NRP Interacts With A Record Number Of People This Summer

Annapolis, Md. (July 29, 2010) — Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers have had a record summer, interacting with and serving a growing number of citizens enjoying the State’s natural resources. Officers are working around the clock to ensure that Marylanders stay safe on both land and water.

“I want to personally thank all of our NRP officers who put in countless hours protecting us and God’s creation,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “All Marylanders should be able to enjoy the great outdoors without worry. Our officers work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Maryland’s greatest resource: our citizens.”

From Memorial Day to present, NRP received 5,500 calls for service, of which 909 were maritime incidents, including 150 boating accidents and 230 calls for vessels in need of assistance.

“Summer, especially weekends and holidays, keeps our officers extremely busy,” said Col. George Johnson, NRP Superintendent. “While people are enjoying vacation time, NRP increases officer presence in waterways and on land to accommodate the crowds.”

NRP officers have personally interacted with thousands of citizens throughout the summer. For example, over the three-day Fourth of July holiday weekend, NRP officers assisted nearly 18,000 people, including 10,300 interactions that resulted in 218 citations on DNR-owned public lands. NRP also came into contact with over 7,200 boaters and responded to 14 boating accidents.

NRP officers will continue to patrol the State and remind park visitors and boaters to employ caution.

Citizens are urged to report unsafe activity or emergencies to the NRP at 1-800-628-9944. More information on boating safety, fishing regulations and park information can be found at the DNR website, located at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 11 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