DNR Invites Wildlife Artists To Enter 15th Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest

Annapolis, Md. (December 16, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites artists to submit original artwork for the 15th Annual Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest. Both Maryland residents and non-residents may enter now through Monday, March 21, 2011.

“The proceeds from the sale of the Black Bear Stamp and other related products are used to compensate farmers in Maryland who experience agricultural damage caused by black bears,” said Patricia Allen, Education Specialist for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.

All entries must be original, previously unreleased artwork. Each contestant may submit one entry for a non-refundable $10 entry fee. Contest entries will be judged on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md., in conjunction with the 22nd Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show.

For complete contest rules and entry forms visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/StampContests/BlackBear/ContestBrochure.pdf or email Patricia Allen at pallen@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8537.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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