Maryland Clean Marina Of The Year Contest

Annapolis, Md. (March 21, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Clean Marina Program has launched a contest to determine the 2011 Maryland Clean Marina of the Year.

Anyone can nominate a Clean Marina for the award (except program staff and contest sponsors). Nominations will be accepted through December based on services performed at the marinas during 2011. The goal is to hear from boaters, marine contractors, staff, and citizens about Maryland Clean Marinas that are excelling in their efforts to run a clean facility.

Winner(s) will be chosen by the Clean Marina Program based on demonstrated excellence in:

• Overall cleanliness of the facility (indoors and outdoors);
• Environmental services offered (recycling liquid and/or solid waste, pump-outs, vacuum sanders, pet waste pick up bags, absorbent pads at the fuel dock, etc.);
• Communicating and enforcing “clean marina” practices and goals to customers and contractors through rules, signs, and services.

Maryland launched the first Clean Marina Program in the United States in 1998 and to date has certified 143 facilities as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners. DNR has created this contest to celebrate the excellent work of these small businesses to protect our natural resources and comply with complex regulations.

Prizes for the Clean Marina of the Year Contest are being solicited from companies that provide marine services and products that can help Maryland Clean Marinas protect our natural resources and/or comply with environmental regulations. The acceptance of donated prizes from any company is not an endorsement of that product or service by either the Maryland Clean Marina Program or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Any company interested in donating a prize to the Maryland Clean Marina of the Year Contest should contact Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

Complete contest rules and a current list of Maryland Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners are available on line at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/.

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