DNR To Hold Public Meeting On Proposed Experimental Reintroduction Of Northern Pinesnakes To Pocomoke State Forest

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — TThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed experimental reintroduction of northern pinesnakes (Pituophis m. melanoleucus) to Pocomoke State Forest, Worcester County. The meeting, hosted by Towson University’s Biology Department, will be held Saturday March 3rd at 1 PM in Smith Hall (Smith 326) on the Towson University campus.

Formal presentations will be followed by sessions to solicit public comment. Those unable to attend this meeting may send written comments to: Glenn Therres, Associate Director, DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service, Tawes State Office Building E-1, Annapolis, MD 21401. Citizens may also call 410-260-8540 or toll-free in Maryland at 1-877-620-8DNR, ext. 8540. Comments may also be sent by fax to (410)-260-8596, or via e-mail to customerservice@dnr.state.md.us.

Public comments on the proposed project will be accepted until 4 PM, Friday March 16.

Speakers

Robert Zappalorti, Herpetological Associates, Inc.: The ecology & natural history of the northern pinesnake.

Dr. William Grogan, Salisbury University: Pinesnake records for Maryland & Delaware: Is this a “native” snake?

Dr. Richard Seigel, Towson University: Relocations and reintroductions: Still an experiment or ready for use in the real world?

Scott Smith, Maryland DNR: Pinesnake survey projects by DNR and partners: the path to reintroduction.

Directions to Towson University

1) Follow the Baltimore-Washington Beltway north and east towards Towson till you reach the exit for York Rd, Rt. 45 South (Exit 27)

2) Take York Rd South about 0.5 mi., passing a McDonalds and then a Ford dealership on your right; just past the Ford dealership you will see a sign at a traffic light for “Rt. 45 South- Towson By-Pass”: make a Right on this light (the right hand lane is right turn only).

3) Follow the Rt. 45 South Towson By-Pass about 1.0 miles till you go under a pedestrian walkway with the Burkshire Hotel on your left; you will then reach York Rd again (the by-pass goes around downtown Towson): make a Right onto York Rd South

4) The University will now be on your right; Follow York Rd. South ca 0.3-mi. past one traffic light till you see a large information sign for Towson University; there will be a small road going uphill just before the sign; make a Right onto this road (Glen Drive). (If you reach a second traffic light at “Bill Bateman’s Restaurant” you have gone too far).

5) Smith Hall is at the end of Glen Drive, about 0.2 mi from York Rd. There is (limited) parking along the road and near Smith Hall. The best bet for parking will be in the lot on your left as you make the turn from York Rd.

For directions, click here

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February 9, 2007

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov