On March 28, 2007, I attended the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material 
Containment Facility (HMI-DMCF) North Cell Closure Team Working Group 
(NCCT-WG) meeting.  I represent the Maryland Ornithological Society on this 
Working Group.  At the meeting I presented the list of potential amenities 
and recommendations for the North Cell closure that were suggested by 
MDOsprey members back in January.  The presentation and group discussion 
lasted about an hour.

The NCCT-WG asked that I express their appreciation for the insightful 
thought that was put into this effort by MDOsprey members.

What follows is a list of the January MDOsprey comments that were summarized 
by Maura Morris of Maryland Environmental Service.
_________________

MDOsprey Listserve Comment Summary on HMI North Cell Closure Option 
Development
(These comments are composed from 20 separate respondents.)

Amenities and Recommendations (number of  votes)

Composting toilets (12)
Install boardwalks and trails (8)
    If possible, add observation platform
    Across the cell would be best, but if this is not feasible then 2-3 dead 
end walks that take you to the middle of the cell
    Make a bail out route for those who are tired
Place benches around the cell (8)
    Maybe even include roofs for shade and shelter
    Make the back of the bench flip so both the inside an outside of the 
cell can be viewed
Do not allow motorbikes, ATV's, bikes, etc. (7)
Add European-style hides (blinds) or raised viewing (7)
    Go to clubs or organizations to get them donated
Add drinking water stations (7)
Implement a boat shuttle service (6)
    More than one trip per day, so visitors can go for a ½ day if desired
    Charge a transportation fee to help with costs
Keep amenities natural/simple in appearance (5)
Implementing an environmental education program or allow teaching on the 
island (4)
Plant berries and seeds yielding native plants on the dike sides to attract 
birds and provide them with food (4)
Install mile markers or letter markers for reference (4)
A sightings board for animal watchers (4)
    Add a computer kiosk with an internet connection to post sightings 
immediately
        Make limitations on which internet sites could be visited
 Create a picnic area with tables etc. (4)
    Roofs for shelter
    Maybe even drop sides for complete enclosure
Create fresh water bird baths by the woods to attract songbirds etc. (4)
Have a golf cart on the premises for disabled or injured visitors (3)
Control Phragmites (3)
Introduce native grasses (3)
Implement a volunteer program to help staff the passive recreation areas and 
assist with planting, construction, and creation of signage (2)
Include a 24/7 ranger station to make sure everything remains in order (2)
    Install security cameras
    Charge an admission fee to pay for amenities
Build an additional Observation tower (1)
Signage that includes important/interesting environmental information (1)
Do not allow domestic animals on or off leashes (1)
Come up with a maximum capacity (in terms of people) for the island and 
establish the maximum day use threshold (1)

Concerns
    People bringing ATVs and other equipment
    Making the Island too inviting and accessible
    Security - Lack of police/maintenance staff
    Trash and upkeep problems
    Safety - People going off the set trails

Questions
    Will access to the island be through the current state park?
    Will the island be managed for shorebirds and waterfowl?
    Will the island be hunted?
    Who will manage/maintain/police the island?
    Will the only access be through personal boat?
    Will it be part of the State Park?
    Will the park be closed during off-season?
________________________

For anyone that might ask the question "Well what did the Working Group 
decide?", the simple answer is nothing at this time.  The design elements 
will be considered as we continue to work on the design phase of the 
project.

Any of the comments, concerns, or questions that deal with management issues 
are beyond the scope of our current work, but they have been noted by the 
Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service, and the 
Maryland Department of Natural Resources for consideration at the 
appropriate time.  Please keep in mind that the North Cell will still be 
receiving dredged material through December 31, 2009.  It then may take 10 
years for the dredged material to consolidate sufficiently before habitat 
creation/construction can commence.  The habitat creation/construction could 
take 3-5 years.  Then add 5 years for project monitoring.  If you have been 
doing the addition, it could be 2029 before the project is completed.

As you can see, I still have many years ahead to be involved with this 
project.

Gene

Gene Scarpulla
Millers Island, Maryland