Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC), a private, nonprofit land conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of farmland and habitat on the Eastern Shore today announced the results of a poll indicating growth, development and sprawl continue to be a top concern for Eastern Shore residents.
The land use poll, conducted by Susquehanna Polling & Research, Inc. late this summer, surveyed 1,500 Eastern Shore residents regarding growth and development, local funding priorities, transportation, conservation needs and factors affecting their quality of life.
The poll indicates that residents feel the single most important problem facing the Eastern Shore is growth, development and sprawl. This is followed by a 2:1 margin by a tie between jobs/economy and the environment/community. This number of residents most concerned about growth and development issues is highest in Queen Anne’s and Talbot.
"This poll tells us that growth issues continue to be a top concern of Eastern Shore residents and that the public is looking to local elected officials for solutions ," said Amy Owsley, ESLC’s Director of Land Use Planning.
Earlier this year ESLC engaged Susquehanna Polling and Research to survey registered voters in six counties of the Eastern Shore: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. A total of 1,200 registered voters (plus an additional over sampling in Caroline, Dorchester and Kent ) were interviewed by telephone, from August 25 – September 2. The margin of error for the regional poll is +/- 2.8 percent.
ESLC conducted a similar poll in 2004 and the results from the most recent poll iterate many of the same findings.
The top headlines from the 2008 survey are:
o Pace of Growth: Due to the rapid rate of development and its impact on the loss of farmland and habitat, people are feeling anxious about growth on the Eastern Shore. Growth, development and sprawl were cited as the single most important issue facing respondents’ local area.
o Quality of Life: More residents than ever believe things are going in the wrong direction in the Eastern Shore today, some 43 percent compared to 35 percent in 2004 - which means voters are not happy with the status quo; and although most voters believe their quality of life is excellent or good and has not worsened during the last several years, an overwhelming majority (62 percent) are very concerned about the loss and farmland and habitat on the Eastern Shore.
o Elected Officials: Eastern Shore residents reaffirm the role that both local and county governments play in open space preservation including the protection of wildlife and habitat areas – including the continued use of public funding for open space preservation. By a 71/4 margin, residents believe local officials should increase their efforts to preserve open space. This is a slight increase from 65 percent in 2004.
o Funding Priorities: Residents also support their county’s use of public funds for open space preservation, recreation and the protection of natural wildlife habitats in towns, villages and rural areas at a margin of 5:1 - up from 3:1 in the 2004 poll. Among those that support county funding, more than a third (38 percent) would pay up to fifty dollars.
o Towns and Villages: By a 65/27 margin (or better than 2:1) residents support policies designed to encourage new development in and around existing towns and villages and discourage development in the countryside.
"Both our 2004 and this recent poll tell us quite clearly that the Eastern Shore public wants more land protection, better managed growth, and for our important farming tradition to be protected," said Rob Etgen, ESLC’s Executive Director. "It is obvious that we must do more to protect the Eastern Shore way of life and rural heritage that we all love."
For more information about the 2008 survey and to obtain a copy of the survey report, please visit www.eslc.org.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Kudos to our local media for their commendation of our leader!
The following is a letter to the editor that appeared in the Star Democrat. It was written to thank the newspaper for their October 17 editorial commending Rob for the award and for his long career working to protect our Eastern Shore!
October 23, 2008
Dear Editor
I am writing on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy to thank you so much for your recent editorial commending Rob Etgen for recent Conservationist of the Year award from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. All of us at ESLC were so pleased to read this wonderful tribute to Rob for his tireless hard work to preserve and protect the Eastern Shore. This salute – both by your newspaper and CBF, reiterates what we enjoy so much about working with such a pioneer in land protection and conservation. Rob’s leadership and vision has lifted our communities and has inspired us all to work harder in our daily lives to preserve the quality of life and precious places we all enjoy on the Eastern Shore. That inspiration is significant now more than ever as we face unprecedented growth pressures coupled with the financial difficulties that your editorial cites will impact the ability to protect the character of our rural countryside and our towns and villages that make up the true heartbeat of the Eastern Shore.
Rob’s leadership throughout the past 20 years has helped make the Eastern Shore a better place to be sure. Each of the Board members and staffers who have had the honor of working with him have learned a tremendous amount from him over the years. We thank you for this truly deserved recognition of our leader and for your continued coverage of land preservation and land use planning issues facing our beloved Eastern Shore. Keep up your great work!
Alex Rasin,
Chestertown, Maryland
Alex Rasin is the President of the Board of Directors for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. He writes on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors for ESLC.
October 23, 2008
Dear Editor
I am writing on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy to thank you so much for your recent editorial commending Rob Etgen for recent Conservationist of the Year award from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. All of us at ESLC were so pleased to read this wonderful tribute to Rob for his tireless hard work to preserve and protect the Eastern Shore. This salute – both by your newspaper and CBF, reiterates what we enjoy so much about working with such a pioneer in land protection and conservation. Rob’s leadership and vision has lifted our communities and has inspired us all to work harder in our daily lives to preserve the quality of life and precious places we all enjoy on the Eastern Shore. That inspiration is significant now more than ever as we face unprecedented growth pressures coupled with the financial difficulties that your editorial cites will impact the ability to protect the character of our rural countryside and our towns and villages that make up the true heartbeat of the Eastern Shore.
Rob’s leadership throughout the past 20 years has helped make the Eastern Shore a better place to be sure. Each of the Board members and staffers who have had the honor of working with him have learned a tremendous amount from him over the years. We thank you for this truly deserved recognition of our leader and for your continued coverage of land preservation and land use planning issues facing our beloved Eastern Shore. Keep up your great work!
Alex Rasin,
Chestertown, Maryland
Alex Rasin is the President of the Board of Directors for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. He writes on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors for ESLC.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Rob Etgen wins Conservationist of the Year Award!
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has awarded it annual Maryland Conservationist of the Year Award to Rob Etgen, the founding executive director of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC).
“Rob’s passion for conservation has ensured that our children and grandchildren will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore, and the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Kim Coble, CBF’s Maryland Executive Director.
In a ceremony Wednesday in Queenstown, CBF lauded Etgen for his pioneering efforts. ESLC is one of the most successful conservancy groups in the country, having preserved more than 45,000 acres of natural areas and prime farmland – just in the six Maryland counties his organization serves. That group is only one of a multitude that Etgen, a Galena resident, helped start.
"I am honored, surprised and so humbled to be recognized with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation conservation award. CBF has always impressed me with the incredible focus of its work, and the high integrity of its leadership. Thank you CBF for this award, and for all you do for the Bay, " Etgen said. "I also am grateful to everyone else on the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy team - our board, staff and supporters - in the past 20 years we have accomplished much together and the Eastern Shore is truly a better place for our efforts.”
Etgen is a native Marylander. Previous to working at ESLC, Etgen worked in the Attorney General’s office in the Department of Natural Resources. Etgen’s last post was with Maryland Environmental Trust, where he helped create eighteen private land conservation organizations. The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy was one of those. Currently, there are over fifty land trusts in operation throughout the state.
Etgen was one of the architects of Maryland’s successful Rural Legacy program, which helped foster innovative state-local partnerships that have led to the protection of 60,000 acres in the state from sprawl development. He also created Eastern Shore 2010, a regional land use agreement that has catalyzed citizens, decision-makers, and planning professionals to help make Maryland’s Eastern Shore a better place to live.
Coble noted Etgen’s vision for land conservancy, seeing the effort as more than land acquisition, but helping people see the value of their natural environment. As evidence of that vision, Coble noted a recent ESLC initiative – a donation of a half-acre community garden to the Town of Easton.
“This small public space does not boast the most pristine of wildlife habitats, nor does it filter vast quantities of polluted runoff flowing to the Bay,” Coble said. “But it is a place where people can see how protecting the environment, including all its critters and important natural systems, is fundamentally about people too. People can connect with nature even through a patchwork of garden soil and the promise of a plentiful harvest that sustain s their family. “
“Rob’s passion for conservation has ensured that our children and grandchildren will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore, and the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Kim Coble, CBF’s Maryland Executive Director.
In a ceremony Wednesday in Queenstown, CBF lauded Etgen for his pioneering efforts. ESLC is one of the most successful conservancy groups in the country, having preserved more than 45,000 acres of natural areas and prime farmland – just in the six Maryland counties his organization serves. That group is only one of a multitude that Etgen, a Galena resident, helped start.
"I am honored, surprised and so humbled to be recognized with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation conservation award. CBF has always impressed me with the incredible focus of its work, and the high integrity of its leadership. Thank you CBF for this award, and for all you do for the Bay, " Etgen said. "I also am grateful to everyone else on the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy team - our board, staff and supporters - in the past 20 years we have accomplished much together and the Eastern Shore is truly a better place for our efforts.”
Etgen is a native Marylander. Previous to working at ESLC, Etgen worked in the Attorney General’s office in the Department of Natural Resources. Etgen’s last post was with Maryland Environmental Trust, where he helped create eighteen private land conservation organizations. The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy was one of those. Currently, there are over fifty land trusts in operation throughout the state.
Etgen was one of the architects of Maryland’s successful Rural Legacy program, which helped foster innovative state-local partnerships that have led to the protection of 60,000 acres in the state from sprawl development. He also created Eastern Shore 2010, a regional land use agreement that has catalyzed citizens, decision-makers, and planning professionals to help make Maryland’s Eastern Shore a better place to live.
Coble noted Etgen’s vision for land conservancy, seeing the effort as more than land acquisition, but helping people see the value of their natural environment. As evidence of that vision, Coble noted a recent ESLC initiative – a donation of a half-acre community garden to the Town of Easton.
“This small public space does not boast the most pristine of wildlife habitats, nor does it filter vast quantities of polluted runoff flowing to the Bay,” Coble said. “But it is a place where people can see how protecting the environment, including all its critters and important natural systems, is fundamentally about people too. People can connect with nature even through a patchwork of garden soil and the promise of a plentiful harvest that sustain s their family. “
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dorchester County Announces Public Workshops
The Dorchester County Office of Planning and Zoning will be hosting several public workshops to discuss the Water Resources Element of the Dorchester County Comprehensive Plan. Two workshops with the same content-will be held. Dates and locations for these workshops are as follows:
Cambridge: September 30,2008, at 6:00 pm, 501 Court Lane, Room 110, County Office Building
Vienna: October 2,2008, at 6:00 pm, 104 Race Street, Community Hall, (Old Fire Station)
The Water Resources Element is a new requirement, pursuant to the provisions of Maryland House Bill 1141 (2006).
As part of this element, the County must evaluate the following:
· the adequacy of its public water systems to serve projected growth;
· the impact of growth on aquifers (including residential and non-residential water demand in rural areas) and other drinking water sources; and
· the impact of growth on runoff ("nonpoint source" pollution) to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
The County must also coordinate with its municipalities to characterize the adequacy of their public water and wastewater systems to accommodate growth.
Public input is an important component of the Dorchester County Comprehensive Plan, and specifically the Water Resources Element. The Water Resources Workshop will help to refine the County's understanding of existing water resources conditions and concerns, and will also help to shape the Comprehensive Plan's recommendations related to growth and development.
Please make plans to attend one of these workshops and make your voice heard. If you cannot attend the workshops but wish to comment on the Water Resources Element, or if you have questions or need more information, please contact the Office of Planning and Zoning at 410.228.3234 or via email at rbanks@docogonct.
Cambridge: September 30,2008, at 6:00 pm, 501 Court Lane, Room 110, County Office Building
Vienna: October 2,2008, at 6:00 pm, 104 Race Street, Community Hall, (Old Fire Station)
The Water Resources Element is a new requirement, pursuant to the provisions of Maryland House Bill 1141 (2006).
As part of this element, the County must evaluate the following:
· the adequacy of its public water systems to serve projected growth;
· the impact of growth on aquifers (including residential and non-residential water demand in rural areas) and other drinking water sources; and
· the impact of growth on runoff ("nonpoint source" pollution) to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
The County must also coordinate with its municipalities to characterize the adequacy of their public water and wastewater systems to accommodate growth.
Public input is an important component of the Dorchester County Comprehensive Plan, and specifically the Water Resources Element. The Water Resources Workshop will help to refine the County's understanding of existing water resources conditions and concerns, and will also help to shape the Comprehensive Plan's recommendations related to growth and development.
Please make plans to attend one of these workshops and make your voice heard. If you cannot attend the workshops but wish to comment on the Water Resources Element, or if you have questions or need more information, please contact the Office of Planning and Zoning at 410.228.3234 or via email at rbanks@docogonct.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
5th Annual Rural Heritage Day THIS Sunday!
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and the University of Maryland, Wye Research and Education Center are partnering to bring Delmarva the 5th annual Rural Heritage Day, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park near Centreville. The cost is $1 for adults and free for children 12 and under – parking is also free. Rural Heritage Day, a farm festival-style event, was created to generate awareness and gain support for Maryland’s Eastern Shore as a rural gem, as well as to celebrate its past, present and, hopefully, bright agricultural future.
Rural Heritage Day is a combination of interactive and educational exhibits; historical displays; children’s activities; demonstrations; show ring entertainment; farm animals; local food; music; a fine art show plus an Eastern Shore quilt exhibit featuring vintage and new quilt making styles.
This year’s educational exhibits, geared toward adults as well as children, will feature many local organizations as well as various programs and research projects of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. A number of fun activities for kids include pumpkin painting, straw maze and corn pool, petting zoo, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s edible insect display, Maryland Grain Producers Growing with Grains and a number of other hands-on activities. Miniature pony, carriage and antique tractor rides will also be part of the day’s offerings.
“We are so excited to be able to once again partner with the University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center to once again bring this great event to residents of the Eastern Shore,” said Kristine George, ESLC’s Director of Communications. “What a great way to celebrate everything we love about our Eastern Shore’s rural heritage and this year’s event is chock full of fun and educational activities for the entire family to enjoy.”
Rural Heritage Day is a combination of interactive and educational exhibits; historical displays; children’s activities; demonstrations; show ring entertainment; farm animals; local food; music; a fine art show plus an Eastern Shore quilt exhibit featuring vintage and new quilt making styles.
This year’s educational exhibits, geared toward adults as well as children, will feature many local organizations as well as various programs and research projects of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. A number of fun activities for kids include pumpkin painting, straw maze and corn pool, petting zoo, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s edible insect display, Maryland Grain Producers Growing with Grains and a number of other hands-on activities. Miniature pony, carriage and antique tractor rides will also be part of the day’s offerings.
“We are so excited to be able to once again partner with the University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center to once again bring this great event to residents of the Eastern Shore,” said Kristine George, ESLC’s Director of Communications. “What a great way to celebrate everything we love about our Eastern Shore’s rural heritage and this year’s event is chock full of fun and educational activities for the entire family to enjoy.”
Monday, September 15, 2008
ESLC Launches Kids Essay and Art Contests!
ESLC recently announced the launch of its first ever (and hopefully annual!) Kids Essay and Art Contest. Open to all students ages K-8 in Caroline, Cecil,Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties, we want to hear from you about what you love about the Eastern Shore, what makes it special and what place, people and traits should be protected and what you would like done in your community to make sure it remains a special place.
Please click here for more details and rules!
Please click here for more details and rules!
Friday, September 12, 2008
ESLC Seeks Nominations for 2008 Eastern Shore 2010 Awards!
It is that time of year again! ESLC is calling for nominations for this year’s Eastern Shore 2010 Achievement Awards. The 2008 Eastern Shore 2010 Achievement Awards, inspired by the regional land use planning agreement that sets the highest expectations for the care of the Eastern Shore landscape, distinguish outstanding leadership in the field of land use planning and land development on the Eastern Shore. The purpose of these awards is to honor the projects, people and places that best define growth befitting the Eastern Shore. This year's awards are focused on the Eastern Shore 2010’s Goal 4, “Develop a regional transportation plan by 2010 that provides alternatives to a new Bay crossing and emphasizes the use of alternative and public transportation within and among communities.”
Awards will be given out at ESLC’s annual conference “Where are the Eastern Shore’s Roads Taking Us?’ This year’s conference will focus on regional transportation issues and will pull together national, regional and local leaders to collaborate on potential solutions.
“We are so excited to celebrate the excellent work that is being done toward the Eastern Shore 2010 agreement’s goals,’ said Amy Owsley, ESLC’s Director of Land Use Planning. “Transportation is at a crossroads here on the Shore and we are looking forward to honoring those who are at the forefront of finding viable solutions for these important issues.”
Past Eastern Shore 2010 Achievement Awards winners include the Talbot County Planning Commission for their efforts to protect the important rural areas of Talbot County, Colchester Farm Community Supported Agriculture project for exemplifying how new models for farming can create a sustainable future for agriculture on the Shore and Governor Martin O’Malley for his position against a new auto oriented Bay Bridge that is solid move away from traditional failed policies to build our way out of congestion.
For the 2008 Eastern Shore 2010 Achievement Awards, ESLC is accepting nominations from all angles of land use planning including: climate change initiatives, citizen leadership, transportation, growth management related to redevelopment and infill and others that advance any or a combination of the updated goals outlined in Eastern Shore 2010.
The updated Eastern Shore 2010 agreement, signed last year by Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties calls for; reaching regional goals in land protection, strengthening the farming, fishing, and forestry industries, managing the amount and type of new development, and creating a regional transportation plan, by 2010.
The deadline for nominations is October 3. To submit a nomination, write a one-page letter summarizing the project or effort, how it advances growth consistent with the Eastern Shore and contact information for those responsible. An application form and more detailed award criteria for the awards can be accessed at eslc.org.
Send your nomination to Awards, c/o ESLC, 601 Locust Street, Suite 302, Cambridge, Maryland 21613, email them to, lsanford@eslc.org or fax to 410.901.9986. Winners will be honored at ESLC’s annual Land Use Planning Conference on Nov. 7 at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills.
Awards will be given out at ESLC’s annual conference “Where are the Eastern Shore’s Roads Taking Us?’ This year’s conference will focus on regional transportation issues and will pull together national, regional and local leaders to collaborate on potential solutions.
“We are so excited to celebrate the excellent work that is being done toward the Eastern Shore 2010 agreement’s goals,’ said Amy Owsley, ESLC’s Director of Land Use Planning. “Transportation is at a crossroads here on the Shore and we are looking forward to honoring those who are at the forefront of finding viable solutions for these important issues.”
Past Eastern Shore 2010 Achievement Awards winners include the Talbot County Planning Commission for their efforts to protect the important rural areas of Talbot County, Colchester Farm Community Supported Agriculture project for exemplifying how new models for farming can create a sustainable future for agriculture on the Shore and Governor Martin O’Malley for his position against a new auto oriented Bay Bridge that is solid move away from traditional failed policies to build our way out of congestion.
For the 2008 Eastern Shore 2010 Achievement Awards, ESLC is accepting nominations from all angles of land use planning including: climate change initiatives, citizen leadership, transportation, growth management related to redevelopment and infill and others that advance any or a combination of the updated goals outlined in Eastern Shore 2010.
The updated Eastern Shore 2010 agreement, signed last year by Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties calls for; reaching regional goals in land protection, strengthening the farming, fishing, and forestry industries, managing the amount and type of new development, and creating a regional transportation plan, by 2010.
The deadline for nominations is October 3. To submit a nomination, write a one-page letter summarizing the project or effort, how it advances growth consistent with the Eastern Shore and contact information for those responsible. An application form and more detailed award criteria for the awards can be accessed at eslc.org.
Send your nomination to Awards, c/o ESLC, 601 Locust Street, Suite 302, Cambridge, Maryland 21613, email them to, lsanford@eslc.org or fax to 410.901.9986. Winners will be honored at ESLC’s annual Land Use Planning Conference on Nov. 7 at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills.
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