By somd.com Staff Writers
CALIFORNIA, Md. (March 15, 2011) — State funds are available to remove objects in waterways that are obstructions to navigation and can pose hazards to the environment and the boating public — such as abandoned boats and equipment, fallen trees, and storm debris.
The funding is made available through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Waterway Improvement Program. Some funds are provided to county governments to administer locally.
To report abandoned boats, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-628-9944.
Boat owners looking to dispose of their no-longer-desired vessels are advised not to scuttle them in public waterways. Doing so in Maryland can result in jail time and fines, in addition to the cost to remove the boat. In April 2009, Jon Lore, Jr., of Lexington Park, was found guilty of abandoning a boat on waters of the State. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail (suspended) and given 18 months unsupervised probation. He was order to pay restitution, which the State originally estimated at $13,855.00.
For debris removal in St. Mary's County, call David Guyther, Parks Manager, at 301-863-8400 ext. 3571.