Fireworks Displays Announced for Around the Bay

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore has received notice of the following fireworks displays, scheduled to occur on or near navigable waters during the 2011 Independence Day holiday period:

1. Chester River, Town of Chestertown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near the mouth of Radcliffe Creek on July 4, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at dusk. Chart 12272.

2. Fairlee Creek, Great Oak Landing Marina, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Shell Point on July 2, 2011 (rain date of September 3, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9:25 p.m. Chart 12274.

3. Herring Bay, Herrington Harbour South Marina, Friendship, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the south jetty on July 2, 2011 (rain date of July 3, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12266.

4. Miles River, St. Michaels, Maryland, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°47′41″ N, 076°12′53″ W, located on a point of land at the mouth of Long Haul Creek on July 3, 2011 (rain date of July 4, 2011) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12263.

5. Patuxent River, Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near Long Point on June 25, 2011 (rain date of June 26, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12284.

6. Potomac River, Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Town Pier on July 4, 2011 (rain date of July 9, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12286.

7. Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore on July 3, 2011 (rain date of July 4, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12278.

8. Sassafras River, Georgetown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore west of the mouth of Dyer Creek on July 4, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:15 p.m. Chart 12274

9. Severn River, Sherwood Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Sherwood Forest Club’s Main Pier on July 3, 2011 (rain date of July 9, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

10. Severn River, Epping Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge barge located at the mouth of Clements Creek on July 2, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

11. Somers Cove, Crisfield, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Jersey Island on July 3, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:15 p.m. Chart 12231

12. Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Park Island on July 3, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12277

     Mariners are urged to transit these areas with caution, to keep a sharp lookout for other watercraft in these areas, and are reminded to heed the directions of patrolling law enforcement and public safety officials. Absent specific guidance, mariners should remain 300 yards from any fireworks discharge site. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at telephone number (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

     For the complete Local Notice to Mariners click here.

Volunteers Sought to Help Eradicate Water Chestnut on the Sassafras

     Kennedyville, Md. -- The Sassafras River Assocation and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources needs your help in eradicating Water Chestnut from the Sassafras Rvier. The invasive plant forms dense mats on the surface of water, which are often impenetrable for boats, swimmers, or waterfowl. Because Water Chestnut is not native to Maryland, it out-competes and displaces native vegetation, and provides poor habitat for other types of wildlife.
     SRA and the DNR are hosting Water Chestnut Volunteer Workdays June 28 and 29 headquartered at the Turner's Creek Pavilion near Kennedyville, beginning at 9 a.m.
     Volunteers will be asked to pull out Water Chestnut plants by hand in kayaks and canoes. If you have any information regarding location of the plants, please contact DNR Biologist Mark Lewandowski at 410-260-8634 or mlewandowski@dnr.state.md.us. If you are interested in volunteering, RSVP by contacting Jamie Brunkow, at riverkeeper@sassafrasriver.org  or 410-708-3303.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Hosting Picnic By the Bay

     St. Michaels, Md. -- The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is hosting a Picnic by the Bay night for museum members on Friday, June 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     The event will include a picnic with live music overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Choose your spot among the museum's outdoor exhibits, piers and living shoreline. Bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages for this fun family evening featuring acoustic folk music from the Royal Oak Musicians.
     For membership information visit http://www.cbmm.org/join.htm