Attention Maryland Beekeepers and our neighbors! The Maryland Dept of Natural Resources is reviewing their policy concerning Black Bear Depredation (DNR Circular #90-501). A Black Bear Citizens Task Force was formed and met in July, August and September to review the policy and make recommendations. The Maryland State Beekeepers Association was a participant in the Task Force. Public meetings will now be held for the general public to comment on the recommendations. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. for public review of displays and literature. Hearings begin at 6:30 p.m. The schedule for the meetings will be: Nov 2, 1995, Thursday Northern High School, Accident MD. Directions: From I-68 take Exit 14. Go South on Rt 219 from Keyser's Ridge. Go approx 4 miles to the school on the right. Nov 6, 1995, Monday Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Rd. Timonium, MD Directions: From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) take I-83 North. Exit at Padonia Road. Turn right onto Padonia Road. The school is on the right , just past the Memorial Gardens, approx 1/2 mile from York Road. Nov 14, 1995, Tuesday Easton National Guard, Easton MD Directions: The Armory is located on Westbound U.S. Rt 50 just North of the Maryland State Police Barracks. Nov 16, 1995, Thursday Annapolis Senior High School, 2700 Riva Road, Annapolis MD Directions: From U.S. Rt 50, take Exit 22 (Rt 665) Riva Road. Go South on Riva Road for approx 1 mile. The school is on the right just past the Arundel Olympic Swim Center. Written comments will be accepted until November 20, by writing to: Mr. Joshua L. Sandt, DNR Wildlife Division Director 580 Taylor Ave. Annapolis, MD 21401 I encourage all beekeepers to attend these hearings to support the beekeepers of western Maryland. Thank you, David Morris, President Maryland State Beekeepers Assn Laurel, MD