---
title: Former DNR Secretary Ron Franks Passes Away on November 7
canonical: https://marylandfeed.com/former-dnr-secretary-ron-franks-passes-away-on-november-7/
published: '2026-11-09T17:01:46-05:00'
updated: '2026-11-09T17:01:46-05:00'
author: MarylandFeed Staff
section: Natural Resources
tags:
- Natural Resources
- Chesapeake Bay
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Oysters
- General Assembly
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
source_url: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/11/09/dnr-statement-on-passing-of-former-dnr-secretary-ron-franks/
publisher: MarylandFeed
attribution: Copyright MarylandFeed. Quote with credit to MarylandFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Former DNR Secretary Ron Franks Passes Away on November 7

C. Ronald Franks, former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, passed away on November 7, 2026. Franks served as DNR Secretary from 2003 to 2007 and was known for his contributions to conservation efforts in Maryland.

Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz expressed condolences and acknowledged Franks' impact on initiatives such as oyster restoration and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

---

### Press Release: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

*Published November 9, 2026. Reproduced in full from the [Maryland Department of Natural Resources](https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/11/09/dnr-statement-on-passing-of-former-dnr-secretary-ron-franks/).*

#### DNR Statement on Passing of Former DNR Secretary Ron Franks

During a 2004 visit to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, then DNR Secretary Ron Franks (left) and then-Gov. Robert Ehrlich (second from right) meet with staff. Maryland DNR photo.

Former Department of Natural Resources Secretary C. Ronald Franks passed away on Saturday, November 7. He served as DNR Secretary from 2003 to 2007 under former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich.

Franks was a dentist and an accomplished angler who owned Winchester Creek Outfitters, a former fly-fishing business in Grasonville. During his tenure at DNR, Franks was involved with early efforts to begin oyster restoration, expand hunting opportunities, and develop comprehensive efforts to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Franks also served as a [member of the Maryland House of Delegates](https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/21dnr/former/html/msa13278.html) from 1991 to 1995.

**Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz issued the following statement:**

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Secretary of Natural Resources Ron Franks this week. Franks led important efforts during his time at DNR that still resonate today.

“During Franks’ tenure, Maryland conducted its first black bear hunting season in 51 years. Under his leadership, the Maryland Forest Service and Maryland Park Service branched out into individual units, as they remain today.

“Franks was particularly proud of creating a tributary-focused strategy to clean up the rivers and streams that empty into the Chesapeake Bay as part of an integrated Bay restoration plan. These efforts helped contribute to the progress we have made to improve the overall health of the Bay.

“”Franks was an avid angler who clearly saw the connection between healthy waterways and sportfishing. Through his work at DNR and at his fly-fishing shop, he helped create more understanding about how to care for Maryland’s natural resources to improve outdoor recreation.

Franks’ life and work have made a lasting impact on Maryland conservation efforts. I offer my condolences to his family and to all who knew him.”

Source: [Maryland Department of Natural Resources](https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/11/09/dnr-statement-on-passing-of-former-dnr-secretary-ron-franks/)