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Boaters, watermen, coastal planners, aquaculturists \u2500 anyone interested in the preservation of Maryland\u2019s waterfronts \u2500 are invited to the Working Waterfronts Exchange\u00a0on June 18 in Cambridge. Experts and guests will have the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences, and discuss the results of an economic study on the topic.<\/p>\n
At the event, DNR\u2019s Chesapeake and Coastal Service will reveal the results of a six month business analysis of working waterfronts in Cambridge, as well as more information on the state\u2019s new Working Waterfronts Enhancement Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking waterfronts are critical to the well-being of our economy, providing access for water-dependent activities such as fishing, boating and various marine trades,\u201d said DNR Secretary Mark Belton.\u00a0 \u201cWith concerns for our ever-changing shorelines growing, the exchange aims to explore the future of these waterfronts, and the role they play in our community\u2019s identity and economic importance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carried out by DNR and the University of\u00a0Maryland\u2019s Environmental Finance Center, the study will be used to help develop a sustainable working waterfronts program for the city and a guidebook that can be applied to waterfront communities across the state.<\/p>\n
The event will also include sessions on cultural and heritage tourism, state and local planning, community visioning, and Maryland\u2019s seafood industry. Participants will discuss\u00a0local working waterfront planning, protection and economic development initiatives.<\/p>\n
This workshop is free and open to the public, but space is limited. The event will run from\u00a09:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.\u00a0at Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park, 200 Byrne Street, Cambridge, MD 21613.\u00a0 A\u00a0reception and tour at the Richardson Maritime Complex (Ruark Boatworks) will be held from\u00a03:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.\u00a0The deadline to register is Friday, June 12. <\/strong>Participants should indicate if their business\/organization would like a booth at the exchange\u2019s expo. More information and online registration is available at\u00a0dnr.maryland.gov\/ccs\/workingwaterfronts.asp<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information, contact\u00a0Nicole Carlozo, DNR Chesapeake and Coastal Service natural resource planner at 410-260-8726<\/a><\/u> or\u00a0nicole.carlozo@maryland.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n