Maryland

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food. During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears.

Residents and visitors should note that keeping bird feeders, pet food and trash in a place where bears can’t get to them is the best way to avoid problems. Marylanders should also delay filling songbird feeders until the winter months to avoid attracting bears. “Fall is a great time of the year to see bears, but it is still up to Maryland residents and visitors to keep these bears wild,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, but are known to roam into other northern and central counties.

As we wait for peak fall foliage here in Montgomery County, we take a look at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Fall Foliage Report for this week. You can see 11 great places for fall foliage in MoCo at this link. We’re feeling a drop in temperatures across the state, with parts of Western Maryland dipping into the low 30s. Cooler temperatures and sunny days bode well for leaf change. According to the U.S. Forest Service, trees are continuing to produce sugars in their leaves, but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins in leaves prevent these sugars from moving out. These conditions – lots of sugar and light – spur production of the brilliant anthocyanin pigments, which tint leaves with a variety of reds, purples, and crimson. However, optimal fall weather conditions cannot entirely undo the effects of this year’s summer drought, which is amounting to delays in leaf change and subdued color in the forest canopies.

Western Maryland: Melissa Nash, Forester in Garrett and Allegany counties, reports, “I think we are still on track to peak at the end of this week, but I don’t think it’s going to result in dramatic color this year. We are still seeing more yellow and gold tones as opposed to vibrant oranges and reds. I do anticipate the cool temperatures (lows in the 30s/40s) will help transition some of the trees that are still green.” Sean Nolan, Forest Manager, at Savage River State Forest sees progress among the leaves in Northern Garrett County. “We’ve seen quite a change this week,” Nolan said. “The higher elevation areas are nearing peak, but recent rain and wind have brought many leaves down.  The sugar and red maples are showing good colors, but the oaks are still very green.”

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today delivered remarks in support of the state of Israel and the Jewish community at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington’s Stand with Israel rally. The governor made clear that the State of Maryland stands with Israel, and he condemned the actions of the terrorist organization Hamas, which targeted and killed innocent civilians.

Governor Moore’s speech as prepared:

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved 27 new Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements during their October 4 meeting. The easements will permanently preserve 4,600 acres of prime farmland in Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Wicomico counties, for an investment of more than $16.9 million. “Preserving Maryland farmland is incredibly beneficial to its citizens,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “By preventing irreversible conversion of farmland to other uses, we protect our local food supply and our local economy. I am grateful to the landowners that volunteered to preserve these 4,600 acres of farmland.”

The Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundationwas established in 1977 as part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.The foundation purchases agricultural preservation easements from willing farmers to forever protect prime farmland and woodland. To view a list of the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements broken down by county, see this list. The newly-approved easements will help the state meet its newly-enacted goal of conserving 30% of state land by 2030. The new goal went into effect on October 1st in accordance with the Maryland the Beautiful Act as passed in the 2023 Session by the Maryland General Assembly.

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: “Baltimore, MD (October 13, 2023) – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that the State has filed suit against Metropolitan Washington High School and its Principal Gamaliel Onyemaobi-Prince for submitting a fraudulent application for COVIDrelated aid. In response to the COVID pandemic, the Maryland State Department of Education made emergency funds available to private schools to cover COVID-related expenses such as cleaning supplies, PPE, improving ventilation systems, installing physical barriers to allow social distancing, testing, and educational technology needed for on-line or hybrid instruction.

Onyemaobi-Prince submitted an application on behalf of Metropolitan Washington High School, claiming that the school enrolled six hundred students and providing copies of receipts for supplies and services the school claimed to have purchased as a result of COVID. The school, however, allegedly operates out of a residential address and the receipts submitted were forgeries. The Maryland State Department of Education noticed these discrepancies and did not approve the application for COVID aid.

Per the State of Maryland (10.12.23): “Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has helped place more than two dozen international companies in incubators across the state through the Maryland Global Gateway program. The 27 approved participating companies represent 19 countries and are in a number of industries including quantum computing, cybersecurity, life sciences, aerospace, manufacturing, and agriculture.

“The state’s Global Gateway program is truly an innovative tactic for attracting new businesses to Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “While going through this soft landing trial, companies will quickly learn the benefits of doing business in Maryland. Six of these participants have already registered to do business in the state and we are excited to see more positive results from the program.”