Gov. Martin O’Malley: Green is Good for Parks, People & Bay

Gov. Martin O’Malley

Preserves, Protects and Promotes a Green Future for Maryland

Protecting MD Parks - Promoting Sustainable Energy

Wind Farming Reserved for Private Property

Putting the Needs of People First  
"It is especially important to have a governor who listens to what the public wants. Governor O'Malley did just that, and we are grateful."
Garrett County Commissioner Fred Holliday
[Oakland Republican, 4.17.08]

"It's great news, and it's truly an indication that the governor is listening to the people up here…Wind turbines on state land would have absolutely destroyed for generations to come the pristine nature of our state forests."
John Bambacus, former Republican State Senator, Western Maryland
[Baltimore Sun, 4.12.08]

Clean Energy and Green Space
"While we must continue to explore and make progress on creating a more sustainable and independent energy future for Maryland, we will not do so at the expense of the special lands we hold in the public trust."
Governor Martin O'Malley
[News Journal, AP,  4.12.08]

A Balanced Commitment to the Future
"The governor has made a commitment to preserving open spaces… When Ehrlich was governor, they were trying to sell off public lands, and here we have a governor who is not only fully funding Program Open Space but preserving state lands for wildlife."
Cindy Schwartz, Director - Maryland League of Conservation Voters
[Baltimore Sun, 4.12.08]

People and Preservation over Politics
"People of western Maryland were unified in opposition to the use of state forests and park lands for development of industrial wind turbines. We are very grateful for the public comment and review opportunity of this issue. I am extremely pleased that Governor O'Malley is here today in Garrett County to announce his decision not to permit wind power development on the mountain tops of western Maryland."
Republican Del. Wendell Beitzell - Western Maryland
[Oakland Republican, 4.17.08]

The Commitment to Clean Energy Continues
"We remain committed to becoming a more sustainable Maryland by increasing development and use of clean, renewable energy sources… Working together, we will implement innovative, sustainable solutions to address climate change and energy needs without destroying the resources that are already providing invaluable environmental, social, and economic benefits."
Governor Martin O'Malley
[Oakland Republican, 4.17.08]

Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and Our Economy for Generations to Come

MD & VA Now Working Together to Rescue & Preserve Bay Crabs

The Crab Population in Danger, A Critical Bay Industry Suffering
"Our most valuable commercial fishery is in danger of an economic collapse… We know that we cannot rebuild the blue crab population without an economic impact to those who rely on this fishery for their livelihoods… However, Maryland is committed to working with our stakeholders to mitigate this impact."
Governor Martin O'Malley
[Baltimore Examiner, 4.16.08]

The Time to Act is Now
The governors, Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia and Martin O'Malley of Maryland, had little choice. Had they not acted, the crab population, already imperiled, was at risk of going the way of the bay's oyster fishery, which has all but disappeared. Although crabs are often thought of as a hardy species, they have proven no match for the bay's climbing temperatures, soaring nitrogen levels caused by suburban and farm runoff, rampaging algae clouds, and drastically depleted underwater vegetation, which has deprived baby crabs of their natural protection and habitat. The result, as summarized in the governors' joint statement, is that "crab populations are down 70 percent from 1990 levels and are showing no signs of recovery. . . ." 
[Washington Post,  4.17.08]

Using Program Open Space Funds for… Open Space

"In Maryland, local parks are often the social centers of small communities and large towns alike," said Governor O'Malley. "I remain committed to supporting Program Open Space projects to improve local outdoor recreation opportunities for children and working families in our state."

Governor Martin O'Malley this week announced $3,671,959 in local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 15 park and recreation facilities in seven counties across Maryland.

• Anne Arundel County will receive $273,052 to purchase 3.5 acres adjacent to Peninsula Park, the only County owned park recreational facility on the Annapolis Neck peninsula. The acquisition enables the creation of additional playing fields for increased youth sports participation.
 
• Frederick County will receive $6,764 to construct two dugouts at Twin Ridge baseball fields in Mount Airy.
 
• Garrett County will receive $2,784 to purchase a little league batting cage for Friendsville Community Park.
 
• Montgomery County will receive $509,100 to purchase 27+ acres of land to expand Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville and provide for a 700 foot buffer area between the indoor riding complex and private properties to the south.
 
• Prince George's County will receive $73,209 to develop a d og park area with fencing, improve park water access and beautify a stream that runs through Leo E. Wilson Community Park in Laurel.
 
• Talbot County will receive $1,659,400 to purchase a 0.59-acre waterfront property to expand Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb. The local acquisition will increase public access to the Miles River and the Chesapeake Bay by creating a picnic area, an additional boat launch and 18 additional slips. The county will also receive $1,122,500 for eight park improvement projects including:
 
o $187,500 grant to install new play equipment, a pavilion and basketball court at Wittman Park.
 
o $52,500 grant to resurface two tennis courts at Tilghman Elementary School Park in Tilghman Island.
 
o $75,000 grant to upgrade play equipment, a pavilion, waterfront overlook and access and a fitness trail at Back Creek Park in Tilghman Island.
 
o $350,000 grant to replace existing ball field stru ctures, add pavilions, and install ADA accessible play equipment to Perry Cabin Park in St. Michaels.
 
o $112,500 grant to construct a new pavilion, fire pit and patio, fitness trail and play equipment at Neavitt Community Park.
 
o $52,500 grant to renovate the baseball field dugouts, bleachers and fencing, and install a new scoreboard at Easton Middle School Park.
 
o $243,750 grant to install basketball courts, pavilions, bleachers and a fitness trail into Cordova Park.
 
o $48,750 grant to install new play equipment and a pavilion, and resurface the basketball court at Bellevue Park in Royal Oak.
 
Washington County will receive a $25,150 grant to replace the Widmeyer Park bandstand in Hancock. The new all weather structure will be handicapped accessible.
Additionally, the BPW approved a state-side POS $107,000 acquisition of a 30.6 acre forested "in-holding" property surrounded by property owned b y the Department of Natural Resources Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County. Thus, in addition to being an important ecological acquisition, the property will solve a management issue for DNR's Forest Service.