DNR Invites Wildlife Artists To Enter 14th Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 7, 2009) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites artists to submit original artwork for the 14th Annual Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest. Both Maryland residents and non-residents may enter now through March 22, 2010.

“Proceeds from the sale of the Black Bear Stamp and other related products are used to compensate Maryland farmers experiencing agricultural damage caused by black bears,” said DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Associated Director Bob Beyer.

All entries must be original, previously unreleased artwork. Each contestant may submit one entry for a non-refundable $10 entry fee. Entries will be judged on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md., in conjunction with the 21st Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show.

For contest rules and information, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/bbcp/bbstampcontest.html or contact Bob Beyer at bbeyer@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8535.
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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