Gunpowder Watershed Project Public Involvement
Team Meeting
June 25, 1998 Minutes
Attendees: Jim Dieter (MDE), Anneke Davis (MCC), William Smith (MDE),
Jim Ensor (BCSCD), Jeanne Armacost (DEPRM), Pat Pudelkewicz (HCP&Z),
Don Outen (DEPRM), Steve Stewart (DEPRM), Marlorie Slater-Kaplan (LWV),
Rich Hall (MOP), Elisabeth Bonar-Bouton (DNR), Charlie Conklin (GVC).
I.
The meeting began at 4:05 with a welcome by Charlie followed by introductions
of the attendees. Charlie reviewed the agenda for the day and no additions
were made. He stated that the purpose of the meeting is to reach an agreement
on what we are going to do regarding both the Gunpowder Clearing House/Web-Site,
and the Gunpowder Conference that is likely to be held around the month
of November 1998.
II.
A round-table discussion unfolded regarding ways to achieve the goals
of the recently won grant project. Copies of a summary of the grant were
circulated to those in attendance. Pat asked if our focus will include
the Little Gunpowder, and comments were made expressing concern that we
not focus only on the non-tidal and near-reservoir areas. Charlie and Bill
explained that work on the both the Gunpowder Clearing-House and the Gunpowder
Conference would be as inclusive as possible. Anneke stated concerns regarding
the proliferation of watershed organizations and possible redundendacies
with SOSís effort in Baltimore. County to establish a coalition of watershed
organizations. Don indicated that this effort would be to complement the
other activities.
III.
Bill presented his work on the Gunpowder Clearinghouse/Web-Site and
circulated rough drafts of the home page. Suggestions were made by nearly
all the attendees as to ways he could continue to build on the project.
Suggestions included:
-
Use of USGS stream monitoring data/links.
-
Steve mentioned that he might have SOS layers available to work with in
a GIS environment.
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Point data may be available such as that gathered via bio-sampling
-
Coverage type data could be used such as land use, zoning, stream surveys,
agriculture, 56 sub-watersheds around Loch Raven (Steve has this data),
parks and trails, bed and breakfast, historic structures (Harford County
has part of what I would need).
-
Jim stated that the Maryland Water Quality Monitoring Council might be
worth contacting as well.
-
Elisabeth stated that she has access to an integrated data layer ("INRA")
that may assist in helping us to determine what groups and individuals
are doing in the watershed.
-
Other sources of information may include Maryland Historic Trust, the State
Archives, and the Pratt Library.
-
Show agricultural practices, BMP, soil conservation, preserved lands, etc.
-
Involvement of schools & universities in the development and use of
the clearinghouse.
-
Show recreational facilities, both county and state parks.
IV.
Charlie spoke regarding the Conference and attendees gave their input.
Charlie stated that purpose of the conference was to bring together (by
invite only) groups and individuals involved in the watershed. The event
is intended to facilitate sharing of information (like the Clearing-House),
and to encourage the growth of a spirit of cooperation so that coalitions
will form that will take positive action in the watershed. Bill suggested
that a Gunpowder Conference CD-ROM be created with contributions from all
attendees and that it subsequently be distributed at the conference. Several
people at the meeting inquired as to whom would attend the conference.
Charlie said a list is not yet compiled, but that it would be an invite-only
conference including a diverse group that would encompass both governmental
and non-governmental offices as well as representatives from education.
Don suggested that the conference focus on positive things occurring in
the watershed in the belief that this would create a sense of pride that
would inspire groups and individuals to protect the Gunpowder. Different
potential presentations at the conference were discussed including the
running of a model from the Gunpowder Watershed Project (if it is completed
at the time of the conference). Specific questions to be addressed are
-- who is the target audience? ----> Stakeholders/influencers in the
watershed, both government and NGOís. Also, what is our goal/outcome? ---->
Information sharing/sense of ownership and organization that can promote
a watershed ethic.
Suggestions for inclusion in the conference were:
-
Awards to watershed organizations. for contributions
-
Make available the work projects preformed by the various watershed organizations.
( possible displays)
-
Regulatory programs, both local, state & federal. (clean water action
plan, etc.)
-
Drinking water assessments.
-
Questions to stimulate the interest of the organizations.
-
Use of newspapers to promote questions/issues
V.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45. The next meeting of the Gunpowder
Watershed Project Public Involvement Team will be Wednesday, July 8 at
4 PM at the Eck House. The next meeting of this focus group will be
announced after other organizations have been invited to participate.
Next Steps Identified in the Meeting:
-
Gather information and include the other watershed organizations that
have sponsored the grant to help put together the elements of the Gunpowder
Conference (Charlie).
-
Continue construction of the Gunpowder Clearing House/Web-Site (Bill).
Those with suggestions can e-mail Bill .
-
Develop a list of the community, environmental, educational organizations
in the watershed as potential attendees at the conference
Note: For those sponsor groups who were unable to take part in the
6/25 meeting, a review meeting is planned for 7/8 - 3PM @ the Ech House
in Cromwell Valley Park.
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