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Maryland Clean Marinas Under Way 

Summer, 2014

    

 

Summer is here at last.   In this issue I hope you enjoy reading about:

  • Two new Clean Marinas,
  • Clean Marina Tips for Summer,  
  • Free fishing days,
  • Free fuel spill response training,
  • The Maryland Fishing Challenge, and
  • The new DNR App 

Please visit the website or  contact me if you have questions.  And remember, this could be the year your facility becomes a Clean Marina!

 

~~~_/)  
Donna Morrow
Clean Marina Program Manager
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  Two New Maryland Clean Marinas!

 

Norman Creek Marina in Middle River and Hidden Harbour Marina in Deale are the latest facilities to be added to the growing list of Maryland Clean Marinas. The marinas earned the certifications for their work to prevent pollution and meet regulations for more sustainable operations.  

Norman Creek Marina updated all required fuel reports, installed a new spill-response kit, and developed emergency response plans.  "This was a valuable process for us," said Norman Creek Manager Eric Bianchi. "We needed to do these things, but the Clean Marina program provided impetus and structure. We're glad we completed it."   

 

Hidden Harbour Marina, a working boatyard, underwent a major makeover when new owners Jim Weaver and Val Lynch purchased the property last winter. Once the grounds were clean and in order, General Manager Melissa Clark focused on paperwork, instituting new rules and contracts, and training employees to ensure all work was done in a safe, environmentally-responsible manner. Clark also worked to obtain a new oil recycling tank ─ enclosed and covered to prevent stormwater runoff ─ and utilized a grant from DNR to obtain a new pumpout machine.  

 

"We've really wanted this award and worked hard to comply with everything to get it," said Weaver.  "We are proud to do our part to protect our creek and the Chesapeake."

 Read more here. 
 
Below are pictures from other new Clean Marinas, reported in our last issue. 
Susan Howard (L) and Dolores Morrison (R) at Sassafras Harbor Marina in Georgetown. 
  
Tim Dowling, VP at Coastal Properties, which manages Bohemia Vista and Hack's Pt. Marinas in Cecil County.
 
 

Clean Marina Tips for Summer

 

There are many ways marina staff and managers can do their part to prevent pollution during the busy summer months.  Here are just a few:
  1. Pumpouts:  Inspect pumpout equipment and ensure it's ready for high demand weekends.  Marinas with grant funded pumpouts should have a sign directing boaters to the pump or pedestal and can charge no more than $5 per pumpout (up to the first 50 gallons). 
  2. Fuel Spill Kits:  Inspect fuel spill response kits.   Keep enough boom or "sweep" to encircle the largest boat typically berthed at the marina (length x 3 = boom). Spill kits should be clearly labeled and kept in a prominent location.
  3. Staff Training:  Review emergency plans, spill kits, and equipment and chemicals with staff each season.  Don't skip returning or permanent staff; training everyone each year is important. 
  4. Waste Containment and Disposal:  Make sure staff know it is everyone's job to pick up trash any time they see it on the grounds.  Set an example from the top down. Clearly direct visitors to dumpsters and recycling areas.  If you had never been to your marina, could you easily find these areas? Keep lids on trash cans to prevent trash from blowing out or attracting pests.
fishing

Free Fishing Days

Everyone is invited to grab a rod, get outside and enjoy the State's excellent fishing opportunities through free fishing days on June 7, June 14 and July 4. No fishing license, stamp or registration is required to recreationally fish in State waters on these days.  Read more...


Boat U.S. Foundation Offering Free Spill Response Training  fuel spill kit

 
A new online course called "Spill Prevention and Response for Marina Staff" is now available at http://www.boatus.org/spill-prevention/ .  The course features videos, interactive exercises and interviews with spill responders and marina managers.  Designed to minimize risk to people, marinas, and the environment, this free training program was funded in part by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  Give it a try! 

DNR Seeking Executive Director for Somers Cove Marina Commission 

 

Full time Program Manager I position with benefits at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Boating Services Unit.   The position is based in Crisfield, MD and is responsible for management and administration of all activities for the Marina Commission.   Preferred candidates will have experience managing a commission or similar entity, marketing and/or creating partnerships, and experience with marina operations. Closing date is June 18 2014. The complete job listing and application are available here. 

$10,000 Diamond Jim On the Loose!   fishing challenge logo  
  

The hunt is on! The Diamond Jim component of the 2014 Maryland Fishing Challenge kicked off last week when DNR biologists and members of the Maryland Youth Fishing Club caught, tagged and released the first round of striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay. One of these tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim, worth $10,000 to the angler who catches it before midnight on June 30, 2014. The other tagged "imposter" rockfish are worth at least $500 each if caught and registered before midnight on Labor Day, September 1, 2014. Read more... 


Love Maryland's Outdoors?  There's an App for That!

Enjoying Maryland's great outdoors has never been easier with the Department of Natural Resources' new mobile app! The Access DNR application provides the State's hunters, anglers, boaters, park-goers ─ anyone seeking outside adventure ─ all of the latest in nature-related recreation, information and news right at their fingertips.  Read More...