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 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comments on a proposed National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Maryland.The draft proposal and environmental assessment for establishing the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland is now available for review and public comment.An in-depth, collaborative effort over the past 15 years demonstrated that currently unprotected habitats in these counties support significant populations of fish and wildlife.Draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental AssessmentThe proposal would conserve up to 40,000 acres in fee-title acquisitions or easements from willing sellers, helping to conserve habitats that support threatened and endangered species, waterfowl and migratory birds of conservation concern.Landowners who do not wish to sell or donate interests in land are under no obligation to do so.For more information about this project, please see the Press Release, Frequently Asked Questions and the Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment document, now available for a 45-day public review and comment period.Direct questions and comments to:fw5southernmarylandplan@fws.govDocuments Draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment - Establishment of a new Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife RefugeNameDraft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment - Establishment of a new Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife RefugePDFMar 8, 2024Frequently Asked Questions - Proposal to establish Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR FinalNameFrequently Asked Questions - Proposal to establish Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR FinalThe Service proposes to create a new Refuge to be named the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge would consist of four watershed-based units in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties: the Lower Patuxent - Calvert Unit,...PDFMar 8, 2024DRAFT Refuge Land Protection Plan Concept MapNameDRAFT Refuge Land Protection Plan Concept MapPDFMar 24, 2023Press Release - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comment on proposed refuge lands in Southern MarylandNamePress Release - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comment on proposed refuge lands in Southern MarylandThe Service is hosting three listening sessions in March and April for the public to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide input to Service representatives and conservation partners. Listening sessions will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations and dates:...PDFMar 13, 2023Understory of wooded swamp with stream flowing though itNameSouthern Maryland Land Protection Blog by American Chestnut Land TrustWord DocumentMar 28, 2023Programs National Wildlife Refuge SystemThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.ProgramWashington,DCEcological ServicesThe Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...ProgramBaileys Crossroads,VALand Acquisition and RealtyThe realty division of the National Wildlife Refuge System supports the acquisition and management of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands, using Migratory Bird Conservation and Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars.ProgramFalls Church,VAFacilities Patuxent Research RefugeCreated to conserve and protect wildlife and wildlands through research, Patuxent Research Refuge offers 13,000 acres of tranquil forest, meadow and wetlands amid a densely populated urban area. Countless birds, mammals, pollinators, amphibians, and more call it home. Immerse yourself in this...National Wildlife RefugeLaurel,MDChesapeake Bay Ecological Services Field OfficeWe work with landowners, private and community organizations, government agencies and others to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay area including Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Our conservation priorities include: endangered, threatened and at-...Conservation OfficeAnnapolis,MDLatest Newsa small stream flows through a lush and wooded areaLand ManagementU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Input on Proposed National Wildlife Refuge in Southern MarylandThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on a draft proposal and environmental assessment establishing the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. The proposal would conserve up...Mar 8, 2024
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