Biking, Hiking and Paddling in St. Mary’s County

Posted by chris on November 5, 2010

Everything You Need to Know
about Biking & Hiking & Paddling
in St. Mary’s County

An evening presentation on
THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

Experts telling us about the best places to
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE NATURAL WORLD.

Special Attraction: Information about the new public property at Newtowne Neck will be provided– 770 wooded acres touching Breton Bay, St. Clement’s Bay and the Potomac River and it’s all yours!

Tuesday November 16, 7:00 pm

Southern Maryland Higher Education Center
44219 Airport Road, California

Brought to you by: Potomac River Association

More info: 301-769-3840
E-mail: dlindsley@verizon.net

FREE movie screening of Food, Inc

Posted by chris on October 29, 2010

The campaign to arsenic out of chicken feed is still going strong! Statewide, we have gathered nearly 3,000 postcards in support of the bill in the Spring and we have over 60 organizations and businesses that have endorsed the campaign. In St. Mary’s County, we have generated 37 hand-written letters to Senator Roy Dyson, showing him why we care about safe food.

We want to keep the momentum alive and get more people involved in this tremendous statewide effort.

Food & Water Watch will be hosting a FREE movie screening of Food, Inc.
Saturday, October 30th 1-3pm
Lexington Park Public Library

Food, Inc is an Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature for its take on the modern day industrialized food system. Featured in the movie is Carole Morrison, former Perdue contracted farmer, and her experience with chicken farming on the Eastern Shore.

We would love for you to be there! If you’re interested in volunteering for the event, please let me know.

Environmental Issues Questionnaire

Posted by chris on October 19, 2010

Sponsored by Potomac River Association, Sierra Club, Friends of Myrtle Point and Patuxent RiverKeeper

The questions below were sent to candidates for county commissioner in St. Mary’s County. Beneath each question is a range of possible answers indicating the strength of the respondents feelings about the issue.

A. Do you think Maryland’s Critical Area Regulations should be made more strict or made less strict?
More Strict–1–2–3–4–5–Less Strict

B. Do you think human activities contribute to global climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases?
Yes –1–2–3–4–5–No

C. Do you think the county needs to improve inspection and enforcement of stormwater control measures or that current inspection and enforcement is adequate?
Needs Improvement –1–2–3–4–5–Currently adequate

D. Do you think the Board of Appeals needs to be more strict or less strict about the granting of variances?
More Strict –1–2–3–4–5–Less Strict

E. Governor O’Malley’s oyster restoration plan involves setting aside some areas of rivers as oyster sanctuaries and closing those areas to commercial harvesting. Do you think is a good idea or a bad idea?
Good Idea –1–2–3–4–5–Bad idea

F. Do you think that development projects along Indian Bridge Road should be delayed or prevented by the presence of the rare toad that is said to live in the vicinity?
Yes—1–2–3–4–5–No

G. When do you think the rights of an endangered insect or plant take precedence over the rights of an individual property owner?
Always–1–2–3–4–5–Never

H. All buildings constructed in St. Mary’s County using public money should be built to the highest environmental standards, like Evergreen Elementary.
Yes–1–2–3–4–5–No

The table below summarizes the candidates’ responses. The letters across the top of the grid correspond to the questions A through H above. The numbers indicate where the candidate places his or her response on the scale accompanying each question.

The candidates were also invited to send in written responses amplifying their answers or describing their environmental policies or beliefs more generally. The extended remarks of the candidates can be viewed at the Green Southern Maryland website (http://www.greensomd.com/candidates-county-commissioner/).

The sponsors of the survey wish to commend the respondents for their willingness to help the voters of St. Mary’s County make informed decisions on Election Day, November 2.

Candidates for County Commissioner on Environmental Issues

Posted by chris on

The statements below were submitted by candidates for county commissioner in St. Mary’s County in response to an invitation from the Potomac River Association. Commissioner

On Critical Areas regulation:

“The Critical Area Regulations should be reviewed periodically to protect the Bay wildlife and tributaries. As conditions change then regulations should be made more strict or less strict.”
–Mary Washington

On Global Climate Change:

“Deforestation, agriculture and industrial practices contribute to global changes.”
–Mary Washington

On control inspection and enforcement of stormwater controls:

“According to 4-206 of the Environment Article, ACM, this program should be reviewed every three years. Citizen input and public hearing.”
–Mary Washington

“Additional staff may be required to adequately support inspection and enforcement of storm water control measures either from the state and/or county.”
–Elfreda Mathis

“Stormwater run off has received attention recently with the new state regulations. I will look to grow in the development districts….minimizing sprawl and allowing for pedestrian and bicycle routes. New ways of “going up instead of out” may be in our future.”
–Arthur Shepherd

On the Board of Appeals and the granting of variances:

“Variance may be granted under 77.6 if there are exceptional conditions/circumstances. I do not have the data on how many variances have been granted but would be willing to investigate.”
–Mary Washington

“We must accept the fact that we live on a peninsula with a high water table. Development and variance decisions must consider our fragile environment and the productive livability of people in certain areas. Variances should be considered on a case by case basis to be guided by the topography of the land and the composition of the soil. “
–Elfreda Mathis

“The Board of Appeals makes decisions on a “case by case” basis. I’m sure some cases reflect an adversarial position to environmental protection. Guidelines, regulations, and laws should direct their decision. Not too well informed of their history. Good people I’m sure.”
–Arthur Shepherd

On Governor O’Malley’s oyster restoration program:

“We need to rebuild our oyster population and have a public fishery that is scientifically based.”
–Mary Washington

“The restoration plan started under Gov. Erlich and identified all parts of the St. Mary’s River as a sanctuary. The plan was modified under Gov. O’ Malley. Oysters are natural filters for the bay and rivers. Due to the current health of the rivers it is necessary to have a period of time for restoration It may be about a period of 3 years or more to document the evidence of restoration. This will in the long term impact the healthy production of oysters in other areas. I know that watermen support a healthy bay and rivers. We also need sustainable efforts to reduce pollution. Healthy conditions are necessary for the productive viability of the water from which we get our food sources. I am concerned about the impact to family watermen who will lose income while the restoration efforts take effect. I would support some level of state compensation during the restoration period for those affected watermen.”
–Elfreda Mathis

On the delay or prevention of development plans due to the presence of endangered species:

“If we follow St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan then we must adhere to chapter 5.”
–Mary Washington

We must do everything in our power to protect and conserve wildlife so they will not become extinct.”
–Mary Washington

“Nature has determined an ecological balance. Clear evidence of anything that would disturb the ecological balance must be offered. Part of Indian Bridge Road continues to be most suitable for farmland. While other parts on higher ground may be suitable for small development. The problem is informing homeowners about potential hazards when living in low lying areas such as: flooding, mold, and mildew, etc. There are always problem/solution opportunities when decisions affect the natural order of the food chain and the livability of people and animals together.”
–Elfreda Mathis

“It is the goal of man to live in harmony with each other and our environment. The rights of individual property owners must always be respected in a democracy. Informed decisions of property owners must be based on knowledge of environmentally sensitive areas, environmental conflicts, regulations and issues affecting the livability in the area and the possibility of unintended consequences.”
–Elfreda Mathis

On green building standards:

“We must become more proactive in building green, environmentally-friendly structures.”
–Mary Washington

“When possible I believe new facilities should be designed towards green standards.”
–Arthur Shepherd

On environmental issues generally:

“Undoubtedly we are witnessing a changing environment that is being argued by scientists and laymen worldwide. As a County Commissioner candidate I think it is a requirement to enhance and protect our rural landscape from overdevelopment, yet simultaneously balance the needs of our community.

AS A CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION, SIERRA CLUB, AND ST. MARY’S RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION MEMBER, AND POTENTIAL FUTURE COMMISSIONER, I HAVE MANY GOALS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY’S CHARACTER AS RURAL AS WE CAN; YET, I UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN’T STOP THE CONTINUUM OF GROWTH. GROWTH NEEDS TO BE BALANCED AND I WILL NOT BE AN ADVOCATE FOR GROWTH PURELY FOR GROWTH’S SAKE.

One of my major concerns is the development of the Lexington Park development district and its effects on the St. Mary’s River watershed. This watershed is the only drainage basin we can truly call our own and one that we have the ability to protect.

There is much we can do to support environmental initiatives without having to create layers of competing bureaucracies that conflict and contradict each other in interpretation and implementation. Our citizens are penalized by such actions, yet they pay the bills.

IF ELECTED, SOME OF MY EARLY PRIORITIES WOULD INCLUDE ATTEMPTING TO FIND MORE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING. TO ME, IT IS THE SIMPLEST MOST COST-EFFECTIVE FIRST STEP THAT WE CAN ALL DO AS CITIZENS OF ST. MARY’S COUNTY TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. I WOULD BE A PROPONENT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WOULD USE RENEWABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS SOLAR OR WIND, AND POSSIBLY TRY TO GET ENERGY TAX CREDITS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL FOR ITS USE. FINALLY, I AM A STRONG PROPONENT OF LEED CERTIFIED CONSTRUCTION AND WOULD ENCOURAGE THIS FOR NOT ONLY PUBLICALLY FUNDED PROJECTS, BUT I ALSO ENCOURAGE IT FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS AS WELL. WITHIN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY, I HAVE BEEN AN ADVOCATE OF A PRIVATE, NEW CONSTRUCTION FACILITY THAT WILL MEET THE LEED SILVER CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.”
–Todd Morgan

“The number one choice for cleaning up the Bay is restoring the oyster population. Much of the environmental regulations are inconsequential if we cannot naturally filter the water.

The debate on Global Warming is a smokescreen for dividing what could be a unified citizenry regarding clean efficient electric vehicles. The technology exists today for 300 mile per charge high performance EVs. Both sides of Congress are determined to keep this technology on the shelf to assist the fossil fuel industry.

Presently, economic survival is superceding environmental concerns. It makes nosense to have a nice to live if you cannot afford to live there.”
–Larry Jarboe

“Our local environment should be protected. By protecting nature we most often are protecting people and securing our future.

Environmental issues quite often are better managed when citizens are educated on the results of their actions….positive or environmentally damaging. If elected I will lead by example and use my leadership to educate at a consistent and rapid rate. Individuals need to know what they can and should not do to enhance and protect the environment such as: Recycle, utilize re-usable bags (minimizing trash), develop rain gardens, walk and bike, minimize watering lawns and fertilizing, minimize green house emissions

The Chesapeake Bay is our treasure. It must be protected. I also know that our builders and developers need to be positioned to create jobs and claim the most from their property assets. I will seek the best options… with my eye on the Chesapeake Bay.”
–Arthur Shepherd

Green Southern Maryland Signs on to Support Arsenic Ban

Posted by chris on September 26, 2010

Chicken factory farms on the Delmarva Peninsula have been using arsenic in their chicken feed as a growth promoter for the last 60 years. Arsenic is a known carcinogen and is more commonly used in rat poison. A nationwide study found detectable traces of arsenic in the chicken we eat everyday: 100 percent in the tested chicken in fast food restaurants and 74 percent of the chicken we buy in grocery stores. Public health problems linked to chronic exposure to this toxin include lung and kidney cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders in children. In addition, these factory farms produce waste equivalent to a city of 4 million people (Maryland’s population is only 6 million) and the waste, along with the arsenic, is running off into the Chesapeake Bay, threatening our water, fisheries, and oysters. It’s time to put an end to this harmful practice—the European Union banned arsenic in chicken feed over 10 years ago. At Food and Water Watch, we are working on a statewide campaign to pass a bill in the spring to permanently ban arsenic from chicken feed, but Maryland state representatives need to see that there is broad public support for this issue. In Southern Maryland, we are asking Senator Roy Dyson and Delegate Anthony O’Donnell to stand up for Maryland’s public health and environment. For more information on how you can help, log onto: www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/foodsafety/act-now-for-poison-free-poultry-in-md/ or contact Shelley Alingas at shelley@greencorps.org.

Dear Member of the General Assembly,

In the last 50 years, the chicken industry in Maryland has changed dramatically.  Today, unlike in the past, hundreds of thousands of chickens are grown in large-scale facilities by a small number of farmers. Unfortunately, a normal practice of this increasingly industrialized poultry system is the use of arsenic as part of a chicken’s diet, which poses a threat to public health and the environment. We urge you to take action to protect Maryland residents by ending the use of arsenic in the poultry production.

Used originally to treat intestinal disease in chickens, arsenic is now also used as a growth promoter and cosmetic additive in chicken feed. Its use creates several routes for potential exposure to arsenic, including human ingestion of arsenic that remains in the chicken’s body when eaten.  A recent study found that 55% of chicken in grocery stores and 100% of chicken bought in fast food restaurants had detectable traces of arsenic.  Arsenic from chicken litter also ends up in local crop fields and can contaminate ground and surface water.  On the Delmarva Peninsula, for instance, 11 million chickens a week are raised by approximately 1,700 chicken operations, producing more waste than a city of 4 million people.

New scientific research reveals that arsenic in poultry feed poses significant risks for both human health and the environment:

• Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with increased risk for bladder, kidney, lung, liver, and colon cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological problems in children
• Manure produced on the Delmarva Peninsula far exceeds the local need to fertilize crops, by two or three times as much in some areas, posing serious potential for excess runoff into the Chesapeake Bay
• An analysis of Delmarva tap water found higher levels of arsenic where chicken litter is spread on fields than where it is not. Groundwater tests throughout Maryland’s coastal plains found arsenic concentrations that reached up to 13 times the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tolerance limit

Maryland residents do not need further arsenic exposure from the chicken they eat or in their local environment. Researchers are developing alternatives to treat intestinal disease in chickens, including probiotics and vaccines. Yet many in the poultry industry vigorously defend the effectiveness and safety of arsenicals and tries to pin any consumer exposure to arsenic on naturally occurring levels in the environment. It should not be left to consumers to reconcile company claims with limited data about arsenic use.

Maryland has the opportunity to be a model for a nation-wide transition towards a healthier and more sustainable model of chicken production.  We, the undersigned organizations, urge you to support legislation to end the use of arsenic in the poultry industry and to sign the pledge to support poison-free poultry in Maryland.

Annual Going Green & Code Update Expo

Posted by chris on September 12, 2010

The St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment and Plumbing & Fuel Gas Board are pleased to present the Annual Going Green & Code Update Expo. Local and regional companies, vendors and experts will be on hand to provide attendees with information on green development, green building technologies and sustainable practices that homeowners, builders and contractors can use to save precious environmental resources and their hard-earned dollars.

Riverfest 2010

Posted by chris on

Saturday, September 25, 2010
10 AM to 5 PM
at Historic St. Mary’s City

Wade In with Senator Bernie Fowler (2 PM)
Mutts Gone Nuts (1PM & 3 PM)
Tall Ships
Live Music, Dance, and Skits
Exhibits & Demonstrations
Kayaking, Oyster Tonging
Crafts, Artwork, Rain Barrels
Food & Drinks Available
FREE – Admission to the Museum
FREE – Conservation at home booklets
And Much More!

More Information at the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association

Experience an Authentic Adventure on the Southern Maryland Trails

Posted by chris on

Close your eyes and imagine stepping away, just for a weekend, from the swirling pace of a hectic lifestyle, from stamped-out fast food, crowded stores and another afternoon staring at an electronic screen.

Imagine slipping into an excursion focused on simplicity and authenticity. Perhaps you take the kids to a farm where they can dash through a sorghum maze or gaze at animals that aren’t animated. Or maybe you’ll browse a potter’s private studio looking for a handmade treasure. You could savor good food grown just down the road, chat with the vintner as you experience a new wine and wind down your evening in a cozy B&B.

Well, the newest Southern Maryland Trails: Earth, Art, Imagination is your guidebook for just such an adventure. The fourth edition of this 128-page publication, released Sept. 7, is available free from partner sites, designated pickup sites and visitor centers in Maryland (listed on the website at www.somdtrails.com). Touted as “your guide to all things handmade, homegrown, locally harvested and authentically Southern Maryland,” the book details the region’s best art, food, wine, lodgings and farms in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties.

Created by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), the Trails program highlights the area’s natural beauty, culture and agricultural heritage. The intent is to showcase the area’s destination farms, including corn mazes and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms, alongside similar locally owned businesses, parks and cultural destinations in a travel package that’s convenient and attractive to tourists and locals alike. Site descriptions in the book are augmented with contact info, site hours and driving directions and are arranged geographically so users can easily plan a day or weekend “Trails Trip.” Detailed maps, abundant photos and lively sidebar stories give the reader colorful insights into the spirit of the area.

“I’m very excited about being included in the Southern Maryland Trails Guidebook this year,” said Misti Dayton of Treadles Studio in Leonardtown, one of the new sites in this edition. Her studio offers classes in spinning and weaving, and her own fiber art pieces are available in the adjacent gallery, the Craft Guild Shop, also a new addition to the Trails. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be included with so many talented artists, great galleries and terrific farms.”

“The Trails program has become a very strong presence in the region,” said Dr. Christine Bergmark, executive director of SMADC. “I think it owes some of its success to the fact that visitors feel really good about shopping and dining at these places owned by local farmers and artists.

“They feel like they are supporting their community,” Bergmark said. “Plus, I think they generally have a really good time and get to enjoy quality food and custom made art. That’s a win-win scenario all around.”

What’s New on the Trails?

The new book features 30 new sites including four farms, four artist studios, eight eateries and a new winery. The Park at Williford Farms, a new site along the Heron’s Flight (the trail centered mainly in Charles County), offers pony rides, a party barn, a woodland trail and an animal park with pot-bellied pigs, alpacas and a miniature donkey.

Hess House, a bed and breakfast just added on the Barnwood and Beach Glass Loop (primarily in St. Mary’s County) is a restored 1915 Piney Point beach house filled with fascinating local memorabilia gathered through the years by owner J. Whitson Rogers. And also new to this Trail is the recently launched Port of Leonardtown Winery run by a cooperative of Southern Maryland wine growers.

The Turnbuckle Hop (the Trail centered mainly in Prince George’s/Anne Arundel counties) features several new eateries, from the casual and quirky bb Bistro (“make love, not processed food!”) to the upscale and elegant Sam’s on the Waterfront.

And new to the Calvert County Trail, called the Fossils and Farmscapes Ramble, is Water’s Edge Studio, run by painter and jewelry artist Joan Humphreys, whose custom jewelry creations often feature recycled materials and intricate beadwork.

In this edition, the Trails began incorporating lively arts venues into the mix of Trails sites, including a summer concert series paired with a weekly farmers’ market at O’Donnell Lake in Waldorf and The Colonial Players, a local theater troupe in Annapolis.

The book also includes a detailed calendar listing of the area’s most popular annual events and festivals and an Imaginative Itineraries chapter with themed Trails trips. These center around specific interests, for example The Great Girlfriend Gallery Hop Getaway features a cluster of local galleries and elegant eateries arranged as an easy, daylong outing and the Golden Gourmet and Gardens Tour highlights a series of sites suitable for senior citizens or those whose mobility is impaired.

October is Trails Month

The new edition of the guidebook will be released just in time for the annual October is Trails Month promotion. October was designated Trails Month because there is already an abundance of festivals, events and activities (many hosted by partner sites) set against the region’s lovely foliage and comfortable weather. Agritourism farms are in full swing also, offering mazes, hayrides, crafts and other family fun. Many partner sites offer incentives throughout the month, including discounts and free gifts, to those that mention the Trails.

To get a free copy of the new Southern Maryland Trails guidebook, visit a participating partner site or pickup site. See a listing at www.somdtrails.com

Odwalla Plant a Tree For Maryland

Posted by chris on August 29, 2010

http://www.odwalla.com/plantatree/_MD.jsp

On the site people go and plant a virtual trees in the state of their choice which then translates into $5 for every vote. These funds, which are donated by Odwalla, then go to plant native trees in state parks. Maryland is currently in 4th place Nation wide with over $13,400 in pledged funds.

Join ACLT and Take a walk along the Bay

Posted by chris on July 24, 2010

Take a walk along the Bay with Smithsonian Marine Biologist Denise Breitburg and Chesapeake Bay Foundation Grassroots Restoration Coordinator Marcy Damon

Take a walk in the Woods with Appalachian Trail hiker and naturalist Carolyn Ebel

Join us to explore Bay wildlife, the shoreline, native plants, and forests where Parkers Creek runs into the Bay

August 28, 2010
10 am – noon
Port Republic, MD

*This event is a special thank-you incentive to all new members who join the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) between July 20 and August 28, 2010 (and to current members who recruit a new member)

ACLT has preserved 3,000 acres and maintains over 15 miles of trails in Calvert County.

Canoe – explore – hike – volunteer – participate

Annual membership for individuals or families – only $35

For more information
contact Joy
410-414-3400
email: info@acltweb.org

www.acltweb.org