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News Release--For Immediate Release July 5, 2000

Fabulous Magnolia Bog Discovered in Charles County

There is growing awareness of a large magnolia bog (Araby Bog) near historic Araby Plantation in the Mattawoman Creek drainage in western Charles County. Magnolia bogs are a unique wetland areas occurring only in a limited range of the mid-Atlantic states, and hence have been tentatively assigned a global ranking by The Nature Conservancy. Only a few of these bogs remain and maximum efforts should be exerted to preserve them. They often contain rare and endangered species and provide a habitat for animals and plants not found anywhere else. The wild magnolia tree itself is not frequently seen in this area, but in the magnolia bogs they can be found in profusion. Magnolia trees exude a wonderful fragrance, and when blooming the fragrance from the bog will be found covering a wide area.

Not only do bogs provide a unique habitat for plants and animals, but they are covered with deep layers of sphagnum moss which acts like a sponge for rainwater. Bogs often remain moist even in times of draught. This serves the function of a long term aquifer for water, and bogs can still be found discharging water into streams long after other sources have dried up. A bog is wonderful resource in keeping a stream healthy, charged with water and flowing through dry periods.

The Araby bog in Charles County is a magnolia bog of unusual size and quality. Its size has been estimated at about 50 acres. It meets all the criteria for an area that should be protected. A local resident, described how during last year's draught "the steep slopes going down to the stream remained so wet you could sink in above your ankles".

The entire property is wooded, with lots of interior dwelling birds and other wildlife living in it. Steep slopes, and a number of streams crisscross through it. The streams going through the bog drain into a part of the Mattawoman Creek watershed that is used by spawning alewife and blueback herring.

Araby Bog is a priceless gem that currently has a high-density subdivision being planned to surround it. The proposed development is divided into two subdivisions -- Falcon Ridge (117.3) acres and Hunters Brooke (119.07) acres. These developments share the same water system, same sewer line and have interconnecting roads. Except for their impact on the watershed, they have always been looked at as one development which would surround the Araby Bog. The subdivisions lie between Mattawoman Environmental Area and Myrtle Grove Wildlife Refuge, and part of the planned subdivision is directly across from Mattawoman Wildland. The developers propose to cut away the forest on the steep slopes, and use fill dirt in the valleys to level this property for placement of a maximum numbers of houses. This will certainly ring a death knoll for Araby Bog.

Araby bog is deep in woods and not close to any other high-density developments. Developments like this violate the precepts of Governor Glendening’s campaign for "Smart Growth", and degrade the environment for everyone. Studies have repeatedly shown that the infrastructure costs for an isolated development (schools, roads, water, sewer) generally far exceeds the taxes that can ever be collected, and the burden of increased taxes for infrastructure is borne by current residents.

Charles County Commissioners have proposed to rezone land in the Araby Bog area to lower its density, but no plans have been stated to prevent developments that already have preliminary plat approval. Both the Hunters Brooke and Falcon Ridge have received preliminary plat approval.

If you are concerned about these developments and their impacts on the magnolia bog, please call the Charles County Commissioners at 301-645-0550 or toll free 1-877-809-8790 and tell them of your concerns. Murray Levy is the President. Also, a group of local residents have been working to protect Araby Bog. You can get additional information by calling 310-753-6175 or e-mail samms@radix.net

Contact: Bob DeGroot

1007 Aster Blvd.

Rockville, MD 20850

301-340-8348

Bobdegroot1@cs.com