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Re: Mt Calvert Directions - Urgent!

From:

Rich Dolesh

Reply-To:

Maryland Birds & Birding

Date:

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:02:20 -0400

Well said, Jeff.  Let me chime in with a few observations, since way back in
the beginning I helped formulate some of the rules for use of the MNCPPC
Patuxent River parklands.   The Patuxent River Park welcomes and supports
birders, and goes out of its way to allow them access to areas otherwise not
opened to the public.  HOWEVER, you have to follow some specific guidelines,
among them getting a 'special-use permit' and following the directives given
by the MNCPPC for special use of the 'limited-use natural areas' of the
entire park which is composed of many separate properties along the Patuxent
River in Prince George's County  (note:  MD DNR also owns a number of
properties, and their rules and regs are different than MNCPPC's).  One such
directive is that you display your permit sticker on your car bumper or on
your dash board so the park staff can instantly know you are authorized to
be there.

Jeff's recommendations are accurate--talk to Greg Lewis, but if he is
unavailable, talk to Greg Kearns, ace naturalist and birder, or Shannon
Bethel, park manager.  Greg Lewis and Greg Kearns can be reached at
301-627-6074.  Incidentally, I forwarded the posts about Mt. Calvert to Greg
Lewis, Greg Kearns, and Chris Wagnon of MNCPPC, so they will be prepared for
birders requests.  The best course of action if you want privileged access
to some spectacular birding areas along the Patuxent River is to personally
stop in at the park office during regular business hours, introduce
yourself, sign up for a special use permit (modest fee) and get to know the
park staff.  They are very accommodating if you are willing to follow the
simple rules for using the park.  Also, you are likely to meet many other
good birders once you know where they stop.  As Jeff said, do NOT take it
upon yourself to go willy nilly onto those park properties that are not open
to the public without permission.  You will only ruin quality opportunities
for yourself and many others.

If you are willing to follow some simple guidelines you can discover some of
the best kept birding secrets in the metro DC area.  These park areas have
been preserved for conservation, and frankly, they need all the support that
can be given.  There are many pressures to develop them, sell them off, or
otherwise destroy the very values for which they were protected.  Birders
are some of the best supporters for the conservation of open space parks
like these because the birders validate the ecological value and importance
of protecting such lands by finding good birds.  What a great partnership.
So, please, for the sake of the protected lands, the rights of the private
property neighbors, and your opportunity to continue to get access to
special places, be respectful of the rules and regs--and find out which
apply to you before you go exploring.

Hope this helps many to gain great birding opportunities,
Respectfully,
Rich Dolesh


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Shenot" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 8:33 AM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Mt Calvert Directions - Urgent!


> Dave, et.al.:  This property is not open to the public!
>
> I wish you had talked to me or researched this before you posted - I hope
> no one will make a mistake that we (birders) will all regret before I can
> get this posted.  This property is part of the "Patuxent River Park",
owned
> by MNCPPC, (not the state, which also owns the PRSP, managed by DNR).  It
> is not open for a very good reason.  The entire area (site) is a sensitive
> cultural resource with active archeological research being done.  At some
> point in the future, the site may be open to the public, but it could also
> be over-regulated with many rules (i.e., hours, limits of use, etc) if we
> are not careful.  Although the park puts up with a small but unavoidable
> amount of unauthorized use there (mostly from locals who live nearby and
> are familiar with the site, its former owners, and where to avoid), it
> would be VERY BAD to have uniformed or unauthorzed people simply start
> showing up there to look for birds.
>
> FIRST, you must have permission to enter there from the park.  You need to
> get it from Mr. Greg Lewis, the PRP Park Manager, at 301-627-6997.
>
> SECOND, if he gives you permission, DO NOT DRIVE OVER 10 mph on the lane -
> I noticed some of the birders this weekend were driving WAY TOO FAST.
This
> AGGRAVATES the resident there, whose family sold the property to the
> public, and who still actively leases the property for their use
> (agriculture).  This is one of this family's  biggest complaints - the
> speed that people drive (and some of the worst offenders are a few of the
> PRP employees that occasionally go there on business).  Also, do not drive
> off the lane (into a field).  Please respect this if you get permission to
> visit there.
>
> THIRD, avoid parking where you mentioned in your email!!  Greg will
> probably instruct you where to park, but it is best to use the parking
area
> up by the front of the manor house, and leave a message on your windshield
> in case the police or someone else find your vehicle. Simply walk down to
> the viewing area from there.
>
> LAST, and not least, do not go wandering around unless you have been given
> permission from Greg Lewis for the entire site - which I doubt he will do.
> Stay away from the manor house (which is occupied) and all other
structures
> on site.  Most of them are actively being used, despite their appearance.
>
> I am assigned this area for the breeding bird Atlas Project, and do not
> want this privilege to be revoked!  Thank you for considering this lengthy
> but necessary post.  Respectfully,
>
> Jeff Shenot
> Croom
>
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