Cedar Hill Marina Certified As “Clean Marina”

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BIVALVE, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Clean Marinas Initiative recently certified Cedar Hill Marina as a “Clean Marina”. The certification of Cedar Hill brings the total number of “Clean Marinas” in Maryland to 121, twenty percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in the State.

Cedar Hill Marina is owned and operated by the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. As part of their certification, Harbormaster Greg Rickards installed a spill response kit, updated the marina’s written rules and regulations, and started a solid waste recycling program.

“Once we committed to completing the process, it really wasn’t that hard. I’m glad we did it and we plan to get our other marina certified by this time next year,” said Mr. Rickards.

Cedar Hill also participated in a grant program from the Clean Marina Initiative to fund up to 75 percent of the cost of their recycling containers. The funding is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Pollution Program.

“We are always pleased to see locally-owned facilities join in our efforts to protect our waterways from pollution. Our program is flexible enough that any facility, large or small, can participate,” said Clean Marina Administrator Donna Morrow.

Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland’s marinas. Marinas are certified by DNR as “Maryland Clean Marinas” after they adopt recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative. For more information about Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating, email dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8770.
 

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October 29, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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