The Patuxent River is the only Chesapeake Bay estuary that lies solely with the state of Maryland. That fact was mentioned several times at the St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ February 25 meeting at which the proposed revision to the river’s Policy Plan was discussed. “If we can’t fix the Patuxent River then how are we going to get to other states (in the watershed to do what they need to do)?” said Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R: 3rd).

 

The proposed plan that goes to two public hearings in April represents a leaner plan than formerly proposed in its earlier revisions, according to Patuxent River Commission Chairman Laurel City Councilman Michael Leszcz and Vice Chairman Howard County Councilwoman Mary Kay Segaty in their presentation of the proposed plan to the commissioners. She said that was an attempt to speed the process has heretofore has been lengthy and sometimes contentious.

In the presentation Segaty said the plan revision builds on three key components: “Preservation, Advocacy and Excitement.”

  • Preservation – Local jurisdictions and state government agencies with the Patuxent River watershed will work toward the preservation of the river and the land within its watersheds and to identify methods to restart the ecological and economic functions of the river.
  • Advocacy – Local jurisdictions and state government agencies within the Patuxent River watershed will advocate for the river by raising awareness among the general public and elected and appointed officials of the challenges the river faces and make recommendations for improvements
  • Excitement – Local jurisdictions and state government within the Patuxent River watershed will create excitement about the river and the multitude of opportunities for research recreation and education.

     

The Advocacy component was illustrated with a picture of the annual Bernie Fowler annual wade-in. “Bernie Fowler is sitting over there in Calvert County just aglow today,” said Commissioner President Francis “Jack” Russell (D).

 

Segaty said the plan is a recognition of what every county is doing on its own to protect the river. It is, she added however, still a recognition of the commission’s role in coordinating those efforts.

Commission Dan Morris (R: 2nd) said he agreed with the intent but also argued that the plan needed to be protective of the property rights of the citizens who live along the river. Segaty said the commission recognizes that argument, but she added, “We also have to recognize the common good” so the river is protected “for our grandchildren.”

 

The following is the description of the proposed policy plan revision as contained on the commission website:

 

“The Patuxent River Policy Plan represents the shared commitment of state agencies and the seven counties and municipalities in the Patuxent River Watershed to protect and enhance this natural resource. “The PRC relies on a policy plan to monitor the efforts of local jurisdictions, state agencies and community representatives in their work to restore the river.

“The latest policy plan draft, the product of a work group of commission members and planners from the seven counties, is underway. The document draft provides a policy framework for local jurisdictions and the state in preserving and restoring the river, raising awareness of the river through advocacy, and creating exci