DNR Photo Contest Enters Final Weeks

Entries due by August 31, 2012

Annapolis, Md. (August 13, 2012) ─ A final call to all photographers ─ novice, professional and those who just happen to snap a great picture! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest is nearing its end.

“There is still time for your photo to make it into the 2013 DNR calendar and win great prizes,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Each year they get better and better ─ we really look forward to seeing all of the impressive entries.”

Last year, Allen Sklar of Bishopville topped more than 300 other photographers with his winning image ‘Fast’ Food Pick-up. His remarkable photograph of an eagle swooping down onto the Assateague Beach shoreline graced the cover of the 2012 calendar.

Photos entered into the 2012 contest will be judged in six categories: birds, wildlife, insects, scenic, wild plants, and Maryland State Parks or people enjoying them. Winning entries will be featured in the winter issue of The Maryland Natural Resource magazine as well as the 2013 DNR calendar.

The best overall photo will win the grand prize of $500, a 2013 Maryland State Park Passport, a lifetime subscription to the magazine and five copies of the 2013 DNR calendar, which will feature the winning photo on the cover.

First place winners in each category will receive a Maryland State Park Passport, a two-year magazine subscription and two copies of the 2013 DNR calendar. Second place winners will receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a calendar.

All qualifying photographs must be taken in Maryland. Photographers may submit up to three entries for a $10 entry fee and additional entries for $3 each. Photos may not be more than two years old or previously published. Non-residents may participate as long as the photos were taken in Maryland. Submissions are due by August 31, 2012 and winners will be announced online September 30, 2012.

As an added incentive for participants visiting and staying connected with Maryland State Parks, photographers entering the photo contest using the Foursquare Smartphone app will receive a complimentary issue of the magazine and a 2012 calendar. Participants must download the Foursquare app on their Smartphone, visit a Maryland State Park and “check in.” Once visitors are checked in, they will be provided with instructions on how to print and complete the photo entry form from their computer. Participants can visit Maryland State Parks on Foursquare at https://foursquare.com/mdstateparks.

Everyone can keep up with Maryland State Parks, by following @MDStateParks on Twitter and clicking “like” on the Maryland State Parks Facebook page.

Official rules and contest entry forms are available online at dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/.

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. 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