DNR News for the Eastern Shore

NOVEMBER 15 MARKS DNR’S 14TH ANNUAL MARYLAND JUNIOR DEER HUNT DAY

DNR invites junior hunters to try deer hunting and refine their hunting skills during Maryland’s 14th Annual Junior Deer Hunt Day on Saturday, November 15, 2008. White-tailed and sika deer firearms hunting will be open exclusively to hunters aged 16 years and younger who are accompanied by an unarmed, licensed (or exempt from license requirement) adult who is at least 21 years of age.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Draft Oyster EIS Public Comment Meeting

Thurs., Nov.13 at 6 p.m.
Miller State Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen St. in Annapolis

Draft Oyster EIS Public Comment Meeting

Fri., Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
Minnette Dick Memorial Hall, 2000 Hambrooks Blvd. in Cambridge (Dorchester County)

Bird Photography Session

Sat., Nov. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; $10

Pocomoke River State Park, 3461 Worcester Highway in Snow Hill (Worcester County)

Photograph native birds of prey including red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and turkey vultures in their natural habitat.

DNR Appoints Three Members to New Somers Cove Marina Commission

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin appointed three individuals to the Somers Cove Marina Commission. The Commission, established by the Maryland General Assembly in April, will oversee the operations and future development of the marina located in the center of historic Crisfield in Somerset County.

“I am very confident that this new commission will continue providing outstanding service for boaters, and help ensure the marina’s economic vitality,” said Secretary Griffin.

The newly DNR appointed commissioners are:

• Susan Engle, a Somers Cove Marina slip holder and Crisfield resident;
• Mike Grant, Boating Services Facilities Manager for DNR, an avid boater and Past Commodore of the Kent Island Yacht Club; and
• Less Hardy, Director of Operations of Washingtonian Coach and a Somers Cove Marina slip holder.

“Somers Cove Marina is a true gem of Maryland. I’ve long supported doing everything we can to support and enhance the marina,” said Delegate Norm Conway, who chief sponsor of the legislation that created the Commission. “Establishment of this commission begins a new era in the marina’s management that will bring great benefits to Crisfield.”

The marina is a key to the area’s revitalization and requested the legislation to gain a formal voice in its operation and development. The Commission is comprised of 7 individuals; 2 appointed by the Mayor of Crisfield and the Somerset County Commissioners and 3 appointed by DNR. The Commission will meet quarterly and employ a full time Executive Director to oversee the operations of the Commission and marina.

The city and county appointed commissioners include Dr. Mike Atkins, Crisfield City Councilmember; Ladell Dorman, Somerset County public school teacher and Somers Cove Marina slip holder; Jay Tawes of Tawes Insurance Company; and Casey Todd of MeTompkin Seafood Company. The commission expects to hold its first meeting in January 2009.

Somers Cove Marina offers boaters 515 slips within walking distance to some of the Chesapeake Bay’s and Somerset County’s finest restaurants, antique and gift shops, and bed and breakfast accommodations. Daily tours and sightseeing are available for Smith Island, Tangier Island, Janes Island State Park and Crisfield Heritage Museum which includes tours of the Crisfield Seafood industry. For more information about the marina, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/eastern/somerscove.html.