First I want to thank those that gave their valuable time to come to the
first meeting of the Coalition of Dredging Supporters (see list of attendees below).
For two hours we shared our efforts and frustrations to maintain the
waterways near and dear to our communities. Many ideas were raised, and
the two common issues were how to stop the continuing silting and how to
correct the damages already incurred.
But before we can move forward, it was agreed that we needed a better
name, and that we had to create a more formal alliance. Only then can
we organize into an effective lobbying organization.
Of the two issues - stormwater management and dredging - we should
decide whether we want to address both, or to concentrate our efforts on
one. I believe there are efforts already underway by two groups (the
Alliance for Sustainable Communities and the Chesapeake Rivers alliance
of the River Keepers) to address stormwater management. I don't know of
any organization addressing dredging, so I recommend we narrow our focus
to this one issue. Several of the rural creeks don't have the
stormwater management issues as in the developed areas, but definitely
need dredging.
The action items identified during the meeting include:
- to lobby for extension of time limits on existing dredging,
- to seek more funding for stormwater drain repairs,
- to influence the use of Waterway Improvement Funds,
- to help establish a stormwater utility tax and fund.
I will call a second meeting to firm-up a name and charter for our
alliance, and develop a plan of action. I thank those who volunteered
to help in the meantime, and will suggest specific efforts directly to
them. Plus I ask for input on a name, or your vote for one of the
following suggestions:
- Waterway Restoration Coalition
- Waterway Improvement Alliance
- Arundel Sediment Association
Bob Whitcomb, Acting President
| Attendees |
Organization |
| Bob Whitcomb, Bill Colbath, Joan Bell |
Saefern (120 homes), Clements Creek |
| Joan and Dennis Liddy, Steve Goins |
Cape Anne (150 homes) in Churchton, Broadwater Creek |
| Charlie Burke, Dale Dirks |
Harbor View (24 homes) in Mayo, Pooles Gut |
| Ray Augusterfer, Frank Pittelli |
Wilelinor (52 homes), Church Creek |
| Anne Pearson |
Alliance for Sustainable Communities |
| Jay Philips, Bob Emmet |
Duvall Creek Environmental Trust (off South River - 5 communities with 1600 homes, including Hillsmere) |
| Vern Penner |
Amberley (172 homes), Whitehall Creek |
| Mike McClane |
Providence (includes Cantlers Restaurant), Mill Creek (last dredged in 1998) |
| Gail Smith |
Community Liaison for County Executive's Office (lives at head of Weems Creek) |
| Evan Belaga |
Weems Creek |
| Geoffrey Thomas |
waterfront property owner on Weems Creek |
|
