DNR Certifies Three New Clean Marinas In Baltimore And St. Mary’s Counties

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ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently certified three new Clean Marinas - Baltimore Marine Center and Tidewater Yacht Service at Port Covington in Baltimore County, and Buzz’s Marina in St. Mary’s County. The certification of these marinas brings the total number of clean marinas and partners in Maryland to 130. The new total represents 21 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in Maryland, inching closer to fulfilling the Initiative’s goal of 25 percent.

“The voluntary effort of these marinas to reduce pollution and help protect the Chesapeake Bay is truly commendable,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Every Marylander has a responsibility to help reduce their impact on our waterways, and it’s very encouraging to see these local businesses taking the initiative to do their part.”

“The three facilities certified represent the differences found from one facility to another, and demonstrate the flexibility of this program,” said DNR Clean Marina Administrator Donna Morrow. “Buzz’s Marina is a simple marina sustained by recreational fishing in the lower Bay. By contrast, Tidewater Yacht Service and Baltimore Marine Center are in the heart of the busy Baltimore harbor, serving many visiting boats, including larger yachts. We work with all types of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to help improve their operations in order to protect the Bay.”

"We considered pursuing the Clean Marina Award for quite a while," said Baltimore Marine Center manager Scott Anderson. "After attending a free workshop sponsored by DNR last year, their staff visited our marina and gave us specific things to work on, and then came back out when we were ready. I liked the fact that I could go as fast or slow as my schedule permitted.”

“It was an easy process,” said Mike Henderson, co-owner of Buzz’s Marina with his wife, Christy Henderson. “Everybody was helpful and held our hand through it. We wanted to do our part to help clean the bay. Without a clean bay, there can be no marinas.”

“When our new facility was built, we went to great lengths to ensure all aspects were environmentally friendly,” said Tidewater Yacht Service at Port Covington Manager Kathy Barth. “Becoming formally certified as a clean marina is icing on the cake. And it’s nice to be in the company of other clean marinas in the Baltimore Harbor.”

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 a percentage of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. This collective effort of marina and boatyard operators, and recreational boaters is working to improve the quality of Maryland’s waterways.

Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative by visiting http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, emailing dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or calling 410-260-8770.

Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland's waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina webpage to learn how they can prevent pollution and sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge, which can be found at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina/boater.html.

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June 5, 2008

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