Maryland’s top natural resources official says the state has delivered on promises to broaden public access to outdoor recreation areas and natural landscapes.
Josh Kurtz, who became Secretary of Natural Resources in 2023, stated his commitment to fulfilling Gov. Wes Moore’s pledge to expand nature access for all residents. “When I was appointed Secretary of Natural Resources in 2023, I made clear that we would follow through on Gov. Wes Moore’s promise to expand access for all to Maryland’s nature spaces and outdoor recreation,” Kurtz said.
The department has launched multiple new facilities combining natural beauty with historical significance, with additional openings planned ahead.
This past July marked the debut of the Margraff Plantation Trails within Savage River State Forest, featuring six miles of newly built pathways. The development includes four fresh mountain biking trails, highlighted by the state forestlands’ first adaptive mountain bike trail designed for riders with disabilities. Similar accessible trails have been established or expanded at various Maryland State Parks statewide.
Earlier this year, the Maryland Park Service received a two-acre land donation containing a historic African-American cemetery from the Revolutionary War period at Catoctin Furnace, incorporating it into Cunningham Falls State Park. Officials are collaborating with partners to create a conservation plan and trail access to the cemetery location.
May brought the official dedication of Freedman’s State Park in Montgomery County, spanning 1,000 acres previously owned and cultivated by Enoch George and Harriet Howard along with their descendants, who played significant roles in Maryland’s Civil Rights Movement.
This July will see the public introduction of Wetipquin Creek State Park, marking Wicomico County’s inaugural state park facility. The 445-acre property along Wetipquin Creek aims to protect and promote appreciation for the lower Eastern Shore’s natural resources. Planning continues with community input as officials prepare for next year’s opening.
Later this year will bring the launch of Savage Highlands State Park, a previously private lodge facility acquired by the Department of Natural Resources to enhance Western Maryland park offerings. This unique addition features a main lodge, cabins, and yurts while providing forest access, trails, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation opportunities in Savage River State Forest.
Fall plans include revealing access details for Wills Mountain State Park, a scenic Allegany County property near Cumberland that has remained officially closed to public use for decades.
Efforts continue to improve access at Holly Beach Natural Resources Management Area, a 293-acre waterfront site in Anne Arundel County offering views of sensitive habitats near the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge vistas. Hunting access has already begun, and secured funding will support a new pier construction to enhance water-based access for educational groups and boaters.
Kurtz credited the Moore-Miller Administration’s consistent support and the Maryland General Assembly’s Great Maryland Outdoors Act along with related legislation for providing necessary direction and resources. He also recognized DNR staff members working to implement the expanded access vision.
