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MEDIA ADVISORY - Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative Christens Dominion Reef At The Gooses
WHAT: The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative celebrates completion of “Dominion Reef at the Gooses,” an 80-acre reef made from concrete from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. A water cannon will be used to disperse more than 70 tons of oyster shell and brood oysters to help establish an ecosystem on the newly created artificial reef. Media will be able to shoot and photograph the event from a large, comfortable boat that will make the trip to the reef.
WHEN: Friday, March 28 at 10:15 a.m.*
* Boat departs from Chesapeake Beach for the reef
Please call 804-771-6115 to confirm attendance and ensure a seat on the boat.
WHO: Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources John R. Griffin
Dominion Vice President Pamela Faggert
WHERE: Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa
4165 Mears Avenue in Chesapeake Beach (Calvert County)
BACKGROUND: Vibrant marine communities, such as oyster reefs and underwater grass beds, are critical to supporting diverse species of fish that were once prolific in the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's Atlantic coast. Today, however, this type of habitat is sadly a mere shadow of its historical scope. Placement of concrete sections from the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge will create deep water artificial reefs that provide excellent habitat for benthic organisms and fish.
March 24, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland 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.