Governor Glendening Agrees to Mediate on Savage Access

More than 125 boaters wrote letters to Governor Glendening at the 2001 Potomac Fest asking for his personal attention in getting regularly scheduled whitewater recreation releases on the World Championship Savage River. In September, Governor Glendening asked his staff to mediate between American Whitewater and the Upper Potomac River Commission. It now appears that the UPRC is willing to consider American Whitewater's proposal for releases. Thanks to everyone who wrote the Governor and helped us with this campaign. If discussions sour, we may ask for your assistance again, but we don't anticipate any problems at this time.

Note: If you can spare a minute, you might write the Governor and express your appreciation for his personal involvement...


MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
(410) 631-3000
800-633-6101
www.mde.state.md.us
Parris N. Glendening Governor
SEP 18 2001


Jane T. Nishida
Secretary


Mr. Jason Robertson, Access Director
American Whitewater
1430 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dear Mr. Robertson:

Thank you for your letter to Governor Parris Glendening concerning the Upper Potomac River Commission (UPRC) and recreational whitewater releases on the Savage River. The Governor has asked me to respond on his behalf.

The UPRC has informed the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that they will consider your request for regular scheduled releases from the Savage River dam. Their decision must consider the best available information, their ability to fulfill existing commitments for water storage, and the beneficial operation of the Savage River reservoir for all the citizens of Maryland, including the whitewater boating community. The law creating the UPRC grants them broad authority to regulate the flow of water in the Upper Potomac River District, with the condition that the State's authority to regulate water appropriation is not restricted.

The Maryland Department of Environment will continue to ensure that the water resources of the State are managed for the best interest of all the people of Maryland. To this end, the Department would be willing to arrange a meeting with the concerned parties, particularly UPRC and representatives of American Whitewater, to facilitate discussions regarding release procedures.

Thank you again for your letter. The Governor appreciates hearing from you, and on his behalf, I also thank you for your interest in this very important issue. If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Mr. Robert Summers, Director, Water Management Administration at (410) 631-3567.

Sincerely,
Jane T. Nishida
Secretary

cc: Governor Parris N. Glendening .. ,
John J. McMullen, Jr., Chairman, UPRC