Patapsco River safer, healthier without Bloede Dam

August 2, 2019 - Bloede Dam is history, and the future is brighter for the Patapsco River in Maryland. The nearly $18-million project to remove the obsolete and dangerous dam was completed by public and private partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It eliminated a significant safety hazard, restored wildlife habitat, and improved recreational opportunities.

The project restored more than 65 miles of spawning habitat for blueback herring, alewife, American shad, and hickory shad and more than 183 miles for American eel. It was partially funded by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, which gave the Fish and Wildlife Service more than $100 million to make human and wildlife communities stronger after Hurricane Sandy.

Read More

News Story

Increased access proposed for hunting and fishing on Service lands

June 5, 2019 - The Service has proposed new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at 74 national wildlife refuges and 15 national fish hatcheries across more than 1.4 million acres. In the Northeast, the proposal includes opportunities at national wildlife refuges and hatcheries in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Sport fishing would be offered for the first time at two hatcheries and two wildlife refuges. Hunting opportunities would be offered on an additional nearly 12,900 acres across six wildlife refuges.

Learn more

Kick off a Summer of Outdoor Fun during National Fishing and Boating Week, and Get Your Fish On at a National Fish Hatchery or National Wildlife Refuge

June 4, 2019 - With school doors closing, National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1 - 9) is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy a day of fishing, followed by a home-cooked meal from the days catch. Join us for a free day of fishing at a national fish hatchery or national wildlife refuge. Get Your Fish On and Catch the Fun at one our fishing events.

Be sure to check out our Fishing Memories Blog - We Want to Hear Yours, or check out these inspiring and educational blog articles about fishing and boating.

Can't get outside? ... no worries, our Fish and Aquatic Conservation Online Digital Tacklebox hosts a number fun, educational activities you can enjoy at home or in the classroom.

Biologists recognized for endangered species conservation

On Endangered Species Day, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service celebrates the contributions and achievements of our nationally recognized Recovery Champions. These dedicated individuals have devoted themselves to recovering endangered and threatened animals and plants. In the Northeast, Janet Clayton of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Robert Anderson of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pennsylvania Field Office have been selected as 2018 Recovery Champions.

Learn more