Maryland Clean Marina Director Awarded National Environmental Commendation from Boat U.S. Foundation

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ANNAPOLIS, MD – Donna Morrow, Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) award-winning Maryland Clean Marina Program was honored with an Environmental Commendation from the Boat U.S. Foundation for her continued efforts to educate Maryland boaters and marina operators about the importance of healthy waterways as a critical component of environmental stewardship.

“Donna’s success in advancing Maryland’s Clean Marina Program is a testament to her deep commitment to protecting our natural resources,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We are thankful that 119 marina’s around Maryland have accepted DNR’s challenge to help keep our waterways clean.”

Presented by Susan Shingledecker, Director of Environmental Programs for the Foundation, the award recognized Morrow’s efforts to coordinate the program while creating a clean boating lesson plan and overseeing the certification of all state-owned facilities.

“I love working with marinas and boaters. They really understand when you show them the connection between their actions and the waterways, and are willing to do what it takes. It means a lot to receive a commendation from Boat U.S. Foundation. They work on many of the same issues at the national level and it’s nice to know we make a difference.” said Morrow.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Maryland Clean Marina Program has certified 119 marinas statewide. With the most recent certification of Point Lookout State Park’s marina in St. Mary’s County, 100 percent of Maryland’s state owned marinas are now certified “Clean Marinas” or “Clean Marina Partners”. Coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, the program seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150) of Maryland’s marinas. Facilities are certified by DNR as “Maryland Clean Marinas” after they adopt recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection conducted by DNR and industry representatives.

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August 9, 2007

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov