Maryland State Parks in Garrett County Get Greener
New Germany, Deep Creek Lake State Parks Use Energy Saving Ideas to Cut Costs

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Grantsville, Md. (February 5, 2009) — Maryland State Parks in Garrett County are making sustainable, green ideas and products a big part of day-to-day park operations.

“To protect our natural resources for generations to come, we must incorporate sustainable and environmentally-friendly building and management techniques into our parks,” said Mike Gregory, Park Manager of New Germany State Park. “Saving energy is a top concern for us, so we have installed energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs in all 11 of our cabins. We have also put a highly - insulated window covering in the lake house. It is important that we do all we can to reduce energy costs in our offices and facilities.”

At Deep Creek Lake State Park, the Park headquarters building has undergone a complete energy makeover; the ceiling has been reinsulated, a programmable thermostat and motion - sensitive light switches have been installed and windows and doors have been recaulked.

“Sustainability tips are posted throughout our Discovery Center to inform visitors of what we are doing to reduce energy consumption,” said Assistant Park Manager Mark Spurrier. “We feel it is important to teach by example.”

In addition, the park has been “growing, not mowing” for several years and the gardens and parking lot strips are filled with native flowering plants. This initiative has saved the park thousands of dollars in fuel costs and mowing hours and helps filter precipitation slowly into the ground water, rather than have it run directly into the lake.

“To fully adopt the principles of sustainability within our own agency, DNR is constantly engaged in critical self-examination”, said Sean McGuire of DNR’s Office for a Sustainable Future. “We get input from staff at all levels to help us guide specific units and programs in their sustainability efforts.”

For more information on how homeowners can join Maryland State Parks and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in making Maryland Smart, Green and Growing, please visit the Smart, Green and Growing website.

Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Maryland’s Smart, Green & Growing initiative was created to strengthen the state’s leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspire action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future. The Initiative brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

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February 5, 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