DNR Releases Draft Ten-Year Black Bear Management Plan
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife & Heritage Service will release the draft 10-year Black Bear Management Plan for public comment on DNR’s website from Jan. 14 through Feb. 13, 2004.The 10-Year Black Bear Management Plan will guide black bear management strategies in Maryland through December 2013. The draft version of the plan can be viewed online at the DNR web site: www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/bbmgtplan2004.html
“This plan will ensure that the state’s black bear population is managed based on sound scientific principles and informed public input,” said DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto. “Many of the goals and strategies identified are a direct result of the 2002 Black Bear Task Force.”
The 2002 Black Bear Task Force (BBTF), comprised of 12 private citizens, worked for more than a year to examine DNR’s previous black bear management efforts, solicit public input regarding bear management in Maryland, and offer recommendations to DNR for inclusion in the 10-year management plan. The BBTF issued their final report and recommendations to DNR in March 2003.
Written comments may be e-mailed to: KBLIZZARD@dnr.state.md.us or submitted via the Web site: www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/bbmgtplanforum.html
Comments can also be sent by mail to Black Bear Project, Wildlife and Heritage Service, 1728 King’s Run Rd., Oakland, MD 21550. Please note: a separate public hearing on a proposed black bear hunt will be held in March.
Posted January 14, 2004