acres since 1975.

“Maryland’s iconic tidal wetlands are a critical link in the natural systems of the Chesapeake Bay, an indelible part of our region’s landscape and culture,” said Tim Purinton, Executive Director of the Maryland and D.C. chapter of The Nature Conservancy.  “For decades The Nature Conservancy has been honored to work alongside the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and our many other partners to protect them. We look forward to continuing those efforts into the future, when Maryland’s tidal wetlands will need our help more than ever.”

Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore is home to more than 75% of the state’s remaining tidal wetlands.  These marshes provide critical protection against shoreline erosion and flooding from storms.  A 2018 study conducted by George Mason University and TNC found that tidal marshes reduced the energy of incoming waves by as much as 90% at a study site on Deal Island.

Tidal wetlands in Maryland provide vital habitat to many species of birds, including black rails, marsh wrens, black ducks, and others.  These wetlands are also crucial for protecting Chesapeake Bay water quality, sequestering and storing carbon, and providing habitat for economical important species like crabs and oysters.

The acquisition of these tracts was made possible through funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is funded by offshore oil and gas royalties, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act thanks to the purchase of “Duck Stamps” for $25 each by migratory gamebird hunters, bird watchers, and others interested in wetland habitat conservation.  More information about the 2021-2022 Duck Stamps can be found here and are now available to purchase at participating sites.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or follow us on Facebook @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s work in Washington DC and Maryland at nature.org/maryland and follow us @Nature_DCMDVA on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.