Cromwell Bridge Community Requests Meeting with County Executive

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CROMWELL BRIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
2320 Hoover Lane
Glen Arm, MD 21057

April 29, 2008

County Executive James T. Smith, Jr.
400 Washington Avenue
Old Courthouse Mezzanine
Towson, Maryland 21204

RE: Cromwell Bridge Road Tree Removal

Dear County Executive Smith,

We are following up on the recent letters, emails and telephone calls made to your office
and Baltimore County Dept. of Public Works. You are undoubtedly aware of the tree cutting on
the hillside along Cromwell Bridge Road, first by BGE and then by Baltimore County
Department of Public Works. Extensive public outcry, as well as support from state and county
elected officials, has been successful in convincing BGE to temporarily halt the cutting. We are
asking for your leadership in these matters of great concern to thousands of residents who live
near and travel through this scenic corridor on a daily basis. We are requesting the opportunity
to meet with you to discuss how we can all work together to remedy the harm that has been done
to a very environmentally sensitive and important cultural landscape.

Regardless of the reason for, or the appropriateness of this cutting, we feel that it is
imperative that BGE and Baltimore County initiate measures to re-vegetate and control exotic
invasive plant life along this hillside. There are many treasured and fragile assets to be protected
within the Gunpowder River and Cromwell Valley Watersheds. Examples include Cromwell
Valley Park, and its beautiful setting between two wooded ridge lines, and the Mine Bank Run
that parallels this hillside for 3 miles. It is critical to preserve the Park’s setting in order to
protect the cultural, recreational and environmental value of this important public resource.
Additionally, Baltimore County has recently invested millions of dollars to restore the Mine
Bank Run. It would be a shame to see all of that work threatened by increased run-off from the
denuded hillside. We are gravely concerned about the potential for piecemeal degradation to this
watershed that ultimately impacts the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

We have made significant progress, again with the help of our elected officials, to
convince BGE to agree to work with citizens' groups and mitigate the damage caused by this
heavy handed clear cutting. BGE representatives have stated at several meetings and public
settings that they intend to rethink their plan to utilize herbicides to eliminate all future
vegetation growth. They have also indicated their willingness to re-vegetate areas that have
already been clear-cut. Further, recent legislation introduced at the state level was aimed at
preventing future environmental abuses such as this.

Our citizens' groups are beginning the development of a vision for this re-vegetation and
management effort. Since the tree cutting first started, we have had monthly meetings with the
community and various stakeholder organizations. We continue to have great attendance and
interest in this matter. We realize that efforts to protect, preserve and enhance the Cromwell
Bridge Road corridor will require a cooperative effort and resources from our community
organizations, BGE, various land owners, and, most importantly, Baltimore County. In brief, our
plans are to work with:

* BGE foresters/environmental consultants, Baltimore County DEPRM and Public
Works and MD SHA and DNR to develop a Re-vegetation Management Program for the
Cromwell Bridge Road Corridor.

* Local community groups and businesses to obtain donations of appropriate plants
to supplement this project.

* All parties to create a comprehensive plan for the on going management and
maintenance of this scenic byway.

We believe a collaborative approach would undoubtedly assist in ensuring the success of
the project, yielding the best results for all involved.

Furthermore, the Cromwell Bridge Road restoration and maintenance project would be a
fitting demonstration of the Baltimore County Green Renaissance program and a shining
example of The Forestry for the Bay initiative.

We hope that we count on you to act in the best interest of the constituents that you serve,
and that you will support our efforts to create an environmental legacy for future generations.

We would like to meet with you to discuss these initiatives at your earliest possible
convenience. A representative from our community coalition will be contacting your office to
schedule a meeting in the very near future. Your immediate response to this matter is greatly
appreciated.

Very Truly Yours,

Andrea Huppert Soukup, President
Cromwell Bridge Community Association

This letter is being sent with the approval and support of:

Long Green Valley Association
Cromwell Valley Park Council
Notchcliff Road Association
Friends of Cromwell Valley Park
Perring Park Community Association
Green Acres Garden Club

cc:
Councilman T. Bryan McIntire
Councilman Vincent Gardina
Senator Katherine Klausmeier
Senator James Brochin