Ehrlich on Washington column, July 21, 2002

с NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 lulhorvilk Maryland 21093 315 Cannon Hous* Office Building Workington, D.C 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of July 2 1 , 2002 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Stepping Up To Protect A Bay Treasure Growing up near the Chesapeake Bay, I learned how important a role our waters have played in the lives of generations of Marylanders. After all, an old-fashioned crab feast along the Bay’s shore is what makes a Marylander a true Marylander. As a Member of Congress for the past eight years, I have been honored to champion the federal initiatives that will protect Maryland’s natural resources and wildlife from abuse and poor management. One such federal effort is centered around Garrett Island, a nearly 200-acre island located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Simply put, Garrett Island is an artifact - boasting a storied history that predates the State of Maryland. It was home to the colony’s second settlement by the Virginia Company in 1625, and has witnessed the rise of countless resource-based industries, from agriculture and fur trading to ice-packing and mining. In addition to its historical significance, Garrett Island is home to a vast and teeming ecosystem for migratory waterfowl and aquatic species. Populations of migratory ducks such as Canada Geese and Tundra Swan use the island as a roosting area. Harford County students have even placed shelters on the island for the many wood ducks nesting in the area. Today, Garrett Island’s environmental integrity is at risk. Without real protection, the Chesapeake Bay could lose one of its prized environmental jewels. Accordingly, Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (MD-1) introduced HR. 4807, the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge Act, which would transfer Garrett Island to federal protection under the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge. Its current owners have long supported Congressman Gilchrest’s efforts to bring the island under federal protection. Under this bill, the Secretary of the Interior would purchase the island from existing funds and manage it as a component of the Refuge. By doing so, the federal government can assist in the restoration of habitats for native species and conserve the island’s invaluable archaeological resources. The island would also be open to public access, such as class field trips that do not adversely affect the environment. I was pleased to join Congressman Gilchrest in support of this critical initiative, which was adopted by our colleagues in the House of Representatives last week.