DNR To Host Two Clean Marina Roundtables in January

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Annapolis, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs to participate in one of two informal roundtable discussions this month and learn more about Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative.

“I encourage all marina operators who are not certified as clean marina’s to attend,” said Donna Morrow, DNR Boating Administrator. “Through small group discussions and networking, operators will learn how other marinas and boatyards have addressed environmental challenges and the benefits of becoming a certified clean marina.”

Interested operators can choose between two dates and locations:

Tues, Jan. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Skipjack Cove Yachting Center in Georgetown (Cecil County)

Thurs, Jan. 15, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Mears Marina in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Participants will receive an overview of the Clean Marina certification process, guidebooks and guidance. Weather permitting, a tour of the host marina will be provided. Advanced registration is requested by emailing dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or calling 410-260-8773. Each roundtable is contingent upon at least six marine facilities registering by January 12.

Maryland's Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures. At total of 133 marinas, community piers and museums are certified as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners. 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. For more information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.

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January 8, 2009

Contact: Ray Weaver 410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell rweaver@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.