Park Closed After UXO Find

Leonardtown, Maryland Over the past several days, seven munitions have been found at the Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary's County. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office initially responded to the call from the Maryland Park Service. The USACE Baltimore District also responded to assist after multiple munitions were reported. In all, seven munitions were found and properly disposed of. One of the seven munitions, reported only as a 3-inch projectile is shown below.

The USACE Baltimore District in coordination with the State are developing a plan to ensure the safety of visitors to the park which will include a sweep of the shoreline. The park has been closed and will remain closed until Authorities determine the area is safe for public use.

Newtowne Neck State Park is in southern Maryland near the mouth of the Potomac River. The area was purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in April 2009 to protect the waterfront from development. The area itself is not a known range, at least not on any official inventory, but several operational and MMRP ranges are along the Potomac River including Blossom Point and NSWC Dahlgren several miles away.