Web Site Geared to the Outdoors Enthusiast
ANNAPOLIS — Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary C. Ronald Franks today relaunched the newest edition of DNR Online, the Department’s award-winning Web site, which goes live at the close of business today. DNR Online (http://dnr.maryland.gov) is one of the most frequently visited Maryland State Government sites. In 2003 alone, DNR Online had 3.7 million visitors viewing 12.5 million Web documents.
The new DNR website was redesigned with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Newly created categories of information and services will make it easier for customers to find what they are looking for, with fewer clicks. With over 10,000 online documents, regulations and photographs, DNR online is the largest repository of natural resource information in Maryland.
"We're committed to top-notch customer service. By providing 24-hour access to the Department's forms, applications and services, DNR provides the most services in the most efficient means to the greatest number of Marylanders," said Gene Deems, DNR's EGov and Online Services Manager.
Using this site as a foundation, DNR plans on expanding its content and online service offerings over the next couple of months to include e-commerce transaction capabilities.
Features of the newly redesigned DNR Online include:
- Ability to make park reservations online (18 percent of park reservations were made online in 2003).
- InFocus pages for specific department initiatives
- Database driven and searchable event's calendar
- Opt-in for a monthly email newsletter, the Natural E-Source
- An American with Disabilities Act content area that lists the accessible features offered in Maryland State Parks and other properties managed by DNR
- An emerging content area for Hispanic/Latino customers
- An online pressroom to proactively serve the media
Visitors of the new site will also notice a new URL. The URL is being changed to "dnr.maryland.gov" in order to make it easier for people to remember and use. This is in keeping with the naming convention of the State of Maryland, the official site being maryland.gov. The site's alternate address, www.dnr.state.md.us, will continue to work indefinitely.
Special feature for our online customers: If you are viewing this press release online, you may provide feedback on about the home page redesign via our online survey:
http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/dnrasp/websurvey/dnronline.asp
Posted February 24, 2004