Constellation is committed to being a responsible environmental steward of our many recreational sites. We care about the health and safety of our visitors -- as the operator of the Conowingo Dam, Maryland’s largest source of clean, renewable energy.
Black vulture carcasses were recently collected on Constellation property near Fishermen’s Park and will be tested by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), as they possibly have the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI). Most were located on the Wildflower trailhead and the Mason Dixon trail between the Overlook parking area and Fisherman’s Park. No dead birds have been found near the fishing wharf or the Conowingo Dam.
Constellation is working in close coordination with state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Maryland Department of Environment, Maryland Department of Agriculture and the- MDNR to help protect the public and wild birds in Fisherman’s Park, including the area’s beloved eagles.
Although Fisherman’s Park remains open, to help prevent HPAI spread, we have temporarily closed the Wildflower trailhead and the Mason Dixon trail between the Overlook parking area and Fisherman’s Park. This temporary closure is intended to help reduce HPAI spread from people walking or biking through this area and help reduce contact with sick or dead birds.
We implemented similar temporary trail closures in past years, working closely with the USDA, MDNR, USFWS and the state health department.
Wild birds can be infected with HPAI and show no signs of illness. Because they may not show signs, the public should avoid contact with wild birds, especially dead birds or birds that are acting erratically. If anyone sees a sick or dead bird, please report it to Site Security or the USDA.
We are following safety protocols that are intended to assist with preventing HPAI spread. We will reopen these areas when it is prudent to do so.
