February 24, 2000
Senator Paul Sarbanes
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Ref: Douglas Point Project
Dear Senator Sarbanes:
MAGIC was pleased to hear about the "Douglas Point Project" designed to preserve 5,513 additional acres of land along the Potomac River. We think it is absolutely essential to preserve sufficient contiguous land in each county in Maryland to protect our diverse native wildlife and flora. This foresight will also serve to protect the Potomac River and its wetlands from further damage as our population continues to expand. As you stated in your press release, this land includes habitat for the bald eagle, osprey, egrets, and painted turtle, as well as unique wetland and woodland habitats.
Fragmentation of habitat is one of the most serious problems faced by wildlife and plants in the State, and we need to quickly preserve enough public land, as well as the connections and linkages between these lands, to provide adequate habitat to sustain other species. I complement you, and Congressman Hoyer for your leadership on these issues.
Eventually, we should provide wildlife connections between all public lands in this area including the Piscataway National Park, Purse State Park, Smallwood State Park (including Chapmans Forest), Ruth B. Swan County Park, the Mattawoman Natural Environment Area, Chapel Point State Park, Doncaster State Forest, and Friendship Landing County Park Acquisition of these new lands will be a great start toward these goals.
MAGIC will be happy to help get the necessary funds from Federal and State authorities to make this acquisition a reality.
Sincerely,
Robert DeGroot
President, MAGIC
The following Alliance Partners agree with and support this letter:
Anacostia Watershed Society
Anne Arundel Greens
Citizens to Conserve and Restore Indian Creek
Eyes of Paint Branch
Friends of Northwest Branch
Friends of Mount Aventine
Maryland Native Plant Society
Neighbors Water Watch
The Potomac Conservancy
South Mountain Heritage Society