Address: 44 Calvert Street, 1st Floor Annapolis, MD 21401
Email: amanda.fiedler@aacounty.org
Pam Scarbro, Legislative Assistant: pscarbro@aacounty.org
Main office phone: (410) 222-1401
District office phone: (410) 222-2415
Address: Office of the County Executive, Arundel Center, 44 Calvert St., Annapolis, MD 21404
Email: spittman@aacounty.org
Phone: (410) 222-1821
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Subject: Urgent Request to Halt Bear Branch Stream Restoration Project
Dear [County Executive's Name] and [Council Representative's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the Bear Branch stream restoration project planned for spring 2024 in Millersville, Maryland. This project, spanning a mile from East West Boulevard and Rustling Oaks Drive to Benfield Boulevard, has raised serious environmental and ecological concerns within the community.
The proposed restoration project, which involves the deforestation of hundreds of trees and significant alterations to the landscape, appears to lack consideration for the long-term ecological impact on Bear Branch. I would like to bring to your attention several key issues that are troubling the concerned citizens in the community:
Destruction of Mature Trees and Streamside Ecosysems:
The project involves the removal of hundreds of mature trees to accommodate heavy machinery and the importation of stone and other materials, causing deforestation that will take decades to grow back even with replanting.
Misleading Restoration Efforts:
Contrary to the implied intent of stream restoration, the project will transform Bear Branch into a stormwater management system with stone riffles and ponds, rather than restoring it to a former, pristine state.
Invasive Species and Ecosystem Destruction:
Newly cleared areas are likely to attract invasive plant species, leading to the destruction of the stream-side ecosystems that currently thrive in Bear Branch.
Harm to Aquatic Life:
The process poses a threat to fish and other aquatic life, disrupting their habitats and hindering their ability to navigate the stream in the future.
Failure-Prone Changes:
The proposed alterations are prone to failure, as the root cause of streambed erosion, which is stormwater being funneled in during storm events from roads and roofs, appears not to be adequately addressed.
Alternatives Not Considered:
More sustainable alternatives, such as swales and bio-retention ponds in upland areas, can effectively manage stormwater and the resulting nutrient and sediment runoff without resorting to heavy machinery and without compromising stream ecosystems. If upland areas are addressed, streams are capable of self-healing without human intervention or heavy machinery.
Lack of Scientific Backing:
The multi-million project is a greenwashed attempt to fulfill TMDL and MS4 permits without the backing of scientists and ecologists from respected organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Trust who are fighting against stream restorations across the state.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that you intervene to halt the Bear Branch stream restoration project. It is imperative to explore alternative, ecologically sound approaches that preserve the natural integrity of the stream while addressing bay health and stormwater management needs. I believe that by working collaboratively with the community and environmental experts, we can find solutions that benefit both the environment and the county's regulatory requirements.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will consider the long-term environmental impact of the Bear Branch project. I am confident that together, we can find a more sustainable and ecologically responsible solution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]