Legislating Begins Pollution Diet - Sierra Club...year, I’ve been involved with the Energy Team. Specifically I led one Coal Coun-try screening, contacted Cool Cities rep-resentatives,

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By Betsy Johnson—Many thanks to all who partici-pated in our political program this year! Thanks to youMaryland was a blue gem in a sea of red. Our 131 en-dorsed candidates made the environment a top issue inthis election and 84% of them won! While we regretthe loss of Congressman Frank Kratovil in MD-01, werejoice in all of the great teamwork that resulted in winsfor Martin O’Malley as governor and Mike Busch asSpeaker of the House of Delegates. The governor andHouse Speaker are important linchpins in our legisla-tive strategy. We worked hard to elect them and will bereaching out to them in the upcoming legislative ses-sion.

We also worked to elect to the Maryland Senatenewcomers Karen Montgomery (14) and Bill Ferguson(46), and to the Maryland House of Delegates, C.T.Wilson (28) and Eric Leudtke (14), among others. Andthere were some significant wins at the local level, suchas Chris Trumbauer as councilmember in Anne Arundel;Candace Quinn Kelly and Ken Robinson for the CharlesCounty Board of Commissioners,where Kelly will serveas president; Mary Lehman as councilmember in PrinceGeorges and Hans Riemer as councilmember in Mont-gomery.

Thanks to our political work, we have a platformfrom which to reach out to these legislators and encour-age them to strengthen Maryland’s approach to climatechange and to help us save our most precious places likethe Mattawoman Creek. You can see all our wins andlosses on our webpage at: http://maryland.sierraclub.org/action/p0299.asp

EPA Pushes States to Put the Bay on aPollution Diet

By Carol Nau—In August, the Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) announced further plans to put theailing Chesapeake Bay on a “pollution diet,” and pre-sented proposed sediment limits for the six states andthe District of Columbia that comprise the Bay water-shed. The limits are expressed in terms of total maxi-mum daily load, or TMDL. The states and the Districtwere charged with developing detailed watershed imple-mentation plans (WIPs) to indicate how they wouldapportion these sediment limits, as well as the limitsissued earlier for nitrogen and phosphorus, among theirvarious pollution sources.

Sediment, particles of clay and silt, is not a nutri-ent pollutant like nitrogen and phosphorus, whichstimulate the growth of algae that smother submergedgrasses and deplete the bay of oxygen. But it impairs thehealth of the bay by blocking the sunlight needed bythe underwater vegetation that harbors and feeds thebay’s aquatic and shore life.

The EPA reviewed each of the states preliminaryplans to clean up the bay, and sent them all back, thoughMaryland and Washington, DC were cited for havingmade a “strong start.” Final plans were due by Novem-ber 29, 2010. Once the EPA has received the plans theyhave until the end of this year to update the “pollutiondiet” numbers.

Groups representing various interests such as agri-culture, wastewater treatment, and construction are chal-lenging both the pollution diet numbers and the scien-tific model used to determine how much and where thenitrogen, phosphate, and sediment reductions need to

The Chesapeake Bay watershed (drainage basin) extends about fivehundred miles north from Suffolk, VA to the headwaters of Otsego Lake,near Cooperstown, NY, and east from mountain streams near Blacksburg, VAto Berlin, MD. It is essentially a giant, sprawling system of rivers that alldrain into one shallow tidal basin, the Chesapeake Bay and its tidaltributaries (average depth, only 21 feet). Map and caption from theChesapeake Bay Foundation, www.cbf.org.

With the Election Ended, theLegislating Begins


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Contents

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Letter from the ChairMaryland Chapter Excom Elections:Every Candidate Is an EnvironmentalistMattawoman Creek: A Taste Test of aNew Recipe to Fix the BayThe American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) LaudsMaryland Energy ProgramHow Much Does It Cost to Harness theWind?Sierra Club Responds to Deer Popula-tion Explosion Threatening NaturalValues of Greenbelt National ParkHarford County Proposes to Triple Sizeof IncineratorHow to Talk About CoalTrail Connections in MarylandBICO Takes City Kids from the Streetsto the TrailGroup News RoundupChapter LeadersOutingsChapter Excom Election Ballot

Ron Henry, Chapter Chair

Letter from the Chair

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Hello All,Well! How did we get to the endof the calendar year so . . .fast?

The Maryland Chapterand our local groups workedhard during the 2010 generalelection campaign to supportelection or re-election of ourendorsed local and state environ-mental candidates. Many thanksto all who participated, particu-

larly our chapter and group political chairs and com-mittees. We can be pleased that most of our candidatesprevailed, and proud that our efforts contributed totheir success. Maryland still has a significant number ofstate delegates and senators, and many elected countyofficials, who are environmentally sensitive individualswith whom we can work toward our objectives. I don’tmean to imply that our path will not be difficult, sincestate and federal budget cuts will be an overwhelmingpressure. But, with your perseverance and participation,we will continue to do all things possible to maintainthe environmental gains we have fought so hard to at-tain.

In early October your executive committee andother chapter activists participated in a weekend retreatheld at the Greater Mattawoman Art Center. Punctu-ated by hikes and canoe/kayak outings that highlightedthe continued need for our campaign to save theMattawoman Creek, the meetings brought our focus tothose things we have done well, the areas in which weneed to improve, and our campaigns for 2011. Discus-sion of how we will accomplish our goals centered onour volunteers, staff, resources and fundraising. Thanksto all who participated for making it a productive week-end in a lovely and inspirational setting.

I’m sure many of you share my concern about thechanges that the recent federal elections have brought,most dramatically to the House of Representatives, butalso to the Senate. It is quite obvious that progressivethinking is not a hallmark of either of these two bodies.

This means that we environmental advocates andSierra Club volunteers must greatly increase our activeparticipation. A much, much greater number of us needbecome engaged, so that we can help to counter theincreased influence of the polluters and their powerfulsponsors. This is an effort we have to commit to, start-ing now and going through the next election cycle. Wemust help our elected representatives stiffen their resis-

tance to any initiatives that roll back gains we’ve madein environmental protection, or which enlarge the loop-holes that let so many polluters dodge regulation.

By the time you receive this publication in early De-cember, many of you will have also received our 2010end-of-year fundraising letter. Again this year, we areblessed by a “matching gift” donation from our excommembers to get a jumpstart on this fundraising effort.We really need your help this year. As noted above, fed-eral and state budget cuts, which often fall hardest onenvironmental protection initiatives, are going to be atremendous pressure to overcome.

And the funding to fight successfully for and re-tain our past gains must come from us. Yes, a percent-age of the Sierra Club national membership renewalsdoes come back to the chapter, but because of a severedownturn in large donor contributions, that amounthas decreased significantly in recent years. So the bur-den is on the chapter to raise more money to fund itswork. Of course the decision to donate is a personalone, but we hope you will decide to make a contribu-tion to our chapter, so that we can be the most effectiveadvocate for the environment here in Maryland. If eachof our members could contribute $10 directly to theMD Chapter, it would dramatically reduce our resourcelimitations and allow us to focus on more of the issuesthat are of importance to all of us.

As the only grassroots environmental group with asignificant number of members, we have the potential,and I believe the moral imperative, to make a real dif-ference in the upcoming 2011 General Assembly ses-sion with respect to environmental matters. We hopethat all of our members will be inspired by their hopesfor a cleaner, healthier environment to make a commit-ment to spend a few hours volunteering with us, and afew dollars supporting our chapter.

Thank you for all your efforts! Remember—we arethe ones who will make the difference!

Until next time . . . ■

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The opinions expressed in this newsletterare in general aligned with those of theenvironmental community in Maryland,but are strictly those of the authors andnot necessarily official policy of local, stateor national Sierra Club entities. The SierraClub prides itself on being a grassrootsvolunteer organization. The concerns andopinions of all its members are welcomein these pages.

Winter2010-2011

contents


This issue of Chesapeake includes the bal-lot for electing at-large members of theexecutive committee of the MarylandChapter of the Sierra Club.

The Sierra Club is a grassroots en-vironmental organization that elects itsown leadership. Every member is entitledto vote and to run for leadership posi-tions in the club. The executive commit-tee (excom) runs the chapter and deter-mines the chapter’s policies and responsesto the many environmental challenges weface in Maryland. In addition

Maryland Chapter Excom Election: Every Candidate Is an EnvironmentalistChapter Election

Amanda RuthvenI am a Russian language analyst for theNavy and have been on active duty forfive years. I am officially from Michiganbut have also lived in MA, IN, and CA. I’ve been stationed here in Maryland forthe last three years. My husband and Iintend on becoming full-time college stu-dents in about a year in order to finishup our degrees.

Since joining the Sierra Club lastyear, I’ve been involved with the EnergyTeam. Specifically I led one Coal Coun-try screening, contacted Cool Cities rep-resentatives, helped create the flyer thatwas distributed at the hearing aboutPATH, and presented the Energy Team’sposition on MAPP and PATH at the an-nual Cool Cities workshop.

I have learned more about the likesof John Muir, Rachel Carson andTheodore Roosevelt over the past year. Iwant to be one of those people that af-fects their world, like they did, even if itis just in one state that is only a tempo-rary home for me. I hope that by fulfill-ing the duties of a member of the execu-tive committee I can help MD be a bitgreener for the next person who visits oris stationed here. I hope that what weaccomplish will influence other states oreven national policy. ■

to developing and supporting our legis-lative agenda, setting priorities for con-servation campaigns, and facilitatingcommunication between the chapter andthe groups, the excom faces the challengeof achieving fiscal stability despite risingoperational costs and a reduction in fundsfrom the national club.

The excom comprises six at-largemembers elected by the Maryland mem-bership, and one delegate from each ofour nine groups. At-large members areelected for two-year terms. Three of the

six at-large positions are up for electioneach year. The executive committee electsthe chapter chair and other officers fromits own ranks. This year, one candidate,Amanda Ruthven, is running to completethe term of an excom member whoseterm expires in 2011.

The excom meets six times a yearon the third Saturday of every odd month.Those elected will take their position atthe January 15, 2011 meeting. Ballots aredue in the office by January 7, 2011.

This is your opportunity to choose

the people who will lead the chapterthrough the next year. Please read the can-didates’ statements, complete the ballot,and mail it to the chapter office at theaddress shown below. Ballot appears oninside back cover.

Elections CommitteeMaryland Chapter/Sierra ClubSuite 1117338 Baltimore Ave.College Park, Maryland 20740 ■

Baird StraughanI’ve been a Sierra Club member since1990, active first overseas with grassrootscampaigns in Bolivia and Honduras whileconnected with the Sierra Club Interna-tional Committee. Since 1996 I was ac-tive with the Montgomery CountyGroup, and served as newsletter editorand later as chair. We did much goodwork in those years, in the battle againstthe ICC, for smart growth, sound water-shed policy, and political campaigning atthe county level. My biggest accomplish-ment was recruiting a new set of leaders(among them Betsy Johnson and EdMerrifield). At bottom, the Sierra Clubis made up of its leaders, and Marylandhas some of the best.

Leadership development (and childdevelopment!) drew me away from clubactivities for eight years, while I was anactive father and also Associate Directorof the Institute for Conservation Leader-ship. I created and managed programsin volunteer management, fundraising,nonprofit management, board develop-ment, and … my special passion … ad-vocacy campaigns.

Since 2008 I’ve been involved again,as fundraising chair on the chapter excom.We’ve been reaching out more to mem-bers and donors and also receiving moredonations.

Richard ReisAccomplishements and GoalsRichard (Rich) Reis joined the SierraClub in 1968 and is now a life member.As a licensed professional engineer, he useshis skill to support advocacy on air qual-ity, transportation, and the urban envi-ronment. Rich’s articles on energy and theenvironment appeared in issues of Chesa-peake; he currently serves on the Chesa-peake editorial committee. Rich has at-tended many meetings of the conserva-tion and executive committees of theMaryland Sierra Club chapter and helpedwith chapter energy issues.

Rich formed Sierran Bicyclists tosupport the most efficient and environ-mentally sensible form of travel. SB heldseveral meetings; its advocacy led to thehiring of a full time bicycle planner forthe MCPPC, the plan of bikeways forMontgomery County, and bikes onMetrobuses. Rich has worked with theAmerican Lung Association in improv-ing both indoor and outdoor air quality.He has led the Verizon Rides bicyclingteam, which raised thousands of dollarsfor the Lung Association’s Kid withAsthma Program.

Rich as co-leader of the Earth Eth-ics Committee of the Washington Ethi-cal Society (WES) instituted 40% energy-savings, helped introduce integrated pest

Erin BarnesAlthough ensuring a clean and healthyenvironment has long been a focus of mypersonal activism and professional aspi-rations, I first became actively involvedwith the Sierra Club at the chapter levelin 2007. Shortly after moving to Mary-land following law school, I met LaurelImlay, who was on a mission to find some-one to start a legal committee. As a newlyminted lawyer and dedicated environ-mentalist, this sounded like the perfectchallenge. Although work conflicts cur-rently prevent me from being involvedwith the committee, I’m proud of thework I did getting it started.

I have also greatly enjoyed my workon the legislative committee. I’ve re-searched bills, written testimony, and lob-bied legislators. We’ve had some greatsuccesses, some near misses, and someunfortunate losses, and I look forward todoing it all again this year!

Since joining the executive commit-tee in 2008, I’ve appreciated the oppor-tunity to learn about and work on a widevariety of environmental issues as part ofa fantastic group of activists. With yourvote, I hope to continue working towardsolutions for the serious environmentalproblems we face. Thank you. ■

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Election 2010

I’ve also helped to lead the campaignto protect Mattawoman Creek. So farwe’ve introduced over 300 people to thisbeautiful, historic river, and many haveexpressed interest in becoming leadersthemselves. If I’m elected, in the next twoyears my first goal will be to recruit andtrain more activist leaders, so that ourchapter grows in its effectiveness, and theclub’s mission of citizen-based environ-mentalism thrives. If I’m successful, youshould see new names running for theexecutive committee in 2011.

management, recruits speakers on the en-vironment, and produced anearthkeeping pamphlet. Recently, Richspoke at WES and at the Northern Vir-ginia Ethical Society on what we mustdo to meet the environmental challengesof our times. Rich practices personal en-vironmental stewardship by using solarwater heating, using transit as well as hisbicycle and feet for transportation, avoid-ing meat, and helping small businesses toconserve energy. Rich savors back coun-try hikes, sailing his yacht (actuallydingy), swimming, and, of course, bicy-cling.

As a member of the executive commit-tee, Rich will work for:◆◆◆◆Alternative transportation, includingwalking, bicycling, and transit◆◆◆◆Low-impact recreation◆◆◆◆Lowering emissions of global warm-ing gases and local pollutants◆◆◆◆Energy conservation and alternativeenergy◆◆◆◆Protection of wild areas

Please contact me to let me know yourpriorities at [email protected] or 301-325-8001. ■

Excom Candidates’ Statements

Excom Election

Sierra Club is the only environmen-tal organization in the state to endorsecandidates at the local level in most ofour jurisdictions (Anne Arundel ex-cepted). That means that we have a spe-cial obligation to leverage those endorse-ments and reach out to local officials.With population increases expected, weneed to make sure that smart growth prin-ciples are being followed locally and thatadequate public transportation facilitieswill be available to support additionalgrowth. Approaches to issues such as en-ergy conservation, stormwater runoff, re-cycling and waste reduction are very im-portant at the local level. Whatever theburning issues are in your counties, weurge you to get involved with your localgroup and help to make Sierra Club alobbying force extraordinaire. When lo-cal officials see lots of Sierra Club action,they sit up and take notice. Then, whenthe next election comes around, we getcandidates vying for our endorsement.And that is a very good thing!

An issue that will definitely come up

at both the state and local level is the bud-get. Again, we know that cuts will be inorder but we must be vigilant and makesure that the environment doesn’t sufferdisproportionately. We must move for-ward on climate change issues, and pro-tecting watersheds like the Mattawoman.The good news about the Mattawomanis that it can be protected without spend-ing a dime—if the Maryland Departmentof the Environment would just deny thepermit to build the Cross County Con-nector.

I invite you to join our very activelegislative committee and work on someof these issues during the legislative ses-sion. You’ll get to know the issues, thelegislators and a lot about how the legis-lature works. It’s a very rewarding volun-teer activity. Check out the legislative cor-ner on our website at http://mar y l and . s i e r r ac lub.o rg /ac t ion/p0140.asp. ■

Betsy Johnson is the Maryland Chapter’spolitical chair.

Sierrans campaign with Congressman Frank Kratovil. 1st row L to R, Sierra Club President Robin Mann, BetsyJohnson, Frank Kratovil, Joan Willey, AA Group Chair David Prosten, Cherie Yelton; 2nd row Earl Bradley, Danny Knoll,Holly Joseph

Looking Back at the Campaigns, Ahead to theLegislating

(continued from page 1)

Richard Reis

(continued from page 3)Baird Straughan

(continued from page 3)


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The Bay

By Jim Long—CWA, TMDL, WIP,MS4, WRE, PFA: Can the ChesapeakeBay’s troubles be healed by an alphabetsoup as thick as an algae bloom? Or, willthe cauldron of local politics continue topour forth a broth of pollution?

The Environmental ProtectionAgency recently stirred the pot by decid-ing to enforce the Clean Water Act after20 years of failed promises to restore theBay. A principal tool available to EPA, ifit chooses to use it, is the total maximumdaily load. This “pollution diet” is an an-nual cap to the stew of nutrient and sedi-ment pollution allowed to wash into im-paired waterways.

While TMDLs have beenset for a fraction of impaired wa-tersheds, this is the first time onewill be established for the Bay atlarge, an unprecedented under-taking. The methods for meet-ing TMDLs are left largely to thestates. Each of the six states inthe Bay watershed, with Wash-ington D.C., will devise a water-shed implementation plan thatshould provide enforceable assurancesthat its share of the pollution limits willbe met. These assurances are crucial, be-cause TMDLs have so far proven ineffec-tive. While Maryland’s WIP was amongthe better ones, it was unfortunately shorton convincing particulars. The deadlinesfor public comments on the draft Bay-wide TMDL and state WIPs have justpassed, and final documents are due be-fore the end of the year.

Water Quality, Like Politics, IsLocalIt is welcome news that federal oversightmay be improving. But water quality, likepolitics, is local. The Bay’s health is wo-ven into the landscape by a network oftributaries, each delivering downstreamthe results of local land-use decisions un-der the control of counties and munici-

palities, not federal and state agenciesbristling with acronyms. Hence it is en-lightening to examine a local watershedthat already has a TMDL, to see what thenew resolve to enforce the CWA is upagainst.

Consider Mattawoman Creek. Likethe Bay, Mattawoman has been heraldedfor its largesse, being Maryland’s mostproductive fish spawning and nurseryground, and epicenter of the PotomacRiver’s multimillion-dollar largemouth-bass fishery. Like the Bay, it appears onEPA’s list of impaired waters. Like the Bay,warnings about its vulnerability have been

issued for two decades. And now, tragi-cally, like the Bay, Mattawoman is show-ing signs of decline, with fish abundanceand the number of species falling accord-ing to a recent report by the MarylandDepartment of Natural Resources.

As if in anticipation of the new en-ergy to restore the Bay, Maryland wiselypassed a law in 2006 that could addressthe key connection between land use andwater pollution where it matters—at thelocal level. Each county must now add anew chapter to its comprehensive plancalled a water resources element. An im-portant component of a WRE examinesthe capacity of waterways to “assimilate”the pollution that results from plannedchanges in land use. The plans were duein October of 2009, but extensions up toone year could be granted.

The draft WRE from Charles

County, which controls three-fourths ofMattawoman’s watershed, was finallymade public this fall. Alas, it is a recipefor more of the same. The draft WREcontinues to direct growth densities moreappropriate to a priority funding area intoa “development district” larger thanWashington D.C. A PFA is a specific areawhere Maryland tries to coax smartgrowth by using the carrot of transporta-tion and school funds. Unfortunately, anacademic study reported last year that thePFA program has been singularly ineffec-tive. In fact, Charles County’s WRE ex-ploits weaknesses in the concept by in-

cluding Bryans Road as an area for mas-sive growth. This one-stoplight town isin the midst of outstanding natural re-sources, is adjacent to a rural conserva-tion area, and is used as an excuse forunneeded sprawl-inducing highways likethe proposed Cross County Connectorextension. Furthermore, it would divertinvestment from Waldorf, a PFA thatmakes sense. It is no wonder that theWRE, even while using overly optimisticmodeling, fails to meet Mattawoman’spollution caps even by 2030,10 years af-ter Maryland’s commitment to meet theBay-wide TMDL.

Enforcing the Clean Water ActDemands Local ResolveAs the case of Mattawoman instructs, theresolve to finally enforce the CWA witha Bay-wide TMDL will be sorely tested

Mattawoman Creek: A Taste Test of a New Recipe to Fix the Bay

Egrets survey Mattawoman Creek. Photo by Jim Long.

by the intransigence of local politics. For-tunately, in Charles County, a board ofcommissioners with many fresh faces willbe installed in December. Smart growthbecame an election issue, in large part dueto the educational efforts of the SmarterGrowth Alliance for Charles County,which includes the Sierra Club as an en-ergetic member. The Club’s endorsementsin the primary election helped push tovictory two critical new commissioners,including the president, who won theirprimaries by less than 200 votes.

Given the state commitment to con-trol pollution to the Bay, will it approve

a WRE that fails to meet its ownguidelines that a land-use plansatisfy TMDL caps? What hap-pens if the state and countiesshirk responsibilities to clean upour aquatic resources, as hashappened so often in the past?In principle, EPA can clarify thebroth by turning up the heat.It has a “backstop” tool thatapplies to counties with over100,000 population in the form

of a municipal separate storm sewer system,or MS4, permit. Under the CWA, thispermit is able to regulate urbanstormwater as a point source, since it iscollected and controlled by engineeredconveyances. The EPA has authorizedMaryland to enforce MS4 permits. Lack-ing that, the EPA can step in, and in prin-ciple begin disapproving local develop-ment projects.

So be it. But a much better solutionwould be for local governments to followa recipe for true smart growth in land-use planning and zoning, and for the stateto ensure this happens. Otherwise, thealphabet soup that federal, state, and lo-cal government offices are ladling couldonce again simmer into the toxic chow-der that clogs progress in restoring ourBay and its tributaries. ■


The Bay

be made. In fact, interest in the bay’sTMDL model is high outside the baywatershed, as environmentalists and pol-luters consider that the EPA’s action re-garding the bay may presage similar ac-tion on polluted watersheds elsewhere inthe country. Personally I find those re-questing the actual program code for themodel (beyond assumptions and data)rather unusual. There are many things weuse today that started with a computermodel. I don’t think they would requestto see the code that was used to designour airplanes or cars before they rode inthem, or ask the bank to see the code be-fore they deposit their money.

Below is some background on themodel used, extracted from a report pre-pared with our coalition partners—Choose Clean Water Coalition.

If you would like to read the EPApollution diet, any of the WIPs from thestates, or to learn more about the projectvisit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl/.

Chesapeake Bay ProgramComputer ModelsPrepared by the Choose Clean Water Coa-litionComputer models play an important rolein helping to simulate complex ecosys-tems. As one of the largest estuaries inthe world with a watershed that extends64,000 square miles, the Chesapeake Bayis a place where models can help showwhere and how water pollution beginsand moves. Over the history of the Chesa-peake Bay clean-up, managers and scien-tists have relied on a series of computermodels to predict changes in water qual-ity, better understand where pollution iscoming from, and look at what manage-ment practices applied on the land do toimpact water quality. These models havebeen continuously updated and im-proved.

In fact, the first Bay model was a

two-dimensional hydraulic model con-structed on several acres on Kent Island,Maryland, by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers in 1976. This model was soonreplaced by computer models in 1984.

“““““The BThe BThe BThe BThe Bay May May May May Modelodelodelodelodel” is a S” is a S” is a S” is a S” is a Suite ofuite ofuite ofuite ofuite ofMMMMModels Dodels Dodels Dodels Dodels Decades in the Mecades in the Mecades in the Mecades in the Mecades in the MakingakingakingakingakingWhat is commonly referred to as “the Baymodel” is actually a series of linked three-dimensional models. The centerpiece ofthis set of models is the Chesapeake Baywatershed model, which measures all thesources of nutrient and sediment pollu-tion in the watershed, and determines theloadings to the Bay.

The suite of Chesapeake Bay mod-els has been developed through an exten-sive peer-reviewed scientific process overthe past 20 to 30 years, with broad-basedcollaboration among federal, state, aca-demic and private partners. Over the yearsthese models have improved significantlyin precision, scope, complexityand accuracy.

The watershed model, forexample, has been refined con-siderably over the past six years.The segments in the model haveexpanded more than twentyfoldfrom 94 in the phase 4 modelto 2,000 in the current phase 5model, providing data at the wa-tershed, county and conserva-tion district level. The model iscalibrated with monitoring sta-tions throughout the bay water-shed, but those stations have ex-panded from 20 to 296. Thetypes of land uses that can be fedinto the phase 5 model is now25, up from the previous 9, andthe simulation is now run overa 20-year period, rather than 10years, providing more accurateresults.

These models are used byscientists and managers in con-junction with other tools, such

as monitoring and research. The modelsprovide simulations that are a valuabletool for decision-makers, who also con-sider achievable, equitable, and cost-ef-fective approaches. The models play a sig-nificant, but not an exclusive role, in thedecision by policymakers to establishnutrient and sediment allocations. The al-locations in 2010 for the total maximumdaily load (TMDL) were very close tothose that the states were given six yearsearlier. The state tributary strategies wereavailable to form the base for the water-shed improvement plans (WIPs) that eachbay state needs to have developed byNovember 29, 2010.

HHHHHooooow Dw Dw Dw Dw Do the Mo the Mo the Mo the Mo the Models Wodels Wodels Wodels Wodels Wororororork?k?k?k?k?The Chesapeake Bay Program uses fiveprimary models. In use since 1982, theChesapeake Bay watershed model simu-lates nutrient and sediment loads deliv-ered to the Chesapeake Bay. Water qual-

ity data are collected from federal andstate agencies as well as universities.

The second model, also known asthe estuary model, looks at the effects ofpollution loads generated by the water-shed model on bay water quality. The bayis represented by 57,000 cells in thismodel and simulates the mixing of wa-ters in the bay and its tidal tributaries.

The third, scenario builder model,simulates changes in the ecosystem dueto changes in population, land use, or pol-lution management.

The fourth, airshed model, uses in-formation about nitrogen emissions intothe atmosphere and deposits them intothe watershed model. Finally, the landchange model analyzes and predicts landchanges in the watershed.

The phase 5 watershed model has almost100 collaborators and partners led by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA),

the Virginia Depart-ment of Conservationand Recreation, the In-terstate Commissionon the Potomac RiverBasin, the UniversitySystem of Maryland,the Maryland Depart-ment of the Environ-ment, the U.S. Geo-logical Survey, theChesapeake ResearchConsortium, and Vir-ginia Polytechnic Insti-tute. Special attentionhas been paid to theagricultural assump-tions in the model withspecific input from theagricultural nutrientand sediment reduc-tion workgroup. Inaddition, the Bay Pro-gram partnership re-cently funded the Uni-

States to Put the Bay on a Pollution Diet(continued from page 1)

Information about nitrogen emissions into the atmosphere within the Bay airshed (shownabove) is fed into the airshed model, which feeds the data to the watershed model.



versity of Maryland’s Mid-Atlantic Wa-ter Program to complete a two-year studyto update the effectiveness estimates ofevery best management practice in themodel.

PPPPPeer Reer Reer Reer Reer Review and Aeview and Aeview and Aeview and Aeview and AwarwarwarwarwardsdsdsdsdsThe models developed by the Bay Pro-gram have been extensively peer reviewedand follow guidance developed by EPA’sScience Advisory Board. In addition themodels have won numerous awards be-ginning in 1990. The Bay Program mod-els are regularly cited as the best of theirkind. In its April 2007 report, TakingEnvironmental Protection to the NextLevel7, the National Academy of PublicAdministration stated that:

EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program(CBP) has led the way in developing acomprehensive water monitoring and as-sessment program that tracks and com-piles the water quality conditionsthroughout the bay. Based on the moni-toring data, the CBP has developed so-phisticated Chesapeake Bay watershedand airshed models that have enhancedthe understanding of the complex prob-lem of nutrient pollution and its effectson the bay waters. This watershed-wideunderstanding provided the foundationfor the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreementand helped to coordinate and assign re-sponsibility among the bay states forachieving water quality goals.

RRRRResponse to the Mesponse to the Mesponse to the Mesponse to the Mesponse to the Modelsodelsodelsodelsodels’ C’ C’ C’ C’ CriticsriticsriticsriticsriticsOver the last several months we have seenwild accusations in the media about thesoundness of the models and the sciencebehind it; however, there is nothing tosupport these claims. The Bay Programpartners have been extremely transparentand open about the modeling process andsought input from hundreds of stakehold-ers including agricultural specialists. Theone criticism raised in the 2006 Govern-ment Accountability Office (GAO) re-

port was that the credibility of Bay Pro-gram reports on the bay’s health “tendedto downplay the deteriorated conditionsof the bay” and “projected a rosier pic-ture of the health of the bay than mayhave been warranted.” While serious, theGAO’s criticism points to the fact thatthe Bay models, if anything, were over-reporting the nutrient and sediment-re-ducing value of practices on the land. Thiscriticism also focused more on the use,or misuse, of modeled data, rather thanthe model itself. In 2008, a follow-upGAO report concluded that the Bay Pro-gram had made important progress inaddressing their concerns and providingbetter management of the bay restorationeffort.

Another public criticism of themodel has been that many practices, par-ticularly agricultural ones, implementedvoluntarily, are not being accounted forin the model. While this statement is true,in reality, it is not a flaw of the model,but rather a failure to collect the properinput information to feed into the model.

The solution to this problem is toprovide better accounting, not to changeany of the model parameters. In addi-tion, this under-counting of imple-mented practices does not affect theTMDL load allocations to the stateswhich were based. ■

This introduction to the Chesapeake BayModel was extracted from comments sub-mitted to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of theU. S. Environmental Protection Agency byChoose Clean Water Coalition, of which theMaryland Chapter is a member. The fulltext, including footnotes omitted here, isonline at www.choosecleanwater.org/cms/documents/CCWCTMDLcomment.pdf.

States to Put the Bay on a Pollution Diet(continued from page 6)

The Bay Energy

By Richard Reis, PE—On September 15,the ACEEE cited the Maryland FarmAudit Program as one of the five best pro-grams in the nation. This Maryland En-ergy Administration (MEA) program of-fers farmers a comprehensive energy au-dit, which shows where energy is used andrecommends specific measures to lowerenergy use. The $300 cost of the audit isrefunded if the applicant implements oneor more energy-saving recommendation.The program rebates up to half of thecosts of projects that save electricity orpropane.

In addition the MEA offers severalresources for that can save homeownersenergy and money. The Maryland HomePerformance with Energy Star is a whole-house approach to cost-effective improve-ments. This program includes a homeperformance audit, which identifies en-ergy-saving opportunities and possiblesafety issue within a home. The programcertifies audit contractors. You can learnmore at www.mdhomeperformance.org/

There are several programs offering re-bates for alternative energy:◆◆◆◆Solar grants of $500 per kilowatt upto $10,000 for a 20 kilowatt system.◆◆◆◆Solar hot water system grants up to20% of system cost up to a maximumgrant of $1,500.◆◆◆◆Free year-long wind anemometerloans to assess wind resources. The appli-cant must have a suitable location anderect a measurement tower.◆◆◆◆Wind energy grants are $2,800 perkilowatt for the first 5 kilowatts and then$2,100 per kilowatt up to a maximumgrant of $10,000.◆◆◆◆Geothermal heat pump grants of$1,000 per ton up to $3,000◆◆◆◆Bio-heating tax credit of 3¢ / gallonup to $5,000 per yearFor more information, go to MEA website (http://energy.maryland.gov/) andclick on “Renewable” on the left.

There are several programs on the busi-ness side as well including:◆◆◆◆Prescriptive energy improvements(e.g., adding occupancy-sensing lightswitches)◆◆◆◆Custom energy improvements◆◆◆◆Larger solar energy grants◆◆◆◆The Save Energy Now program pro-vides assessments, training, financing,tools and resources

As an example, a Columbia Maryland carrepair facility received an incentive of al-most $3,000 for installing a daylightingsystem, more efficient lighting fixtures,and occupancy-sensing controls. Thedaylighting system includes industriallight tubes and a daylight sensing controlthat lowers the electric light level as morenatural becomes available.

To learn more about how you cansave energy and utility costs through theseprograms as well as help the environment,visit the MEA web site. Additionally, util-ity companies around the state are re-quired under the EmPower Maryland Actto offer energy efficiency incentives tocustomers. Rebates on Energy Star ap-pliances, energy audits at a reduced rate,and programs to cycle your electricity onpeak days, are all available and can addup to hundreds of dollars of savings an-nually. For more details, visit your util-ity company’s website or call them andask about their energy efficiency pro-grams. You can contact your local elec-tric utility and learn more about thesegrants through the MEA web site (http://energy.maryland.gov/) by clicking on theBusiness tab and then the “Learn howMEA EmPOWERs Maryland” link onthe right.

The goal of these programs is to re-duce the state’s energy consumption by15%, while creating green jobs. Sierransmay well wish to participate, since energyuse has significant environmental as wellas monetary costs. ■

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy(ACEEE) Lauds Maryland Energy Program


Energy; Wildlife

By Amanda Ruthven—It seems that de-termining the economic feasibility ofwind energy would be easy; after all, windis free. Worldwide, wind energy is get-ting cheaper, yet empirical cost data isscarce for offshore wind energy in theUnited States. There are many compo-nents that complicate estimating the costof such projects but at a macro-level, thecost of generating this type of electricity,like any other, consists of the capital costs,the running costs, and the cost of financ-ing.

The capital cost, or the cost ofbuilding the turbines and connectingthem to the grid, is high; for onshoreprojects the range is 75-90% of the totalcost. Turbines are getting cheaper andmore powerful as more competitorsemerge and as experience with the tech-nology deepens. Technical factors such asthe windiness of the site, wind turbineavailability (the capability of the turbineto operate when wind is available), andgood design, like the way turbines arearranged, affect the cost of electricity.Investors’ willingness to accept longerrepayment periods and lower rates of re-turn reduces costs. Availability of financ-ing is influenced by lenders’ confidencein the technology. This confidence isgrowing but is hard to measure. A UKgovernment white paper shows that theminimum price per kilowatt (p/kWh) fornew construction of nuclear and offshorewind energy are the same, however therange of cost is higher with nuclear. EEEEEconomics of Oconomics of Oconomics of Oconomics of Oconomics of Offshorffshorffshorffshorffshore We We We We WindindindindindSSSSSpecific to Mpecific to Mpecific to Mpecific to Mpecific to MarararararylandylandylandylandylandThe Center for Integrative Environmen-tal Research (CIER) at the University ofMaryland determined in its study, “Mary-land Offshore Wind Development,” thatit would be most economical to deliverthe energy produced by Maryland’s tur-bines via the utility grid in Delaware. Itwould be about ten times more expen-sive to route the energy through a grid

How Much Does It Cost to Harness the Wind?on the eastern shore: $20 million vs. $200million. The study found no significantprice difference between projects in shal-low or in deep water. That price tag isestimated to be $1850/kWh.

Some of the cost obstacles may becleared or reduced by the deepwater trans-mission lines that Google Inc., Good En-ergies, Marubeni and Trans-Elect willbuild. These firms have already set aside$1.8 billion for a network of lines thatwould stretch from Virginia to New Jer-sey and will tie into PJM’s grid. The firstphase is projected to be complete by early2016 and will run 240 kilometers in fed-eral waters from New Jersey to Delaware.

According to the CIER study, thebest example of what an offshore windproject may cost Maryland is the contractbetween Delmarva Power and BluewaterWind. The Delaware Bluewater WindProject actually beat out both a coal andnatural gas bid which demonstrates that thepricing is competitive.

According to a 2007 report (source:http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/windpower/DE-Qs/icreport121307.pdf ) preparedfor the Delaware Public Service Commis-sion, depending on the size of the cus-tomer base, the average increase in costper month to one’s utility bill from theproposed Delaware Bluewater WindProject would range between $2-$14.This large range depends on how manycustomers the costs are allocated against.Not surprisingly, the report also concludesthat “the rate impacts during the first sev-eral years of service in today’s dollars willbe approximately double the real levelizedcost impact over the entire 25 years ofthe Bluewater PPA. Over time, the [price]impact is reduced until it breaks even andturns positive about half-way or morethrough the contract term.” In otherwords, the first year is when customerswill be impacted the most, but over thecourse of 25 years, the duration of thecontract to purchase offshore wind elec-

tricity, the cost would go down andratepayers would break even and beginsaving money.

An offshore wind farm would likelybenefit Maryland’s economy by creatingdemand for the construction of, mainte-nance of, and even manufacturing ofwind turbines. Governor O’Malley, at arecent press conference with environmen-tal groups, including the Sierra Club, andthe United Steelworkers announced thatthe proposed offshore wind farm forMaryland would generate up to 4,000construction jobs and 800 permanentjobs. Fossil fuel energy does not providethis sort of economic boost to the regionsince most of it is sourced from otherstates.

The Department of Energy offers anonline calculator called Wind Energy Fi-nance (WEF) for the economic analysisof wind projects. ■

By Marc Imlay—National Park Service(NPS) studies and data suggest that thewhite-tail deer population of GreenbeltNational Park has increased to over 2.4times the number that would have a nega-tive effect on other wildlife, and almost 5times more than the carrying capacity ofa biodiverse plant community.

Overgrazing by ungulates lackingpredators, like the whitetails, results inwidespread harm to native plant commu-nities. Overbrowsing white-tailed deer arelinked to reduced numbers of forestdwelling insects, spiders, berries, acorns.Also, the deer are overconsuming the foodsources of other wildlife, such as under-story foraging birds. White-tailed deer,which selectively graze on native plantsand physically disturb the understory,provide a great opportunity for non-na-

tive plants, such as Japanese stilt grass,completely to take over the park ecosys-tem.

Deer ticks carry Lyme disease, a po-tentially serious illness. Because tickpopulations are proportionate to white-tailed deer populations, the Park’s out-ofcontrol deer population unnecessarilythreatens park visitors and volunteersworking to eradicate invasive plants, likewavyleaf basketgrass. This year, NPSabandoned efforts to manage Japanesestilt grass because it did not want to ex-pose its rangers to tick-borne disease.

While Sierra Club volunteers areworking to control non-native invasiveplants, without deer management, anynative plants saved will merely becomean all-you-can-eat salad bar for the park’sdeer.

That is why Maryland Sierra Clubwrote NPS leaders in September, urgingthem to bring the deer population undercontrol before the quality of GreenbeltPark is further degraded. The park isquickly losing its value as a National Parkbecause of proliferating invasive species,which we can no longer control becauseof the deer.

NPS’s failure to bring GreenbeltNational Park’s deer population back toabout 20 deer per square mile would ne-gate the hard work of local communities,conservation groups, and park rangers tocontrol the park’s invasive species, betraythe NPS’s commitment to protection ofthe natural values of the lands entrustedto its stewardship, and leave the park un-safe for human visitors. ■

SSSSSierra Club Rierra Club Rierra Club Rierra Club Rierra Club Responds to Desponds to Desponds to Desponds to Desponds to Deer Peer Peer Peer Peer Population Eopulation Eopulation Eopulation Eopulation Explosion xplosion xplosion xplosion xplosion ThrThrThrThrThreatening Neatening Neatening Neatening Neatening Natural atural atural atural atural VVVVValues ofalues ofalues ofalues ofalues ofGGGGGrrrrreenbelt Neenbelt Neenbelt Neenbelt Neenbelt National Pational Pational Pational Pational Parararararkkkkk


Waste Incineration; Coal

By Veronica Cassilly—Harford County’sproposal to triple the size of its incinera-tor will increase the current rate of burn-ing from 360 tons of trash a day to 1500tons per day. The emissions from thecurrent incinerator include 94 differenttoxins, 12 of which the EnvironmentalProtection Agency has established safelevels for. The other 82 toxins have notyet been tested. It is not known whatthe health effects would be if all 94 ofthe toxins in the atmosphere were inhaledat once.

When you look at the increasingrates of asthma, cancer, and allergies inour children and family members, theproposal to enlarge Harford’s incinera-tor seems very shortsighted at best, andcompletely irresponsible. This is not justa concern for Edgewood residents, butfor every resident in our county. Airemissions don’t just stay in one place;they travel everywhere.

In 2010, burning 1,500 tons oftrash six days a week seems like an ar-chaic proposal when you consider theavailable alternatives for generating elec-tricity and reducing waste. Options ex-ist that are not only better for the envi-ronment but for the economy. Technolo-gies such as wind and solar are now avail-able to generate electricity and are being

used in many places without adding tox-ins to the air. Recycling is an excellentstrategy to reduce and manage waste.

Harford County does not have aneffective recycling program. We need amandatory or incentive-based programthat is serious about reducing waste. Per-haps the county could model the “pay asyou throw” method used in Aberdeen,which charges citizens per bag of trashbut takes recycling for free.

The county is currently consideringa bill to offer a $2,500 tax credit to resi-dents for installing a geothermal or solardevice. While this is a great idea, in real-ity it serves only the residents who canafford such a system in the first place. Atax credit to residents who recycle couldbenefit citizens at every income level.

If the county executive is seriousabout increasing jobs in Harford County,consider the following: Incinerating 10tons of waste creates one job; landfilling10 tons of waste creates six jobs; recycling10 tons of waste creates 36 jobs and pro-duces a product which can be sold, in-stead of toxic ash which must be buriedin a landfill.

In September, 2010, the county be-gan single stream recycling which will beavailable to those residents who chooseto use it. This program combines paper,

plastic, glass, and aluminum all in onebag and the bags are then shipped to AnneArundel County where we pay to havethem sorted. Why don’t we build ourown materials recovery facility to sort ourrecycling and import Baltimore County’srecyclables as well?

Investing in incineration will ensure

Harford County Proposes to Triple the Size of Its Incineratorthat Harford County becomes a trash im-porter for decades to come. It is not aresponsible or healthy investment in ourenvironment or our children. It is timeto give recycling and alternative energymore than just lip service. We need toinvest in strategies that are both economi-cal and environmentally sustainable. ■

Your Auntie talks a lot about theimportance of coal. She’s neverworked in a mine, but once incollege she knew someone whosesister’s boyfriend was an assistantto a power company executive, soshe feels some affinity with theindustry. She has an idealized viewof coal, though, and thinks thatmost coal still comes from under-ground mines. She’s not really surewhat mountain-top removal is, butshe’s for it nonetheless.

Auntie: You know what the coalhaters will never get? Jobs. Coalmeans jobs. End of story.You: Jobs are important, Auntie. I’mwith you there. But the coal indus-try actually doesn’t create manyjobs these days. It used to be thatthere were a lot of coal miners, butnow they’ve mostly been replacedby machines. In fact, coal-miningjobs have declined by the tens ofthousands since 1990, according tolabor statistics. And a lot of thatcoal is coming from mountain-topremoval mining.

Auntie: Mountain-top removal,huh? I’ve heard some about that.It’s the new high-tech mining,right?You: Actually it’s pretty basic. Coalcompanies blow up the tops ofmountains and then scoop up thecoal seams. Then they dump thewaste into valley streams. It’s nothigh-tech at all. The jobs of the

future will be manufacturing andinstalling clean-energy technolo-gies like wind and solar - andactually, there are plenty of jobslike that right now. It’s a rapidlygrowing industry. In fact, wind isthe fastest-growing source ofenergy on the planet.

Auntie: Wait there a moment.Coal is cheap and good for theenvironment.You: Coal is not cheap, and it’sdefinitely not good for the environ-ment. Government agency num-bers are now showing that much ofour country’s coal is becomingmore and more expensive toextract. Plus, the real price of coaldoesn’t include all of the problemsit causes - the externalities. Theprice we pay for electricity fromburning coal doesn’t include theprice of cleaning up poisoned waterand protecting communities fromclimate change.

Auntie : But you’re ignoring cleancoal. Haven’t you even seen a TVin the last few years?You: You’re right, I do like to readbooks. But I know that there are lotsof industry ads promoting “cleancoal” and that it’s a sham - “cleancoal” is as real as unicorns. The coalindustry is just buying time anddelaying action on climate change.There are no clean coal plants in theU.S., and you shouldn’t expect anyin the near future.

How to Talk about Coal


Maryland Trails

By Mary C. Corddry—On October 19,the Maryland Department of NaturalResources (DNR) hosted the state’s firstTrails Summit. To underscore his com-mitment to make Maryland’s trails “sec-ond to none in the nation,” GovernorMartin O’Malley took this opportunityto announce the creation of a Trails De-velopment Office in the DNR. Also, aninteractive web site was introduced at theSummit, serving as a clearinghouse anddirectory of information about off-roadland and water trails statewide atwww.dnr.state.md.us/land/MD_trails/ .The site, still under development, willfeature interactive trail maps, commen-tary from trail sponsors and users, andother useful information for trail users.On the website of http://shopdnr.com/alltrailguides.aspx, maps of land and wa-ter trails are for sale at a minimal cost.

A letter from Governor O’Malley toSummit attendees states that the new of-fice was “created to enable the kind ofprogress that occurs when governments,stakeholders and everyday citizens worktogether. This new office will work incollaboration with the Maryland Depart-ment of Transportation, which has helpedfund trail initiatives in the past throughrecreational trails grants and staff assis-tance . . . Working together, these agen-cies will encourage more people to con-nect with their natural world and engagethem in plans to establish an accessibleand enjoyable trails system for the use ofall Marylanders.”

Last summer, regional roundtablesbrought trail advocates together to net-work and share ideas about what a state-wide trail system would look like and howit would connect with the nationwide trailsystem being developed. The Trails Sum-mit continued this conversation to inven-

Trail Connections in Maryland“Take a hike,” urges Maryland state government. Meanwhile, Baltimore City government is closing trails long enjoyed in the threereservoirs the City manages for the Baltimore area’s drinking water.

Maryland Trails Summittory existing trails and discuss gaps whereconnections are needed in order to createa trail system on land and water servingusers of all skill levels and interests. Thevision is to connect users with home,work, and recreational, historical, cul-tural, and natural areas through forms oftransportation other than motor vehicles.The Maryland Department of Transpor-tation has issued a strategic trail imple-mentation plan—Maryland Trails: AGreener Way to Go. The federal Recre-ational Trails Funds Act has been provid-ing money from the gasoline tax to fundtrails nationwide.

A passion for trailsKeynote speaker Tom Horton (environ-mental author and kayaking and bicyclingenthusiast) discussed his experiences withMaryland’s current water and land trails,including his 28-day paddling trip aroundthe Delmarva Peninsula. He pointed outthat trails help people move through the

Trail Closures in Baltimore Reservoir AreasBy Mary C. Corddry—At the same timethat Maryland state government is en-couraging the development and use oftrails statewide, Baltimore city govern-ment is closing long-used and enjoyedtrails in the three reservoir areas managedby the city for the Baltimore area’s drink-ing water—Liberty, Loch Raven, andPrettyboy. The city is hiring a supervisorand three rangers for each of the threereservoirs to educate users and enforce thecity’s watershed regulations. Enforcementwill increase after the public is warnedabout prohibited uses.

Restrictions on public access to thereservoirs are impacting all users—hik-ers, fishermen, families enjoying a day atthe lake, mountain bikers, and horsebackriders. Tickets are being issued for “tres-passing” in the reservoirs after sunset.Warnings are being issued for using trailsnot recognized by the city. Organizedgroups such as the Sierra Club now mustobtain a Right of Entry permit from thecity before an event such as a hike, and

show proof of liability insurance.The city is concerned by what it con-

siders an out-of-control proliferation ofunofficial “single track” trails created bytrail users, and says that they threatenwater quality and public safety. The cityis only recognizing certain fire roads or“woods roads” as “trails” for the reservoirs’diverse users. These fire roads were iden-tified in a 1998 mountain bike access plandeveloped with a Mountain Biking TaskForce to regulate biking access on cityproperty. They are usually dead end, un-connected roads created and maintainedby city work crews to provide access toreservoir areas by fire trucks and otherpublic vehicles in case of fire or otheremergencies. While they are well main-tained in the Prettyboy area, the 12 milesof fire roads in the Loch Raven area areoften rocky and deeply rutted due to over-use and lack of maintenance.

The city has started to identify thegate number of the fire roads, blaze themas trails, and install kiosks and signs withtrail rules and maps. Still, it is difficultto tell which are the authorized “trails”and to find a route that goes somewhere,especially to a scenic area near the reser-voir. A further limitation is that Balti-more County, where these reservoirs arelocated, does not permit use (e.g., trails)within a 100-foot buffer of its waterways.

The Mountain Biking Task Forceresumed its meetings in March 2010 todiscuss impacts on the reservoir areasfrom biking activities and to revise the1998 plan. The Mid-Atlantic Off-RoadEnthusiasts (MORE) called a publicmeeting on October 28 to discuss the trailclosures and the tickets and warnings be-ing issued by the reservoir rangers at Loch


(continued on page 11)NCRR Trail in Baltimore County serves hikers, bicyclists, and runners.


Maryland Trails

landscape as Maryland’s suburbs growand “keep out” signs are posted to con-trol public use. Trails have had a powerthrough time to captivate people andmake them feel like owners or protectorsof the landscape, even though their namesare not on the deed. People need to beable to ramble. Trails slow us down andhelp us to reconnect and reimagine withthe landscape. We need to design bikingand walking trails to reduce the growthof “car habitat” with its impervious sur-faces that cover our watersheds and cause

runoff of sediments and pollutants intothe waterways and Chesapeake Bay.

DNR representatives stated thattheir goal is to use trails to create livablecommunities and get people out of carsand into the outdoors. They want to con-nect commuter and recreational trails andconnect communities with nature. Thisreconnection with the natural world andexperiences is particularly important forchildren. DNR Secretary John R. Grif-fin said that the State wants to emphasizea private-public partnership to plan, de-velop, and maintain trails that will be-come a necessary type of infrastructurejust like highways.

Gregory Miller, President of theAmerican Hiking Society, pointed outthat hiking is the gateway nature activitythat leads to a lifetime of fitness. It isinexpensive, requires little or no skill, andis the outdoors activity accessible to themost people. Hiking is a way to reener-gize the conservation ethic in people andto fight our current health crisis of obe-

Raven Reservoir. Representatives of theCity’s Department of Public Works whoattended pointed out that the reservoir isnot a park, but provides drinking waterfor 1.8 million residents. The city has tomeet federal and state requirements gov-erning public use of reservoirs in order toprotect water quality and security. Butattendees told the city staff, “We are yoursolution, not your problem.” Trail usershelp to maintain the trails and pick uptrash. They are the city’s eyes and ears,reporting problems. City staff said thata trail plan submitted by MORE is beingreviewed, and public hearings may beheld.

Baltimore’s watersheds are amongthe largest open spaces accessible to Mary-land residents and are close to a largepopulation center. Even though they arenot public parks, they have been used bythe public as parks due to the lack of al-ternatives and their easy access and natu-ral beauty. Recognizing this public de-mand and need, the city closes the road

sity and related conditions. We need thefreedom to explore—to be able to expe-rience trails at our own speed on our ownterms.

Patrick Miller of the Mid-AtlanticOff-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) statedthat their goal is for the state’s trails to beconnected and usable. Everyone is outthere for the same experience—to be ona natural surface trail. Non-paved trailscan be developed and maintained so theydo not cause erosion and do not other-wise harm the environment. MORE hasdeveloped a shared-use trail plan that it

is presenting to the DNR, Baltimore City,and other land managers. Trail users needto band together to keep public lands ac-cessible, especially now that BaltimoreCity has started to limit public access inthe reservoir areas.

Lisa Gutierrez, Director of theDNR’s Boating Facilities and Access Plan-ning Division, said that a network of wa-ter trails and public access sites is beingcreated statewide. The Waterway Im-provement Fund provides grants for theseefforts. Also, the Boating Excise Tax helpsto fund public access sites. The state nowhas over 400 public access sites to its wa-terways. Since 2000, 21 new water trailshave been created, so Maryland now hasover 600 miles of designated water trails.The goal is to have 1,000 miles by 2020.Information about these trails and accesssites is available on the DNR website. ■

Mary C. Corddry is an outings leader forthe Greater Baltimore Group, and a mem-ber of the Chesapeake editorial team.

Maryland Trails Summit(continued from page 10)

Trail Closures in Baltimore Reservoir Areas

(continued from page 10) through the Loch Raven Reservoir onweekend days, to the delight of walkers,bicyclists, skaters, and skateboarders. OnNovember 9, Maryland Public Broadcast-ing had a segment about mountain bik-ing on single-track trails in Loch RavenReservoir and Patapsco State Park. Themountain bikers called these forests a“paradise.”

For more information and updatesfrom the city, see www.baltimorecity.gov/government/dpw.water/rnrs/index.php;for information from MORE, seewww.lochraventrailaccess.com. ■

Mary C. Corddry is an outings leader forthe Greater Baltimore Group, and a mem-ber of the Chesapeake editorial team.

Trail in the Liberty Reservoir area in Carroll County beckons hikers. Photo by F. Sypher.

TTTTTrrrrrails haails haails haails haails havvvvve had a pe had a pe had a pe had a pe had a pooooowwwwwer threr threr threr threr through time tough time tough time tough time tough time tooooocccccaptivaptivaptivaptivaptivaaaaattttte pe pe pe pe people and makeople and makeople and makeople and makeople and make them fe them fe them fe them fe them feeleeleeleeleell ikl ikl ikl ikl ike oe oe oe oe owners or prwners or prwners or prwners or prwners or protototototececececectttttors of the land-ors of the land-ors of the land-ors of the land-ors of the land-scscscscscapapapapapeeeee,,,,, e e e e evvvvven though their names aren though their names aren though their names aren though their names aren though their names are note note note note noton the deedon the deedon the deedon the deedon the deed.....


By Marta Vogel—“Before that, you would not havecaught me in the woods,” says Juan Coles, a senior atDigital Harbor High School, a magnet public highschool in Baltimore. “I was a city boy. Sierra Club haschanged my life.”

At a cross country meet a few years back, a fellowrunner told Coles about BICO (Baltimore Inner CityOutings). “You all should come along,” the teammateurged. “It’s fun, it’s free and the people are great.”

Coles swallowed the bait and liked the outdoors somuch that when he graduates from high school nextyear, he will be a certified Sierra Club youth leader. Herecently helped with the Oct 22-23 Pocomoke trip, with20 students and eight leaders,planning the food, trans-portation, and figuring out where the nearest hospitalwas. Students hiked, biked and kayaked, and while theywere hiking, Coles was fixing lunch.

What he enjoys about the outings, “the silence..thesilence…you hear so much. When we’re camping, youhear the wildlife, the little rodents scurrying. You enjoyyourself. It’s like a mini-vacation.”

Does he have any trouble persuading other stu-dents to join?

“Nine out of ten times I will persuade someone tocome,” the naturally charismatic student says. “Yes,you’re in a tent, there are no showers, but get over it; it’sjust for the weekend.”

While the intent of Inner City Outings program isto get those young feet hitting the forest dirt instead ofcity asphalt, coordinating the monthly outings requiresmore than throwing a few sleeping bags and tents in theback of a van. “The challenges prior to the outing arethe big ones,” says Nicole Veltre-Luton, who, for thepast 11 years has co-chaired BICO with Bob Burchard.“Having enough certified leaders and volunteers.”

In fact, as of January, 2009, BICO was on the en-dangered list. No one ran for chairman and without achair, the group could not meet ICO regulations. Veltre-Luton decided to co-chair with Burchard and notes, “Ifeel like I have a full time volunteer position sometimes.”Veltre-Luton notes that she has a strong group of dedi-cated volunteers. But keeping it all together is like afiddler on the roof involving sponsoring agencies, tripleaders, and funding.

“It is hard to find individuals who really want tovolunteer for the right reasons and are committed todoing so, not just so they can say they volunteer duringa cocktail party conversation,” says Veltre-Luton, anenvironmental sciences teacher at Digital Harbor.

“Once one challenge is done, the next one popsup,” say Veltre-Luton, who has coordinated at least aday outing once a month for the past 11 years, plusfour camping outings a year. “We lost one of our agen-cies. One teacher went to med school and the other trans-ferred to another school. So we were down to one verystrong agency, and one mostly strong, and a fledgling.”

BICO currently deals with four agencies, includ-ing Digital Harbor High School, College Gardens Com-munity Center, Baltimore Talent Development HS, andPaul’s Place in Pigtown.

Bob Burchard set up the program in 1999 and isnow so busy with PR and funding that he rarely hastime to go on many outings himself. “So far we con-tinue to be fortunate,” says Burchard, “We haven’t beenhurt by the economy. We can make a strong case forfunding. With no paid staff, we’re getting inner city kidsinto the great outdoors.” BICO operates on an annualbudget of approximately $16,000. BICO depends onthe kindness of a great many donors, including AllstateAuto Rentals, REI, CVS, Dick’s Sporting Goods, andthe Chesapeake Bay Trust. Beth Ruekberg, chair of thehistory department at Garrison Forest School, providesleadership training.

Veltre-Luton estimates that a weekend camping tripfor 20 or so students costs about $1200, most of it go-ing to the 15-person van rental. There’s also food, cabin(at Blackburn) or camping fee and gear. They’re nowlooking to get new tents to replace those they got someyears ago from REI returns or tents REI was unable tosell. Gear is stored in a gear locker at Route 40 Storage,where BICO gets a discount.

Digital Harbor student Tiara Barnes has partici-pated in BICO outings at least once a month, some-times more, and has taught other students the “No TraceLeft Behind” policy and why protecting the environ-ment is important. “The volunteers and students workvery well together,” she says. “It’s almost like we’re afamily and every trip someone new joins us.”

“All of the students end up knowing a lot moreabout the environment after each outing,” says Veltre-Luton. “ It is exponential what impact an ICO can makeon the environment through opening the eyes of a child.”

Juan Coles is hoping to attend Hampton Univer-sity, along the banks of the Virginia Peninsula, to studyenvironmental science.

For a city boy living in a Baltimore row house, it’sbeen quite a trip. ■

BICO Takes City Kids from the Streets to the Trail

The Chapter needs a volunteer to help with treasurer duties.

Attention to detail is a must. Accounting background is aplus, but not necessary.

Please contact Betsy Johnson at 301-656-4948 if you canhelp!

Volunteering

WWWWWe’re’re’re’re’re Looking!e Looking!e Looking!e Looking!e Looking!


Edited by Mary C. Corddry—Follow-ing is a roundup of what’s happening withthe nine Sierra Club groups in Maryland:Anne Arundel County, Catoctin, EasternShore, Greater Baltimore, HowardCounty, Montgomery County, PrinceGeorge’s County, Southern Maryland,and Western Maryland. If you have in-formation to contribute to future“Roundups” for the Chesapeake newslet-ter, please contact Mary Corddry [email protected] or at 410-239-4590.

Sierra Club groups worked hard atidentifying candidates to support for thisyear’s elections and are now planning forthe upcoming state legislative session,identifying local priorities. Groups areactive in the Sierra Club’s “Cool Cities”initiative, encouraging local governmentsand citizens to take action to address glo-bal climate change. They are involvedwith local land use and environmentalissues, following local government activi-ties and participating on advisory com-mittees and at hearings. They volunteerto eradicate invasive plants, plant nativespecies, maintain trails, and clean upstreams. They enjoy the environment byhiking, biking, paddling, stargazing,camping, and backpacking. They discussenvironmental issues and socialize at din-ners, picnics, slide shows, movies, andspeaker series.

There is something for everyone.Contact your group to get involved withyour favorite issue or activity. Find a linkto each group’s website at the chapter’swebsite, www.maryland.sierraclub.org.

Anne Arundel GroupChair: David Prosten, 410-263-6341 or410-703-0847, [email protected]

By David ProstenAnnual Potluck DinnerFormer U.S. Representative WayneGilchrest, a heroic advocate for the envi-ronment during his 18 years in the Houseof Representatives, will be the guest

speaker at the Anne Arundel Group’s an-nual potluck dinner in Annapolis onJanuary 22. All Maryland Sierrans andtheir friends are invited.

Representative Gilchrest, a moder-ate Republican who representedMaryland’s 1st District from 1990 to2008, compiled a strong record of lead-ership in his support of programs de-signed to help the Bay and its tributaries.He routinely won the endorsement of theSierra Club and other environmental or-ganizations and frequently served as abridge between the environmental com-munity and more conservative membersof the House’s Republican caucus.

The dinner is open to all. The costis $7 for adults and $3 for children (tocover hall rental, beverages, and otherbasics). Each group is asked to bring adish large enough for their party plus onemore. Tickets may be purchased onlinewith a credit card or at the door with cashor check. To purchase tickets online, goto the Anne Arundel Group’s web site ath t tp : / /mar y l and . s i e r r a c lub.o rg /annearundel/eventscalendar.html.

The group hosted a highly successful fo-rum about offshore wind power on Oc-tober 20, bringing together experts fromgovernment and industry to tell the com-munity about the status of a proposal foran offshore wind farm off Ocean City.About 75 people attended the gatheringat Annapolis High School. Program ChairCarmen Paral did a great job of coordi-nating the program. She also did a greatjob with a program at the school on No-vember 15 about “Wild Utah! America’sRedrock Wilderness,” a film narrated byRobert Redford.

The group is supporting a suit by thePatuxent Riverkeeper organization, ap-pealing the county’s approval of new zon-ing for the huge Arundel Gateway projectnear Fort Meade. To be located near Rt.198 and the Baltimore-Washington Park-way, the mixed-use project would cover

250 acres and include offices, shops, ahotel, and 1,600 units of townhouses andapartments. The suit is not protesting thedevelopment itself, but rather how thecounty council circumvented the county’sestablished zoning process to enable it tomove forward. There were no public hear-ings on the rezoning and the public wasfrozen out of the process. Earl Bradley,an executive committee member of theAnne Arundel Group, submitted the suit,which is funded and organized by theRiverkeeper group.

Catoctin Group (Carroll,Frederick, and WashingtonCounties)Chair: Dan Andrews, 410-857-4129,[email protected]

By Gregor BeckerElectionsLocally, all of the Sierra Club’s endorsedcandidates lost in the November elections.All three Catoctin counties will have five-member Republican boards of commis-sioners, following a national trend of Re-publican victories.

In Carroll County we might claima victory in that four of five commissionerwinners opposed the incinerator. In fact,in this year’s general election, 10 of 11Carroll candidates opposed it and five of11 Frederick candidates opposed it. How-ever, incineration opposition mattered lessthan party in commissioner elections. Thelone proponent, Dave Roush of theWestminster District 3, has lately ex-pressed misgivings. This is probably dueto criticism of his support for two of threebig spending projects.

We cannot sugarcoat this overallloss. We endorsed some Republicans wholost. We are nonpartisan and support thecandidates with the strongest environ-mental positions. Fiscal conservatives inCarroll County were appealing due to in-cinerator opposition, but some candidatesdiscredited global warming or even seeSierra Club volunteers as unwitting agents

of a United Nations plot to promote glo-balization and the so-called socialistagenda of sustainability. (See the articlecoauthored by Carroll County Commis-sioner-elect Richard Rothschild at http://tiny.cc/opgz9. This may be signaling anassault on the mayors’ climate protectionagreement, signed by Carroll andFrederick Counties, Mt. Airy, Sykesville,Westminster, and Brunswick. The agree-ment is a non-binding pledge to pursueenergy efficiency and support efforts tominimize climate change.)

IncineratorThe Catoctin Group has spent consider-able resources on incineration oppositionover the last five years. Among other ef-forts, we co-sponsored Dr. Paul Connettflying from Italy to speak in Frederick onthe dangers of nanoparticles, and contrib-uted to the No Incinerator billboard inWestminster. Saving public money is onour side in the incinerator battle and pro-duced good discussions with some con-servative candidates.

The Northeast Maryland Waste Dis-posal Authority presented only one wasteoption, exposing this “state agency” as justa spokes-group for the incineration in-dustry. Instead of bidding out the con-tract, we may pay NMWDA for 30 yearsof oversight for the first trash incineratorbuilt in the U.S. in 15 years.

So now what? If Carroll pulls out,will they reduce, reuse, recycle . . . or justship trash to Frederick as WashingtonCounty proposes? Will Carroll Countylearn from the Waste Not Recycling bri-gades’ efforts at the Maryland Wine Fes-tival and other events?

I’m not bitter; I’m pragmatic. I wasdisappointed by the election results andthe lack of popular support for incinera-tor alternatives but greatly inspired byindividual efforts. In the end if an incin-erator is built, we’ll all breathe the tox-ins. The toxic body burden will increasefor frail as well as healthy adults and chil-

Group News Roundup (Anne Arundel, Catoctin)Chapter Groups Thinking Globally, Working Locally

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dren, and also for all creation—cows inthe field, fish in the stream, cropland, wildlands. A blood sample could confirm this,although nothing could easily trace it to“our incinerator.” There are other incin-erators, other sources blowing our way.Will children be at risk to breathe the air,the invisible toxic dump site?

Grassroots ParticipationThe electoral setback shouldn’t dampenspirits. We fought the good fight forhealth and sound fiscal policy. WhenCarroll County pulls out of a bad con-tract, will so-called fiscal conservatives in

Frederick County proceed with an over-sized trash magnet? Just say no!

If you voted for incinerator oppo-nents, thank you. And many thanks forprecious volunteer time. A few memberstoiled mightily. This includes CatoctinExecutive Committee members and a fewother committed Sierra Club members,moms, and seniors who volunteered atlocal festivals to show that recycling re-ally makes a difference. And thanks tothose who contributed SC dues or can-didate funds, distributed door-hangers,helped at booths, wrote letters to news-papers, checked out our website or theWaste Not sites, and voted. Special thanksto those like my 90-year-old friend, re-cently recovered from a broken hip, whovoted. I have progressive multiple sclero-sis, but my electric wheelchair and Ihelped Waste Not volunteers from bothcounties at the MD Wine Festival. Mypicture made the Carroll County Timesalong with pictures of other volunteers.The efforts of some weren’t included, butI salute you all!

But please remember, if you wantyour local Sierra Club to be more than apaper tiger, you need to help, by votingand by volunteering. Even a few hourswould really help. If you want to make adifference, and as a Sierran we believe youdo, send your member number, first andlast name, and town of residence toBrigitte at [email protected]. We needmembers’ email addresses in order tocommunicate with you effectively. Or,you can check our website weekly forupdates. Of course, I want to believe ourmembers are activists who care about ourlegacy to coming generations. When youdon’t email us or don’t vote a better planet,I do worry that we’re a paper tiger. SendBrigitte an email to let us know you votedor just to say hi.

Catoctin Group Excom ElectionsThe Catoctin Group announces electionsfor its Executive Committee. Elected Ex-ecutive Committee members vote on of-

ficers and the group’s actions or positionson various topics. The two-year terms ofthe following Catoctin Group ExecutiveCommittee members expire at the end of2011: Dan Andrews, Ken Eidel, LewSherm, Brigitte Fortin. We are having anelection for three excom vacancies, withtwo-year terms expiring at the end of2012. Please vote for no more than threeof the following candidates:

AMY ANDREWS: I am a lifelong residentof Carroll County, Maryland. I am a 2005graduate of Westminster High School,2009 graduate of Carroll CommunityCollege, and am now attending McDanielCollege (majoring in communications).I am passionate about our Mother Earthand believe that every day is Earth Day!I am passionate about fighting theFrederick County incineratorissue, composting, recycling, and being asteward of our Mother Earth. I look for-ward to your vote.

CAROLYN PUCKETT: I was born on theCumberland Plateau area of Tennessee,one of the most ecologically diverse areasof the U.S. I fell in love with wildflowersat an early age and today grow many na-tive plants from seeds. I enjoy volunteer-ing at local nature centers to remove in-vasive weeds. Now that I’m retired, I wantto contribute more to safeguarding ourenvironment. KAREN MOODY: As an avid hiker I recentlycompleted the Sierra Club’s outings leadertraining. I’ve led Sierra Club outings toBear Branch Nature Center andGambrills State Park, and I am interestedin exploring more of our area’s trails. I’dfocus on increasing the number and vari-ety of outings offered by our Group.This can increase membership andsupport group conservation activities. Icurrently teach biology and environmen-tal science at Carroll and Harford Com-munity Colleges. I teach about the localnatural history, and try to get students

involved through semester-long conser-vation projects. I’d like to put those skillsto use for the Sierra Club. We have two ways to vote! See page 23for a paper ballot, and submit it with yourballot for the Maryland Chapter’s excomcandidates, or email your vote [email protected] with your SC membernumber. You’ll find your member num-ber on your Sierra Club membership card,or right above your name on the addresslabel of Chesapeake.

Eastern Shore (Cecil County andEastern Shore Counties)Chair: Don Grace, 410-352-3722,[email protected]

The Eastern Shore Group of the SierraClub meets on the third Tuesday of everymonth at the Wicomico Library locatedat 122 South Division Street in down-town Salisbury. The meetings start at 6:30p.m. The group is working on the SierraClub Cool Cities campaign to conserveenergy and reduce greenhouse gas emis-sions on the Eastern Shore. For furtherinformation, contact Don Grace [email protected].

Greater Baltimore (Baltimore Cityand County, Harford County)Chair: Chris Yoder, 410-466-2462,[email protected]

The Greater Baltimore Group’s outingsprogram offers hikes and strolls of variedlengths and difficulty, including outingsthat are child and dog friendly. There area variety of other activities includingkayaking, camping, hayrides, streamcleanups, and tubing. Check the group’sweb site for a schedule of outings andother events.

The Greater Baltimore Group has aFacebook group that you can join ath t t p : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /group.php?gid=76458501970. Facebook

Group News Roundup (Catoctin, Eastern Shore, Greater Baltimore)Chapter Groups Thinking Globally, Working Locally

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Sierra Club, Maryland Chapter7338 Baltimore Avenue, #111College Park, MD 20740

will be updated with information abouthikes, meetings, and public meetings rel-evant to the Sierra Club.

The Young Sierrans have a Facebookpage at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51601732426

Howard CountyChair: Ken Clark, 301-725-3306,[email protected]

By Ken Clark—The most significantnews is the removal of two dams on thePatapsco River. Removal of Union Damhas been completed, and removal ofSimpkins Dam is beginning. As part ofthe Simpkins Dam removal, we are look-ing for volunteers to monitor effectsof the movements of impounded sedi-ments after major flooding events. Con-tact Ken Clark for details at 301-725-3306 or [email protected].

The Howard County Group has avery active outings program, includingfrequent backpacking trips. Check thegroup’s web site for a schedule of outingsand other events. You may contact KenClark about getting on an email listingof outings and events.

Montgomery CountyChair: David Hauck, 301-270-5826,[email protected]

By Jane Huff—In 2010 the Montgom-ery County Group of the Sierra Clubcontinued to work to protect our envi-ronment by:◆◆◆◆Testifying before the county counciland county agencies◆◆◆◆Researching and shaping legislation◆◆◆◆Mobilizing volunteers to take action◆◆◆◆Partnering with key organizationsand government departments◆◆◆◆Delivering education programs◆◆◆◆Informing members through publi-cations◆◆◆◆Registering positions through letterwriting and e-mail

In April we supported continued capitalfunding for the Metro. In a time of crisisfor Metro, the Montgomery CountyGroup has fought to ensure the future ofour regional transit. Facing a large oper-ating deficit, Metro contemplated crip-pling service cuts at the same time asmajor fare increases. A healthy Metro isessential to all of the MontgomeryCounty Group’s transit and SmartGrowth goals, such as the Purple Line.As part of the regional Sustainable MetroD.C., the Montgomery County Groupworked to ensure Metro’s future. Weurged the governor to commit a full $30million to avoid service cuts, moneywhich other jurisdictions would match.While Maryland only agreed to about halfthat, it was enough to avoid the worstcuts. Then came news that Maryland wasdelaying payment of $56 million in criti-cal capital obligations and that a long-term capital budget agreement was indoubt. Redoubling our efforts ingrassroots public education and insiderlobbying, we turned our attention to theWashington Post’s editorials until we havelargely reached our destination, at leastfor fiscal year 2011.

In May we supported the Mont-gomery County Council’s vote for thecarbon dioxide tax, to require sources inthe county that generate more than onemillion tons of CO

2 a year to pay $5.00

on every ton of carbon dioxide they pro-duce. The only facility that exceeds thisthreshold in the county is the Dickersoncoal-fired power plant owned by theMirant Corporation. Mirant worked hardto kill this bill, arguing that this excisetax would force it to shut down itsDickerson plant. County residents andbusinesses would then have to import“dirty” power from West Virginia, Ohio,and Pennsylvania, which “could necessi-tate building more high voltage transmis-sion lines that cut through forests andfarmland.” At the public hearing on May18, Council members heard testimonyfrom Mirant, the Sierra Club, the Chesa-

peake Climate Action Network, tax op-ponents, and climate change skeptics. Wefocused our testimony on the profitsearned by the Dickerson plant, to dem-onstrate that Mirant’s claim was unreal-istic. Mirant has sued to overturn the law.

Stormwater CodesIn July we were pleased when our hardwork helped ensure the passage of thecounty’s new stormwater codes. Thecounty council unanimously approved anew stormwater law that for the first timerequires builders to use “EnvironmentalSite Design” (ESD) techniques like greenroofs, green walls, street-side rain gardens,and cisterns. The essence of ESD is har-vesting rainwater on-site as a resourcethrough reuse and landscaping. The lawmakes Montgomery’s code conform withthe state’s Stormwater Management Actof 2007. It ranks with the most progres-sive stormwater codes in the country, in-cluding those of Portland (OR), Seattle,and Philadelphia. The StormwaterPartners, including the Sierra Club, wona tightening of a provision that wouldhave exempted higher density projectsfrom ESD. We now are turning our at-tention to the strengthening ofMontgomery’s Forest Conservation Law.Protecting forests is step one for ESD.

Uniting a Region DividedWe are continuing to work on “Unitinga Region Divided.” The 1999 BrookingsInstitution report about the racial andeconomic divisions in the Washington,DC Metro area, “A Region Divided: TheState of Growth in Greater WashingtonDC,” showed how jobs and prosperity aredrawn to the western part of the region,notably Fairfax and Montgomery Coun-ties, leaving the eastern part underdevel-oped. This division means increasingsprawl in the west, rather than revitaliza-tion of urban infill to the east. It alsomeans more time spent in cars on theclogged roads. Since 1999, the situation

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Chapter Groups Thinking Globally, Working Locally

Group News Roundup ( Greater Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery)

continued➱


has only gotten worse. To help rectify thissituation, the Sierra Club’s SustainableMetro DC Campaign has announced the“Uniting a Region Divided” initiative todraw attention to the festering problemand begin to search for solutions. As afirst step, we support GovernorO’Malley’s recently announced Transit-Oriented Development initiative, par-ticularly development around Metro sta-tions in Prince George’s and Montgom-ery Counties. We will also participate vig-orously in the development of a RegionalSustainability Plan being spearheaded bythe local Council of Governments (COG)by highlighting regional inequities andpushing for balanced, transit-orientedgrowth.

GaithersburgWe worked hard reviewing plans and tes-tifying to present our views on the finalGaithersburg West Compromise MasterPlan. In April 2010, the county councilunanimously approved a changed masterplan for the Life Sciences Center (LSC)area, the major part of the GaithersburgWest master plan. The final compromiseplan is a chimera, a joining of incompat-ible parts that contradict each other.Though somewhat reduced, the plan stillpermits a major urban employment cen-ter, where none has existed before. Evenwith a lower commercial developmentcap, the plan will still produce one of thelargest employment centers in the county,in a location that will never be really tran-sit-oriented, and in an area with a hous-ing shortage. Although little develop-ment, except that already authorized, ispermitted until serious progress is madeon the Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT),the funding and construction of the CCTis more and more remote. ActivismIn July, August and September we workedhard to interview all the candidates forlocal and state elected positions, county

council, state representatives, and sena-tors. We endorsed those candidates whowe felt would have the best ability to sup-port our areas of concern—protecting ournatural habitats, reducing our carbonfootprint, and promoting smart growthand mass transit.

In the Montgomery County Group,we are achieving our goals because of oureffective volunteer network that workstirelessly to support the membership’s pri-orities.

Please go to our website at http://maryland.sierraclub.org/montgomery fora calendar of our upcoming events andcopies of our recent testimony before andletters to the county council and plan-ning board.

We will be sending out our first e-newsletter soon to all MontgomeryCounty Group members for whom wehave e-mail addresses. If you want to hearabout activities and actions of your localSierra Club group, we need to have youremail address. You can send it [email protected] with “e-newsletter”in the subject line.

Prince George’s CountyActing Chair: Chip Reilly, 301-218-3920,[email protected]’s office: 301-277-7111

Southern Maryland (Calvert,Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties)Chair: Bonnie Bick, 240-493-4919,[email protected]

By Bonnie Bick—The Southern Mary-land Group is positive about the outcomeof the recent Charles County elections.Four new county commissioners and onlyone incumbent will take the oath of of-fice on December 7.

Anyone who followed the variouscampaigns, especially during the primary,knows that a driving force in the defeatof so many incumbents was that the vot-ers have grown frustrated with businessas usual in Charles County. In addition,

voters want the new commissioners to puta stop to the county’s sprawl and haphaz-ard development policies and move thecounty toward Smart Growth. The SierraClub looks forward to working with thenew Charles County leaders and wishesthem success in providing transparent,accountable, and reliable leadership.

Governor Parris Glendening’s 1997Smart Growth legislation was based onthe concept that it makes sense from boththe economic and ecological prospectiveto protect valuable forests and wetlandsand invest in urbanized areas that alreadyhave the necessary infrastructure in place.Keys to the future success and prosperityof Charles County are reinvestment inWaldorf, providing transit-orienteddevelopment with rail connection to theMetro, and protecting our valuable natu-ral resources while promoting heritagetourism.

The group publishes a quarterlynewsletter, “News from Southern Mary-land.” Check the group’s website for aschedule of outings and other events.Monthly invasive plant removals areplanned.

Western Maryland (Allegany andGarrett Counties)Chair: Sam White, 301-264-4162,[email protected] [email protected]

By Sam White—The Western MarylandGroup is assisting in a local food initia-tive. A group of consumers and produc-ers is actively pursuing a venue to sell lo-cal food year round. Educating the pub-lic on the economic and environmentalbenefits of local food will be the focus.The group is also seeking volunteers tolead outings or to serve on the groupexcom. For more information, please con-tact Sam White at 301-264-4162 [email protected].

In addition to our newsletter,“Nature’s Advocate of Western MD,” theWestern Maryland Group has an emaildiscussion group/Listserv at [email protected], for mem-bers to discuss conservation issues per-taining to Western Maryland. TheListserv is also used to announce groupmeetings, outings, and other events. Tojoin, go to the website and click the “Jointhe list” link. ■

Group News Roundup ( Mont., Pr. George’s , Southern MD, Western MD)Chapter Groups Thinking Globally, Working Locally

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Gas companies are actively leasing mineral rights for land in Garrett andAllegany counties in western Maryland to “frack” for natural gas in the shalerock deep underground.

“Frack” is short for “hydraulic fracture,” a type of drilling in which a toxicbrew of chemicals, abrasives, and water is pumped at high pressure into arock formation to fracture the rock and release the natural gas it contains.Fracking is known to cause irreparable damage to groundwater and soilswhen the chemicals and natural gas migrate from the drill site.

If you live, vacation, or own property in western Maryland, or if you careabout the possible water pollution impacts from this drilling, please contactSam White at [email protected], orDavid O’Leary at [email protected] or 301-580-8673.

“F R A C K I N G” T H R E A T E N SW E S T E R N M A R Y L A N D


Maryland Chapter Leaders

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Candidates’ statements begin on page 3; ballot isinside back cover.

Support our SC democracy, support our chapter,with your vote for excom delegates.

It’s Election Time for the Maryland Chapter! CCCCCh a rh a rh a rh a rh a rles Rles Rles Rles Rles [email protected] DDDDDaaaaavid Hvid Hvid Hvid Hvid Hauck,auck,auck,auck,auck, M M M M Mo no no no no ntttttgomergomergomergomergomery Dy Dy Dy Dy Del.el .el .el .el [email protected] MMMMMa ra ra ra ra rc Imlac Imlac Imlac Imlac Imlayyyyy,,,,, S S S S Southeroutheroutheroutherouthern MD Dn MD Dn MD Dn MD Dn MD Del.el .el .el .el [email protected]

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ISSUES CHAIRSISSUES CHAIRSISSUES CHAIRSISSUES CHAIRSISSUES CHAIRSDDDDDaaaaavid Ovid Ovid Ovid Ovid O’L’L’L’L’Le a re a re a re a re a ryyyyy,,,,, C C C C Conseronseronseronseronservvvvvaaaaation Ction Ction Ction Ction [email protected] CCCCCh rh rh rh rh ris is is is is YYYYYoooood e rd e rd e rd e rd e r,,,,, C C C C Conseronseronseronseronservvvvvaaaaation Ction Ction Ction Ction Co-Co-Co-Co-Co-Chairhairhairhairhair410-466-2462Chris.Yoder@mdsierra.org SSSSSam am am am am WWWWWh i th i th i th i th i teeeee,,,,, A A A A Ag rg rg rg rg riculturiculturiculturiculturicultureeeee,,,,, C C C C CAFOAFOAFOAFOAFO,,,,, TTTTTrrrrrue Cue Cue Cue Cue Cost ofost ofost ofost ofost ofFFFFFooooooooood (d (d (d (d (TTTTTCCCCCOF) COF) COF) COF) COF) Chairhairhairhairhair301-264-4162,[email protected] CCCCCh a rh a rh a rh a rh a rlie Glie Glie Glie Glie Ga ra ra ra ra rl ol ol ol ol owwwww,,,,, A A A A Air Qir Qir Qir Qir Qualitualitualitualituality Cy Cy Cy Cy [email protected] MMMMMa ra ra ra ra rc Imlac Imlac Imlac Imlac Imlayyyyy,,,,, B B B B Bi oi oi oi oi odivdivdivdivdiversitersitersitersitersityyyyy,,,,, ESA, ESA, ESA, ESA, ESA, In In In In InvvvvvasivasivasivasivasiveeeeeSSSSSpppppecieseciesecieseciesecies,,,,, and H and H and H and H and Habitaabitaabitaabitaabitat St St St St Sttttteeeeewwwwwa ra ra ra ra rdship Cdship Cdship Cdship Cdship Chairhairhairhairhair301-283-0808marc.imlay@maryland.sierraclub.org DDDDDaaaaavid Ovid Ovid Ovid Ovid O’L’L’L’L’Le a re a re a re a re a ryyyyy,,,,, G G G G Global lobal lobal lobal lobal WWWWWa ra ra ra ra rmingmingmingmingming,,,,, C C C C Cooooool Col Col Col Col CitiesitiesitiesitiesitiesCCCCChairhairhairhairhairdave.oleary@mdsierra.org

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ADMINISTRADMINISTRADMINISTRADMINISTRADMINISTRAAAAATIVE CTIVE CTIVE CTIVE CTIVE CONTONTONTONTONTAAAAACTCTCTCTCTSSSSSCCCCCliff liff liff liff liff TTTTTe re re re re rrrrrr yyyyy,,,,, C C C C Campaign Fampaign Fampaign Fampaign Fampaign Financinancinancinancinance Re Re Re Re Re fe fe fe fe fo ro ro ro ro rm Cm Cm Cm Cm Chairhairhairhairhair410-944-9477cliff.terry@maryland.sierraclub.org

BBBBB aira i ra i ra i ra i rd Sd Sd Sd Sd St rt rt rt rt raughan,aughan,aughan,aughan,aughan, F F F F Fundrundrundrundrundraising Caising Caising Caising Caising [email protected] CCCCCh rh rh rh rh ris Bis Bis Bis Bis Brrrrr yyyyyan,an,an,an,an, L L L L Legislaegislaegislaegislaegislat ivt ivt ivt ivt ive Ce Ce Ce Ce Chairhairhairhairhair410-326-3720, [email protected]

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JJJJJan Han Han Han Han Hoffmastoffmastoffmastoffmastoffmaste re re re re r,,,,, Outings C Outings C Outings C Outings C Outings [email protected] MMMMMi ki ki ki ki ke Pe Pe Pe Pe Prrrrretl ,etl ,etl ,etl ,etl , P P P P PAAAAAC C C C C TTTTTrrrrreasureasureasureasureasure re re re re [email protected] BBBBB etsy Jetsy Jetsy Jetsy Jetsy Johnson,ohnson,ohnson,ohnson,ohnson, P P P P Politicoliticoliticoliticolitical Cal Cal Cal Cal Chairhairhairhairhair,,,,, C C C C Council Douncil Douncil Douncil Douncil Del.el .el .el .el [email protected]

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AAAAACTIVITIES SECTIONS CCTIVITIES SECTIONS CCTIVITIES SECTIONS CCTIVITIES SECTIONS CCTIVITIES SECTIONS CONTONTONTONTONTAAAAACTCTCTCTCTSSSSSKKKKK aaaaat ht ht ht ht hy Hy Hy Hy Hy Ha ra ra ra ra rg e tg e tg e tg e tg e t,,,,, B B B B Baltimoraltimoraltimoraltimoraltimore e e e e YYYYYoung Soung Soung Soung Soung Sierierierierierrrrrransansansansans410-440-9896youngsierrans@gmail.com BBBBB ob Bob Bob Bob Bob Bu ru ru ru ru rcharcharcharcharchard & Nicd & Nicd & Nicd & Nicd & Nicole ole ole ole ole VVVVVeltreltreltreltreltreeeeeBICO [email protected]

CHAPTER STCHAPTER STCHAPTER STCHAPTER STCHAPTER STAFFAFFAFFAFFAFFLLLLLa u ra u ra u ra u ra u rel Imlael Imlael Imlael Imlael Imlayyyyy,,,,, C C C C Chapthapthapthapthapter Cer Cer Cer Cer Coooooo ro ro ro ro rdinadinadinadinadinattttto ro ro ro ro [email protected] AAAAAlana lana lana lana lana WWWWWaseaseaseasease,,,,, C C C C Conseronseronseronseronservvvvvaaaaation Ction Ction Ction Ction Coooooo ro ro ro ro rdinadinadinadinadinattttto ro ro ro ro [email protected]

OOOOOfficfficfficfficffice :e :e :e :e : 7338 Baltimore Avenue, #111College Park, MD 20740Tel: 301-277-7111, Fax: 301-277-6699http://maryland.sierraclub.org


This Winter, Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet

Outings (December)AAAAAbbrbbrbbrbbrbbreeeeeviaviaviaviaviations Utions Utions Utions Utions UsedsedsedsedsedMost outings in the Maryland Chapterare run at the group level, with a fewchapter and inter-chapter events. Thegroup originating the outing isidentified in parentheses by theleader’s name. These and otherabbreviations used are listed below:AA: Anne Arundel GroupAMC: Appalachian Mountain ClubAT: Appalachian TrailBLM: Bureau of Land ManagementCCA: Canoe Cruisers Association

(Washington, D.C.)CG: Catoctin GroupC&O: Chesapeake and Ohio CanalFFA: Family Friendly Activity (kids/

dogs ok, but check with leader)

FWS: (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Svc.GB: Greater Baltimore GroupGWNF: George Washington National

ForestHC: Howard County GroupJNF: Jefferson National ForestMNF: Monongahela National ForestMC: Montgomery County GroupNPS: National Park ServiceNRA: National Recreation AreaNWR: National Wildlife RefugePFD: Personal Flotation Device(lifejacket)PRO: Sierra Club Potomac Region

Outings (SCPRO)*SF: State ForestSM: Southern Maryland GroupSP: State ParkSNP: Shenandoah National Park

* For hike ratings of SCPRO, refer totheir website at http://www.sierrapotomac.org/rating.htm

December

continued➱

Sierra Club outings are open to everyone,members and non-members alike. Eachouting is intended to be a wholesome,safe, and enjoyable experience in the out-doors. Participants must have properclothing, equipment, and stamina suit-able to the event, and are encouraged toselect activities that match their individualabilities for outdoor adventures. The Cluboffers a variety of outings from “easy” to“strenuous” that suit all activity levels. Thedifficulty of each outing is clearly desig-nated in the announcement. Reservationsare generally not required for a local out-ing unless noted, but the outing leadershould be contacted in advance for ques-tions about the terrain, the difficulty orduration of the trip, recommended cloth-ing, footwear and equipment. Activitiesare normally held “rain or shine,” but maybe postponed at the leader’s discretion forsafety reasons in the event of inclementweather. Potential participants are re-minded that all outdoor activities carry adegree of risk, and some take place in lo-cations where professional emergencymedical aid may be two or more hoursaway. People with health concerns shouldconsult a physician to determine the ad-visability of participating in these or simi-lar activities. The Club outing leader isresponsible for the safety of all partici-pants, and has the final authority to de-cide whether or not an individual mayparticipate on a specific outing. SierraClub safety policy requires that helmetsbe worn on bicycling outings. Also, anyparticipant must wear a personal flota-tion device (PFD) on outings using per-sonal watercraft such as kayaks or canoes.

Unless noted in the announcement,Club outings are intended for adults.Children and dogs are not normally per-mitted, unless an outing is so designated.Even on outings that are designated aschild/dog friendly, please contact theleader in advance before bringing minorsor pets. Minors (under 18 years of age)must be accompanied by a parent or a

legal guardian, or they must have both 1)a signed permission slip, and 2) theleader’s prior consent to participate in theClub outing. Dogs must be non-aggres-sive, well-behaved, and on a leash. SierraClub outings officially begin and end atthe trailhead, paddlecraft put-in/take-outpoint, or some other similar designatedlocality near the activity. Travel to the of-ficial starting point and back, even froman advertised meeting place, is the soleresponsibility of each participant. Whilethe Club encourages carpooling, sucharrangements are strictly between the rid-ers and the drivers, and are not a part ofthe outing. Participants assume full re-sponsibility and liability for all risks as-sociated with such travel.

All participants on Sierra Club out-ings are required to sign a standard liabil-ity waiver, which can be viewed on theweb at http://www.sierraclub.org/out-ings/chapter/forms/index.asp. Sierra Clublocal outings are free of charge, althoughpayment of park entrance fees, a share ofcampsite rental costs, permit fees, equip-ment rental charges, etc. may be requiredfrom the participants. Such costs arespecified in the announcement wheneverpossible. The Sierra Club practices “leave-no-trace” trail techniques, including hik-ing and camping on durable surfaces,minimizing campfire impacts, packingout all trash, respecting wildlife, beingconsiderate of other visitors, and leavingthe environment as it was found. Takeonly pictures, leave only footprints, andhave fun out there.

DDDDDecececececembembembembember Aer Aer Aer Aer Annnnnytime – Cytime – Cytime – Cytime – Cytime – Crrrrross Coss Coss Coss Coss Counounounounountrt rt rt rt ryyyyySSSSSkkkkk iingiingiingiingiingWhen snow conditions allow, localskiing or trip to Western Maryland orWest Virginia may be planned. CallJack for details at 410-256-3963.

FFFFFrrrrr i - Si - Si - Si - Si - Sun,un,un,un,un, D D D D Dec 3-5.ec 3-5.ec 3-5.ec 3-5.ec 3-5. Hik Hik Hik Hik Hikes Res Res Res Res Raaaaattttted F anded F anded F anded F anded F andC:C:C:C:C: Shenandoah Weekend in PATCDoyle’s River Cabin w/ BrownMountain/Big Run Loop Hike andDoyles River Loop Hike. ExploreSouthern SNP with a weekend in aPATC Cabin. Arrive Friday afternoon atthe primitive Doyles River Cabin (asearly as 3 pm). Cabin is 0.5 miles fromthe parking area. Friday night we willshare dinner as people arrive. Saturday:Brown Mountain/Big Run Loop Hike:9.7 miles, 4000 feet of elevationchange; strenuous and rated F. Sundaymorning: Doyles River Loop Hike. 6.5miles. 1800 feet of elevation change.Rated C. Lots of waterfalls if there iswater in the streams. Group size islimited. Cost is dependent on numberof participants, but shouldn’t exceed$25 for cabin and shared food. ContactLiz Guertin at 202/415-4639 (before9pm) or [email protected] fordetails.....

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. R R R R Raaaaattttted A.ed A.ed A.ed A.ed A. P P P P Piscisciscisciscaaaaatatatatatawwwwwaaaaay Py Py Py Py Pa ra ra ra ra rk ,k ,k ,k ,k ,plus Optional plus Optional plus Optional plus Optional plus Optional “““““ WWWWWininininintttttererererer’’’’’s Es Es Es Es Evvvvveeeee”””””CCCCCelebrelebrelebrelebrelebraaaaation.tion.tion.tion.tion. Prepare for anotherseasonal change by doing amoderately paced and on-the-levelafternoon hike of 5-6 mi. along theeagle-patrolled shores of the PotomacRiver in Prince George’s Co.—and rightacross from Mount Vernon. Highlightswill include superb and probablyducky river views; a Native Americanceremonial site; National Colonial Farmand its old buildings and heirloombreeds of farm animals; andmicrodoses of history along the way.After the hike, either leave or linger toattend the outdoor/indoor celebration


Outings (December)

continued➱

continued➱(5 to 8 pm) that will feature muchmusic making, refreshments (colonialtea, cider, cookies, popcorn), a blazingbonfire, illuminated buildings,information-dispensing docents, andan unusually well-stocked gift shop.Take along warm clothing and maybea flashlight. Cost: $2/person or canned-food donation for a local food bank.For details, visit www.accokeek.org/events). To carpool or convoy, meet inwestern Alexandria at 12:45 pm in theVan Dorn Metro station’s Park & Ridelot (near the Capital Beltway).Alternatively, arrange with the leadersto meet at the park (and get directionsfrom them). Leashed dogs andaccompanied children with staminaare welcome. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2841,and Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. R R R R Raaaaattttted A/Bed A/Bed A/Bed A/Bed A/B..... C C C C Claude Mlaude Mlaude Mlaude Mlaude MoooooorororororeeeeePPPPPa ra ra ra ra rk Hikk Hikk Hikk Hikk Hikeeeee..... Get-to-Know-LoudounSeries. Discover a little-known gem inthe heart of suburban easternLoudoun County. This is an easy 6-milehike, including a tour of the seasonallydecorated pre-1800 Lanesville Houseand the Frogshackle Nature Center, aspart of a “Holiday in the Park” specialevent. Donations of new winter hats,mittens, and scarves will be acceptedfor the Winter Warmth Tree, and willprovide local needy residents warmclothing through the Loudoun HolidayCoalition. Meet at 9am: from route 7 inSterling, VA, take route 1794 (CascadesParkway) south through 2 traffic lights;look for brown sign with whitelettering “Claude Moore Park.” Takenext left at Vestals Gap Road and parkin lot near visitors’ center. If you needto contact the leader, do so by Dec. 2.Leader: Gary Kosciusko 703/765-0306.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. R R R R Raaaaattttted C.ed C.ed C.ed C.ed C. A A A A Annnnntietam Hiktietam Hiktietam Hiktietam Hiktietam Hikeeeeeand Iand Iand Iand Iand Illuminalluminalluminalluminalluminationtiontiontiontion. This annual eventfeatures an afternoon hike of 11 mi.

(shorter options available) on mixedsurfaces of Civil War Battlefield,followed by a drive through theMemorial Illumination: 23,000 candlescommemorating casualties of thebloodiest single-day battle in U.S.history. Bad-weather date: Dec. 11.Optional post-hike dinner at historicOld South Mountain Inn (limitedreservations; e-mail/call soon). Jointevent with AMD-DC. Leader: MikeDarzi, [email protected] or 301-580-9387.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 4: 4: 4: 4: 4: M M M M Meadoeadoeadoeadoeadowbrwbrwbrwbrwbrooooook Pok Pok Pok Pok Pa ra ra ra ra rk .k .k .k .k . Easy2.5 or 5 mile “sneaker hike” on a pavedloop around the park, or loop twice todouble the distance. Watch the pondsfor winter wildlife. Meet at 9:30 at LongGate Parkway Park & Ride, off Rt. 100,just east of Rt. 29. Contact Sue Muller,301-498-8462, [email protected].

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. D D D D Dececececec..... 5 GB – M 5 GB – M 5 GB – M 5 GB – M 5 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee.....GGGGGunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwder Rder Rder Rder Rder Riviviviviver Hiker Hiker Hiker Hiker Hikeeeee8 miles along the Gunpowder River inthe Hereford area. Meet at the Mt.Carmel Rd. park and ride off I-83 northof the Baltimore Beltway at 11 am. Fordetails, call Jack at 410-256-3963.

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. D D D D Dececececec..... 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. R R R R Raaaaattttted A (hiked A (hiked A (hiked A (hiked A (hike only)e only)e only)e only)e only).Lands of the American Chestnut LandTrust, in Calvert County on the shoresof Chesapeake Bay. Give back in themorning by taking part in a work tripin the usually-closed-to-the-publicWarrior’s Rest Sanctuary, and/or moveforward in the afternoon by taking aseriously scenic and slightly hilly hike

>>>>>

of 5-6 mi. along pristine Parker’s Creekon the ACLT’s North Side. The work trip,between 9 am and 12 pm, will involveremoving invasive vines, doingselective pruning, and performingother light tasks to help preservehistoric trees; take along work glovesand clippers if you have some. Thehike will start at 12:30 pm at the NorthSide trailhead, after a brief lunch breakthere (take food along or stop at aconvenient supermarket en route). Forgetting-there options (drive yourself

or possibly carpool), contact the leader.No pets. Joint event with AMC/DC andACLT. Leader: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2841.

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. D D D D Dec 5.ec 5.ec 5.ec 5.ec 5. R R R R Raaaaattttted Bed Bed Bed Bed B..... A C A C A C A C A Citi ti ti ti ty Hiky Hiky Hiky Hiky Hike -e -e -e -e -WWWWWashingtashingtashingtashingtashington DC (Gon DC (Gon DC (Gon DC (Gon DC (Get tet tet tet tet to Ko Ko Ko Ko Knononononow DCw DCw DCw DCw DCSSSSSerererereries).ies).ies).ies).ies).Easy 7-mile walk in GloverArchbold Park, along C&O Towpathand finally in Battery Kimble Park. Meetat 1 pm behind the MacDonald’srestaurant at Van Ness St. andWisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC.Bring water and snack. Kids who canwalk 7+ miles on moderately hillyterrain are welcome. Leaders: BobMathis, 301-589-7539, and JimFinucane, 301-365-3485 (before 9 pm).

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 11: 11: 11: 11: 11: TTTTThousand Shousand Shousand Shousand Shousand Stttttepsepsepsepseps,,,,, P P P P PAAAAASSSSStatatatatattttte Ge Ge Ge Ge Game Lame Lame Lame Lame Land 112.and 112.and 112.and 112.and 112. Strenuous 8mile out-and-back trek. There are 1000rock steps to climb and descend.Several nice views and remnants of alogging railroad. Bring food, water andsturdy boots. Depart at 8 am from thepark & ride just north of I-70 on Rt. 32.

Contact Mike Juskelis, 410-439-4964,[email protected].

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 11: 11: 11: 11: 11: S S S S Sugarugarugarugarugarloaf Mloaf Mloaf Mloaf Mloaf Mounounounounountain,tain,tain,tain,tain,MDMDMDMDMD..... Moderate 8 mile hike featuringrocky outcrops with sweeping views.Bring lunch and water. Meet at theBagel Bin off Rt. 40 in the EnchantedForest Shopping Center, for a 9:00departure. Call James Perschy, 410-964-1902, [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 11 GB - E 11 GB - E 11 GB - E 11 GB - E 11 GB - Easy/Masy/Masy/Masy/Masy/Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee.....HHHHHolidaolidaolidaolidaoliday Hiky Hiky Hiky Hiky Hike thre thre thre thre through Hough Hough Hough Hough Hampampampampampdendendendendenand on Jand on Jand on Jand on Jand on Jones Fones Fones Fones Fones Falls alls alls alls alls TTTTTrrrrrail thrail thrail thrail thrail throughoughoughoughoughDDDDDrrrrruid Hill Puid Hill Puid Hill Puid Hill Puid Hill Pa ra ra ra ra rk (older childrk (older childrk (older childrk (older childrk (older children aren aren aren aren areeeeewwwwwelcelcelcelcelcome)ome)ome)ome)ome)4 miles on mostly flat paved trail andsidewalks beginning with a waterfallon the Jones Falls and a stroll aroundDruid Lake on a ridge overlooking theCity. Visit the glass house of theConservatory and Botanical Gardens,decorated with poinsettias for theholidays. Continue through the DruidHill Park on the Jones Falls Trail intothe yuppified Woodberry and ClipperMill area. Walk through Hampden, pastshops decorated for the holidays.Lunch stop at an area restaurant. Finishby walking down the Miracle on 34th

Street, with its holiday decorations,then past the old mill houses in StoneHill back to our cars. Children under 18must be able to hike this distance andbe accompanied by a parent or otherresponsible adult. Meet at 11 am andpark in the parking lot on the left ofWyman Park Drive beside the BoyScouts headquarters with the JonesFalls Trail sign, opposite the ex-StieffSilver building. From 28th or 29thStreet just east of the Jones FallsExpressway, turn north onto KeswickRd./Sisson St. and then take the firstleft onto Wyman Park Drive. For moreinformation, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), oremail at [email protected].


Outings (December, January)continued➱

continued➱

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 11. 11. 11. 11. 11. R R R R Raaaaattttted C.ed C.ed C.ed C.ed C. S S S S SugarugarugarugarugarloafloafloafloafloafMMMMMounounounounountain.tain.tain.tain.tain. Moderate 7-mile winterhike to one of our most scenic close-inhikes. This is also a birthday hike - forall trip leaders and participants whohave birthdays in December. Meet at 9am at Shady Grove Metro - East sideby Metro tunnel. Leaders: BobGoldberg, 301-540-2915 (before 9 pm),Frank Wodarczyk, 703/569-6737, CarolIvory, 703/476-8730, and ChristineFord, 703/425-6899.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 11. 11. 11. 11. 11. R R R R Raaaaattttted H.ed H.ed H.ed H.ed H. P P P P Pass Mass Mass Mass Mass Mounounounounountaintaintaintaintainand Mand Mand Mand Mand Ma ra ra ra ra ryyyyy ’’’’’s Rs Rs Rs Rs Rooooockckckckck.A 13-mile circuithike starting at Route 211 andascending Pass Mountain to the AT,proceeding through Thornton Gap toMary’s Rock. Return on Buck HollowTrail. Elev. gain 4,000 ft. Meet at OaktonShopping Center at 7:30 am. Moderatepace. Inexperienced hikers call forhiker requirements. Leader: WilliamNeedham, 410-884-9127 [email protected].

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. D D D D Dececececec..... 12. 12. 12. 12. 12. R R R R Raaaaattttted Bed Bed Bed Bed B..... C C C C Change ofhange ofhange ofhange ofhange ofSSSSSeasons Hikeasons Hikeasons Hikeasons Hikeasons Hikeeeee. Along the Potomacbetween Glen Echo and Carderock, it’slate fall, with white sycamoresjuxtaposed against the Potomac’s bluewaters and sky. Enjoy the less-knownsouth leg of the Billy Goat Trail with itsriverside views on this 9 mi. out andback from Glen Echo Park to CarderockRecreation Area. Modern toilets athalfway point and if it’s cold, awarming fireplace under the pavilionat lunch. We’ll do river trails as much aspossible and towpath when necessary.Friendly dogs (call leader first), andyoungsters welcome. Meet at 9:30 amin the parking lot of the Clara Bartonhouse 5801 Oxford Rd., Glen Echo, MD20812-1201 at the bridge overMinnehaha Creek. Back by 3 pm.Leaders: Dave Burd,[email protected] or 703/998-9390, and Carol Ivory,[email protected].

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. R R R R Raaaaattttted Bed Bed Bed Bed B..... WWWWWashingtashingtashingtashingtashington,on,on,on,on,DC wDC wDC wDC wDC waaaaattttterererererf rf rf rf rf rononononont frt frt frt frt from Som Som Som Som Southeast toutheast toutheast toutheast toutheast toooooGGGGGeoreoreoreoreorgetgetgetgetgetooooown (Gwn (Gwn (Gwn (Gwn (Get tet tet tet tet to ko ko ko ko knononononow DCw DCw DCw DCw DCSSSSSerererereries).ies).ies).ies).ies). Leisurely 7.5-mile stroll alongthe Anacostia River, Washington Canal,Potomac River, and C&O Canal. Walkportions of the Anacostia Trail throughRiverfront and Diamond Teague parks,around Buzzard Point, and along theWaterfront Promenade. We will skirtthe Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorialand walk along the Potomac River toKey Bridge and then along the C&OCanal through Georgetown. Meet 9am, Navy Yard Metro station (NWcorner of M St. and New Jersey Ave.SE). End at Foggy Bottom Metrostation (NW corner of I St. and 23rd St.NW). Leader: Russ Norfleet, 703/501-7953 or [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 18: 18: 18: 18: 18: G G G G Gambrambrambrambrambrill Sill Sill Sill Sill Statatatatattttte Pe Pe Pe Pe Pa ra ra ra ra rk ,k ,k ,k ,k , MD MD MD MD MD.Moderate 7 mile hike on wooded trails,with several scenic overlooks. Bringlunch and water. Meet at the Bagel Binoff Rt. 40 in the Enchanted ForestShopping Center, for a 9:00 departure.Call Tim Ryan before 9:30 pm, 410-248-2974, [email protected].

SSSSSun,un,un,un,un, D D D D Dec 19.ec 19.ec 19.ec 19.ec 19. R R R R Raaaaattttted A.ed A.ed A.ed A.ed A. G G G G Ga ra ra ra ra rden ofden ofden ofden ofden ofLighLighLighLighLights (ts (ts (ts (ts (WWWWWinininininttttter Ger Ger Ger Ger Ga ra ra ra ra rden den den den den WWWWWalk) aalk) aalk) aalk) aalk) atttttBBBBBrrrrrooooookside Gokside Gokside Gokside Gokside Ga ra ra ra ra rdens (Gdens (Gdens (Gdens (Gdens (Get tet tet tet tet to Ko Ko Ko Ko KnononononowwwwwDC SDC SDC SDC SDC Serererereries).ies).ies).ies).ies). 940,000 lights twinkling inthis secular light display. Celebratingthe four seasons with giant sunflowers,autumn leaves, snowflakes, springflowers and rain showers. Cost is $25/car. We must drive into the park in carsfor safety reasons, so we will meet at

Glenmont Metro (West Side Kiss andRide) at 5:15 pm and will carpool fromthere. Leader: Liz Guertin,[email protected] or 202/415-4639.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... D D D D Dececececec..... 25. 25. 25. 25. 25. R R R R Raaaaattttted C.ed C.ed C.ed C.ed C. S S S S SugarugarugarugarugarloafloafloafloafloafMMMMMounounounounountaintaintaintaintain’’’’’s Ns Ns Ns Ns Norororororthertherthertherthern Pn Pn Pn Pn Peakseakseakseakseaks TTTTTrrrrrail .ai l .ai l .ai l .ai l .A 5.5-mile circuit hike with 2,200 ft. ofelev. change. Views of Potomac Valleyand the Catoctin Mountains with adetour to the summit. To carpool, meetat 10 am at the Grosvenor Metro Kissand Ride. Leaders: Vicky Hsu, 301-275-6646 or [email protected], andMike Darzi, 301-580-9387 [email protected].

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. D D D D Dec 26 GB - Eec 26 GB - Eec 26 GB - Eec 26 GB - Eec 26 GB - Easyasyasyasyasy..... “ L“ L“ L“ L“ Last Sast Sast Sast Sast SundaundaundaundaundayyyyyEEEEEasy Hikasy Hikasy Hikasy Hikasy Hikeeeee” ” ” ” ” Meet at 2 pm at the Paper Mill Roadparking lot for the NCRR trail. Hike atan easy pace on flat paved surface tothe Phoenix Rd parking lot and back,which is about 3 miles roundtrip. Breakin those new boots you got forChristmas! Scenic rest stops andhistorical sites along the route. Dogsand children OK. Wheelchairs arewelcome - I’ll hitch up Muttley and

you can go for a wild ride! Optionaldinner afterwards. For details, contactPaul at 410-667-4889 [email protected].

>>>>>

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: R R R R Rausch Gausch Gausch Gausch Gausch Gap Lap Lap Lap Lap Loooooopopopopop,,,,, S S S S Sttttt.....AAAAAnnnnnthonthonthonthonthonyyyyy ’’’’’s s s s s WWWWWilderilderilderilderildernessnessnessnessness,,,,, P P P P PAAAAA. Moderate10 mile hike using an old stagecoach

January

road, railroad grade and connectingtrails through a previously heavilymined area. See human destructionand natural recovery at work. Bringfood, water and sturdy boots. Depart at8:00 am from the south lot of theTimonium Park & Ride / Light Rail.Contact Mike Juskelis, 410-439-4964,[email protected].

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... J J J J Jan 1.an 1.an 1.an 1.an 1. R R R R Raaaaattttted Bed Bed Bed Bed B..... TTTTThirhirhirhirhirttttty-Sy-Sy-Sy-Sy-SeeeeevvvvvenenenenenthththththAAAAAnnual Nnnual Nnnual Nnnual Nnnual Neeeeew w w w w YYYYYearearearearear’’’’’s Ds Ds Ds Ds Daaaaay Hiky Hiky Hiky Hiky Hike one one one one onC&O CC&O CC&O CC&O CC&O Canal anal anal anal anal TTTTTooooowpawpawpawpawpaththththth. Start 2011 rightwith a 10-mile stroll/walk along theC&O Canal. Learn about this historicarea. Meet at 9:30 am on WisconsinAve. at the canal, south of M St. inGeorgetown. Walk to Little Falls PumpStation (or turn around sooner) andback. Leashed dogs OK. Leaders: CarolIvory, [email protected]; ChristineFord, 703/425-6899 (before 10 pm);Paul Elliott, 202/423-7913.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 1 GB – M 1 GB – M 1 GB – M 1 GB – M 1 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee..... Or Or Or Or OregonegonegonegonegonRRRRRidge Pidge Pidge Pidge Pidge Pa ra ra ra ra rk Hikk Hikk Hikk Hikk Hikeeeee..... 5 miles. Celebratethe New Year on this figure-8 hike toIvy Hill Pond. Some shallow streamcrossings. Meet in front of naturecenter at 1 pm. Take I-83 north of theBaltimore Beltway to Shawan Rd. andexit west. After approximately 1 mile,turn left at stoplight onto Beaver DamRd. Turn immediately onto right forkinto park. Follow road one-half mile toend and walk up to nature center.Cancelled for steady rain or storms. Formore details, call Alan at 443-212-5082or email [email protected].

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 9 GB – M 9 GB – M 9 GB – M 9 GB – M 9 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee.....GGGGGunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwder ader ader ader ader at Bt Bt Bt Bt Belair Relair Relair Relair Relair Rddddd..... (Olderchildren and dogs are welcome) 4miles along the Gunpowder River andup into stream valleys. See how riverhabitat changes in the winter. Dress forthe weather. Children under 18 mustbe able to hike this distance and beaccompanied by a parent or otherresponsible adult. Dogs must be


continued➱

continued➱

Outings (January, February, March)

friendly. Meet at 11 am in the parkinglot for the trails on Belair Road, on thenortheast side of bridge over the river.Check for cancellation in bad weather.For more details, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell),or email at [email protected].

FFFFFrrrrr i .i .i .i .i . J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 14 GB – E 14 GB – E 14 GB – E 14 GB – E 14 GB – Easyasyasyasyasy..... Outings Outings Outings Outings OutingsMMMMMeetingeetingeetingeetingeeting,,,,, P P P P Potluck and otluck and otluck and otluck and otluck and TTTTTalk (suitablealk (suitablealk (suitablealk (suitablealk (suitablefffffor anor anor anor anor any age)y age)y age)y age)y age)Join us for a social evening at theOregon Ridge Nature Center for goodfood and a talk on the effects of lightpollution on bird migration. Learnwhat you can do to help the local birdpopulations. While most bird andnature lovers are aware that habitatloss and feral cats kill a lot of birds,many are surprised to learn thatcollisions with transparent or reflectivesurfaces such as glass and plexiglassare one of the biggest killers of birds inthe world. Those who have studied theissue believe only habitat loss killsmore birds. Join us as representativesof “Lights Out Baltimore” discuss theirfindings over the past two years insurveying a 3-mile loop of downtownBaltimore City, and the challengesmigratory birds face year-round withbuilding collisions and duringmigration with light pollution. You willalso learn about products available toreduce bird strikes (including samplesof bird-friendlier glass), DIY options,federal and internationaldevelopments on the issue of bird-glass collisions, bird-friendly buildingstandards that have been introducedin Toronto and in progress in SanFrancisco, and most importantly, howyou can help.

As we set up for the potluck dinner, wewill have an Outings Meeting between6:00 and 6:30 pm to discuss past andplanned outings. Prospective outingsleaders are welcome to come and

meet outings leaders and discusswhat it takes. The potluck will start at6:30 pm and the talk at 7:30, lasting nolater than 9 pm. Come along and bringa dish to share and some family andfriends. No reservations required. Thenature center is at 13555 Beaver DamRoad and can be reached from theShawan Road west exit (#20B) from I-83 north of the Baltimore Beltway.

S S S S Saaaaattttt..... J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 15: 15: 15: 15: 15: R R R R Rosarosarosarosarosaryyyyyville SPville SPville SPville SPville SP,,,,, MD MD MD MD MD.....Moderate 8 mile hike around theperimeter of this southern MD park.

Bring food, water and sturdy boots.Depart at 8:00 from the west lot of theBroken Land Parkway Park & Ride at Rt.32. Contact Mike Juskelis, 410-439-4964, [email protected]. Take Shawan Road to thetraffic light at Beaver Dam, make a leftand stay to the right to the parking lot.Walk up to the nature center. CallJoyce at 410-254-7240 for any otherquestions.

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 16 GB – M 16 GB – M 16 GB – M 16 GB – M 16 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee..... Hik Hik Hik Hik Hike ore ore ore ore orCCCCCrrrrross Coss Coss Coss Coss Counounounounountrt rt rt rt ry Sy Sy Sy Sy Skkkkk i i i i i TTTTTrrrrr ip (tip (tip (tip (tip (to bo bo bo bo beeeeedetdetdetdetdetererererermined)mined)mined)mined)mined)Local hike on Sunday or cross countryski trip for the Martin Luther King Dayweekend in Western Maryland orPennsylvania, depending on theweather and snow conditions. Fordetails, call Jack at 410-256-3963.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... J J J J Jan.an.an.an.an. 29: 29: 29: 29: 29: B B B B Bear Bear Bear Bear Bear Brrrrranch Nanch Nanch Nanch Nanch NaaaaaturturturturtureeeeeCCCCCenenenenenttttter/Her/Her/Her/Her/Hashaashaashaashaashawha Ewha Ewha Ewha Ewha EnnnnnvirvirvirvirvironmenonmenonmenonmenonmentaltaltaltaltalCCCCCenenenenentttttererererer,,,,, C C C C Ca ra ra ra ra rrrrrroll Coll Coll Coll Coll Counounounounountttttyyyyy,,,,, MD MD MD MD MD.....Moderate 8 mile hike through woods

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... F F F F Febebebebeb..... 5 GB – M 5 GB – M 5 GB – M 5 GB – M 5 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee..... M M M M MingoingoingoingoingoFFFFForororororks/Bks/Bks/Bks/Bks/Bunkunkunkunkunker Hill Hiker Hill Hiker Hill Hiker Hill Hiker Hill Hike or Ce or Ce or Ce or Ce or CrrrrrossossossossossCCCCCounounounounountrt rt rt rt ry Sy Sy Sy Sy Skkkkk i (Oi (Oi (Oi (Oi (Older childrlder childrlder childrlder childrlder children anden anden anden anden anddododododogs args args args args are we we we we welcelcelcelcelcome) ome) ome) ome) ome) 5 miles. Thisbeautiful hike in Gunpowder FallsState Park will highlight the winterwoodlands as it traverses the stream

valleys and upland forests on thesouth side of the Big Gunpowder River.Bring cross country skis or snowshoesif snow is too deep for hiking. Dress forthe weather. Children under 18 mustbe able to hike this distance and beaccompanied by a parent or otherresponsible adult. Dogs must befriendly. Meet at 11 am at the Mt.Carmel Rd. Park & Ride just west off ofI-83 north of the Baltimore Beltwayand past the Shawan Rd. exit. Check forcancellation in bad weather. For moredetails, contact Mary at 410-239-4590(home), 443-786-0862 (cell) or email [email protected].

SSSSSun.un.un.un.un. F F F F Febebebebeb..... 20 GB – M 20 GB – M 20 GB – M 20 GB – M 20 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee..... Hik Hik Hik Hik Hike ore ore ore ore orCCCCCrrrrross Coss Coss Coss Coss Counounounounountrt rt rt rt ry Sy Sy Sy Sy Skkkkk i i i i i TTTTTrrrrr ip (tip (tip (tip (tip (to bo bo bo bo beeeeedetdetdetdetdetererererermined)mined)mined)mined)mined)Local hike on Sunday or cross countryski trip for the President’s Dayweekend in Western Maryland orPennsylvania, depending on theweather and snow conditions. Fordetails, call Jack at 410-256-3963.

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... F F F F Febebebebeb..... 26 GB – E 26 GB – E 26 GB – E 26 GB – E 26 GB – Easy tasy tasy tasy tasy to Mo Mo Mo Mo Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee.....GGGGGunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwder Nder Nder Nder Nder Norororororth/Sth/Sth/Sth/Sth/South Couth Couth Couth Couth Ci ri ri ri ri rcuitcuitcuitcuitcuitHikHikHikHikHikeeeee..... 5 miles. Enjoy the wintertranquility of the Big Gunpowder Riverbetween York Rd. and Big Falls Rd.Meet at 1 pm at the parking area onYork Rd. just south of the river. Take I-83north of the Baltimore Beltway to theMt. Carmel Rd. exit and head east. After1/2 mile turn left onto York Rd. FollowYork Rd. downhill approximately 1½miles and park on either side of roadjust before the river. Cancelled forsteady rain or storms. For more details,call Alan at 443-212-5082 or [email protected].

>>>>>

and across fields. Bring food, water andsturdy boots. Depart at 8:00 from thepark & ride just north of I-70 on Rt. 32.Contact Mike Juskelis, 410-439-4964,[email protected].

February

MarchSSSSSun.un.un.un.un. M M M M Ma ra ra ra ra r..... 20 GB – E 20 GB – E 20 GB – E 20 GB – E 20 GB – Easy tasy tasy tasy tasy to Mo Mo Mo Mo Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee.....Little GLittle GLittle GLittle GLittle Gunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwderderderderder,,,,, P P P P PleasanleasanleasanleasanleasantvilletvilletvilletvilletvilleCCCCCi ri ri ri ri rcuit Hikcuit Hikcuit Hikcuit Hikcuit Hikeeeee..... 4 miles. Celebrate thefirst day of spring with this “pleasant”hike along the Little Gunpowder andMa and Pa Trails between Bottom Rd.and Pleasantville Rd. Meet at 1 pm atthe roadside pullouts along BottomRd. where it meets the river. Directionsfrom Baltimore Beltway: Take Exit 31,Harford Rd. (Route 147) north. Go 8miles to Fork Rd. and turn left. Go 1.7miles to Bottom Rd. and turn right. Go2 miles and park at any of the pulloutson either side of river. Consult map ifcoming from other directions.Cancelled for steady rain or storms. Formore details, call Alan at 443-212-5082or email [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... M M M M Ma ra ra ra ra r..... 26 GB – M 26 GB – M 26 GB – M 26 GB – M 26 GB – Moooooderderderderderaaaaattttteeeee.....PPPPPrrrrrettettettettettybybybybyboooooy y y y y TTTTTrrrrrail Hikail Hikail Hikail Hikail Hike (Oe (Oe (Oe (Oe (Older childrlder childrlder childrlder childrlder childrenenenenenand doand doand doand doand dogs args args args args are we we we we welcelcelcelcelcome)ome)ome)ome)ome)7 miles along the shoreline andhillsides and through forests aroundPrettyboy Reservoir on the oldPrettyboy Trail, walking a loopbetween Prettyboy Dam and TraceyStore Rd. The trail is maintainedneighbors, Boy Scouts, and the GBSierra Club in collaboration with the


continued➱

BICO OutingsSierra Club Inner City Outings is a community outreach program providingopportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy and protect thenatural world. It was founded in 1999 with the goal of providing under-served Baltimore City youth with educational, enjoyable and safe outdoorexperiences at no cost to them. Since start-up, BICO has conducted morethan 350 outings serving over 3,000 youngsters.

BICO provides environmental education and promotes:* Respect for the outdoors* Teamwork and leadership skills* A community service ethic

BICO’s outings in and around Baltimore include:* Nature hikes & orienteering* Camping, canoeing, cycling & caving* Initiative and Confidence coursework* Community service for Baltimore’s Recreation & Parks Department

For more information, please send inquiries [email protected], or visit our web site at http://ico.sierraclub.org/baltimore

Abbreviations:CGCC: College Gardens Community CenterDHH: Digital Harbor HighPP: Paul’s Place

BICO OutingsOutings (March, April)

JJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuaryyyyy

Prettyboy Watershed Alliance andMountain Club. Learn about thisisolated trail and its wildlife andpristine drinking water for Baltimore.The trail is cleared to varying degreesand has hills and one stream crossing.Children under 18 must be able tohike this distance and beaccompanied by a parent or otherresponsible adult. Dogs must befriendly. Meet at 11 am at the Mt.Carmel Rd. Park & Ride just west off I-83 north of the Baltimore Beltway andpast the Shawan Rd. exit. Check forcancellation in bad weather. For more

SSSSSaaaaattttt..... A A A A Aprprprprpril 30.il 30.il 30.il 30.il 30. R R R R Raaaaattttted H++ or H+.ed H++ or H+.ed H++ or H+.ed H++ or H+.ed H++ or H+.AAAAAnnual One Dnnual One Dnnual One Dnnual One Dnnual One Daaaaay Hiky Hiky Hiky Hiky Hikeeeee. Join a couplehundred new and old friends to walk100 kilometers (about 62 mi.) alongthe C&O Canal towpath fromWashington, DC, to Harpers Ferry, WV.Or start later the same morningupriver from DC for the 50K option.Registration opens January 1. For moreinformation, go towww.onedayhike.org.

April

information, contact Mary at 410-239-4590 (home), 443-386-0862 (cell), oremail at [email protected]

SSSSSaaaaavvvvve the Be the Be the Be the Be the Beautiful Meautiful Meautiful Meautiful Meautiful Maaaaat t at t at t at t at t awwwwwoman Coman Coman Coman Coman Crrrrreek … and the Ceek … and the Ceek … and the Ceek … and the Ceek … and the Chesaphesaphesaphesaphesape a ke a ke a ke a ke a ke Be Be Be Be Baaaaayyyyy

OOOOOutings Lutings Lutings Lutings Lutings Leader eader eader eader eader TTTTTrrrrrainingainingainingainingaining,,,,, Hik Hik Hik Hik Hikeeeee,,,,, and P and P and P and P and PrrrrresentationesentationesentationesentationesentationSaturday, January 22, 2011

Only 20 miles south of Washington DC, Mattawoman Creek is the lastbest remnant of what Chesapeake Bay rivers were like when the Bayteamed with life. Yet, Mattawoman Creek is the fourth mostendangered river on American River’s list. A proposed highway wouldspan the creek, and attendant sprawl development would replace thelush forests of its watershed. Come enjoy its tranquil beauty and helpus protect the Bay’s cleanest tributary.

HHHHHooooow?w?w?w?w? Become a Sierra Club Outings Leader and take people out intonature. Deepen your understanding of the issues facing theMattawoman Creek Watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. Help set up ormake presentations.

WWWWWhahahahahat? t? t? t? t? 10-12 noon: Sierra Club Outings Leader Training12 -12:45pm: Brown bag picnic lunch. If you will not be joining us forthe outings leader training in the morning, please arrive promptly bynoon to accompany us to lunch along the creek, weather permitting.12:30 - 4pm: Outing along the creek. Learn about policy andenvironmental issues as you take in the beauty of the creek.Presentation and program follows outing.4 pm: Possible second upper watershed walking tour at end of day

WWWWWherherherherhere? e? e? e? e? Indian Head Senior/Community Center at 100 CornwallisSquare in Indian Head MD, 20640

RSVPRSVPRSVPRSVPRSVP::::: 301-277-7111, or www.maryland.sierraclub.org. Please call foradditional information, directions, and information on carpooling.

Laurel Imlay, Chapter Coordinator ([email protected] )Jan Hoffmaster, Outings Chair ([email protected] )

11 BCCC or AACC ASTRONOMY CGCC15 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg PP22 Smithsonian Museum 10,000 Step Hike DHHS

FFFFFebrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruaryyyyy12 Smithsonian Museum of Natural History CGCCTBD SCUBA with Morgan State DHHS19 National Museum of Natural History or

UMBC Swim and College Tour PP

MMMMMa ra ra ra ra rchchchchch12 Gwynns Falls Trail Hike/Service Project CGCC18-20 SCUBA with Morgan State DHHS19 Signs of Spring Irvine Nature Center PP


EEEEExplorxplorxplorxplorxploreeeee,,,,, enjo enjo enjo enjo enjoy and pry and pry and pry and pry and protototototececececect the planett the planett the planett the planett the planet

CCCCCaaaaatttttoooooccccctin Gtin Gtin Gtin Gtin Grrrrroup Eoup Eoup Eoup Eoup Exxxxxcccccom Bom Bom Bom Bom Ballotallotallotallotallot

I am a member of the Catoctin Group. I live inCarroll, Frederick, or Washington County.

VVVVV OOOOOTE FOR UP TE FOR UP TE FOR UP TE FOR UP TE FOR UP TTTTTO 3 (O 3 (O 3 (O 3 (O 3 (TTTTThrhrhrhrhree) Cee) Cee) Cee) Cee) CANDIDAANDIDAANDIDAANDIDAANDIDATES.TES.TES.TES.TES.

Amy Andrews: See Amy’s statement on page 14 in the GroupNews Roundup for the Catoctin Group.

Carolyn Puckett: See Carolyn’s statement on page 14 in theGroup News Roundup for the Catoctin Group.

Karen Moody: See Karen’s statement on page 14 in the GroupNews Roundup for the Catoctin Group.

Other: You may write in another member, even yourself!_____________________________________

Maryland Chapter Excom BallotAll Chapter Members

Carroll, Frederick, & Washington Counties ONLY

CCCCCatatatatatoooooccccctin Gtin Gtin Gtin Gtin Grrrrroup oup oup oup oup VVVVVotototototers Oers Oers Oers Oers Onlnlnlnlnlyyyyy ::::: PPPPPlease vlease vlease vlease vlease vototototote fe fe fe fe for bor bor bor bor bothothothothothCCCCCaaaaatttttoooooccccctin Gtin Gtin Gtin Gtin Grrrrroup eoup eoup eoup eoup exxxxxcccccom and Mom and Mom and Mom and Mom and Marararararyland Cyland Cyland Cyland Cyland Chapthapthapthapthaptererererereeeeexxxxxcccccom.om.om.om.om. L L L L Leaeaeaeaeavvvvve ye ye ye ye your Cour Cour Cour Cour Caaaaatttttoooooccccctin Gtin Gtin Gtin Gtin Grrrrroup eoup eoup eoup eoup exxxxxcccccomomomomomballot aballot aballot aballot aballot attached tttached tttached tttached tttached to yo yo yo yo your Mour Mour Mour Mour Marararararyland Cyland Cyland Cyland Cyland Chapthapthapthapthapter eer eer eer eer exxxxxcccccomomomomomballot and send tballot and send tballot and send tballot and send tballot and send to the addro the addro the addro the addro the address shoess shoess shoess shoess shown on thewn on thewn on thewn on thewn on theCCCCChapthapthapthapthapter ballot ber ballot ber ballot ber ballot ber ballot beloeloeloeloelowwwww.....

Vote for no more than four (4) candidates.(Candidates’ statements appear on pages 3-4)

Clip and return to:Election CommitteeMaryland Chapter/Sierra ClubSuite 1117338 Baltimore AvenueCollege Park, MD 20740

Ballots must be received by January 7, 2011.

AAAAAmanda Rmanda Rmanda Rmanda Rmanda Ruthuthuthuthuthvvvvven en en en en (1 y(1 y(1 y(1 y(1 year tear tear tear tear terererererm)m)m)m)m)

Baird StraughanBaird StraughanBaird StraughanBaird StraughanBaird Straughan

RRRRRicharicharicharicharichard Rd Rd Rd Rd Reiseiseiseiseis

EEEEErrrrr in Bin Bin Bin Bin Barararararnesnesnesnesnes

Joint MemberOnly

Leaders of the Sierra Club are chosen democratically from candidates who volunteer their time and talent to protect our Earth. Please honor this democratic tradition by voting.

Joint Member Only

Joint Member Only

�

Chapter Excom Ballot; Catoctin Group Ballot


The Chesapeake is published quarterly by the Maryland Chap-ter of the Sierra Club. Annual Sierra Club membership dues payfor subscription to this publication. Non-members may sub-scribe for $20.00 per year.

The opinions expressed in this newsletter are in general alignedwith those of the environmental community in Maryland butare strictly those of the authors and not necessarily officialpolicy of local, state or national Sierra Club entities. The SierraClub prides itself on being a grassroots volunteer organization.The concerns and opinions of all its members are welcome inthese pages.

Items for publication are best submitted by email to<[email protected]>or <[email protected]> with “For Chesapeake” andtitle in subject line. Items must include the author’s addressand telephone numbers. Material may be edited for length, con-tent or clarity at the discretion of the editor. Photographs, illus-trations and other works of art are welcome. Materials cannotbe returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressedenvelope.

Change of address: send address changes to the Sierra Club, 85Second Street (2nd Floor), San Francisco, California 94705-3441.For fastest service, please include your old and new addressesalong with your 8-digit membership number. For local mem-bership information contact the Maryland Chapter Office 301-277-7111 or write: Maryland Chapter/Sierra Club, 7338 BaltimoreAve (Suite 101A), College Park, MD 20740.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates andinformation, contact:Editor, ChesapeakeSierra Club Maryland Chapter7338 Baltimore Ave, Suite 111College Park, MD 20740

CreditsThe Maryland Chapter wishes to thankthose who contributed to this issue ofChesapeake.

Writers and Contributors: BetsyJohnson, Carol Nau, Ron Henry, JimLong, Richard Reis, Amanda Ruthven,Marc Imlay, Veronica Cassilly, Mary C.Corddry, Marta Vogel, David Prosten,Gregor Becker, Ken Clark, Jane Hoff,Bonnie Bick, Sam White

Editors: Betty Brody, Mary Corddry,Donna Engle, Becky French, LaurelImlay, Betsy Johnson, Dave O’Leary, JanisOppelt, Cindy Paré, Richard Reis, DarlaTewell

Outings Editor: Jan Hoffmaster

Publication Layout: Darla Tewell

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Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club Winter 2010-2011

❄ The Bay goes on a pollution diet

❄ Energy: Wind. Coal. Audits.

❄ Oh, deer! What’s happening in Greenbelt?

❄ Trail enthusiasts at the Maryland Trail Summit

❄ Chapter Excom election: VOTE!

❄ Group news, outings, and much more!

Inside:

VOTE in our excom election (Pages 3 & 23)MAKE a financial contribution (Page 9)GO on an outing (Pages 18-22)GET TO KNOW your local group (Pages 13-16)VOLUNTEER to work with us (Page 15)SIGN UP to get e-mail alerts

(http://maryland.sierraclub.org/action)CHECK OUT our website

(http://maryland.sierraclub.org)

Resolve to Support Our Chapter

in 2011

Legislating Begins Pollution Diet - Sierra Club...year, I’ve been involved with the Energy Team. Specifically I led one Coal Coun-try screening, contacted Cool Cities rep-resentatives,

Documents