Good News from the DNR - Planting in Patapsco!

[Phila]

Bob Burchard, Sierra Club ex-comm member and one of the guiding lights of this network, was checking in with Arnold (Butch) Norden, Chief Planner for the MD Park Service.

From: Robert Burchard
Subject: BGE & tree cutting in Patapasco Valley State Park

Dear Mr. Norden, You were copied on a March 21 letter that Secretary Griffin sent to me re. BGE's tree destruction in PVSP (Patapsco Valley State Park). I am interested to learn of the status of both the "stop work" on any further cutting and the proposed Forest Service investigation of the "potential violation of Maryland's tree expert laws."

I can be reached by E-mail.....

Thank you. Bob Burchard

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----- Original Message ----
From: "Norden, Butch"

Mr. Bouchard, thanks for your interest. At the present time, all right of way cutting and trimming by BGE on State parkland has been put on hold. The investigation is being handled by our Forest Service, and is in progress. It's a lengthy procedure. We are working closely with BGE to clean up the cut areas and implement a mitigation plan that involves planting trees to screen the line and improve that habitat value of the land adjacent to the ROW. Planting is now ongoing at the Hilton Day Use Area. Just let me know if you would like additional information.
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From: Robert Burchard

Thank you for your speedy reply and the promising news that it bears.
As a regular hiker in PVSP, the catalyst for the 1/16/08 Catonsville Times article about BGE's tree cutting there, and one who testified in support of SB 654, I remain very much interested in keeping up with both mitigation and investigation progress. If there is a non-burdensome way of achieving this, please keep me apprised. Otherwise, I may take the liberty of sending an occasional inquiry to you or anyone you might suggest.

Best wishes, Bob Burchard
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From: "Norden, Butch"

No problem, contact me anytime. My office number is 410-260-8159. If you get a chance, stop by the Hilton Day Use Area and check out the cleanup and early tree planting effort. The damage done was substantial, but we are having them mitigating what we can.