DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

DEFUNCT AGENCIES

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BUREAU
Under Natural Resources Police Force, renamed Support Services Bureau in April 2003.

ADVOCACY TEAM
The Advocacy Team was disbanded in fall 1999.

APPEALS DIVISION
Under Board of Appeals, reorganized as Lower Appeals Division in Oct. 1999.

APPLICATION SERVICE
Under Information Technology and Licensing, functions dispersed to Applications and Web Services, and to License Systems in May 2006.

ASSET MANAGEMENT
Under Land and Water Conservation, functions transferred to Office of Development in Office of Secretary in March 2006.

BLACK BEAR TASK FORCE
Contact: Robert A. Beyer (410) 260-8535

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources:
Thomas Mathews, Chair (chosen by Task Force)
Ronald Barry, Ph.D.; George Falter; Brad Frantz; Gary E. Fratz; Jessica Fritz; Peggy Gosnell; John Hadidian; Brooks Hamilton; Michael Markarian; Nancy Railey; Thomas Rooney; Jerry Zembower.

In January 2002, the Secretary of Natural Resources convened the Black Bear Task Force. The Task Force was to develop a new Black Bear Management Plan for Maryland. In February 2003, the Task Force completed its work.

BLACKWATER RESORT COMMUNITIES PANEL
Contact: Mary R. Owens (410) 260-3480
e-mail: mowens@dnr.state.md.us

Under the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, the Panel began meeting in June 2006 to consider amendments to the local critical area plan proposed for building the Blackwater Resort Communities in Dorchester County. The Panel submitted its findings to the Commission on Oct. 4, 2006.

CAPITAL GRANTS & LOANS ADMINISTRATION
With components from Public Lands, restructured as Land and Water Conservation in Aug. 2003.

CHESAPEAKE & COASTAL WATERSHED SERVICE
Under Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Programs, combined with Education, Bay Policy, and Growth Management to form Watershed Services in Aug. 2003.

CHESAPEAKE BAY & WATERSHED PROGRAMS
Reformed as Chesapeake Bay Programs in Aug. 2003.

CHESAPEAKE BAY CRITICAL AREA COMMISSION
Renamed Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, effective June 1, 2002 (Chapter 433, Acts of 2002).

CHESAPEAKE BAY POLICY COORDINATION
In Sept. 2003, functions absorbed by Chesapeake Bay Program Division.

CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAMS
In May 2007, restructured as Aquatic Resources.

CHESAPEAKE FOREST CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Contact: John F. Wilson (410) 260-8412
e-mail: jfwilson@dnr.state.md.us

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources: Peter Alexander; Russell B. Brinsfield; Natalie Chabot; Annette Cottman; Sandy Coyman; Cecelia G. Dennis; Steven C. Goss; Jan Graham; Skip Jones; Ellen M. Lawler, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Leitner; Lori Lilly; J. Lowell Stoltzfus; Keith Underwood.

In May 2002, the Secretary of Natural Resources formed the Chesapeake Forest Citizens Advisory Committee. The Committee assisted the Department in developing a long-term management plan for the Chesapeake Forest lands. Acquired by the State in 1999, these lands consist of more than 58,000 acres in five lower Eastern Shore counties, previously owned and harvested by the Chesapeake Forest Products Company.

The Committee served as a public forum and reviewed forest management plans for the Chesapeake Forest Lands. The Committee last met in January 2005.

Committee members represented government and elected officials, business, landowners, environmentalists, sportsmen, and those interested in the recreational potential of the land.

CONSERVATION & LAND MANAGEMENT
Reorganized as Land and Water Conservation in Feb. 2006.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION
In Sept. 2003, became part of Watershed Stewardship under Chesapeake Bay Program Division.

COUNCIL ON ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & EVALUATION
In Sept. 1999, the Council disbanded.

COUNCIL ON QUALITY & ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION
In fall 1999, the Council disbanded.

DEVELOPMENT & FEDERAL RELATIONS
Established in May 2006 and abolished in May 2007.

EDUCATION, BAY POLICY, & GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Under Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Programs, combined with Chesapeake and Coastal Watershed Service to form Watershed Services in Aug. 2003.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
Environmental Design began in 1997 when the Growth Management Program merged with the Resource Economics Program to become Growth and Resource Conservation under Education, Bay Policy, and Growth Management. In October 2002, Growth and Resource Conservation reformed as Environmental Design.

Growth Management Program. This program was started in 1992 to coordinate Department responsibilities under the Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act (Chapter 437, Acts of 1992). The Program helped public and private entities plan for and manage the adverse environmental effects of land development, population growth, and economic expansion.

As State government agencies acquired land and undertook capital projects, the Program helped them develop and implement guidelines to protect environmentally sensitive areas. For local governments, the Program provided technical, educational and financial aid to prepare comprehensive plans and development ordinances.

Resource Economics Program. Created in 1995, the Program applied economic principles to Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection programs. These principles included risk assessment, cost and benefits analysis, resource valuation, and regional impact evaluations. By demonstrating to business and developers the financial benefits of sustaining the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, the Program induced voluntary participation rather than regulatory control to change business practices that harm the Bay.

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
Under Property Management and Enterprise Development, reorganized as Asset Management in July 2005.

ENTERPRISE SERVICES
Under Information Technology and Licensing, functions transferred to Applications and Web Services, and Information Technology Infrastructure Services in May 2006.

FOREST ADVISORY COMMISSION
Contact: Pamela P. Cressman (410) 260-8515

Appointed by Governor with advice of Secretary of Natural Resources:
John E. Brodie, Chair (chosen by Commission)
John M. Forman; Margaret S. Mallino; Elner W. Prater; Gene M. Ransom III, Esq.; Susan Kay Reinhart; Laurence Sharpe; Margaret P. Wright; one vacancy.

Formerly the Forest and Park Advisory Commission, the Forest Advisory Commission was created in 1988 (Chapter 178, Acts of 1988). The Commission's nine members were appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Natural Resources (Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 5-204).

The Commission last met on Oct. 25, 1999.

FOREST, WILDLIFE & HERITAGE SERVICE
Under Resource Management Service, functions divided in Oct. 2001. Two separate units formed as Forest Service, and Wildlife and Heritage Service.

FORESTS, PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE
Reorganized as Resource Conservation in Feb. 2006.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION
Under Watershed Services, renamed Watershed Information Services in Sept. 2003.

GROWTH & RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Under Education, Bay Policy, and Growth Management, renamed Environmental Design in Oct. 2002.

INFORMATION SERVICES
Under Administration, its functions moved in 1997 to Information Technology within the Office of the Secretary.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LICENSING
In May 2007, the two functions again became separate units.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE
In Feb. 2006, reorganized as Information Technology and Licensing.

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION
In Aug. 2004, restructured as Property Management and Enterprise Activities.

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION SERVICE
In July 2000, reorganized as Capital Grants and Loans Administration with certain functions retained by Public Lands.

LEGISLATION, REGULATION, & OUTREACH
Under Fisheries Service, renamed Policy and Fisheries Development Division in July 2000.

MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS & AUDITING
Under Management Service, reorganized in Oct. 2001 as Audit Management and Review.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SERVICE
Under Administration, its functions moved to Information Technology Service within the Office of the Secretary in 1997. Renamed Information Technology Application Service Dec. 1, 2000.

MANAGEMENT SERVICES
In May 2007, restructured as Mission Support.

MARICULTURE, ESTUARINE & MARINE HATCHERIES DIVISION
Under Fisheries Service, reorganized as Estuarine and Marine Fisheries Division in April 2004.

MARYLAND MUTE SWAN TASK FORCE
Edith Thompson, Facilitator (410) 260-8555
Larry J. Hindman, Technical Advisor (410) 827-8612

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources: Carol Jane Baker; Eirik A. Blom; Glenn Carowan; Bob Ferris; Susan Hagood; Handel Hutchinson; Donna L. Judge; E. Joseph Lamp, Ph.D.; Kent Mountford, Ph.D.; Roger E. Olson, D.V.M.; Matthew C. Perry, Ph.D.; Michael H. Weir; Phillip R. Wills III.

Ex officio: Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee

At the request of the Governor, the Secretary of Natural Resources with the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee formed the Maryland Mute Swan Task Force in late 1998. In its final report of Jan. 2001, the Task Force recommended ways of managing mute swans (an exotic, non-native species in Maryland). The burgeoning mute swan population may damage submerged aquatic vegetation and compete for habitat with threatened species of native water birds.

MARYLAND OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION COORDINATING COUNCIL
The Council was reconstituted as the State Workforce Information Committee in 1999.

MARYLAND SNAKEHEAD FISH SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL
Contact: Robert S. (Steve) Early (410) 260-8267

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources:
Donald F. Boesch, Ph.D., Chair
Walter R. Courtenay, Jr., Ph.D.; Mary Fischbach; John Galvez, Ph.D.; William J. Goldsborough; James W. Gracie; Robert Hilderbrand, Ph.D.; Paul T. Jacobson, Ph.D.; Andrew M. Lazur, Ph.D.; Catherine Martin; Carys L. Mitchelmore, Ph.D.; David H. Secor, Ph.D.; Paul Shafland; Robert S. Summers, Ph.D.

The Secretary of Natural Resources convened the Maryland Snakehead Fish Scientific Advisory Panel in July 2002 to advise on options for eliminating the northern snakehead in Maryland. The fish, a non-native invasive species, was found in a pond in Crofton, Anne Arundel County, in May 2002. Its predatory habits made it a threat to native fish species.

In July 2002, the Panel reported to the Secretary. The Panel assessed what risk the northern snakehead fish posed to Maryland species; evaluated (for probability of success and environmental impact) options for eradicating the fish from the Crofton pond; and recommended what action the Department should take. To prevent the introduction of other potentially invasive non-native species into Maryland waters, the Panel also evaluated policy and regulatory options and made recommendations for legislation by September 1, 2002. While the Department implemented its control strategies for the northern snakehead fish, the Panel remained available for further advice.

On August 18, 2002, State wildlife biologists began applying herbicides to eradicate the northern snakeheads in the Crofton ponds. Then rotenone was used, followed by electroshock treatment, and a neutralizing agent. By September 17, 2002, all snakeheads were believed to be dead, but the Department plans further monitoring.

MIGRATORY WATERFOWL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Renamed Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee effective Aug. 1, 2002 (Chapter 177, Acts of 2002).

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT
Under Office of Secretary, restructured as Development and Federal Relations in May 2006.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Under Natural Resources Police Force, reorganized as Office of Administrative Services in April 2003.

POLICY & FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Under Fisheries Service, reorganized as Policy and Regulatory Division in April 2004.

POLICY COORDINATION
The position of Assistant Secretary for Policy Coordination ended in 1998.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Renamed Office of Communications and Marketing in Aug. 2003.

PUBLIC LANDS
Disbanded in Aug. 2003; units dispersed to Forests, Parks, Fish and Wildlife; Land and Water Conservation; and Management Services.

REGIONAL CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM
In Sept. 2003, functions transferred to Subcommittee Coordination under Chesapeake Bay Program Division.

RESEARCH VESSEL DISCOVERY
Renamed Research Vessel Kerhin on Aug. 24, 1999, in memory of Randall T. Kerhin, a former geologist with the Maryland Geological Survey.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Forests, Parks, Fish and Wildlife organized in 1992 as Resource Management and reformed as the Resource Management Service in 1995. In August 2003, it became Forests, Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and reorganized as Resource Conservation in February 2006.

Resource Conservation was responsible for five agencies: the Fisheries Service; the Forest Service; the Maryland Park Service; the Natural Resources Police Force; and the Wildlife and Heritage Service.

Disbanded in May 2007 and functions dispersed between Aquatic Resources and Land Resources.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Under Fisheries Service, most functions transferred to Inland Fisheries Management Division in reorganization of April 2004.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Reorganized in Aug. 2003 as Forests, Parks, Fish and Wildlife.

RESOURCE PLANNING
Under Land and Water Conservation, reorganized as Public Lands Planning and Policy in March 2006.

SHORE EROSION CONTROL
Under Conservation and Land Management, function merged into Engineering and Construction on July 1, 2005.

SMART GROWTH & NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION
On July 1, 2001, moved to Office of Smart Growth.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
Under Natural Resources Police Force, reorganized as Investigations and Special Services Division in April 2003.

TASK FORCE ON NON-LETHAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Staff: Mary Goldie (410) 260-8546

Steven J. Kastoroom, Chair (chosen by Task Force)

Appointed by Senate President: one vacancy

Appointed by House Speaker: Sharon M. Grosfeld

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources: Lowell W. Adams, Ph.D.; Theresa Chonoski; Cindy P. Driscoll, D.V.M.; Martha E. Gagnon, Ph.D.; Rob Gibbs; Scott Healey; Steven J. Kastoroom; Jonathan S. Kays; Timothy Lambert; Michael Markarian; Pat McElroy; Marvin Tenberg; Gerald W. Winegrad.

Ex officio: Carolyn V. Watson, designee of Secretary of Natural Resources

The Task Force on Non-Lethal Wildlife Management was formed by the Department of Natural Resources in November 2000. The Task Force studied scientific research that documents the effectiveness of wildlife management techniques used by wildlife agencies. It assessed Maryland's wildlife management policies and the causes of conflict between the State's humans and wildlife, particularly deer, bear, beaver, Canadian geese, and mute swans. The Task Force also made recommendations on how to fund and implement non-lethal wildlife management initiatives.

On January 18, 2002, the Task Force reported to the Governor and General Assembly.

TECHNICAL & CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES
Under Information Technology and Licensing, restructured as Information Technology Infrastructure Services in May 2006.

TRAINING DIVISION
Under Natural Resources Police Force, became Training and In-Service Program in April 2003.

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT & ANALYSIS DIVISION
Under Watershed Services, restructured as Landscape and Watershed Analysis Division in Sept. 2003.

WATERSHED RESTORATION DIVISION
Under Watershed Services, functions dispersed to Landscape and Watershed Analysis Division, and Technical and Planning Services Division in Sept. 2003.

WATERWAY & GREENWAYS DIVISION
Under Watershed Services, functions incorporated into Technical and Planning Services Division in Sept. 2003.

WATERWAY RESOURCES DIVISION
Under Chesapeake and Coastal Watershed Service, renamed Waterway and Greenways Division in Oct. 1999.

WYE OAK INTERAGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Contact: (410) 260-8113

Chair: J. Charles Fox, Secretary of Natural Resources

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources: Mimi Calver; Theresa M. Colvin; Suzanne du Pont; Joseph P. Gill; Alexis Grant; Michael Grant; Carol Holko; Stark McLaughlin; David Reinecke; Steven Rogers; Renee Samuels; Thomas Schanno; Sushant Sidh; Mark R. Spencer; Lou Trescott; Carolyn V. Watson.

On June 6, 2002, the historic Wye Oak in Wye Oak State Park was felled by a storm. Efforts began immediately to salvage material from the tree, estimated to be 460 years old and the largest white oak in the country. At the request of the Governor, the Secretary of Natural Resources convened the Wye Oak Interagency Advisory Committee. The Committee met from June to December 2002 to review suggestions from the public and formulate a plan on how to use the salvaged materials to memorialize the Wye Oak.

Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line

Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us