The Threat
In 1999 Charles County has given preliminary approval to two subdivisions, named "Hunter's Brooke" and "Falcon Ridge" which would degrade and eventually destroy the bog. Charles County and the developers worked together to plan the two subdivisions into one integrated project, sharing the same water system, sewer system and road network. These two subdivisions are owned by different companies but share the same lawyer and the same planners. Citizens are fighting this approval in the Circuit Court of Charles County.
In 2000, the State of Maryland granted a ground water appropriation to the subdivisions. This appropriation is being challenged in the State's "contested case" process. There has also been a wetland permit granted by the State, which is being similarly challenged.
The Army Corps of Engineers granted approval to the State's wetland permit in 1999, and then rescinded it, when citizens protested that the historical review process required by law had not been done. Currently, the Corps and a federal body, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, are reviewing the issue. The developers claim that there would be no impact to historic resources from the development project. The citizens, led by SAMMS ("Save Araby, Mattawoman and Mason Springs") say otherwise.
If the developers are allowed to go through with their plans, runoff from the development would doom Araby Bog to degradation and eventually destruction.
SAMMS is going to continue to struggle to save Araby Bog, and otherwise protect this area. Will you please help us?
