GOVERNOR O’MALLEY LAUNCHES GREENPRINT, PROPOSES HISTORIC LAND CONSERVATION ACREAGE

Governor announces Rural Legacy Grants and proposes over 9,200 acres of conserved landscape

GreenPrint, Maryland’s new, interactive mapping tool designed to help the State, local governments, conservation organizations, and individual citizens guide land conservation and growth is now on-line.  First conceived under the Governor’s BayStat Initiative, GreenPrint is an innovative, first of its kind planning tool, and centerpiece of Maryland: Smart, Green & Growing, a multi-agency, statewide initiative to create a more sustainable future for Marylanders by linking community revitalization, transportation improvements, economic development, smart growth and natural resources restoration.

“We live in times of great possibility and progress,” said Governor O’Malley. “Using the latest technology and harnessing the achievable hope of our great State’s potential for a more sustainable, healthy environment and economy, we’ve designed GreenPrint to help escalate smart growth and maximize our resources.”

“GreenPrint will revolutionize the way we make our land use decisions by allowing us to work together as One Maryland, using our resources more efficiently and assessing our landscape on parcel, block, neighborhood, watershed and ecosystem levels,” continued the Governor.  “Accessible by every citizen, GreenPrint will help Marylanders take control of planning their communities’ and our State’s future.”

GreenPrint combines cutting edge technology with proven effective management principles Governor O’Malley implemented via StateStat and BayStat to achieve progress by setting goals and measuring success in addressing Maryland’s challenges – in this case, the challenges presented by the tremendous population growth projected for our State in the years ahead. Towson University‘s Center for Geographic Information Sciences played a pivotal role in developing GreenPrint with the State.

“GreenPrint is a strong, science-based tool for identifying the most important places to conserve in Maryland.  This tool ensures that state resources are wisely spent on our most important natural areas,” said Nat Williams, Director of The Nature Conservancy of Maryland/DC.

More than 150 conservation leaders and elected officials, including House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, joined Governor O’Malley for today’s historic announcements that included a proposal to acquire 9,242 acres of some of the most ecologically and historically significant forest, farm and shorelines in the State through Program Open Space, as well as the 2009 Rural Legacy grants.  Together, more than eighty percent of these lands lie within a high priority conservation or targeted ecological focus areas and exemplify the benefit of GreenPrint.  If approved by the Board of Public Works, these proposed acquisitions, will more than double the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s land conservation progress.

“Nothing less than a concerted conservation effort is needed to preserve valued state lands and ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment that benefits our communities,” stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. “Maryland has long been a leader in these efforts and today’s announcements mark important steps toward ensuring that future generations may experience and cherish the wonderful landscapes with which we have been blessed.  I particularly want to commend Governor O’Malley, Secretary Griffin, and the Conservation Fund, for their efforts to conserve nearly 3,500 acres of environmentally sensitive and historic lands along the Potomac River in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties and look forward to partnering on these and other efforts in the future.”

Under the program, the State Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources hope to preserve the largest privately-owned forest parcel in the state. Located in the Nassawango Creek and Pocomoke River watersheds, the 4,769-acre Foster property borders the state’s certified sustainably-managed Pocomoke and Chesapeake State Forests, and received one of the highest ecological rankings to date under the Governor’s new Program Open Space targeting system.

“The Foster property is just such a priority, and its protection by the State, together with The Nature Conservancy’s holdings at our Nassawango Creek Preserve, will create an expansive natural gem that future generations of Marylanders will be able to enjoy for years to come,” added Williams.

The second acquisition, brokered by The Conservation Fund, will protect 4,473+ acres known as the Maryland Province properties in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Cecil Counties.  With 19+ miles of Potomac River waterfront and a majority of the land in continuous ownership since the early 1600s, the opportunity to safeguard wildlife habitat, forestland and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay on these ecologically and culturally significant properties may never arise again.  Captain John Smith, as well as Native American communities and early Catholic leaders, traveled or lived on these lands and waters. Conservation of the Province properties would increase public access to the Chesapeake Bay as well as offer unique historical and environmental education opportunities as three of the parcels will serve as integral parts of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

“The Conservation Fund is pleased to assist the State with the purchase of more than 4,000 acres of irreplaceable land — land rich in history that becomes a legacy for Maryland’s citizens,” said Bill Crouch, Maryland representative of The Conservation Fund. “This project illustrates the value of GreenPrint and the wisdom of protecting historically and ecologically significant land for Marylanders to experience and enjoy. We commend the Governor’s commitment to protecting our heritage, even in times when budgets are tight. He knows that opportunities like this one come along only once in forever.”

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin, who chairs the Rural Legacy Advisory Board, announced that 20 counties will receive a combined total of $13,460,700 in Rural Legacy grants to help preserve agricultural, forestry, natural and cultural resources.  (See chart linked below).  Under Gov. O’Malley’s BayStat Initiative, land conservation investments are targeted to protect the most ecologically valuable properties that most directly impact Chesapeake Bay and local waterway health.

“These Rural Legacy grants help local governments and land trusts preserve Maryland’s scenic working landscapes, support sustainable, natural-resourced based local businesses, protect greenways, and maintain the fabric of rural life,” said Secretary Griffin.

Enacted by the General Assembly in 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided more than $174.6 million to protect 60,882 acres of valuable farmland, forests, and natural areas. The 11-member Rural Legacy Advisory Committee and the Rural Legacy Board, which is comprised of Maryland’s Agriculture, Natural Resources and Planning Secretaries, reviews competitive grant applications annually.

Since taking office in January 2007, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made steady progress to restore the health of the Bay including the creation of BayStat, an innovative tracking and targeting tool, creation of the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund, passage landmark Clean Cars legislation, stringent power plant emission controls regulations, passage of new stormwater legislation, full funding of Program Open Space, update of the State’s Critical Areas Laws, creation of the Maryland Climate Change Commission; restoration of the Office of Smart Growth; and a leadership role in the creation of the first auction of greenhouse gas emission credits in America.

To access GreenPrint, visit http://www.greenprint.maryland.gov. Visit http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/download/greenprint/ for a fact sheet on the proposed Program Open Space acquisitions; resolution photos, maps, and aerial b-roll footage of the Province properties; and a county by county list of the FY 2009 Rural Legacy grants.

Snow Signals the Start of the Tree of Lights Campaign

On November 18 for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony marked he beginning of Easton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Tree of Lights fundraising campaign. Entertainment was provided by the Bay Country Chorus and the children of the Shore Child Development Center. The Auxiliary has set a goal to raise $7,500 for an upgraded quality assurance radiation monitoring system for Shore Regional Cancer Center.

The quality assurance radiation monitor is used by specially trained staff at the cancer center’s Requard Radiation Oncology Center to check the amount of radiation being generated from the machines that are used to treat cancer patients. The monitor also measures the shape and energy of the radiation beam that will penetrate the targeted tumor. All of these measurements must be accurate to ensure treatment that is precise for each patient.

Addressing the tree lighting guests, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary President Joe Shultz said, “The annual Tree of Lights ceremony rings in the holiday season and reminds us that this is a time of giving. The people of Easton and surrounding communities have donated over $250,000 to the Tree of Lights campaign during the past 25 years.” Each year the Auxiliary chooses from a list of requests for the hospital service that will benefit from Tree of Lights fundraising.

Rosalie Bryan, chair of the Tree of Lights fundraiser, has been a cancer services volunteer for the Auxiliary for over 10 years. “I am sure that everyone of us knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer,” Bryan said. “We are very fortunate to have a first-class cancer center right here in Easton. It is critical that the equipment at the center is always state of the art. That is why the Auxiliary is asking for your help to raise the funds needed to purchase the quality assurance radiation monitor.”

Donations to the Auxiliary’s 25th Annual Tree of Lights fundraiser can be made by purchasing lights that illuminate the Memorial Hospital holiday tree. A one-season donation of $5 buys a red light to honor family members and friends, living or deceased, or a gold light to honor people serving in the military. A $100 contribution purchases a white Life Light, which will be lit each year. The names of the people honored will be displayed in the Memorial Hospital lobby throughout the holiday season.

Donation forms are available at the Memorial Hospital Information Desk, 219 S. Washington Street in Easton. For more information, call the Auxiliary office at 410-822-1000, ext. 5839.

Research on Breathing Conducted at Shore Health System

Richard Wales, BS, RRT, Manager of cardiovascular and pulmonary services for Shore Health System, is actively involved in research that helps improve patient safety, locally and around the world.

Wales, who has been involved in three major research projects in the past two years, has presented his findings to researchers, scientists and physicians at international conferences since 2007. He is preparing for international congresses scheduled for the spring of 2009.

In December of 2007, Wales completed research on methods to recognize breathing disorders. Key to this study was an analysis of 20 independent projects. In his study, Wales evaluated devices used to determine cessation of breathing across all health environments, including emergency medical services. The results of the study identified a specific medical tool that can be utilized across all patient populations and environments to monitor ventilation, known as the fifth vital sign. Wales’ study indicated that a product manufactured by Oridion Capnography could be applied to all patients, including those that enter the healthcare system through the emergency room.

His study, which was presented at the American Association for Respiratory Care during its international congress in Orlando, Florida in 2007, has generated worldwide interest. As a result, Wales was invited to a recent think tank with physicians and scientists from Harvard Medical School, University of Alabama – Birmingham, Medical College of Georgia, Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, DEBORAH Heart and Lung, and from Jerusalem, Israel. This group is investigating the use of new discoveries to improve patient care.

During 2008, through the Regional Sleep Disorders Center located at The Memorial Hospital at Easton, Wales worked with polysomnographer Douglas Rousseau, MAT, RRT, RPSGT and Peter Whitesell, MD, a specialist in pulmonology and sleep medicine, to study pressure measurements created during breathing while patients slept. This study indicated that a simple calibration on a pressure transducer captured all breaths while using a “Smart” filter line, the SmartCapnoline Plus by Oridion. This filter line captures exhaled breathing gases and flows them to a device that measures carbon dioxide. The novel application of this technology provides additional information related to the patients’ breathing flow patterns. This is important when seeking information related to breathing in patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. The study will be submitted to an international medical conference in the spring of 2009.

Wales is currently conducting research that evaluates the interactions between the heart and lungs. This study, which began with computer generated human data, has evolved into a real device which is undergoing clinical trials in Israel and is pending FDA clearance in the US. The results of this research were presented to the American Society of Anesthesiology in October. This research, which involved more than 30 multinational scientists and physicians, may result in a new measure to warn medical professionals of breathing disorders well before these problems become critical and life-threatening.

The studies Wales conduct do not require any invasive techniques. Rather, the studies measure the air being exhaled from the body and use a simple finger sensor that attaches like a Band-Aid to measure the body’s oxygen levels.

Wales, a resident of Denton, is a graduate of Salibury University and a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

DNR News for the Eastern Shore

NOVEMBER 15 MARKS DNR’S 14TH ANNUAL MARYLAND JUNIOR DEER HUNT DAY

DNR invites junior hunters to try deer hunting and refine their hunting skills during Maryland’s 14th Annual Junior Deer Hunt Day on Saturday, November 15, 2008. White-tailed and sika deer firearms hunting will be open exclusively to hunters aged 16 years and younger who are accompanied by an unarmed, licensed (or exempt from license requirement) adult who is at least 21 years of age.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Draft Oyster EIS Public Comment Meeting

Thurs., Nov.13 at 6 p.m.
Miller State Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen St. in Annapolis

Draft Oyster EIS Public Comment Meeting

Fri., Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
Minnette Dick Memorial Hall, 2000 Hambrooks Blvd. in Cambridge (Dorchester County)

Bird Photography Session

Sat., Nov. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; $10

Pocomoke River State Park, 3461 Worcester Highway in Snow Hill (Worcester County)

Photograph native birds of prey including red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and turkey vultures in their natural habitat.

QACAC EVENTS

	Members’ Best Receptions are a great way to meet area artists, make new friends and enjoy the generosity of the downtown Centreville business community. Quarterly receptions are held in most locations and are from 5 to 6:30 pm on the following dates: Sep 25, 2008 through Dec 12, 2008

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September – June: Classes in Visual Arts and Fine Crafts, Music and Movement, Writing and Kids Classes.

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Crop Club Parties – Join paper crafter Cathy Downes on the last Sunday of each month here at the Centre for the Arts from 12-5 PM. Please call Cathy at 410-758-1251 if you plan to attend. Donations appreciated.

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October 11 – “Celebrate Fall” 7 – 8 pm Early Bird Salsa Lesson. Hostess Amanda Showell invites you to an evening of Ballroom and Latin Dancing.
8 – 11 pm Dance Party. $10 members / $12 nonmembers

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November 5 – “Inside & Out: Form and Image” exhibit featuring artists Carole Cascio (ceramics) and Skip Faulkner (photography). Through Nov. 29, T-F 9 am to 5 pm, Sat. 10 am to 2 pm, or by appointment. Fine porcelain and sturdy ceramics are suited for indoor and outdoor use and are contrasted beautifully by artist Carole Cascio.

Photographer Skip Faulkner captures the starkness and subtleness of architectural, natural and human landscapes. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Centre’s Building Fund.

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November 7 – Reception – “Inside & Out: Form and Image” 5:30 – 8 pm. Meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments and find an exhibit favorite to call your own. Centre for the Arts.

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November 8 – “Tango Nights” 7 – 8 pm Early Bird Tango Lesson. Hostess Amanda Showell invites you to an evening of Ballroom and Latin Dancing 8 – 11 pm Dance Party. $10 members / $12 nonmembers

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November 15 – “The Shore Men” 7pm Benefit concert features fantastic Bluegrass by Dave and Marc MacGlashan, Chuck Van Meter and Nate Grower.

Ticket price includes an After Party featuring Bay favorites – oysters, crab cakes, Smith Island Cake and more. Proceeds benefit the Building Fund. $25 advance / $30 door. Advance ticket sales end on November 14.

Only 132 seats, reserve early.

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December 6 – “Heck with the Malls!” 9 am to 2 pm. Holiday shopping at its best. Artists and artisans in two locations: the Centre for the Arts and St. Paul’s Church. Find unique gifts for friends and family and bring home something for yourself. In it’s 12th year, this annual event is a must do! Hand-crafted soaps and lotions, jewelry, mosaics, photography, fashion and home accessories, one-of-a-kind purses, ceramics, wood and metal sculpture, holiday ornaments, watercolors, wildlife carvings, Native American clothing, and book signings by area writers Niambi Davis and Marjorie Lorenz. When you finish shopping with area artists, visit downtown Centreville where merchants will have extra discounts and refreshments for holiday shoppers. Free.

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Dec 12 – Reception, “Members Best” – NEW! Now on Fridays, you’re invited to come to downtown Centreville and see artwork, enjoy refreshments and visit local businesses who will stay open a little later than usual and will have special offers for art lovers. Start at the Arts Council’s Centre for the Arts (4 to 6 pm) for refreshments and to pick up a map of participating exhibitors and merchants. Then head over to Cottage Cuts (4 to 5 pm) to Terrar After the Storm on the Choptank.jpgsee the work of Marion LeMoal. From 5 to 6:30 receptions are at the following locations:
An Optical Galleria – David Terrar
Centreville Bank – Carolyn Councell
Delmarva Financial Group – Sally Clark
PNC Bank – Kurt Plinke
Prudential Premier Properties – Susan Schauer

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December 13 – “Holiday Dance & Showcase” 7 pm Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of Ballroom and Latin dances with hostess Amanda Showell. Performances throughout the evening. Light refreshments. $15 advance / $18 door.

Comments Encouraged on Draft Oyster Environmental Impact Statement

Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Marine Resources Commission today released a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates oyster restoration alternatives for the Chesapeake Bay.

The study analyzes the direct and indirect ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of introducing a non-native species, the Suminoe oyster, continued efforts to restore the native Eastern oyster, and eight oyster restoration and management strategies.

“The document is the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary oyster recovery study published to date,” said Norfolk District Commander Colonel Dionysios Anninos, and “involved the work of more than 90 scientists and several reviews by multiple independent panels.”

“The public release of the draft PEIS is a significant milestone for the five-year study,” Anninos added. “The PEIS will lay the foundation for all future oyster recovery actions in the Bay and we look forward to the public’s input on this important topic. The document does not name a preferred alternative; however, we’ve narrowed the alternatives to three basic combinations. Through extensive researched, we determined that no single alternative meets the established purpose and need of restoring the population.”

A preferred strategy will be identified in the final version of the PEIS, which the team expects to publish in late spring 2009, following the public comment period.

The Draft PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, includes an evaluation of the potential outcomes of a range of alternatives for restoring the native Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), as well as the outcomes of an introduction of a nonnative species, the Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis).

“This five-year effort built a sound scientific foundation on which to base a decision on whether to introduce a nonnative oyster species to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “Many, many scientists worked very hard on this and I thank them for their labors. Their work has been peer reviewed and those peer reviews have been peer reviewed. Exceptional diligence has been exercised. Now is the time for the public to make their voices heard. Public hearings will be held over the next two months and we eagerly await the public’s input. We are at the crossroads of an important decision. Rest assured, it will not be made lightly.”

Maryland officials also recognized the findings of the study and the importance of public feedback during the public comment period, Oct. 17 through Dec. 15.

“Thanks to the work of 90 scientists, we now have a significantly greater understanding of the ecological, economic, and cultural impacts of several different oyster restoration strategies,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin. “Their work, along with public feedback, will help us decide the best way to re-establish a healthy, sustainable oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay — a goal that we must ultimately accomplish for the future of the bay, our children and grandchildren. We hope that Marylanders will share their ideas and concerns as we work to identify, and begin to implement, the best strategies to achieve our restoration goals.”

In order to facilitate public comment, the lead agencies have scheduled six public meetings, three in Virginia and three in Maryland. The schedule for those meeting is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

Maryland:

– Wednesday, Nov. 12, Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 HG Truman Road, Solomons, Md. 20688

– Thurs. November 13: Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Md. 21401

– Friday, Nov. 14, Minnette Dick Memorial Hall (St. Mary’s Catholic Church), 2000 Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, Md. 21613

Virginia:

– Wednesday, Nov. 5, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Va. 22443

Friday, Nov. 7, VMRC main office 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607

Monday, Nov. 10, Nandua High School, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Va. 23418

Comments may be submitted until Dec. 15, 2008 via verbal testimony at the public meetings, mail to Department of the Army, Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers, Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield, Planning and Policy Branch, Fort Norfolk, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096.
or email to Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil. Comments should reference the Draft PEIS.

Form more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp or the following libraries:

• Anne Arundel Community College – Andrew G. Truxal Library – Arnold, Md.
• Anne Arundel Co. Public Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Calvert Co. Public Library – Prince Frederick, Md.
• Central Rappahannock Regional Library – Fredericksburg, Va.
• Chesapeake College Library – Wye Mills, Md.
• Corbin Memorial Library – Crisfield, Md.
• Dorchester Co. Public Library – Cambridge and Hurlock, Md.
• Eastern Shore Public Library – Accomac, Va
• Enoch Pratt Free Library – Baltimore, Md.
• Fairfax Co. Public Library – Fairfax, Va.
• Federal Maritime Commission Library – Washington, D.C.
• Henrico Co. Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Kent Co. Public Library – Chestertown, Md.
• Lewis Egerton Smoot Memorial Library – King George, Va.
• Loudoun Co. Public Library – Leesburg, Va.
• MD State Law Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Norfolk Public Library – Norfolk, Va.
• Northumberland Public Library – Heathsville, Va.
• Petersburg Public Library – Petersburg, Va.
• Queen Anne’s Co. Library – Stevensville and Centerville, Md.
• Richmond Public Library – Richmond, Va.
• Somerset Co. Library – Princess Anne and Ewell, Md.
• St. Mary’s Co. Memorial Library – Leonardtown, Md.
• State Dept. of Legislative Reference Library – Annapolis, Md.
• Sudlersville Memorial Library – Sudlersville, Md.
• Talbot Co. Free Library – St. Michaels, Easton and Tilghman (Elementary School), Md.
• Calvert Co. Library – Twin Beaches Branch – Chesapeake Beach, Md.
• Virginia Beach Public Library – Virginia Beach, Va.
• Wicomico Co. Free Library – Salisbury, Md.

OVER 1,072 ACRES OF FOREST LAND ON EASTERN SHORE PRESERVED

Governor Martin O’Malley recently announced  Board of Public Works approval of preservation of over 1,072 acres of forest land on the Eastern Shore through stateside Program Open Space, including three sites that dramatically improve public access to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, a 3,000 mile waterway tracing the 17^th Century explorer’s travels through the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

“The conservation of these properties on the Eastern Shore will safeguard wildlife habitat, protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, and provide for sustainable forestry,” Governor O’Malley said. “In addition, they offer remarkable opportunities for our citizens to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of one of the region’s most important natural resources.”

The 11 properties in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties are high priority conservation acquisitions under Maryland’s new Program Open Space Stateside Targeting System. The ecologically based targeting approach was developed last year under Governor O’Malley’s BayStat I, nitiative to ensure the state is protecting the most strategically important landscapes to provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

The state will be purchasing the properties at below fair market value for $2.5 million, thanks to a $695,000 gift from The Conservation Fund.

“Preserving these properties safeguards wildlife habitat, protects the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, provides for sustainable forestry and allows water access for public recreation,” said Bill Crouch, Maryland Representative for The Conservation Fund.  “We are proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on this remarkable conservation opportunity that will benefit the people ─ and wildlife ─ of Maryland.”

“Conserving land and improving public access to the bay are high priorities of the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail,” said Charles Stek, chairman of the nonprofit group. “I commend the members and staff of the Board of Public Works and Department of Natural Resources for taking this important step to achieve those goals.”

The three properties adjacent to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail are:

McMichael Tract in Wicomico County; including more than 64 acres bordering Quantico Creek, which drains into the Quantico River. This section of Quantico Creek is fairly broad and deep and would be able to accommodate a variety of small crafts. Quantico is considered one of the prettiest creeks in Maryland. Furthermore, broad uplands in portions of the tract make this site suitable for primitive camping.

Evans Tract in Somerset County; more than 50 acres bordering Monie Creek, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay and has existing access for boats and kayaks and is suitable for primitive camping.

Lee-Jones Tract in Dorchester County; more than 57 acres straddling Corsey Creek, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay and is best suited for kayak and canoeing and primitive camping.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 8,807 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland.  Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,280 acres for open space and recreation areas.  The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

Homegrown School Lunch Week a Success!

The Jane Lawton Farm-to-School initiative and the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program, signed into law by Governor O’Malley this year, is designed to bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet.

Statewide, the program has been an overwhelming success and shows great promise for the future. Almost every county in Maryland is participating this year as are more than 30 different Maryland farms. It is a true example of a successful federal, state, local and private collaboration that is working.

Just think of the tremendous impact on our families and our communities if even one local item is included in school lunches for each of the 950,000 Maryland public school students.  Farmers would have additional income, thereby strengthening the local economy and keeping farm land open and productive. Our children would receive the nutritional benefits of fresh, local products as well as the knowledge of why this matters. And, the financial, environmental, and nutritional costs of transporting food would decrease.

Including local food in school lunches and related information in the classroom is good for our students and good for Maryland.  We encourage students and parents to continue asking for fresh, local produce in school lunches.

Chestertown Show raises funds for Wildlife Curriculum in Schools

The 29th annual Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition and Sale – a showcase of decoys, paintings, photographs, and arts and crafts with a naturalist’s theme, runs through October 19 in the downtown historic district of Chestertown, Maryland.

Proceeds from the 2008 show go to support the development of a wildlife curriculum for elementary and middle schools throughout the Delmarva region.  Earlier in 2008 the organization went through an in-depth strategic planning process that resulted in a revived energy and focus on its mission of wildlife preservation, conservation, and education.

A pre-show fundraising event on Thursday evening, October 16th, 7pm to 9pm at Prince Theatre served as a kickoff to this year’s show.  The premier of “Ribbon of Sand,” the 2007 NonBroadcast Finalist from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival took place.  The proceeds from the $60 per person event will benefit the Delmarva Wildlife Curriculum Project.

The show’s traditional Preview Party took place  Friday evening, October 17th, from 5pm to 7 p.m.  Donations of $25 per person including  light hors d’oeuvres and open bar at selected venues along with early admission to all venues, provide an opportunity to preview exhibitors prior to the general public.  Patrons may also enter all venues on Saturday.

General admission to the Exhibition itself is $5 per person, and is good  all day Saturday, October 18th.  Children under 12 are admitted free.  Attendees to the Exhibition may  enter for a chance to win one of the many working and decorative decoys that will be raffled at the end of the show.  Chances are available for $1 each and one does not need to be present to win.

Starting in 1965, the Exhibition has become a major event on the Maryland’s Eastern Shore bringing together wildlife enthusiasts from throughout the region.  The event has become known for its high caliber of art and its attraction of extremely talented artists.  Event organizers have endeavored to enhance this year’s Exhibition & Sale with a number of new and exciting additions aimed at creating a different kind of show that to re-attract those who have seen the show in previous years.

The show, entering its 16th year in its current downtown format, has commitments from more than 65 exhibitors.  Because of growing popularity, the show uses a number of venues throughout downtown Chestertown such as the Parish Hall of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Prince Theatre, Chestertown Fire Hall, Town Hall, and Visitors Center.  Other showcases throughout downtown include banks, shops, art galleries, and business offices.

Other interactive workshops were added to this year’s show.  Techniques of Decoy Carving for the Beginner is  offered by Warren Saunders.  Warren Saunders is a loyal participant in Chestertown Wildlife, a well-known and accomplished carver, a teacher, and an Eastern Shore native with stories to tell.  Learn more about him at http://www.saundersdecoys.com.  His one and a half hour class begins at 2pm, Saturday at the Chestertown Firehouse. This is mainly a demonstration but participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at carving.  Cost is $10 and in order to guarantee a spot, reservations can be made in advance.

Another workshop features Lu Fisher’s DVD, in which this accomplished carver and loyal participant in the Wildlife Exhibition demonstrates her techniques.  The filming of Lu at work was done by the Woodworkers Guild of Annapolis. The DVD will be shown at various times at the Chestertown Town Hall on Saturday.  Lu Fisher will be available to take questions after the viewings.  Admission is free.

A more hands-on workshop provides the opportunity to create a natural wildlife feeder.  Volunteer members of the Chestertown Wildlife Decorating Committee will host a workshop that will instruct participants in creating an attractive grapevine wreath full of nature’s bounty for wildlife to enjoy.  The workshop will be held at Town Hall, outside weather permitting.   Time is 11am on Saturday, and the cost is $15.  Make your reservation to guarantee a spot at http://www.chestertownwildlife.org.

Other features of the show include food vendors and live music in the town park area, decoy carving demonstrations, a decoy identification table, a live raptor exhibit, and the always enjoyable autumn soup sampling booth offering a delicious area of tastes from area restaurants.

The primary goal of the Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition and Sale is to raise funds for habitat preservation, wildlife conservation and education.  In 2001 the organization completed a shallow water impoundment in Radcliffe Creek that provides refuge and nesting grounds for ducks and other wetlands species.  During 2005 a three year commitment was undertaken to support the Maryland Wood Duck Initiative.  Future plans include development of a water habitat and nature trail near MD Route 213 in Chestertown.

“The show is a success because we have great exhibitors, volunteers, and board members; without their valuable participation this show would not be one of the premier events on the Eastern Shore,” said Mary Burton, Exhibition board president.

“It’s a great show, and a great weekend.  There’s a lot for people to do,” she said.  To purchase tickets and for detailed information about the Chestertown Wildlife Exhibition and Sale as well as a complete list of participating artists visit http://www.chestertownwildlife.org.

Maryland Park Service Welcomes New Class of Park Rangers

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Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Park Service recently honored 5 Department of Natural Resources employees for their successful completion of the Maryland Park Ranger training program. Their outstanding performance in both classroom and field experiences earned them the right to bear the time-honored title of Maryland Park Ranger.

“Our rangers are the face of our state parks, inspiring adults and young people to enjoy and learn about the stewardship of our natural and cultural resources in a safe and responsible manner,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I congratulate and thank our new rangers, who will be working to connect people with nature and sustainably manage our treasured state parks.”

Maryland’s newest park rangers successfully demonstrated expertise in ten functions of ranger work including: knowledge of Maryland geography and history; first responder certification; search and rescue skills; and basic skills in natural, cultural, and historical interpretation. The new rangers also completed training for emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, wildland fire fighting and prevention, canoe certification and other valuable training essential to the successful management and operation of public lands.

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments and commitment made by our new class of rangers,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina. “Each of them brings a fresh perspective and new talent to our ranks.”

Maryland park rangers have the professional responsibility for the stewardship and protection of the natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources in Maryland’s State Parks. By incorporating interpretation, education, public safety and resource management skills, they serve the public as mentors, inspiring a stewardship ethic and a passion for conservation.

The following new Maryland Park Service park rangers were recognized and presented with certificates.

• Ranger Robert F. Bailey of Smithsburg will serve at South Mountain Recreational Complex
• Ranger Mary Jo Bartles of Boonsboro will serve at South Mountain Recreational Complex
• Ranger Martin Callahan of Centreville will serve at Tuckahoe State Park Complex
• Ranger Mark A. Spurrier of Frederick will serve at Deep Creek Lake State Park
• Ranger Brent A. Sullivan of Salisbury will serve at Janes Island State Park

For more information on the Maryland Park Service, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/.