The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized Forked Creek Yacht Club in Severna Park as the latest facility to earn Maryland Clean Marina Partner status.
The Clean Marina designation is given to marine facilities that meet all required regulations and voluntarily put into practice a substantial number of recommended environmental best practices outlined in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook. With this newest addition, Maryland now has 131 certified Clean Marinas statewide — roughly a quarter of all marinas in the state.
To earn the certification, Forked Creek Yacht Club purchased a spill response kit and developed emergency response plans designed to minimize the risk of environmental spills.
“We want to be ready should anything happen here, especially if it could harm the environment,” said yacht club commodore Steve Scott.
The club also distributed environmental education materials to its members, upgraded the electrical systems along its piers, and made safety equipment more visible and accessible.
“Sharing information with members is an easy step to preventing illegal or harmful discharges from our boats,” said marina board member Rob Hanley.
The Maryland Clean Marina Program is part of a broader state effort to cut down on non-point source water pollution. Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of all sizes are eligible to pursue certification. Resources including the guidebook and award checklist are available through the Department of Natural Resources website. Free technical assistance is also offered to facilities working toward certification, and questions can be directed to [email protected].
