Thursday, March 31, 2011

2011 Maryland Bay Game

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is calling on citizens, businesses and organizations to become sponsors of the 2011 Maryland Bay Game. Through games, trivia, puzzles and outdoor activities, this award-winning natural resources activity book has inspired kids to learn about and connect with their natural world for over a decade.

The Maryland Bay Game book is used by tens of thousands of families, civic and community groups, scouting organizations, environmentalists and educators throughout Maryland and the region. One-quarter million print copies were distributed statewide in 2010 through public libraries, welcome centers, State Parks and public schools. An electronic version of the Bay Game is also available on the DNR website, which receives over 1.5 million unique visitors annually.

The Bay Game is written and designed by DNR staff, but printing and distribution is paid entirely by sponsors. There are several opportunities for businesses to sponsor the Bay Game through logos, website exposure, full and half-page sponsorships, advertising coupons and more while also ensuring another summer filled with interactive and engaging outdoor activities for Maryland children. Donations are tax deductible, though sponsors should review the requirements outlined in IRS Publication 526 and consult their tax advisor.

For more information please visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/baygame/ or contact Jill Kubatko at (410) 260-8007 or jkubatko@dnr.state.md.us.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop

The eighth Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 16th in Ocean City, Maryland. The one-day program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ocean City Marlin Club, 9659 Golf Course Road,Ocean City, Maryland.

Organized jointly by the Sea Grant Extension Programs at the University of Maryland and the University of Delaware, the workshop will focus on charter business management, marketing strategy, boat safety, maritime law/legal issues, fishery resource updates for charter and head boats and developing eco-tourism based charter businesses. Marina operators, managers and staff are also invited to attend.

"We encourage all charter captains, owners, and marina business management staff to participate, as well as those individuals interested in entering the charter or eco-tourism industry," says Charlie Petrocci, maritime heritage specialist representing the Maryland Sea Grant Program. "The workshop will provide a great opportunity for boat owners to come together to learn about improving the management of their businesses and to discuss mutual issues and challenges," adds John Ewart, fisheries specialist with Delaware Sea Grant.

The workshop will offer a variety of presentations representing important topics for the charter boat operator including legal issues concerning your boat, business management, marketing/advertising, developing customer relations, and the truth about insurance needs. Program topics will also focus on current Coast Guard safety and security issues, and new developments in fisheries management programs.

Seminar speakers are regional professionals in their respective fields. This is a good opportunity to participate in a casual program dedicated to helping the charter boat operator deal with current and anticipated challenges in small business management.

Attendance will be held to 50 participants and available seating is expected to fill quickly, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration cost for the workshop, which includes a buffet lunch and all resource materials and handouts, is $40 per person. On-site registration will be limited and the registration fee will increase to $50.

To register, make your check payable to "University of Delaware," and mail to:

Michelle Scorziello
ATTN: Charter Boat Workshop
University of Delaware Sea Grant Program
700 Pilottown Road
Lewes, DE 19958-1507

The registration deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011.

For a registration form and additional information about the program agenda, contact John Ewart at (302) 645-4060 or ewart@udel.edu or visit the workshop
Web site: darc.cms.udel.edu/charterboat/cbw11.html

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

2011 Spring Cleanup At New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park is inviting volunteers of all ages to participate in its annual Spring Cleanup Day. The efforts will occur from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 9, 2011.

Volunteers, together with park staff, will help clean up and prepare the park for the upcoming summer season. A free pizza lunch will be provided for the volunteers, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by contacting Ranger Mongrain at 301-895-5453 or lmongrain@dnr.state.md.us.

For New Germany State Park information, please visit http://dnr.maryland.gov, or call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453.

source: MD DNR

Monday, March 14, 2011

Susquehanna State Park Boat Launching Pier

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be making modifications to the boat launching pier in the Lapidum Area of Susquehanna State Park. The project will begin March 14 and should be completed in less than three work days, weather permitting.

Due to fabrication of the new floating pier, work cannot begin any sooner. One launch ramp will remain open during construction in order to minimize the interruption of public access. There may be brief periods during which both ramps will be closed due to safety concerns, however, every effort will be made to minimize any interruption if it is safe to do so.

The existing aluminum gangway will be removed and utilized at another DNR facility in the future. The gangway will be replaced with four sections of floating pier that will join the existing concrete floating pier. The floating pier sections will improve the use of the facility at both high and low tide. The modifications of the launching facility will ensure safe, user friendly access to the Susquehanna River for boaters.

For further information, including details on construction dates, please contact park headquarters at (410) 557-7994.

source: MD DNR

2011 Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament

Wounded veterans of all branches of the Armed Forces will be participating in a bass fishing tournament with both pro and semi-professional anglers at the Anchor Marina in North East, MD on Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2011.

Veterans from Walter Reed and Bethesda hospitals will participate as a two-man team in a fundraising tournament that benefits the Marines Helping Marines Foundation which helps fund weekend retreats for wounded veterans in outpatient care and assists military service members and their families in time of need.

This is the third year the event will be held however it is the first time the event will be held in Maryland.  The two previous events were held at Lake Hopatcong, N.J.

The veterans participating have sustained injuries ranging from traumatic brain injury to amputation of one or two legs, and in some cases, loss of arms as well.

The cost of the tournament is $200 a boat and is open to anyone with a bass boat and valid Maryland state fishing license.

Entrants who take on a wounded veteran as a partner receive a $100 discount however they do so with the understanding that if they win half of their earnings should go to their partner.

The equipment the veterans will be using has been donated by various companies to include Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.

“Bass Pro Shops has been a huge supporter of this tournament,” according to organizers.  Each year they donate rods, reels, and nets for each of the wounded participants.

Travel, lodging, meals and gifts for the wounded veterans are being paid for by donations made to this event.  Funds are still needed in order to help with lodging and meals costs for the veterans and their families.

The wounded warriors get to keep all the equipment they are provided with.  Once again this year the veteran who wins the tournament will receive a one week stay in Cancun with his or her family.

Kowal said “We are trying to give these heroes one weekend out of the hospital so they can meet new friends, have a good time and in the process, help raise funds to benefit other wounded veterans.

Check-in time for the tournament is at 4:30 a.m. and the boats will launch from the Anchor Marina at first safe light, usually right around 6 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. for the official weigh-ins.

A barbeque which is open for all to attend will begin at 12:30.  The cost is $10 per adult, $3 for children.  The barbeque will be held at the Nauti-Goose Restaurant, 200 Cherry Street, North East, MD, 21901.

For more information, registration or become a sponsor please visit www.semperfimarketing.com or email info@semperfimarketing.com

Because there is an 80 boat maximum on the water it is best to pre-register for the tournament by mailing the bottom portion of the flyer with payment to Joby Poster at RR#4, 4166G, Saylorsburg, PA 18353.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Maple Syrup Making Demonstration at Cunningham Falls State Park

The 41st Annual Maple Syrup Making Demonstration and pancake breakfast on March 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cunningham Falls State Park.

During the demonstration, Park staff will explain the history and how sap has been made into syrup. There will be maple syrup demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a piping hot sausage and pancake breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Other attractions will include a children’s tent and live music.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Cunningham Falls State Park and a donation will be asked for entrance into the event. Youth groups are asked to donate $1 per person. Maryland made maple syrup, maple candy and related souvenirs will be available for sale.

For more information, call 301-271-7574 or visit:
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunninghamfalls.html

source: MD DNR

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Maryland Environmental Trust Volunteer Monitoring

The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) is seeking volunteers who have an interest in conservation and desire to visit significant natural areas, farms and forest land, waterfronts, historic and scenic landscapes.

MET will offer a volunteer training session from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 17, 2011 at Cromwell Valley Park in Baltimore County for individuals interested in helping to monitor conservation easement properties.

Volunteers must participate in the one day training session and agree to complete ten monitoring visits annually. Volunteers should be over 20 years of age, physically able to walk over potentially rugged terrain and have their own transportation and camera.

Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required. The deadline to register for this training session is March 25, 2011. For more information or to register for the volunteer training, please contact Michelle Johnson, (410) 514-7908 or mjohnson@dnr.state.md.us.

source: MD DNR