in a certificate. The regulations are intended to in-
form the public and provide guidance to potential
applicants.

The Board permits and encourages public par-
ticipation in the review process through publica-
tion of site applications, public informational
meetings and hearings, and adjudicatory hearings.

The Board consists of eight members appointed
by the Governor. The Maryland Association of
Counties, Maryland Municipal League, and
Maryland Chamber of Commerce each nominate
one member. Of the remaining four members, two
must be from the scientific community, one of
whom is a geologist, and two must be members of
the general public, one of whom has a demon-
strated record of involvement in environmental
matters. The Board represents the various geo-
graphical regions of the State. No two members
may be from the same county (Code Natural Re-
sources Article, sees. 3-701 through 3-713).

A brochure describing the Board's membership,
purpose, powers, statutory considerations, and re-
view process, as well as certain technical publica-
tions are available from the Secretary.

NATURAL RESOURCES POLICE
FORCE

Col. Jack T. Taylor, Superintendent

Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 974-2247/3181

Created in 1972, the Natural Resources Police
Force traces its beginnings to 1868, when the
State Oyster Police Force was formed to enforce
State oyster laws. Legislation enacted in 1874
brought all forces afloat under the Commission of
Fisheries and named the new unit the State Fish-
ery Force. In 1922, the Force became a part of
the Conservation Department and was known as
the Maryland Patrol and Inspection Fleet. The
marine enforcement activities of the Natural Re-
sources Police Force originated from responsibili-
ties of the early fleets.

From a wildlife and inland fisheries standpoint,
the creation of the post of State Game Warden in
1896 was the benchmark for a system that would
bring greater uniformity to the enforcement of
conservation laws across the State. Following the
appointment of a State Game Warden, govern-
ment programs began that are responsible for to-
day's inland enforcement activity of the Natural
Resources Police. In 1922, the post of State Game

Warden became a part of the Conservation De-
partment along with the State Fishery Force
(renamed the Maryland Patrol and Inspection
Fleet). In 1939, the Conservation Department was
split into two separate departments: the Depart-
ment of Tidewater Fisheries, and the Game and
Inland Fish Commission (later the Department of
Game and Inland Fish). The Marine Enforcement
Fleet then was named the Division of Inspection
and Patrol. In 1962, it became the Maryland State
Marine Police, responsible for enforcing the
Maryland Boat Act of 1960. After the Depart-
ment of Chesapeake Bay Affairs and the Depart-
ment of Game and Inland Fish were abolished,
the Natural Resources Police Force was created
in 1972 (Chapter 348, Acts of 1972).

The Natural Resources Police Force enforces
State laws and regulations pertaining to commer-
cial seafood harvesting and sport fishing, boating,
waterways pollution, and wildlife conservation. It
also conducts boating and firearms training and
hunting safety educational programs.

The Force inspects boats for conservation and
boating violations. It also inspects seafood proc-
essing houses and trucks carrying seafood cargo.
It arrests and issues warnings to violators of boat-
ing and conservation laws. The Force also investi-
gates boating accidents and reports them to the
U.S. Coast Guard.

Through enforcement of hunting and wildlife
conservation laws, the Force provides the primary
law enforcement service for a number of remote
areas in the State, as well as emergency services
when required. The Force is also the primary
search and rescue agency on the waters of the
State.

The Force operates the Natural Resources Po-
lice Academy at Matapeake, a central mainte-
nance and supply facility, and an aviation unit to
provide airborne surveillance and rescue services
to the enforcement programs and other agencies
of the Department.

TIDEWATER ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Paul Massicot, Administrator

Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 974-2926

The Tidewater Administration was created in
1979 (Chapter 601, Acts of 1979). The formation