State Wildlife Action Plan

Maryland's Diverse Lands, Waters, and Wildlife

Bog turtle/Maryland DNR

Maryland’s diverse landscape is dominated by the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary. With nearly 8,800 miles of rivers and streams and ecoregions ranging from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, Maryland harbors a broad species and habitat diversity for a state of its size. Delmarva fox squirrels grace Eastern Shore forests. Bald eagles depend on forests and open water. Brook trout inhabit clear, coldwater streams in western Maryland.

Working Together for Maryland's Wildlife

Checking Owl Nest Boxes/
S. Robertson

The Maryland's action plan reviews the status and conservation needs of 502 at-risk wildlife species and further summarizes these into 35 key wildlife habitats, such as Carolina bays, tidal marshes, grasslands, and old growth forests. Threats and conservation actions, as well as inventory, research and monitoring needs, are recommended for each of the key wildlife habitats. Because both species and habitat-based needs have been considered, Maryland’s action plan will help guide the conservation of all wildlife species.

• Download the Maryland Wildlife Diversity Conservation Plan

  (.pdf, 8.3 MB)
• Summary of Maryland Wildlife Diversity Conservation Plan (.pdf, 327 KB)
• Maryland Wildlife Diversity Conservation Plan Web Site