Earth Day Planting a Success

Citizens and government worked together April 23 as volunteers joined staff from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and the Worcester County Department of Comprehensive Planning for an Earth Day planting and clean up at the Gum Point Road boat ramp, the site of a living shoreline restoration project.

Maryland Still at the Forefront of Environmental Protection

The Maryland General Assembly recently adjourned with a balanced budget, but not at the expense of our natural resources as lawmakers passed several landmark environmental bills, including a measure designed to impact climate change.

The biggest victory was the passage of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, which requires the state to reduce its global warming pollution to 25 percent below 2006 levels by 2020. Maryland is now a national leader in climate change with this measure, becoming one of only seven states to pass a strong global warming bill. A similar bill failed last year after business and labor organizations decried that it would hurt manufacturing jobs, but this version was changed to ensure no these jobs were not threatened. The Maryland Department of the Environment must finalize the new regulations by 2012.

State lawmakers also deserve high praise for passing a bill that help with water quality protection by requiring advanced nitrogen removal technology for new and replacement septic systems built in the critical areas, and also requiring the removal of nitrogen from septic systems installed on properties along tidal waterways. Though it was narrowly approved in the senate with a one vote margin, it is now considered one of the strongest septic bills in the country.

Program Open Space, which as recently as last week seemed headed for major cuts, remains largely intact for the next fiscal year. A last-minute grassroots campaign effort was mobilized after the Senate proposed drastic cuts to the Program. Most of the funds were converted into bonds to be used to buy land instead of cash. The nationally recognized and highly regarded program uses part of the state's real estate transfer tax to buy land for preservation and recreation. Established in 1969 under the Department of Natural Resources, Program Open Space has provided for more than 5,000 individual county and municipal parks and conservation areas, including Worcester County. Nearly all of the land bought by the DNR in Maryland in the past 40 years was funded, at least in part, by Program Open Space.

Other environmental victories include a bill that will strengthen building codes to make them more energy efficient, as well as another bill mandating that all public schools and state facilities recycle paper, aluminum, glass and plastic. An innovative pilot program that uses federal funds to encourage organic farming practices was also passed in this session.

Of course, it wasn’t all good news, particularly in the area of growth. Lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have required counties to gear future development to priority growth areas. It had passed the House as an amendment to another bill, but did not come to a vote in the Senate Committee. Such a measure could have had an impact in Worcester County as officials propose zoning changes regarding growth areas here. However, one important growth bill did pass that clarifies the importance of local growth plans as legal documents to ensure development proposals are consistent with plans.

In the end, the Maryland General Assembly gave final approval to the state's $13.8 billion operating budget without significant cuts to environmental programs. Environmentalists did not get everything they wanted, but it could have been a lot worse. State lawmakers have proven that our state can remain an environmental leader and tackle major issues such as climate change even in a tough economic climate.

Transfer Development Rights

Environmentalists are often viewed as anti-growth. True, conserving sensitive land is a serious concern. But informed environmentalists know that not all development is bad and that growth just needs to be steered in the right direction.

One innovative method to accomplish this goal is through Transfer Development Rights, which promotes responsible growth, while at the same time encouraging conservation. Simply put, TDR is the exchange of zoning rights from sparsely populated or sensitive areas, to more densely populated areas. These transfers allow for the preservation of open spaces and historic landmarks, while encouraging growth where growth makes sense.

TDRs should be used in the new Worcester County zoning code to eliminate existing commercial and estate zoning by allowing those property owners to sell their development rights to a designated receiving area for growth. Much of the commercial strip zoning on US 50 between Herring Creek and Stephen Decatur High School, and some of the remnant residential zoning along MD 611, Turville Creek and St. Martins River could serve as sending areas to places more appropriate for growth, such as parcels west of Ocean Pines. Land currently zoned for such estate zoning is in some of the most sensitive and flood-prone areas in the county.

Some form of transfer development rights is already in use in 10 Maryland counties. This voluntary program is set up through a given county which designates "sending" and "receiving" areas within its boundaries. Based on a county-set formula, landowners in sending areas can sell their development rights to developers who are generally permitted to build at higher density or on agriculturally-zoned land in designated receiving areas. Most counties place receiving areas in developing areas or on least productive soils. In turn, a permanent easement is placed on the sender’s land which is restricted from future development.

TDRs are voluntary, do not use tax dollars for land preservation, provide compensation for downzoning and allow for direct growth away from environmentally sensitive areas that should be protected. Additionally, a clear and concise TDR plan can allow for flexibility that would not otherwise be allowed with traditional zoning policies.

Zoning changes are on the horizon, and a public hearing on the proposed county zoning regulations is planned for early June. Now is the time to consider TDRs as a good way to direct growth away from areas that should be conserved while also compensating land owners. As has been proven in other counties, TDR’s are a successful way to preserve land in perpetuity while also stimulating development. We hope the public and county officials will remember this approach, which allows for more flexibility in achieving balanced growth, conservation and development.

The Maryland Department of Planning has a publication available that offers advice to local governments considering use of transferable development rights, describes existing TDR programs in Maryland and other states, and provides guidelines for preparing TDR ordinances and model zoning codes. For more information log onto http://www.mdp.state.md.us/.

Environmental Legislative Wrap-Up

The Maryland General Assembly adjourned April 13 with a balanced budget, but not at the expense of our natural resources as lawmakers passed several landmark environmental bills, including a measure designed to impact climate change.

The biggest victory was the passage of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, which requires the state to reduce its global warming pollution to 25 percent below 2006 levels by 2020. Maryland is now a national leader in climate change with this measure, becoming one of only seven states to pass a strong global warming bill. A similar bill failed last year after business and labor organizations decried that it would hurt manufacturing jobs, but this version was changed to ensure no these jobs were not threatened. The Maryland Department of the Environment must finalize the new regulations by 2012.

State lawmakers also deserve high praise for passing a bill that help with water quality protection by requiring advanced nitrogen removal technology for new and replacement septic systems built in the critical areas, and also requiring the removal of nitrogen from septic systems installed on properties along tidal waterways. Though it was narrowly approved in the senate with a one vote margin, it is now considered one of the strongest septic bills in the country.

Program Open Space, which as recently as last week seemed headed for major cuts, remains largely intact for the next fiscal year. A last-minute grassroots campaign effort was mobilized after the Senate proposed drastic cuts to the Program. Most of the funds were converted into bonds to be used to buy land instead of cash. The nationally recognized and highly regarded program uses part of the state's real estate transfer tax to buy land for preservation and recreation. Established in 1969 under the Department of Natural Resources, Program Open Space has provided for more than 5,000 individual county and municipal parks and conservation areas, including Worcester County. Nearly all of the land bought by the DNR in Maryland in the past 40 years was funded, at least in part, by Program Open Space.

Other environmental victories include a bill that will strengthen building codes to make them more energy efficient, as well as another bill mandating that all public schools and state facilities recycle paper, aluminum, glass and plastic. An innovative pilot program that uses federal funds to encourage organic farming practices was also passed in this session.

Of course, it wasn’t all good news, particularly in the area of growth. Lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have required counties to gear future development to priority growth areas. It had passed the House as an amendment to another bill, but did not come to a vote in the Senate Committee. Such a measure could have had an impact in Worcester County as officials propose zoning changes regarding growth areas here. However, one important growth bill did pass that clarifies the importance of local growth plans as legal documents to ensure development proposals are consistent with plans.

In the end, the Maryland General Assembly gave final approval to the state's $13.8 billion operating budget without significant cuts to environmental programs. Environmentalists did not get everything they wanted, but it could have been a lot worse. State lawmakers have proven that our state can remain an environmental leader and tackle major issues such as climate change even in a tough economic climate.

Conservation Subdivision Design

One of the best things about living in Worcester County is its abundance of beautiful natural resources. There is little doubt that it is these environmental treasures that have played a significant role in why so many people have moved here in the last several years, and is a major reason why the population is expected to increase by 50 percent within the next decade.

As the population grows and more residential developments are built in designated growth areas, it is essential that these subdivisions are designed to coexist with forests, wetlands and farms. It certainly can and is being done through conservation-subdivision design (CSD), an environmentally friendly development strategy that helps preserve open space within residential housing developments. This approach strategically concentrates home construction on a development site in a way that is designed to protect sensitive and valuable open space, habitat, and other environmental resources.

Often described as golf course communities without the golf courses, CSD’s typically identify a significant natural feature of a site that will then be preserved in large contiguous blocks. The homes are often clustered together on smaller lots to allow for better use of the open space, which results in an average overall density similar to a conventional subdivision.

The use of these designs has grown in popularity in the last few decades and is now required in planning and zoning regulations in many counties and municipalities throughout the country. Unfortunately, outdated or inflexible zoning ordinances have kept some local governments from requiring conservation subdivision design. Such is the case with Worcester County’s recent proposed zoning code, which merely encourages, but does not require, that these innovative design plans be used.

Conservation subdivision design is a win-win for all. These designs strategically arrange the development on each parcel so that half of the buildable land is set aside as open space. The developed sections are in areas best suited for development, such as farmland uplands or areas with well-drained soils. The same number of homes can be built using less land, thereby balancing conservation and development needs. Besides protecting open space, CSD’s also minimize disturbance to streams and helps habitats to flourish. Water quality is protected and its quantity is managed by slowing and filtering stormwater runoff through wetlands.

For the developer, CSD offers lower development costs with the end result being a marketable residential development. Also, having homes clustered on smaller lots reduces development costs since there are fewer trees to clear, less land to grade, and less road, water, and sewer infrastructure needed to serve the development. Incorporating a natural feature into design plans makes good sense because communities can preserve natural spaces and also achieve development goals.

Balancing growth with protecting natural resources will always be a challenge in Worcester County, as it is throughout the country. Worcester County officials should encourage conservation and require open-space development design for both minor and major subdivisions. It is good planning that can ensure the area’s natural resources are maintained, thus helping to ensure the future economic and environmental health of our towns. Workshops on the proposed county regulations are scheduled for later this month and a public hearing is planned for early June. Go online to www.co.worcester.md.us for more information.

Earth Day Marsh Planting April 22

Celebrate Earth Day and learn about living shorelines by planting marsh grasses at a living shoreline restoration site on Gum Point Road on April 22. The planting, as well as trash cleanup, is a joint venture among Worcester County Department of Natural Resources and the Coastal Bays Program in an effort to show what living shorelines can be.

Volunteers are needed to plant smooth cordgrass, saltmeadow cordgrass and switchgrass plugs and help with trash pick-up. Equipment will be provided, but volunteers should bring their own gloves and boots or waders.

The Earth Day planting and cleanup is part of a living shoreline restoration project at the Gum Point Road boat ramp. Living shorelines is a management option that provides erosion control benefits, while also enhancing the natural shoreline habitat. These shorelines are designed to allow for natural coastal processes to remain through the strategic placement of plants, stone, sand fill and nonstructural organic materials. The concept is to maintain and preserve marshes along the shoreline, yet protect against erosion. Marshes provide water quality benefits and provide habitat and food for a variety of birds, crabs and fishes that live in the coastal bays.

Restoration of 110 feet of shoreline is underway, funded by Worcester County’s Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Mitigation fund and in-kind work provided by county staff. Last October Worcester County and Department of Natural Resources employees, Maryland Coastal Bays Program staff, and volunteers, moved rock and placed sand to replace rip rap at the boat ramp, which is heavily used by residents and visitors. Planting the area with marsh grasses was put off until spring when the grasses come out of dormancy to begin life anew.

The Coastal Bays Program recently awarded Worcester County a $1,200 implementation grant for an interpretative panel that will be placed at the site. The sign will be designed to inform and strengthen public understanding of the benefits and techniques used in living shorelines.


Date: April 22, rain or shine (in event of severe weather, will be postponed to April 23)
Time: 12 PM – 3 PM
Location: Gum Point Rd Boat Ramp; Gum Point Rd.
Directions: from Route 50 turn onto Route 589/Racetrack Rd; after about a mile turn right onto Gum Point Rd; the boat ramp is on the right, about a mile from the turn.
Contact: Katherine Munson, Worcester Co Dept of Comprehensive Planning, 410-632-5651 for more information.

Implementation Grants Awarded

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program announces the funding of $100,000 in implementation grants to program partners for projects concerning issues threatening our watershed.
These grants are offered to assist in the implementation of actions in the Maryland Coastal Bays Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, which represents a consensus of the best means needed to preserve the economic and ecological prosperity of the coastal bays for the future.
Grants funded in the 2008-2009 cycle have been awarded to the following projects:
· $1,200 – Worcester County Department of Comprehensive Planning for Gum Point Road boat ramp restoration and interpretive panel.
· $20,000 – University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences to assess the causes of recent widespread increases in nitrogen in the coastal bays.
· $15,000 – University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences to print the book Shifting Sands: Environmental and Cultural changes in Maryland’s Coastal Bays.
· $20,000 – Maryland Department of Natural Resources for Isle of Wight and E.A. Vaughn WMA Saltmarsh Restoration.
· $7,000 – Town of Ocean City for Robin Drive shoreline restoration.
· $2,500 – Assateague Coastal Trust for Grow Berlin Green.
· $14,500 – Lower Shore Land Trust for terrestrial monitoring for habitat conservation prioritization.
· $4,000 – Worcester County Tourism for phase one of Ayres Creek water trail on Lewis Road.
· $15,988 – Maryland Dept of Environment to study how much time it takes ground water and its nutrients to move from under crop fields to nearby waters.

The responsibilities of the Implementation Committee includes communicating and collaboration among its members to build consensus for recommended actions, representing water quality, resource management, and other important environmental perspectives. The committee is also responsible for finding and implements solutions, defining and ranking estuary problems, overseeing annual work plans, and approving all resource and funding allocations.

Since 1999, the Coastal Bays Program as given more than $850,000 for projects in the watershed. This summer the program will award “minigrants” to local community groups for more projects designed to help protect wildlife and water quality.

Public Workshops

Worcester County will be hosting several public workshops on the DRAFT Zoning and Subdivision Control Article, Zoning Maps, and Design Guidelines and Standards for Commercial Uses

During the week of April 20th through the 24th
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Training Room A, Third Floor of Worcester County Government Center
One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland
Monday, April 27th, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Worcester County Recreation Center
6030 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill Maryland
Wednesday, April 29th, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Stephen Decatur High School Cafeteria
9913 Seahawk Road, Berlin, Maryland

These land use documents and tools are important to Worcester County’s future. Please take advantage of at least one of the opportunities to review the information, meet with the staff, ask questions and voice concerns in an informal setting prior to the County Commissioners’ Public Hearing on the documents and maps, tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2009.
These documents can be found on the County’s website at www.co.worcester.md.us. A CD containing these documents is also available from the Department of Development, Review and Permitting at no cost. In addition, each public library in Worcester County has a CD available for viewing.
Please contact us at zoning@co.worcester.md.us with any questions.