DNR Offers Free Living Shorelines Workshop For Somerset County Residents & Property Owners On Aug. 16

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CRISFIELD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites Somerset County residents and property owners to learn about living shorelines as an environmentally-friendly soil erosion protection solution during a workshop on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free workshop and lunch will be held at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation Historical Museum’s Chesapeake Room, located at 3 Ninth Street in Crisfield.

“Natural, living shorelines are vital not only to the Chesapeake Bay’s health but also provide property owners with additional flood protection,” said Frank Dawson, Department of Natural Resources Assistant Secretary for Aquatic Resources. “With development pressure increasing, it is critical – now more than ever – that waterfront property owners help protect and restore our treasured bay.”

Some of the numerous environmental and economic benefits of living shorelines include: restoration of wildlife habitat and spawning areas; establishing a marsh area where property owners can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and swimming from; and increasing property values.

Workshop participants will learn about permitting, site designs, contractor hiring, and native plant success, as well has visit a local living shoreline project.

To register for the free workshop, email dbell@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8732.

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August 7, 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