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Maryland Department of Natural Resources
DNR Creates Office Of Sustainability
New Boating Services Division Also Created Under Agency Restructuring
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin today announced creation of the State’s first Office of Sustainability, as well as re-establishment of the Boating Services unit. Both are components of a larger, agency-wide restructuring under which new functions will be funded and staffed with existing resources.
“As we work to grow in more sustainable ways and secure Maryland’s future, I am pleased that the Department of Natural Resources, under the leadership of Secretary Griffin, is making changes to better serve our citizens and preserve our natural resources,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.

“From growth concerns to energy consumption and Bay restoration, progress in one area depends upon progress in others if we are to successfully lead Governor O’Malley’s call to create a sustainable Maryland,” said Secretary Griffin. “These internal changes will allow us to work more collaboratively and effectively – across disciplines, across agencies, and with our partners -- to conserve natural resources and promote stewardship behaviors that will sustain economic growth and our quality of life.”

A team of experts within DNR will form the new Office of Sustainability and work to gather information, analyze trends, develop sustainability plans, coordinate action, and measure results under BayStat and StateStat. David Goshorn, currently Director of DNR’s Resource Assessment division will serve as Acting Director of the new Office of Sustainability.

At a Clean Marina Awards Ceremony in Annapolis on Wednesday, Secretary Griffin also announced the re-establishment of a DNR Boating Services division to better align services and programs for boaters. Headed by current Waterway Improvement Director Bob Gaudette, this reorganization brings together staff responsible for coordinating waterway improvement activities, boating and waterway planning functions, hydrographic support operations and the Boat Act Advisory Committee – allowing them to work more efficiently and cohesively. Recreational boating is a $2.2 billion industry in Maryland providing employment for more than 28,000 people.

"The Marine Trades Association of Maryland looks forward to the re-establishment of this division and working with DNR to provide enhanced services to the recreational boating industry in Maryland", said Association President Jay Dayton.
Other agency organizational changes include the consolidation of land planning and acquisition functions to yield greater efficiencies with limited dollars, and the creation of three new interdisciplinary teams focusing on invasive species, engaging youth in outdoor experiences, and resolving conflict among stakeholder groups.

While many employees have already begun transitioning into their new roles, the agency’s overall plan is pending formal approval from the Department of Budget and Management. All of the changes are being made with the greatest efficiencies possible and the strictest attention to the State’s budget challenges by utilizing existing resources.

“Organizational structure is a tool that supports but does not define who we are or how we interact,” said Griffin. “The big natural resource challenges that we face as Marylanders demand collaboration across our agency, across our government and with all of our partners.”
The agency’s revised organizational chart is online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/orgchart.html.

August 10, 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