DNR outlines park expansions and funding tradeoffs; fisheries and federal grant cuts flagged

Andrew Gray of the Department of Legislative Services presented the Department of Natural Resources fiscal 2027 operating budget analysis, flagging a $19.2 million overall increase to $455.8 million and identifying several programmatic issues the department should address.

Gray said earlier pandemic visitation spikes have subsided but remain elevated over pre‑pandemic levels; pilot day‑use reservation systems appear to have reduced capacity closures, and DLS wants DNR to comment on expansion plans and any effects on public access. He noted 12 park openings or expansions with $3.2 million budgeted in FY27 but recommended DNR explain long‑term operating plans and potential use of affiliated foundations or endowments to support costs.

On fisheries, Gray highlighted a winter dredge survey showing an overall decline in blue crab population—particularly male crabs—while breeding females have held steadier. He asked DNR to report on the Chesapeake Bay stock assessment committee’s peer review and any preliminary findings the department expects by May.

Gray also flagged two federal rescissions: an oyster production grant reduced from $800,000 to $449,000 that DNR backfilled with bonds, and an AmeriCorps reduction DNR addressed with reserve funding. DLS requested clarification on use and status of backfilled monies.

The report called out Summers Cove Marina, transferred to DNR in 2025, as operating at a loss with unpaid invoices and deferred maintenance; DNR should explain whether it will manage the site in‑house or use a private operator and detail planned capital work. The analysis also described large climate pollution reduction grant subawards routed to DNR and partners (about $42.5 million to the Atlantic Conservation Coalition over five years) and requested deployment details.

DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz told lawmakers the department will expand the reservation pilot from 5 to 15 parks, said peer review results for the crab assessment are expected by May and that new reference points will guide catch limits, and described pilot tests for a Deep Creek Lake aquatic harvester. Kurtz acknowledged funding and staffing constraints for new parks and said DNR is pursuing foundation and endowment models and an amendment to allow fees at some sites where statute now bars them.

Committee members pressed for rehiring priorities for vacant ranger positions, better local procurement for forestry work, and transparency on marina and trust‑fund audit findings. Kurtz said DNR is prioritizing hiring, working with commerce on local procurement, and assessing Summers Cove for short‑term management by state staff while evaluating long‑term options.