SaveSullivanCove

Sullivan Cove Docks from 1100 Feet

In September 2009, we chartered an airplane to see the damage to the tidal marshes after the construction of the 600 foot bridges and docks.  The video speaks volumes!

Yes Governor O'Malley, "Pinochio" and Secretary Shari Wilson Have Much in Common!

March 11, 2009

The Honorable Martin O'Malley

Office of the Governor

State House

Annapolis

, MD21401

Dear Governor O'Malley,

Yes Governor O’Malley, “Pinochio”

and Secretary Shari

Wilson

Have Much in Common!

Remember when we were just kids that great Walt Disney movie about the little wooden boy created by the shoe maker?  He exaggerated the truth and his nose just got longer and longer!  I know, you are wondering what this has to do about Sullivan Cove?

Well, it’s all about the slight of hand of the Maryland Department of the Environment and their lack of true transparency in their press release announcing the issuance of permits for the bridges and docks.  The dictionary defines a “ruse” as an action meant to confuse or mislead.  Well, Secretary Wilson, your press release certainly does that and more. 

The MDE explained that they eliminated an entire pier across the tidal pond and are having two applicants share a pier.  Doesn’t it sound good when you match those words with the MDE goal of minimizing the impact on the tidal ponds?

What they did not explain is that the shared pier will be 6 feet wide instead of 3 wide in the case of the pier that is not shared.  Yes, you read it correctly! The shared pier will be six (6) feet wide instead of three (3) feet.  Granted, they did save a few pilings, but they still have the same surface area in one combined pier like they would have in two separate ones.  This is akin to building an interstate highway over the State Tidal Ponds!  If this is how the Department of the Environment does their work, maybe we really do not need the Department and it should be eliminated from the State Budget. 

Governor O’Malley and Treasurer Kopp, you can still correct this great injustice by bringing this issue to the Board of Public Works!  Now you a have a reason to do it! It’s obvious that the Department of the Environment and Secretary Wilson are not up to the job.  “Pinochio” needs to be called on the carpet!

Sincerely,

Ted Kinkel

Community Affairs

OSPIA

tedkinkel@mris.com

Bridges through Tidal Wetlands in Sullivan Cove - Why It's a Bad Idea!

February 17, 2009

 

The Honorable Martin O'Malley

Office of the Governor

State House

Annapolis, MD21401

 

Dear Governor O'Malley,

 

Bridges through Tidal Wetlands in Sullivan Cove

Why It’s A Bad Idea!

 

We understand that the a decision by the Secretary of the MDE is now imminent regarding the granting of a wetlands license to build 400’ bridges through the tidal wetlands of Sullivan Cove.  Based upon what we have heard, we would be astonished but delighted if Secretary Wilson refused to grant a wetlands license. 

 

There are many reasons she could use to build a case to refuse a wetlands license for the bridges.  Here are a few:

1. Sullivan Cove is one of the last remaining tidal marshes on the

   Severn River

   that remains untouched and spoiled by man.
2. It is an important and even critical nursery and sanctuary for countless species of water life and birds.
3. It contains a giant and fragile bog that filters and cleans the water going into Sullivan Cove.  A damaged bog could release toxic chemicals into

   Round

   Bay

   that are held in suspension by a healthy one.
4. Sullivan Cove is the home to mature Atlantic White Cedars and hundreds of seedlings.   This is a tree that is very rare on the western

   shore

   of

   Maryland

   and the tree stock is important to reestablish the native plant.
5. The construction process may do irreparable harm to the wetlands by the compression of the soil from the mats supporting the heavy equipment.
6. The bridges and docks will impede public access to the tidal ponds and water ways for citizens canoeing and kayaking.
7. Some experts contend that the pilings will increase sedimentation and lower the water levels in the tidal marshes and cause irreparable environmental damage.
8. The applicants have easy access to their proposed docks through

   Hatton

   Memorial

   Beach

   and by canoe or Kayak.  This is the manner all residents in the community access their boats tied to moorings.
9. The applicants already have a licensed mooring field.
10. In light of what we know about the deplorable water conditions of the

    Chesapeake Bay

    , a decision to grant a wetlands license will undercut the Governors efforts to save the bay.

 

Please call the Governor and the Secretary of the MDE and demand that a wetlands license to build these bridges in Sullivan Cove is denied.  It’s not too late for your voice to be heard.

 

Sincerely

 

 

Ted Kinkel

Community Affairs

OSPIA

www.savesullivancove.com

tedkinkel@mris.com

 

 

Point of View - Shari Wilson, Secretary of the MDE

 

Point of View - The Honorable Martin O'Malley - February 3, 2009

Point of View of James King, State Delegate 33A

Sullivan Cove Wetlands - "I Think That an Entrance is Here! Where Did it Go?"

Sullivan Cove Wetlands

“I Think That an Entrance Is Here!  Where Did It Go?” 

Spoken by a Kayaker

 

 

Kayaking and canoeing into the tidal ponds will become more difficult because the entrance will be hidden underneath the proposed docks and bridges.  Only people with local knowledge will have any idea that there are tidal ponds located here the public enjoyment.   Boats and wooden structures will block the view of the entrance.  Kayakers do not routinely venture underneath docks!  It’s just not a normal thing to do and it’s not safe!

 

Will the MDE require “Signs and Channel Markers” to indicate to the public the access point to the tidal ponds?   I kayak there and can assure the MDE that the bridges and docks with their lines and crab pots hanging from them will negate routine and safe access to the ponds.  This is reason alone to deny a wetlands license and should insure that the docks are relocated so that they do not block access to the channel.  PLEASE HELP!  Contact the Secretary of the MDE and the Governor!

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Ted Kinkel

Community Affairs

OSPIA

www.SaveSullivanCove.com

tedkinkel@mris.com

Sullivan Cove - A Gem Worth Saving

February 10, 2009 

The Honorable Martin O'Malley

                                                         Sullivan Cove - A Gem Worth Saving

“There are many compelling reasons why we should preserve the Gems of the Severn, good practical reasons:  buffers and scenery, aquifer recharge and water quality, air quality and noise reduction, rare plant and wildlife habitat, neighborhood values, and an alternative to development.  That is reason enough; but there is something more:  reasons beyond reasoning, and values beyond value.

In the Gems of the Severn there is something special, yet hidden to most.  True, there are no sequoias, no rainbow-girded cataracts, no herds of caribou or wildebeest; but these are differences of quantity, not substance.  Nature, even the smallest bit of it, provides a broad window, linking us to the tarn and fen, and beck and lea of our far yesterdays, providing truth and beauty for today, and promising a bit of today in a tomorrow beyond our ken.

Life is but the pursuit of knowledge.  Through art, music, literature, and poetry we extend the limits of our sensitivity and understanding, but these are but imitations of nature.  In the study and contemplation of nature itself we are drawn further, toward a sublime unity both real and elusive.

Through our access to nature we may move through progressive levels of understanding.  In the defense of the smallest creature is the salvation of the whole, for in preservation we exhibit the highest attributes of our existence, being at one with the theme of creation.  Conversely, whatever our wealth or office, in the unnecessary destruction of one tree we consign ourselves to the Stone Age of intellectual progress.

 

Though we strive to understand nature, we cannot judge nature:  ultimately, it is nature which judges each of us.  That we understand all of the intricacies of the Gems of the Severn is not essential.  What is essential is that each of us respects these areas, and preserves them.  If we fail, we shall have turned our backs on true progress, and shall have permanently denied a dimension of truth and enlightenment to all who may follow.”  Colby B. Rucker, Preface, Gems of the Severn

Please call Governor O’Malley and Secretary Shari Wilson and raise your voice against the foot bridges over the tidal ponds and wetlands in Sullivan Cove.

Sincerely,

Ted Kinkel

Community Affairs

OSPIA

www.SaveSullivanCove.com

tedkinkel@mris.com

Letter from John Leopold to the Secretary of the MDE

Docks/Bridges Block Access & Navigation to Wetlands