The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed emissions standards that would reduce the exhaust products of gasoline- and diesel-powered marine engines built in 1998 or thereafter.
And while the headlines left some boaters gasping at the prospect of perhaps having to replace existing engines or motors or altering them to meet new emissions standards, take a moment and catch your breath.
Presently, there are no provisions to require retrofitting of existing engines and motors.
There is, however, a great deal to be said for the EPA's proposal because in the long run the changes to engines and motors will be beneficial to boaters and nonboaters alike.
According to the EPA, there are 12 million marine engines in the country and, among non-road engines, they produce the second highest levels of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, approximately 700,000 tons per year.
Decreasing those emissions will be beneficial to people with asthma or other respiratory problems and lessen the chance of chest pain or lung inflammation in others.
Another positive aspect of the emissions proposal is that engine FTC and motor manufacturers will have to create products that are easier to start, more economical to run, faster and quieter.
Duck stamp contest
Entries for the 1995-1996 Maryland Migratory Waterfowl Stamp design contest are now being accepted by the state's Department of Natural Resources. Entries will close March 3.
Rules and entry information are available by writing Waterfowl Stamp Contest, Public Communications Office, DNR, Tawes State Office Building, D-4, Annapolis 21401. Or call (410) 974-2035.
Names and places
Ronald Helinski, Maryland DNR's wildlife resource planning coordinator, has been presented the Ernest Thompson Seton Award by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for improving agency communications with hunters of deer and waterfowl, developing black bear management and communication strategy and a procedure for the development of Maryland's statewide Partners in Flight program.
OPENING SEASONS
Hunting seasons opening in Maryland over the next two weeks:
Tuesday-Feb. 7: Eastern cottontail rabbit in all areas east of Wills Creek in Allegany County. West of Wills Creek, season opened )) Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 31. Limit of four per day.
Tuesday: Quail in all areas of state with limit of six per day. Season closes Feb. 15 in areas east of I-83, I-695, I-95. Closure is Jan. 14 west of that line.
Tuesday-Dec. 31: Pheasant (male only) in all counties except Garrett.
Closed in Garrett. Limit one per day, two per season.
Nov. 21-25: Second split of dove season statewide.
Nov. 22-25: Second split of duck season statewide.
Nov. 23-25: Opening split of Canada goose season statewide.
Nov. 26-Dec. 10: Modern firearms for white-tailed and sika deer. For complete list of area regulations or restrictions, consult "Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland," which is issued with hunting license.
Note: Squirrel and ruffed grouse seasons opened Oct. 5 and close Jan. 31.