The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is thrilled to share exciting news for Maryland and the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed. On December 13, 2024, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams joined partners and community members to celebrate the establishment of the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (SMW NWR) as the 573rd unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
When complete, the SMW NWR will be comprised of up to 40,000 acres connecting as far north as Patuxent Research Refuge in Anne Arundel County, as far south to Patuxent Air Station, and as far inland as Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area. This is a monumental achievement, marking the first new refuge in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in over 25 years and the first in Maryland in more than six decades. BHA’s entire mission revolves around preserving and expanding public land access so future generations can hunt, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. The establishment of Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR is a shining example of these types of opportunities.
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of BHA applauds the establishment of Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge and looks forward to working with our partners to ensure its continued success.
Benefits to Sportsmen and Sportswomen
One of the most exciting aspects of any national wildlife refuge is the promise of new or expanded opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. SMW NWR will offer responsible public access that aligns with conservation goals, giving sportsmen and sportswomen more places to connect with Maryland’s outdoors.
Forest loss and fragmentation is one of the most significant ecological challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with the region losing an estimated 54 acres of forest cover every day. The establishment of SMW NWR takes a big step toward halting this loss, ensuring that future generations can enjoy Maryland’s pristine woodlands, wetlands, and waterways.
Spanning woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, SMW NWR will also provide crucial habitat for diverse wildlife. Threatened and endangered species will find haven within the refuge’s boundaries. Forest-interior and grassland-dependent birds—along with waterfowl and shorebirds—will also benefit from the new refuge.
Key Details
- Long-Awaited Milestone: Nearly 15 years in development, SMW NWR is the result of close collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, local governments, nonprofits, and conservation partners such as the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance, American Chestnut Land Trust, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
- Initial Land Donation: A 31-acre tract near Nanjemoy in Charles County is the first official donation by TNC, with more than 300 additional acres expected over the next few months.
- Future Expansion: The Service aims to conserve up to 40,000 acres of essential wildlife habitat across Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties within four watershed-based focus areas, covering an acquisition boundary of about 577,420 acres.
Next Steps and How You Can Stay Involved
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter will continue to track public meetings and planning sessions hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ensuring the Hunter and Angler perspective and their concerns are taken into consideration – helping to shape the refuge’s recreational policies and conservation strategies.
To ensure your voice is heard, join BHA or renew your membership today to stay involved in habitat restoration projects or outreach efforts with agencies managing Maryland State and Federal Lands. Already a member? Email us at [email protected] if you would like to be more involved. Your hands-on involvement can make a tangible difference in preserving our public lands and help build maintain a productive relationship with conservation agencies.
Help us celebrate this incredible achievement by sharing the news on social media and bringing this news to your communities.