Because Hart-Miller is still Maryland's premier shorebird
hot-spot, I would favor managing the North Cell for shorebirds,
especially with the degradation of some of the otherwise favored
Delaware and Jersey shoreline places they've favored in the past.
This also appears to be the cheapest solution for the future
of the North Cell and the most likely outcome. The biggest challenge
probably will be managing the phragmites problem.
As for amenities, I like the idea of composting outhouses and
viewing blinds, but those don't have to be immediate additions;
as the MOS or other donors come up with the monies, they can be
future add-ons. Selling the state on the mudflats for shorebirds
solution depends in large part on showing it to be the cheapest
solution, and asking for the extra amenities reduces that
cost advantage. Another possible future amenity which has been
discussed mainly in jest would be a golf cart to relieve
hikers tiring out part-way around the loop hike. It would also
make the tour accessible to people with limited walking abilities,
who could ride rather than walk the grueling 7 to 9 miles on
sand and gravel. This again would be something for a wealthy
donor or the MOS to consider, with permission from the State.
As for access, I remember the "old days" when access was not
by state work boats but rather by outboard boats rented from
the Miller Island community (Bill's Boat Rentals comes to
mind). If the state work boats stop, that might be the way
to get out there during the warmer months of the year, and
possibly winter access (when ice doesn't block boat access)
might be by state work boat by special arrangement.
Pete Webb
Baltimore
pete_webb - at - juno.com
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