As millions of visitors flock to the peacefulness and beauty of Maryland's state parks and forests this summer, park rangers and staff are making additional efforts to protect the safety of campers and guests. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Forest and Park Service announces a new partnership entitled "Park Watch." Park Watch encourages visitors to help maintain clean and safe facilities by reporting crimes, suspicious persons or other illegal activities to park staff.

Through a unique partnership with Sign-A-Rama of W. Patrick Street in Frederick, owner Scott Van Lowe donated 100 Park Watch ($850 retail value) signs for installation in parks statewide.

The program also enhances customer service and helps educate park visitors of trail safety and etiquette, camping safety and park regulations. Trail Etiquette and Safety brochures are available at all parks for hikers to explain trail systems, trail hazards, right of way on multi-use trails and general hiking tips. Campers are asked to stop by park offices for a copy of a brochure that highlights campfire safety, tips on safe food handling and basic tent skills.

Park Watch focuses on several additional areas, such as DNR's "trash-free" policy, water safety and protection of natural resources.

Since 1993, Maryland's state parks have been "trash-free." In order to promote and encourage recycling, reduction of waste and reuse of our resources, all trash barrels, receptacles and dumpsters are no longer located in picnic and beach areas. Visitors to day-use areas are provided with bags when they enter parks and are asked to take home their own refuse. DNR asks visitors to please pack picnics in reusable containers to help keep parks clean.

Water safety brochures are available as well to remind families of the buddy system, proper inflatable aids, personal flotation devices and reminders of approved swimming locations.

To further protect Maryland's natural resources, visitors are reminded to leave natural areas as they are found. Visitors are reminded that it is illegal to harass and torment wildlife. Some state parks are home to rare and endangered plant species and animals and improper removal is forbidden.

DNR reminds all park visitors to always observe posted regulations and safey guidelines. Visitors should always let friends or family know where they are visiting and how long their visit is expected to last. Park offices have information on how to make inexpensive survival kits. Park visitors are reminded to always lock their vehicles and to keep valuables out of sight.

Every visitor to state parks and forests deserves clean and safe outdoor experiences. Through Park Watch, park staff and the help of citizens, all visitors will enjoy the beauty and diversity of Maryland's public lands.

Maryland's 47 state parks and six forests welcome more than 10 million visitors each year. Most Maryland families live within 40 minutes of a state park. Families can purchase a 1999 Maryland State Forests and Parks Family Fun Pass for $50, which offers: free day-use entry to state forests and parks for everyone in the vehicle; free boat launching; and a 20 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals. Two stickers for two-car families are included. Vehicle stickers cover entry service charges at parks with honor box systems. Senior citizens age 62 and over can request a FREE Golden Age Pass, which offers free day-use entry for the card-holder and half-priced camping service charges Sunday through Thursday. Both passes are available at any Maryland State Park or by calling 1-800-830-3974.

For camping reservations at Maryland State Parks, call the new 24-hour, toll-free reservation system at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). Callers talk with operators who will help them select the most appropriate rental from among more than 1,800 campsites, 50 cabins and 100 picnic shelters.

For more information about DNR and State Parks, visit our website at: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/

Related links at TheChesapeakeBay.com

• Maryland State Parks with Bay Access - 6/3/99