Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association Central Poker Run Set for August 4

     Stevensville, Md. -- The Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association has scheduled its Central Poker Run 2012 for August 4. This year the Central Poker Run brings the adventure and teamwork of the TV show Survivor to the Chesapeake. The Run will include not only traditional poker hands but team events where Survivor “Squadrons” can earn bonus items and in keeping with the tradition of Survivor, the will also be an individual “bonus” idol hidden during the Run for you to find.

     Here is the event schedule:

9:00 – 11:00 Hemingway’s Outdoor Pavilion - Sign in, get some breakfast, get your first card, and participate in your first Survivor Challenge. (Hot breakfast and the usuals - Muffins, Donuts, Juice, Coffee, Water).
10:00 – 10:15 Mandatory Captains Meeting – event details, game rules, and safety information.
11:15 Depart for first card stop - Harbour Shack dock in Rock Hall.
12:30 – 2:30 Chester River Raft up, third card and second Survivor Challenge.
2:30 - 3:00 Head back to Red Eyes, and meet at the Mears Marina Pool Pavilion.
3:00 – 4:00 Final Survivor Challenge in the Pavilion.
4:00 – 5:00 Hit the Pool.
5:00 End of Poker Run.
5:00 – 7:30 Poker Run Wrap and Tribal Counsel – Mears Marina Pool Pavilion (Kent Narrows).
5:00 – Happy Hour (beer, water, Mikes Lemonade provided).
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Playing of the Poker Hands and 50/50! Trophies and more for the top three winner.
     To register visit cbpba.com.

Tall Ships, Navy Vessels, Fireworks Highlight Baltimore Sailabration

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised the Port of Baltimore will be hosting the Star Spangled Sailabration 2012, an international maritime festival that will launch Maryland's three-year War of 1812 bicentennial efforts, from June 13 until June 19. This event will bring dozens of Navy vessels and tall ships from the United States and international navies to the port. In addition to a parade of sail and fireworks, an air show featuring a demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is planned to be held in the vicinity of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which temporarily will close portions of the main navigation channels.

     It is anticipated the increased activity associated with this festival will result in some disruption in and potential delays to normal port operations. All entities conducting business in the port, including, but not limited to shipping lines, port operators, and vessel agents should plan accordingly. Specific details on Coast Guard established safety zones and other waterway closures resulting from planned festival activities will be provided in future Local Notice to Mariners publications. 

     For more information concerning the schedule of planned events, visit the Star Spangled 200 website at: http://www.starspangled200.com/events_list . 

     Questions concerning this announcement can be direct to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at 410-576-2519. Charts 12278, 12281.

Virginia Fly Fishing Festival April 21-22 in Waynesboro

     Waynesboro, Va. -- The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is held outside each spring on the banks of the South River in Waynesboro, Virginia. On April 21-22, the 12th annual Virginia Fly Fishing Festival will draw anglers from across the Mid-Atlantic with non-stop free lectures and tips on where, when, and how to fly fish in the Old Dominion and across the globe as well as wine-tasting and live music.

     Want to get started in fly fishing but don’t know where to begin? The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is the ideal place to get your feet wet in the sport. Are you an avid fly angler looking to take your skills to the next level? The festival is your one-stop shop for gear, expert advice, and even instruction.

     To find out more, visit  http://www.vaflyfishingfestival.org/

MSSA Fishing Fair Today and Tomorrow

     Solomons, Md. -- Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association Southern Maryland Chapter 19th Annual Fishing Fair is being held at the Solomons Firehouse today, March 24, and tomorrow at the Solomons Firehouse. The show runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
      Over 80 indoor and outdoor vendors are at the show with fishing tackle and supplies, new and used boats, door prizes and food and drink.
     Admission is $3. Kids 12 and under are free. Find out more at http://www.mssasmc.com.

Fishing Flea Market in Chestertown, Saturday, March 31

  Chestertown, Md. -- The Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company is holding a Fishing Flea Market on Saturday, March 31 beginning at 9 a.m. at the fire station, located at 211 Maple Avenue. There will be new and used fishing tackle and equipment for sale as well as crabbing supplies, nautical and wildlife art, and marine electronics.

     If you want to sell some old gear, or need more information, contact Fire Company President Trey Blackiston at 410-708-5859 or treyblackiston@yahoo.com.

Power Safety Through Seamanship Seminar Added to Safety-at-Sea Event

     Annapolis, Md. -- On Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st, 2012 the Marine Trades Association of Maryland and the Annapolis School of Seamanship will present a Power Safety Through Seamanship course in conjunction with the 33rd annual Annapolis Safety-at-Sea Seminar.

     The two-day course will include an interactive portion especially tailored to the needs and interests of motor boaters. Saturday focuses on large group seminars and discussions, plus the exciting live U. S. Coast Guard on-the-water helicopter rescue, life raft and signal flare demonstrations. The day concludes with an opportunity to visit with the presenters at the evening reception. Sunday involves an option for more hands-on training where participants can simulate an abandon ship scenario by getting into their choice of gear/PFDs and jumping into a pool, swimming to an inflated life raft and hauling themselves into the raft. Other options include engine repair, systems and navigation.

     Featured in the combined seminar are Ocean Prediction Center Meteorologist, Joe Sienkiewicz , Dr. Dan Carlin will present a medical information forum, and special guest RADM Mark Buzby will address Worldwide Maritime Safety and Security.

     As a special introductory rate, tickets are $200 -- and space is limited to 50 attendees. For additional ticket and event information contact the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, P.O. Box 3148, Annapolis MD 21403 on the web www.mtam.org or by telephone at 410-269-0741.

Safety Zone Established on Patapsco for Baltimore's New Year's Eve Celebration

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Baltimore, Maryland is scheduled to occur on Saturday, December 31, at midnight (rain date January 1 at 7 p.m.). As described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 100.506, the following two temporary safety zones will be established on the Patapsco River:

1. within a 100-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 17′ 03″ N, longitude 076° 36′ 36″ W, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southeast of Pier 1; and

2. within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 16′ 37″ N, longitude 076° 35′ 54″ W, at the western end of Northwest Harbor (Western Section).

     These safety zones will be enforced from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2011 through 1 a.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled at midnight (and if necessary due to inclement weather will be enforced from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled for 7 p.m.).

     The fireworks barges will have a sign on port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zones will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zones during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zones. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Chesapeake Bay Sea Glass Talk at Calvert Marine Museum

 Solomons, Md. -- Richard LaMotte, recognized sea glass expert and author of Pure Sea Glass, returns to the Calvert Marine Museum on Sunday, January 15 at 2 p.m. Bring your own sea glass for identification and learn everything you want to know about these treasures. Jewelry artists will be on hand with their handcrafted sea glass creations and the museum store will feature many new sea glass pieces available for purchase.
     Sea glass is glass that is found on beaches along oceans or large lakes that has been tumbled and smoothed by the water and sand into smooth frosted glass. "A lot of its attraction is nostalgia--wondering what it is and where it came from," said LaMotte. His book, with its beautiful photographs, presents some of the best sea glass ever collected.
     A limited number of pre-released copies of Sea Glass Hearts, by author/artist Josie Iselin will also be available.
     Jay Norris of Owings, Maryland will be on hand to share his hobby of creating colorful driftwood framed art out of his sea glass collection. Spending his life on the Chesapeake Bay collecting sea glass and shark's teeth, see how this hobby has turned pieces of frosted colored glass into amazing creations.
     Sunday Conversations with Chesapeake Authors Series is funded by The Patuxent Partnership with support from the Holiday Inn Solomons. Sunday Conversations are free events and will also be hosted on February 19 and March 25 at 2 p.m. at the museum.

Fall Folliage Paddle Planned for the Sassafras Nov. 6

     Kennedyville, Md. -- The Sassafras River Association is inviting paddlers to participate in an Autumn Paddle on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will begin and end at Turners Creek Park.
The cost of the paddle is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for all others.
     Paddlers can enjoy the vistas of Kent and Cecil counties like you have never seen them before. The fall foliage, the Canada geese, miles of sandy beaches, wild turkeys, and bald eagles can be seen as if through the eyes of Captain John Smith on his voyage of 1608 and the Tockwogh Indians that lived and thrived along these shores. If you have a canoe or a kayak and a life jacket bring them, along with a friend or family member. A limited number of canoes, kayaks, and life jackets will be provided if you do not have one.
     The event is co-sponsored by Kent County Parks and Recreation.
     Call 410-778-2083 or email info@KentParksAndRec.org for more information.

Festival-goers Will Vote for 'Best Oyster Stew' at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's OysterFest

     St. Michaels, Md. -- Six restaurants will compete for "best oyster stew" bragging rights when festival-goers sip, sample and cast their votes at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s (CBMM) November 5 OysterFest. This year’s participating restaurants all hail from St. Michaels and include Pascal’s Harbour Lights Restaurant at the St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Sherwood’s Landing at the Inn at Perry Cabin, Foxy’s Marina Bar, Town Dock Restaurant, the Crab Claw, and the Miles River Yacht Club.
     Samplings begin at 11 am and continue while supplies last through 12:30 pm, when the votes will be tallied and later announced from the decks of the Oystering on the Chesapeake building at 1pm. Event-goers can cast their votes by purchasing a limited number of $5 sampling mugs on the museum’s Fogg’s Cove side of campus, where the oyster stew competition takes place. The oyster stew will then be served by volunteers in a blind taste test to participants, who will then vote by ballot for their favorite stew.
     Last year’s first place winners were tied between Chef David Hayes of Pascal’s Harbour Lights Restaurant at the St. Michaels Harbour Inn and Chef Greg Brandberg of Sherwood’s Landing at the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels. Second place went to Chef Mark Salter of the Robert Morris Inn in Oxford, and third place went to Chef Bill Vincent from Character’s in St. Michaels. Other 2010 participants included Two if by Sea of Tilghman Island, the Crab Claw and Rupert's Tea Room, both of St. Michaels.
     Pascal’s Harbour Lights Restaurant will also be offering last year’s winning stew for purchase to festival-goers, beginning at 12:30 pm.
     OysterFest also features several oyster cooking demonstrations from local chefs, including Chef Seth Willis of Town Dock restaurant at 11:30 am, Chef Aaron McCloud of the Inn at Perry Cabin’s Sherwood’s Landing at 12:30 pm, Chef David McCallum of Tilghman Island Inn at 1:30 pm, and Chef Barbara Hellish of the Miles River Yacht Club at 2:30 pm.
     OysterFest takes place from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, November 5, and also includes live music on two stages, oysters and other food, children’s activities, boat rides, oyster demonstrations and harvesting displays, retriever demonstrations, and more.
     Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $6 for children between the ages of six and 17. Children five years and under and CBMM members are admitted free. Food and boat rides are an additional cost. For more information, visit www.cbmm.org/oysterfest or call 410-745-2916.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Offering Free Admission for Delmarva Residents

     St. Michaels, Md. -- Free admission to the 18-acre waterfront campus and new exhibits of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, is being offered to Delmarva residents during the Museum’s September 6-9 Delmarva Days recognition.
     During the four days, free admission will be given to residents showing their Delmarva address on a piece of identification or mail. The Delmarva region includes the entire state of Delaware and the... Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia.
     General admission is otherwise free for museum members and kids under 6, or $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children 6-17. Free admission is also offered to active military individuals.
     The museum features new art and decoy exhibits as well as a floating fleet of historic vessels, the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, and many hands-on exhibits that share the stories of how people live, work, and play along the entire Chesapeake Bay.
     The museum is open 9am to 5pm seven days a week, with picnics and dogs welcome. For more information, visit the museum in St. Michaels, online at www.cbmm.org, or call 410-745-2916.

Annapolis Community Boating Hosting Full Moon Paddle

     Annapolis, Md. -- Annapolis Community Boating is hosting a Full Moon Paddle on Friday, September 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Back Creek Nature Park Boating Center.
     Participants can unwind from the work week with ACB on a Full Moon Paddle. If you missed the July or August Full Moon Paddle, you missed a great time on the water! Show up at 6:30 p.m. for burgers and dogs on the grill, bring a dish to share. After dinner, board one of our paddle boats and head on out under the bright moon light.
     The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
     Advance registration is required. Find out more at http://www.annapolisboating.org

Waterman's Appreciation Day Coming to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

     St. Michaels, Md. -- With steamed crabs, cold beer, a boat docking contest, and the live music of Bird Dog and the Road Kings, the traditions of the Chesapeake are all part of the Talbot County Watermen’s Association’s 2nd Annual Watermen’s Appreciation Day on Sunday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland.
     This year features a special appearance by Edgar Hansen of the fishing vessel Northwestern—as featured on Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch.” Hansen will be available for autographs and plans to be a passenger aboard one of the boats in the docking contest.
     The “Watermen’s Rodeo” or boat docking contest begins at 11 a.m. along the museum’s Foggs Cove. Following the boat docking contest, which is slated to end around 3:30 p.m., event-goers can participate in a jigger-throwing contest and earn bragging rights for the farthest toss.
     At noon, the day’s catch of crabs will be steamed up and served in a traditional Maryland crab feast, with live music beginning at 1 p.m. from the Eastern Shore’s favorite band, Bird Dog and the Road Kings. Hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, cake, and snow cones will also be available. Check out the working watermen’s boats along the waterfront during this event, or tour the museum’s 18-acre waterfront campus and ten exhibit buildings, including the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and the Oystering on the Chesapeake exhibits.
     Kid’s games and family activities will also be a part of the day’s offerings, including knot tying demonstrations, model boat building, and more. Free boat rides on the museum’s replica buyboat, Mister Jim, will be available every half hour from 10:30 to 4:30 p.m.
     You can also bid on a number of items in the Watermen’s Association’s silent auction alongside the museum’s Small Boat Shed and includes artwork by Marc Castelli. Bids will be taken until 4:30pm, with proceeds supporting oyster restoration projects on the bay.
     Admission includes the crab feast, hot dogs, hamburgers, free boat rides, and non-alcoholic drinks and is $25 for adults, or $16 for children ages 6-17, with kids under six fed and admitted for free. Museum members get into the event for free, with crab feast wristbands available for members at $15 per adult, or $6 for children ages 6-17. Beer and additional food will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

Chester River Runoff to Perform at the Ruark Boatworks

     Cambridge, Md. --  The James B. Richardson Foundation, Inc. is presenting live music Wednesday evenings throughout the summer months on Cambridge Creek at the Ruark Boatworks, located at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Hayward Street in Cambridge. The foundation requests a $5 donation for those 12 and older. Lawn seating only, bring chairs or blankets. Hot Dogs, nachos, snow cones, ice cream and drinks will be available for purchase.
     The rain location for concerts is inside the Richardson Maritime Museum, 401 High Street in Cambridge. For more information on this live music series, contact Gladys Taylor at 410-221-1871, stop by the Ruark Boatworks or visit www.richardsonmuseum.org.
     For harmonies, run away instrumentals and sheer delight, no one does bluegrass like Chester River Runoff. This group of enterprising young men from the Chestertown countryside have honed their musical prowess through hours of barn practice and miles on the road. Their repertoire goes well beyond the bluegrass standards to embrace homegrown material that reflects their Eastern Shore roots: call it eelgrass, call it bluecrabgrass, call it an incredible mix of fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass and vocals. Come hear them at The Ruark Boatworks on Wednesday, July 27 from 6 to 8 pm.
     Many musical groups describe themselves as "a family." But in the case of Chester River Runoff, it's not a simple cliché. It's an accurate description. For nearly seven years they've been laughing, bickering, and making music together from their home on the Eastern Shore and up and down the East Coast. The band is known for shows that combine three and four-part harmonies and a mastery of the bluegrass idiom with the high energy of some of the more far-flung torch-bearers of modern acoustic music.
     Says banjo player Sam Guthridge, "For the first few years we did our homework on traditional bluegrass until we got a handle on it, and then we moved on to doing our own thing. The time we spent really trying to toe the line on bluegrass traditions sets us apart from a lot of the bands we're compared to."
     No strict traditionalists, the Runoff's original songs draw inspiration from all over the map, and their sets are sprinkled with covers from artists as disparate as Pavement and Waylon Jennings, as well as songs the band has mined from old field recordings.
     Guthridge and guitarist Ben Armiger formed the band in the fall of 2004. After losing their original bassist and mandolin player, the pair did some searching and managed to convince bassist Marc Dykeman and ace fiddler Nate Grower to come along for the ride. Over the next 5 years, Dykeman and Grower became integral to the group, with Dykeman's rock-and-roll background livening up the mixture and Grower bringing the bluegrass chops that have enabled him to share the stage with some of the genre's legends.
     Chester River Runoff now plays at numerous venues and festivals up and down the East Coast. With the release of their debut studio album "Blue Heron Farm," and a consistent drive to write, learn, and expand their musical horizons, more growth is on the way for the band.

Powerboat Races on the Choptank this Weekend

     Cambridge, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Cambridge Classic Power Boat Regatta” boat races will be held on the Choptank River at Cambridge, Maryland, July 23-24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The event consists of various classes of highspeed power boats operating on a racetrack-type course located between Hambrooks Bar and Great Marsh Point.
     Mariners are urged to reduce to the minimum speed necessary to maintain course while operating near the race course area during the event. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander on scene can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, if necessary. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts12266

Fish for Free in Maryland on July 4th

     Annapolis, Md. -- Each year the state of Maryland encourages new anglers and visitors to sample the state’s excellent fishing opportunities by fishing without licenses on the first two Saturdays of June and on July 4th.
     “This is an excellent opportunity to check out the exceptional fishing that Maryland offers,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I encourage everyone to take their families and friends to our abundant streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, and bays for some quality time. Consider spreading your passion for fishing by introducing a new angler to the sport.”
     Free-fishing anglers must adhere to minimum size and creel limits for the 62 species that are managed by DNR, of course.
     Fishing regulations and a downloadable copy of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide are available online at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/regindex.asp. Copies of the 2011 Fishing Guide are also available at most tackle shops and at the seven DNR Service Centers around the state.
     Anglers fishing on state free fishing days do not need to register with the National Saltwater Angler registry.
     DNR Service Center information is available at dnr.maryland.gov/service/center.asp. For information on the National Saltwater Angler Registry go to dnr.maryland.gov/swregistry.asp.
     DNR encourages anglers of all ages to share photos of and information about the fish they catch by reporting through the DNR Angler’s Log—dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/log.

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

Museum Offering Opportunity to Assist with Skipjack Restoration

     St. Michaels, MD -- The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum along the Miles River in St. Michaels is offering the public a rare opportunity to be a part of the Rosie Parks skipjack restoration project with its recently launched Community Work Days program.

     As part of the program, the museum will be opening its campus every Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to community members wanting to volunteer while learning the art of boatbuilding from CBMM’s Master Shipwright, Marc Barto.

     Volunteers will assist in activities like tearing out the keel, stem and centerboard while learning how to build and install new ones. Volunteers must be 16 or older and have an interest in carpentry. All skillsets are welcome and women are encouraged to participate. Pre-registration is accepted, but not required.

     The museum is open daily, and celebrates the way people live, work, and play on the Bay. To learn more, visit www.cbmm.org/rosieparks.htm, call 410-745-2916 or email havefun@cbmm.org.