DNR Seeks Comments on Draft Grove Farm WMA Vision Plan

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Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service seeks public comments now through Jan. 29 for the Grove Farm Wildlife Management Area’s 15-year Vision Plan.

“We designed the Grove Farm Wildlife Management Area’s Vision Plan to serve as a blueprint for sustainable management of this 744-acre ecologically valuable land,” said Ken D’Loughy, Wildlife and Heritage Service Central Region Manager. “We hope that interested hunters, hikers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of this opportunity to review and comment on the vision plan, as they and the wildlife who inhabit Grove Farm will benefit from it in the future.”

In March 2008, DNR acquired the 744-acre property located in the southern portion of Cecil County. In order to effectively establish, maintain and manage public access for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection on the property, DNR developed a draft Grove Farm Vision Plan. The plan addresses conserving, restoring and protecting sensitive wildlife habitats, with a focus on native species and rare, threatened and endangered species within Grove Farm WMA. The plan includes offering future hunting opportunities for forest game, upland game and waterfowl.

Written comments may be sent to Ken D’Loughy, DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service, 11960 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, Md. 20878. Citizens may comment by phone by calling 301-258-7308, by fax to 301-258-9607, or online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/GroveWMAForum/CommentForm.asp.

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January 13, 2009

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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 12 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.