Maryland’s Parks: One of Maryland Better Ideas

Maryland Parks held a discussion day in Annapolis entitled “Maryland’s Parks: One of Maryland Better Ideas.  In various panel discussions, they addressed the impact parks have on healthy lifestyles, community sustainability, and the different roles of national, state, and local parks.  We are lucky in Charles County to have great examples of all three.

Many of you know that I am very interested in Chapman State Park and have attended meetings with the Friends of Chapman State Park and Ranger Patrick Bright who is the Area Manager for the Maryland Park Service.  He recently sent me a list of accomplishments that have been made at the Park in the last who years.  I think you will agree that they have made some definite progress.

DNR’s Maryland Park Service & Friends of Chapman State Park

2008 – 09 Chapman State Park Milestones

Environmental Sustainability

• Redoubled Potomac shoreline cleanups, removing approximately 2 tons of trash, during Potomac River Clean Up and various volunteer days involving local scouts, businesses, and community groups!  Debris sample include 110 tires, 555 disposable lighters, over 200 hundred road flare caps, over 2000 expended shotgun shells &/or wadding….
• All underground fuel oil and gasoline tanks removed from the park.
• Numerous, successful invasive plant removal events.
• Rare, Threatened, and Endanger Species Study completed.

Historic Preservation

• A state of the art security system was installed in the Mt. Aventine mansion.
• The ancient Mt. Aventine mansion furnace was finally replaced!
• Specifications for Mt. Aventine exterior renovation drafted and competitive bidding process initiated.  Contract should be awarded by close of 2009.

Recreation and Visitor Services

• Longshadows and River Cabin were boarded up to deter vandals.
• New fences installed at the Mt. Aventine Area gate.
• Mt. Aventine porches repaired and painted.
• Deadfall trees were removed from all park trails.
• Trail map completed.
• Coastal Woodlands trail rerouted around active eagle’s nest and reopened.
• Park designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
• Expanded deer hunting opportunities.

Partnerships & Collaborations

• Search and Rescue Dogs of Maryland (SARDOM) increasing use of park facilities.
• George Washington University (GW) School of Business, Tourism Program.
• The Friends of Chapman State Park officers and Board of Directors were recently elected and expanded!

Initiatives Planned for 2010

• Mt. Aventine exterior renovations to be completed in early 2010.
• Launch the long-awaited park website in early 2010.
• Work closely with DNR Heritage program to target the removal of the invasive Japanese Stilt Grass on the park’s Ridge Trail.
• Coordinate with DNR Wildlife unit to better manage the growing deer herd.
• Targeted “natural filters” reforestation of approximately ten acres to aid in habitat and Potomac/Bay water quality.
• Expand SARDOM partnership to afford more training access and presence in park.
• Expand collaboration with GW’s Tourism program to involve Chapman State Park in its “Sustainable Destinations” curriculum.