Maryland Manual 1994-1995

vessels. The Program also undertakes ice breaking
and dredging, and constructs regional boating fa-
cilities and local small-boat launching ramps, piers,
and ancillary facilities.

PLANNING & POLICY PROGRAM
Bess Crandall, Director
(410) 974-2939

The Planning and Policy Program plans for the
use of Maryland's waterways and the location of
marine-related facilities. The Program also serves as
liaison with the boating industry

SHORE EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM
Leonard M. Larese-Casanova, Director
(410) 974-3727

The Shore Erosion Control Program began in
1975 and functioned as a distinct unit by 1979 (Chap-
ter 360, Acts of 1975). The Program provides techni-
cal assistance to property owners, communities, and
counties experiencing shore erosion. The Program
administers the Shore Erosion Control Revolving
Loan Fund, which provides interest-free loans for
project designs and construction to qualified appli-
cants. Matching grants are available for nonstructural
(vegetative) projects to control shore erosion. It also
provides construction supervision for State-financed
projects. The Program evaluates new materials and
methods for erosion control, and informs the public
about causes and prevention of shore and bank ero-
sion. The Program assesses and makes recommenda-
tions on erosion in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries
(Code Natural Resources Article, secs. 8-1001
through 8-1007).

OCEAN CITY BEACH REPLENISHMENT &
HURRICANE PROTECTION PROJECT
Leonard M. Larese-Casanova, Director
(410) 974-3727

The Ocean City Beach Replenishment and Hur-
ricane Protection Project provides storm protection
to Ocean City and maintains the recreation beach
used by some 4 million visitors annually. The Project
was constructed in two phases. Phase I established
a wide, gradually rising beach and level berm area.
It was completed in September 1988 and funded
by State government, Ocean City, and Worcester
County. Phase II included 1.8 miles of steel bulk-
head protecting the boardwalk and 7 miles of dunes
and berm to provide hurricane protection up to the
Delaware boundary line. It was jointly funded by
the State, Ocean City, Worcester County and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
State funding for Phase I, Phase II, and contin-
ued maintenance of the Project comes from the
Ocean Beach Replenishment Fund, established in
1986 (Chapter 606, Acts of 1986). The beach is to

be replenished every four years to retain its 100-year
storm protection level and ensure federal involve-
ment in case of a major catastrophe.

NATURAL RESOURCES
POLICE FORCE

Col. Franklin I. Wood, Superintendent
Lt. Col. C. T. Howes, Deputy Superintendent

Tawes State Office Building, C-3
580 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 974-3170

As Maryland's oldest State law enforcement
agency and one of the oldest conservation law enforce-
ment agencies in the country, the Natural Resources
Police Force traces its origins to 1868, when the State
Oyster Police Force was created to enforce oyster laws.
As the State Fishery Force, it was reorganized in 1874
under the Commissioner of Fisheries and, in 1880,
under the Board of Public Works. In 1922, the Force
became part of the newly formed Conservation De-
partment and was renamed Maryland Patrol and In-
spection Fleet. Marine enforcement by the Natural
Resources Police Force originated from responsibili-
ties of the early fisheries fleets.
For wildlife and inland fisheries, the creation of
the post of State Game Warden in 1896 provided a
system for uniformly enforcing conservation laws
across the State. After the appointment of a State
Game Warden, government programs were initi-
ated that still define the inland enforcement duties
of the Natural Resources Police Force. In 1922, the
post of State Game Warden became a part of the
Conservation Department along with the State
Fishery Force (renamed the Maryland Patrol and
Inspection Fleet). In 1939, the Conservation De-
partment was split into two departments: the De-
partment 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. Responsible for enforcing the Maryland
Boat Act of 1960, it became the Maryland State
Marine Police in 1962. After the Department of
Chesapeake Bay Affairs and the Department of
Game and Inland Fish were abolished, the Natural
Resources Police Force was created in 1972 within
the Department of Natural Resources (Chapter
348, Acts of 1972).
The Natural Resources Police Force has full
police powers throughout the State. The Force is
responsible for preserving the peace, preventing
crime, detecting and apprehending criminals, and
safeguarding individual rights.
The Force protects life and property, and serves as
the primary search and rescue agency on Maryland
waters and in rural areas of the State. Through enforce-