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DNR secretary seeks modest fee increases to support fish stocking and invasive species control
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Summary
Josh Kurtz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, asked for a favorable report on Senate Bill 258 on March 26, saying modest increases to non‑tidal fishing fees will sustain stocking programs, hatchery investments and invasive‑species work across the state.
Josh Kurtz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, asked the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 26 for a favorable report on Senate Bill 258, a departmental measure tied to House Bill 40 that would increase fees for Maryland’s non‑tidal (sport) fishing program.
Kurtz told the committee the fee increases are modest and necessary to sustain the state’s fish‑stocking program and hatchery investments that support recreational fisheries statewide. He highlighted outreach such as Free State Fly Fishing’s youth trout day on March 22 and said the fee changes would fund both recreational opportunities and ecological work, including efforts to address invasive fish species such as northern snakehead, blue catfish and flathead catfish.
Kurtz said the Department worked with the Sport Fish Advisory Commission and received letters of support from members; he requested a favorable report and noted SB 258 is the Senate cross‑file of HB 40. No formal vote is recorded in the transcript; the secretary answered one clarification from a vice chair about whether SB 258 is in the same posture as HB 40 and affirmed it was.
