The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently certified Clarks Landing at Shady Oaks Marina as a Maryland Clean Marina. The marina has a marine railway and small workshop surrounded by lush grounds and a mix of outdoor and covered slips.
“Maryland’s recreational boating industry – invaluable to our state – depends on healthy waterways to sustain it,” said Governor O’Malley. “As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Clean Marina Initiative, the voluntary leadership, foresight and commitment of marinas like Clark’s Landing at Shady Oaks is commendable and represents another step in securing a more sustainable future.”
Clarks Landing at Shady Oaks’ certification brings the total number of clean marinas in Maryland to 127, which represents 20 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in the state. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative.
“Clarks Landing has set a goal of getting all of our Maryland locations certified as Clean Marinas,” said Operations Manager Nancy Pack. “After certification of Clarks Landing in Shady Side last year, and we knew we could rely on the DNR for assistance and answers, and getting Shady Oaks certified was not difficult.”
“Clarks Landing is proving to be a leader in the marine industry by pursuing the award for each of its locations,” said DNR?s Clean Marina Administrator, Donna Morrow. “Boat dealerships have a unique opportunity to educate new boaters on ways to protect our waterways from the very beginning so we are really pleased to work with them.”
Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland’s marinas. Marinas are certified by DNR as Maryland Clean Marinas after they adopt a percentage of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. Small facilities without services are certified as Maryland Clean Marina Partners. Marina operators can either visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, email dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8770.
Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland’s waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina web page to learn how they can prevent pollution and sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge.
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