ANNAPOLIS (March 29, 2012) – The Chesapeake BaySavers donated $5,000 to the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) last week to help protect the Bay from poachers. BaySavers Founder Evan Thalenberg presented the check to NRP Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson IV during the BaySavers’ open house.
“The Maryland Natural Resources Police are the only line of defense protecting the endangered and vulnerable Chesapeake Bay from poachers and polluters on behalf of the citizens of Maryland,” said Thalenberg. “They are a dedicated group working under difficult conditions to attempt to protect our beautiful Chesapeake Bay. They deserve all of the support we can give them as citizens.”
NRP plans to put the money directly into the Marine Law Enforcement Information Network (MLEIN), a system of radars and cameras set up to protect the Bay.
“MLEIN is what we call a force multiplier,” said Col. Johnson. “The system allows a single officer the ability to see and do more.”
The system, paid for by a Homeland Security grant and matching State funds, was designed to protect Maryland’s critical infrastructure on the Bay. The system also provides NRP with the ability to monitor the State’s oyster sanctuaries and protect them from poaching.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Chesapeake BaySavers for all their support and commitment. Organizations like this are critical in developing a safe and sustainable maritime environment,” said Col. George Johnson.
Chesapeake Baysavers is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay through advocacy work, hands-on youth environmental education programs and community outreach. For more information, visit www.chesapeakebaysavers.org.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources