DNR Hosts Workshops For Marinas And Boatyards

Annapolis, Md. (January 4, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting three Clean Marina Roundtable workshops for marina and boatyard operators.

The roundtables will discuss Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. Free copies of the Clean Marina Guidebook, award checklists and educational materials for boaters and staff will be provided. Participants will network with local Clean Marina managers and program staff to learn how they can meet award criteria.

“Although attending a workshop isn’t required to become a Clean Marina, it’s the best way for marina operators to learn about the program in a short amount of time,” said Donna Morrow, DNR’s Clean Marina Administrator. “By networking with other marina operators, participants will hear about practical ways to become a Clean Marina. Maryland’s waterways need everyone doing their part and the Clean Marina program is a tangible way for marinas to help.”

Dates and Locations:
January 11, Spring Cove Marina, Solomons
January 13, Port Annapolis Marina, Annapolis
January 20, Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort, Georgetown

All roundtables will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and there is no charge to attend. Weather permitting, a tour of the host facility will follow the roundtable discussion. In addition to helping reduce pollution and protect our waterways, Clean Marinas often enjoy discounted insurance rates, reduced clean up costs and improved relations within their community. All marine facilities are encourage to participate and seek the award.

Marine facilities of any size are encouraged to pursue the Maryland Clean Marina Award. To qualify, a facility must meet all permitting requirements and adopt a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook.

DNR staff and mentors offer assistance and site visits to marinas pursuing the award. They are re-certified every three years. To date, 143 facilities (roughly 23 percent of Maryland marinas) have achieved the designation.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marina managers may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes. Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

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