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Maryland Clean Marinas Under Way
Spring, 2016
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Along with the return of the ospreys, the buzz in marinas and boatyards tells us spring has arrived. As you prepare for the 2016 season, I hope you enjoy reading about:
- A new pumpout boat on the Eastern Shore
- Boater education and free materials for marinas
- Pumpout O&M grant applications
- The General Permit for Marina Discharges renewal plan, and more.
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New Partnership Brings Pumpout Boat to Wye River
A partnership between DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the MidShore Riverkeeper Conservancy has resulted in the first new pumpout boat in Maryland in eight years. The new boat will serve boaters in the Wye River and the Miles River near St. Michael's harbor.
The lower Wye River is a popular anchorage but has no marinas or pumpout stations. The Miles River and St. Michael's harbor see thousands of boats each summer and, although they have several fixed pumpout stations, the pumpout boat will provide an even more convenient method to properly dispose of boat waste.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is proudly supporting the efforts to keep our waters clean by providing free dockage to the vessel. The boat will operate weekends and holidays from May 14 through October 16, 2016. To learn more contact Jeff Horstman, MidShore Riverkeeper at [email protected] or 443-485-0511. Other grant funded pumpout boats operate in Annapolis and the West/Rhode Rivers. |
To request any of the items mentioned above, please send an email indicating the quantity requested and your mailing address to: [email protected] .
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Help Stop the Spread of Zebra Mussels
The unintentional spread of zebra mussels from one waterbody to another happens primarily via recreational boating, but the spread of zebra mussels to other Maryland waters can be slowed or even stopped. DNR is asking citizens to help prevent the spread of this notorious non-native species by following several simple guidelines listed on the "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers" signs posted at boat ramps and marinas in zebra mussel-infested areas. While supplies last, DNR will provide informational signs to marinas with boat ramps, in areas affected by zebra mussels. To request a sign for your marina simply send an email to [email protected].
See the instructional video on how to properly clean a boat, and share it with your customers:
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The General Permit for Discharges from Marinas is issued by Maryland Department of the Environment roughly every five years. The current Permit is now up for renewal and MDE staff are reviewing it closely.
MDE staff talked with marina and boatyard operators at Clean Marina workshops held in February. They do anticipate making any major changes to this iteration of the Permit. However, they do welcome comments from permit holders. Send comments or questions to [email protected] .
MDE expects to have a draft of the 2016 Permit out for review by early summer. Based on comments received, the new Permit could be finalize by the fall. All Permit holders should closely watch their mail for notices from MDE this year. |
"Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day" is a nationwide boating event dedicated to grow boating participation across North America. Marine businesses collaborate to hold events to introduce the public to boating through on-water and land-side activities at marinas in every corner of the country.
On National Marina Day, marinas across the United States are asked to open their doors to the public to show off the boating lifestyle and encourage non-boaters to get out on the water. The type of event that each marina holds is unique, but has the purpose of celebrating boating as a fun-filled, affordable activity than anyone can enjoy. Marinas can get ideas on hosting an event, and register free at http://www.nationalmarinaday.org/
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Spring Tip: Bay Wise Landscaping and Native Plants
Healthy soil and vegetation capture, treat, and slowly release stormwater. The water is cleaned through a combination of microbial action in the soil, vegetative uptake, evaporation, and transpiration. Refer to Appendix III of the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook for information about the "Bay Scapes" program and to find sources for native plants. Plant vegetated buffers between your upland property and the water's edge. Position downspouts so that they drain to vegetated areas; avoid draining to pavement. Rain barrels are another way to collect stormwater, allowing it to cool rather than sheet across hot parking lots and shock adjacent waterways. The stored water is used for plants and garden areas. Learn more about all these ways to reduce polluted runoff by visiting the Chesapeake Bay Program's website: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/takeaction/howtotips |
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