Critical areas regulations
does not alone protect coastal bays
January 13, 2003
by Carolyn Cummins. (Cummins is the vice chair for the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation.)
Now that the public debate over critical areas regulations
has subsided, the tendency of many will be to believe that we
have done enough to solve the pollution problems of our coastal bays. Nothing could be further
from the truth! The requirements will make a difference but waterfront
property owners like me are only one of the user groups contributing to
the gradual decline of our coastal bays. Much more needs to be
done to protect our most vital economic resource û our water.
Seems like every time there is a suggestion for what can be done,
there is an outcry from the affected user group over the onerousness
of the proposed solution or over the degree of which that particular group is
a contributor to the problem compared to some other group. Unfortunately
we are all part of the problems and we must all be part of the solution. Depending
on how many of the user groups we belong to, our share of the
burden increases. We all must be willing to do our part if we are going to solve our
bay pollution problems.
Also seems that the farmers with their nutrient management plans,
the developers with their storm water, forest conservation and
critical area requirements, and the watermen with their size and catch limits
have been asked to do their portion of the burden. It is time
for other users of the water and the waterways to take on their share.
Many of the things we can do are simple. The Coastal Bays Program
published a home owner's guide last year with many suggestions
for how we can make a difference. A copy can be obtained from the Program office. We
can adopt at least one different practice for this new year. With
34,000 occupants in our watershed, one change of habit from each of us can make a significant
change in the degradation of our bays.
Also seems like some individuals are finger pointing at those
involved in the Coastal Bays Program for ignoring certain solutions
to the pollution problems of our bays. There are limits on the time any one individual
can volunteer. If more citizens would get involved with the Program,
the continuous debate would decrease, the quality of the solutions
would improve and the quantity of solutions achieved would increase.
Instead of criticizing those who are participating, take stock
of what you are doing. Get involved because, if you are not at
the table, you may be on the menu!
Part of the National Estuary Program, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a cooperative effort between Worcester County, Berlin, and Ocean City which have come together to produce the first ever management plan for their bays.
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