MENU

Sections

More

January 19, 2026

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Ecosystem Eco Notes

Black Water Rising to Host Free Composting Workshop Led by Jonathan Williams

by Leave a Comment

Black Water Rising is hosting a free workshop on home and community composting led by Jonathan Williams on Thursday, January 22nd at the Dorchester Public Library. Composting food scraps reduces methane pollution, builds soil and saves tax dollars on landfill costs. There’s no high-tech about it; anyone can do their part to slow down climate change in their backyard, church or park.

Two years ago Jonathan and members of Talbot Green Hands (TGH) rebuilt an abandoned wood and wire set of compost bins at the Presbyterian Church of Easton’s community garden and it has been replenishing the beds there since. Black Water Rising (BWR), a fast-growing environmental group in Cambridge, also needed a composter for their community garden on Locust street so this fall they teamed up with TGH to build another one.

Jonathan, who has compost training from the Institute for Local Self Reliance and the 131 School of Composting, will explain the basics of how vegetable matter can be turned into a ‘black-gold’ for homesteaders and community groups. He will guide the curious through the practical steps needed to set up and manage a compost pile so that it produces a soil supplement but not varmints or odors. You can also learn about an ancient wood preserving treatment process BWR used on their compost frame.

For more information please visit: blackwaterrising.org

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcome New Board Member

by Leave a Comment

Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January, Dan Ketelson and Shaw Pritchett.

“This year, we are pleased to appoint two board members with an admirable record of volunteerism with the festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Dan and Shaw have shown proven leadership over the years and they are both dedicated to the festival’s mission of raising awareness and funds for conservation efforts.”

Dan Ketelsen, is a tenured and award-winning hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience in the hotel and luxury convention sales industry. A graduate of Iowa State University, Dan spent 17 years with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in Chicago, New Orleans, Dallas, Calgary and Anaheim directing hotel sales and marketing teams. Additionally, Dan has served as the Provider Partner Committee chair at the AMC Institute and on the So Others Might Eat corporate advisory board in Washington, DC. Ketelsen currently is the Account Director for C2 Association Strategies, a role he accepted in late 2025.

Since moving to Easton with his wife Lisa in 2021, Dan has been involved with the Waterfowl Festival as the Tailgate Chair and Co- Chair of Artifacts. Dan currently serves as the Warehouse Chairman and was appointed by Easton’s Mayor Cook to the Waterfowl Commission in 2025. Dan’s enthusiasm for the festival extends beyond the festival weekend, and he is a regular volunteer at Waterfowl headquarters.

Shaw Pritchett comes from a family of dedicated volunteers and has been involved each year since he was a very young child. Growing up, he was introduced to the festival by his father, Albert Pritchett, who served multiple years as Waterfowl Festival and Waterfowl Chesapeake President. Today, Albert and his wife Jennifer continue to support the festival as the Premier Night Chairmen. Shaw’s siblings Finley, Claire, and Austin also work tirelessly on premier night activities,  ushering in a new generation of dedicated volunteers. Premier Night proceeds are deposited directly into our Conservation fund each year, resulting in millions of dollars over the years for conservation efforts. The funds raised by premier night have been instrumental in creating many of the environmental organziations in place today on the Eastern Shore.

Pritchett currently is the vice president of C. Albert Matthews, a company that has been instrumental over the years in repairing and restoring the infrastructure of the Waterfowl Building (formerly the Easton Armory). Pritchett has fond memories of being in the building for many years while his family worked on various projects for the festival. Shaw’s leadership experience, love of the the Eastern Shore, and his deep understanding of the operational structure of the festival will be invaluable as the organization approaches its sixth decade.

About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email [email protected] or call 410-822-4567.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

ShoreRivers Accepts Summer Internship Applications

by Leave a Comment

ShoreRivers is currently accepting applications from college students and recent graduates for two Easton-based summer internships: its Elizabeth Brown Memorial Internship and a Communications Internship.

The Elizabeth Brown Memorial intern will gain experience in a variety of activities including restoration, scientific water quality monitoring, outreach, and enforcement, while the communications intern will focus on organizational communication, public relations, and event promotion. By the end of these internships, each will have completed a Maryland boater safety certificate, gained experience and training in scientific water quality monitoring equipment and protocols, and developed a variety of other skills and experiences. Visit shorerivers.org/jobs for complete job descriptions.

“My time at ShoreRivers taught me that I didn’t have to give up different parts of myself. ShoreRivers is a beautiful example of the way that integration between different aspects of environmentalism (education, science, policy, community, etc.) and close collaboration between experts in different fields can create greater change than any one area of expertise could,” said Sophie Leight, ShoreRivers’ 2024 Elizabeth Brown Memorial Intern. “I was blown away by the breadth of knowledge that existed within the organization and know now that I’d like to be a part of a similar community in my career.”

The Elizabeth Brown Memorial Internship is supported by the Elizabeth Brown Memorial Fund at ShoreRivers. Elizabeth Brown was ShoreRivers’ 2015–2016 Chesapeake Conservation Corps member. She was dedicated to clean water, engaging others with their rivers, and serving as an environmental steward in every way. She brought enthusiasm and joy to every task. Contributions in honor of Elizabeth go toward her legacy of caring for local rivers by supporting the next generation of environmental stewards through this internship program.

Both the Elizabeth Brown Memorial Internship and a Communications Summer Internship run for a minimum of 10 weeks between May and August, and provide a $6,000 stipend. Programmatic work for each will be conducted primarily in the Choptank, Miles, and Wye river watersheds, with some travel throughout the entire ShoreRivers region.

Applicants should be rising college juniors or seniors, or recent college graduates, with majors in appropriate fields. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Doug Mayorga, Deputy Director of HR and Culture, by January 31, at [email protected] and include in the subject line which internship you are interested in. Interviews will be conducted by Zoom in February and an intern will be selected and notified at the end of the month.

Applicants are encouraged to visit shorerivers.org prior to applying to learn more about the organization’s programs. Internships available specifically for Washington College and University of Delaware students are also available — please visit shorerivers.org/jobs for details on those positions.

ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. shorerivers.org

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Conowingo Dam Appeal Dropped, Allowing $340M Settlement To Go Forward—Maryland Matters

by Leave a Comment

Maryland’s $340 million settlement with the owner of the Conowingo Dam can now move forward, after a group of Eastern Shore counties dropped their challenge of the deal.

The withdrawal came less than a month after the administrative appeal was originally filed. Officials at the Maryland Department of the Environment, which brokered the key settlement deal, had lobbied hard for the handful of counties to back down.

That’s because the appeal had the potential to derail or delay the funds from dam owner Constellation, which are designated for various environmental projects. The state negotiated to receive the funds in exchange for issuing the hydroelectric dam a crucial water quality certification, which it needs in order to obtain a 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

“We are very excited to move out of the courtroom and into action. After nearly a decade of legal challenges we can now put this $340M to work to accelerate progress on the Bay,” wrote Maryland Department of the Environment spokesperson Dave Abrams in a statement. “Thank you to the local governments who worked closely with us to reach this resolution. We are all on the same team and will work closely with them and other stakeholders as we move forward.”

After Maryland officials promised counties they could have input on the rollout of the environmental projects in the settlement, several counties pulled out in late December. Cecil County — which hosts the dam and has complained about the impacts of sediment build-up — was the final hold-out, but dropped out on Friday.

“Over the holidays, MDE and Cecil County Government held productive, transparent discussions that clarified the settlement and secured assurances on Upper Shore project focus, municipal reimbursement for sediment and debris damage, front-loading $18.7 million for dredging studies, and Cecil County’s participation in an advisory council with other Shore counties. As our concerns were addressed, we felt comfortable withdrawing our appeal,” wrote Cecil County spokesperson Robert Royster in a statement.

The counties had expressed frustration that they were not given input on the settlement arrangement until after it was made final. But the negotiations were confidential, because they were also meant to resolve litigation between the state, Constellation and several waterkeepers groups who intervened. The Eastern Shore counties did not intervene in that legal battle.

The appeal was filed by an advocacy group called the Clean Chesapeake Coalition, which includes many Eastern Shore county officials who have long voiced frustration with the dam’s impact on the environment, and specifically the Chesapeake Bay.

The dam, which was built in 1928, once trapped damaging pollutants racing down the Susquehanna River, which contributes about half of the bay’s fresh water, and serves as its largest tributary. But now, the reservoir behind the dam is essentially full, meaning it can no longer trap sediment, and can release large amounts during storm events, with the potential to bury underwater life, and carry harmful nutrient pollution along with it.

Under the settlement, Constellation will put tens of millions of dollars toward tree and underwater grass planting, improvements to fish passage, trash and debris removal and invasive species remediation.

But the agreement also includes provisions about an oft-discussed but controversial strategy for dealing with the dam’s sediment: dredging. Over the next 25 years, Constellation will pay $18.7 million into a fund focused on dredging. But first, all eyes are on an upcoming study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which will assess whether dredging the Conowingo reservoir is advisable.

If the Army Corps determines dredging is feasible, Maryland can use the funds from Constellation to conduct further study or begin the permitting process for dredging. If the Army Corps deems dredging inadvisable, Maryland can designate the money for other environmental purposes.

For now, though, Constellation will be focused on obtaining its 50-year license from FERC after a federal court reversed the last one. That occurred because Maryland had not issued a water quality certification for Conowingo, instead waiving its right to do so. This time, Maryland has issued the certification, and is aiming for its conditions to be incorporated into the dam’s new federal license to operate.

By Christine Condon – Maryland Matters, January 5, 2026

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Adkins Arboretum Hires Visitor Services Manager

by

Jean Wortman of Easton has recently been hired as the Visitor Services Manager at Adkins Arboretum. Wortman has a breadth of experience in the public humanities, museum education, and non-profit management and capacity building. Throughout her career, she has supported cultural and educational nonprofits as an employee, volunteer, grantor, and/or board member, both locally on the Eastern Shore and throughout Maryland, as well as across the country.

“I’m thrilled to be here at Adkins Arboretum, to work at such a special place with this phenomenally talented team, and to utilize my skills and experience to further Adkins’ mission,” stated Wortman.

“My role as Visitor Services Manager is to make sure that each person who comes to Adkins Arboretum has an exceptional experience in nature, which, as our mission states, will hopefully inspire them to become environmental stewards,” she adds.

According to Wortman, Adkins is a model non-profit organization that consistently delivers innovative programming, connecting diverse audiences of life-long learners to the natural environment through the lenses of ecology, history, and art, while uplifting community and collaboration.

The Arboretum offers science-oriented nature programs, including garden and landscaping talks, birding opportunities, and biodiversity walks, to name a few. In the areas of fine and performing arts, the Arboretum offers botanical art classes, an annual juried art show, year-round rotating art exhibitions, nature journaling, and special events like Plein Air Adkins, Forest Music, and Rhythm & Roots. Humanities offerings include the Arboretum’s Rooted Wisdom Walks and three free digital guided walks from Beech Works, available for download on the Bloomberg Connects app.

“We want people to feel that this place is not just a place to visit, but more importantly, we want them to fall in love with this place – to become engaged, to find community, to feel connection and to gain awareness of their place in the this ecosystem of plants, animals – our unique natural environment here on the peninsula,” Wortman shares.

Wortman has a master’s degree in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and a master’s degree in museum studies from Cooperstown Graduate Program, SUNY College at Oneonta, New York. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

She has served on the boards of Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc., the Talbot County Free Library, Cooperstown Graduate Association, and the Lyric Foundation for Traditional Poetry.

“Jean brings an incredible breadth of knowledge and organizational skills, as well as pure enthusiasm for our work at Adkins Arboretum. I was truly impressed with Jean when I first met her as my Maryland Humanities Council grant administrator for our 2010 exploration of nature’s role in the Underground Railroad. I am delighted to have her join our team, with three significant planning projects coming up – Strategic Plan, Master Plan, and Development Plan, and the prospect of the addition of an independent art gallery, the timing could not be better,” states Ginna Tiernan, Executive Director of Adkins Arboretum.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Dorchester and Kent Drop out of Challenge to $340 million Conowingo Settlement

by

Several Eastern Shore counties have withdrawn from an appeal of Maryland’s recertification for the Conowingo Dam, a challenge that the state feared could jeopardize a $340 million settlement with Constellation, the dam’s owner.

But the county that hosts the dam, Cecil, is moving forward with the complaint, which argues that counties on the Shore were improperly excluded from the recertification process. The appeal also bemoans the fact that the agreement itself does not guarantee that harmful sediment in the dam’s overflowing reservoir will be drained out.

The deal resolved years of legal wrangling between the dam owner and the state, plus waterkeeper groups that intervened in the litigation. In exchange for recertification — which is needed for Constellation to get a 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to keep operating the hydropower plant at the dam — Maryland is set to receive $340 million from Constellation for environmental projects at the site. If all goes according to plan for the state, the federal license will incorporate Maryland’s conditions.

Several counties on the Shore had joined the appeal of the certification filed by an attorney for the Clean Chesapeake Coalition. But Maryland Department of the Environment officials lobbied counties to rescind their complaint, arguing that it could muddy the waters as the dam tries to get its new FERC license.

Officials also worried that an anticipated policy change from the Trump administration, undermining states’ recertification authority, could make matters worse.

After those conversations, Dorchester and Kent counties opted to abandon the administrative appeal, which MDE will ultimately rule on. Queen Anne’s has also withdrawn, according to the state and the Coalition, but that county did not respond to a request for comment.

“They [MDE] explained to us more about how a delay in this agreement going through could hamper some of the actions they want to do to clean up the bay,” said Dorchester County Council President Lenny Pfeffer. “We’d rather see some cleanup than no cleanup.”

Cecil County, though, is holding pat, said county spokesperson Robert Royster.

In a statement earlier this month, Royster expressed concern that county leaders didn’t play a role in the settlement, and said that the county’s water intakes south of the dam, including in Perryville, Port Deposit, and Havre de Grace, “continue to experience significant impacts from sediment and debris trapped behind the Conowingo Dam.”

Dorchester County officials also learned after filing the administrative appeal that “it wouldn’t be possible to change the negotiations between Constellation and the state,” because they occurred as part of the litigation, Pfeffer said.

“MDE has told us that they will be giving us a seat at the table going forward,” Pfeffer said.

Adam Ortiz, deputy secretary at the Department of the Environment, said the state has “committed to the parties that dropped the challenge that they can have an advisory role in the implementation of the projects.”

“We’ve had good conversations in recent weeks, and when good people talk, good things happen. So, we’re really glad that these counties have stepped back,” Ortiz said.

After nearly a decade of back-and-forth, state officials are eager to “get out of the courts and get to work,” Ortiz said.

Pfeffer said that his county council does not plan to renege on a $5,000 commitment to the attorney who filed the complaint, Charles “Chip” MacLeod. The money came from the county’s contingency funds, Pfeffer said.

Kent County also planned to send the same sum, said Ronald Fithian, president of the board of commissioners. But it’s unclear whether the funds were dispatched before the county reversed course, Fithian said.

Fithian said that the state promised to convene a meeting in January to discuss the Conowingo settlement with the counties — if they dropped the appeal.

“We just figured it might be better to work with them and go to this meeting,” Fithian said, “and see if we could recommend some ways that would make the bay a healthier place.”

By Christine Condon

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Masterman Joins ShoreRivers Governing Board

by

From left, ShoreRivers’ Executive Committee for 2026 will consist of Frank Lewis, Treasurer; Marian Fry, Previous Chair; Gene Lopez, Vice Chair; Barbara Lamp, Chair; and Maura Bollinger, Secretary.

ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the addition of new member Steve Masterman to its Governing Board. As a grassroots nonprofit organization, the hard work and support of board members is imperative to the organization’s efforts for thriving rivers on the Eastern Shore.

A lifelong sailor on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, Steve Masterman brings to the board expertise in negotiation and property rights thanks to his career as a real estate consultant for large national and international companies. He is passionate about oyster restoration and has been a long-time ShoreRivers volunteer, supporter, and member of the Choptank Riverkeeper Committee. He currently lives on Broad Creek in St. Michaels with his wife, Pamela.

“I have found that ShoreRivers has a uniquely effective combination of science- based data and information, on-the-water presence’ and legislative savvy,” said Masterman. “I believe there are solutions to many of the challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay, and that this organization could play a key role in those solutions.”

In addition to welcoming its newest member, the board also recently elected its Executive Committee for 2026, which consists of Barbara Lamp, Chair; Gene Lopez, Vice Chair; Frank Lewis, Treasurer; Maura Bollinger, Secretary, and Marian Fry, Previous Chair.

ShoreRivers also celebrated two long-time board members whose terms end this year: Katie Wiacek and Jill Bible. The organization is incredibly grateful to each of them for their years of dedicated service and invaluable contributions.

ShoreRivers extends deep gratitude for the wise counsel, encouragement, and vision of these exceptional community members. See a full list of Board members at ShoreRivers.org/leadership.

ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. shorerivers.org

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Eastern Shore Group Appeals Conowingo Dam Certification

by

 The Conowingo Dam pictured on Oct. 2, 2025, the day that Maryland and Constellation announced a revised water quality certification for the hydroelectric dam, and a $340 million legal settlement. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

A coalition representing at least two Eastern Shore counties has appealed the water quality certification Maryland issued to the Conowingo Dam in September, potentially threatening a $340 million settlement with the dam’s owners.

The Clean Chesapeake Coalition’s administrative appeal, filed Nov. 14 with the Maryland Department of the Environment, argues that the years of contentious negotiations that led to the settlement were conducted behind closed doors, freezing out groups like the coalition. That has enraged the county leaders backing Clean Chesapeake’s complaint.

“That’s really why this appeal was filed, is because we heard nothing about this until the deal was done,” said Charles “Chip” MacLeod, the attorney who filed the complaint. “We don’t know whose comments they considered and to what extent they considered [them]. None of that. We’re totally outside the process.”

MacLeod argues that MDE’s procedure violated state law, rendering the certification invalid. And he said the counties also believe that the resulting agreement will not protect the health of the bay, in part because it does not require dredging behind the dam.

State environmental officials, however, argue that the agreement has tremendous implications for the bay, and the discussions had to be confidential because they concerned litigation brought against the state by groups opposed to an earlier agreement, in 2018. The officials highlight the fact that the state solicited public comment about the dam in 2023 — and took those comments into account.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) shakes hands with Joseph Dominguez, CEO of Constellation Energy, the owner of the Conowingo Dam at a news conference on Oct. 2, 2025 about the dam’s revised water quality certification issued by the state. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

“We are puzzled by the timing of this submission, as public comment occurred in 2023 as part of a seven-year effort over two administrations,” wrote Department of the Environment spokesperson Jay Apperson. “The input from county partners led to the provisions that address dredging that did not exist in the previous agreement.”

MDE officials will evaluate the complaint and “respond as appropriate,” Apperson said.

At issue is the water quality certification the state issued Constellation Energy, which owns the hydroelectric dam spanning the Susquehanna River just north of where it enters the bay. Without the certification from the state, Constellation cannot pursue a 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission needed to operate the hydropower plant.

The nearly century-old dam once helped the ecosystem by trapping harmful sediments rushing downstream. But the pool behind the dam has become full, so it no longer has trapping capacity. That means a severe storm could unleash large quantities of sediment into the bay at once, which could smother critical underwater life.

The certification from the state — and the multimillion-dollar pledge from Constellation — was the result of several years’ worth of contentious negotiations between the state and the parties that had challenged the 2018 version of the certification, Constellation and two local waterkeepers’ groups.

Under the latest deal, Constellation agreed to pay the state about $340 million over the years for a variety of environmental initiatives, supporting everything from a new mussel hatchery to debris clean-ups and $18.7 million for dredging studies.

Appeal could slow dam’s pursuit of 50-year license from the feds

“The agreement came after years of difficult negotiations that brought the Conowingo Dam’s water quality certification process to a conclusion in a manner that protects the Chesapeake Bay and ensures the continued operation of Maryland’s largest renewable energy source,” wrote Paul Adams, a spokesman for Constellation. “MacLeod’s filing risks to delay the implementation of this historic agreement and the many investments to protect Chesapeake Bay.”

Apperson called it “reckless” for the coalition to “come in at the end of the process and try to halt real progress for Maryland.”

“Disrupting this process will only delay or possibly remove dredging and other water quality projects because it will plunge us back into even more years of delay with no action,” Apperson wrote.

In his filing, MacLeod raised other deficiencies with MDE’s certification.

The Constellation Energy building in Baltimore’s Harbor Point. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

He said that the department failed to adequately explain the departure from the 2018 agreement, which would have required the dam owner (then Exelon, Constellation’s former parent company) to pay up to $172 million each year, if it could not meet requirements to reduce sediment overflows.

He also wrote that MDE failed to sufficiently consider the effects of climate change, or new information like the recent decline of the Chesapeake Bay’s striped bass population, when it issued the certification to Constellation.

“Who, with a straight face, can’t say there isn’t a lot of new data and information to consider since 2018, as it relates to Chesapeake Bay water quality issues, right?” MacLeod said. “We know a lot more.”

He wrote that MDE should have considered the dam’s structural integrity when it issued the certification, pointing to FERC documents “addressing structural and monitoring issues,” including some faulty piezometers, which measure pressure on the dam, and vegetation growing in inappropriate areas.

Despite that, an August report from a FERC engineer said that, “No signs of immediate dam safety concerns were observed,” during a late-July inspection.

Constellation argues that recent inspections show Conowingo is structurally sound. The company conducts careful maintenance of the dam, Adams said, which was “built to last,” and has 93 “fully operational” piezometers. He said Constellation is consulting with FERC on a plan to add 32 more.

“FERC and Constellation regularly correspond on the subject of dam safety, which is a sign of a regulatory process that is working well and as intended,” Adams wrote.

MacLeod said that if MDE rejects the appeal, he would consider a court challenge, if he got adequate support from the counties.

He said officials in Cecil, Dorchester, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties support his petition. Leading officials in Cecil and Dorchester confirmed their support. Queen Anne’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Kent County Commissioners, meanwhile, have yet to vote. But Ronald Fithian, president of the commissioners, said Kent has been a longtime supporter of the Clean Chesapeake Coalition, and he expects the three commissioners to support MacLeod’s complaint when the item hits their agenda in the coming weeks — along with a $5,000 payment to MacLeod to support the effort.

MDE tries to sway reluctant officials

With the administrative appeal under consideration, MDE officials are lobbying at least one of the opposing counties to back down.

On Tuesday, MDE officials traveled to Dorchester’s County Council meeting to advocate for the agreement — and warn about the negative consequences of an appeal.

“Any legal challenge doesn’t just pause the paperwork,” said Heather Nelson, Wetlands & Waterways Protection Program manager at MDE. “It’s freezing the funding. So all payments for mussel restoration, dredging analysis and mitigation projects are going to be stayed.”

State officials are also concerned that the Environmental Protection Agency appears very close to making changes to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which gives state governments the authority to issue certifications like the one issued to Constellation.

If the federal government restricts states’ authority, and the Conowingo certification is hung up by appeals, it could put the agreement at risk, meaning Constellation wouldn’t be required to make any payments to Maryland.

How many years have we been waiting to know the dredge is a problem behind the dam? But we’re going to study it, and they’ve got another 50 years before they’ve got to dredge. So guys, I am not for this program right now that you’ve got. I’m sorry. – Dorchester County Councilman Richard Travers.

Delays could also cause FERC to issue the 50-year license with none of Maryland’s conditions, Nelson said.

“That’s a very real risk,” Nelson said. “So the legal stakes are incredibly high, and the delays risk that we end up with just years of litigation and zero environmental improvements at the dam.”

But MDE’s arguments did not seem to resonate with Dorchester officials, most of whom continued to oppose the agreement.

“How many years have we been waiting to know the dredge is a problem behind the dam? But we’re going to study it, and they’ve got another 50 years before they’ve got to dredge,” said Councilman Richard Travers. “So guys, I am not for this program right now that you’ve got. I’m sorry.”

Deputy Environment Secretary Adam Ortiz told the council that the additional studies are likely needed to try and lower the cost of dredging behind the dam, including by studying beneficial reuse for the sediment and heavy metals stuck in the reservoir. For example, Ortiz said that, with a lowered price, the federal government could be swayed to contribute.

“I wish we could get it out of Constellation. We did not have the legal authority to do that. So, this is the path: To make sure it’s economically viable, to see what’s in the sediment that is of value, that we’re able to extract and then resell,” Ortiz said.

Adam Ortiz, a deputy secretary at the Maryland Department of the Environment, speaks at a news conference in Essex on April 15, 2025. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters).

The agreement between MDE and Constellation lets the department use the $18 million to conduct studies, or to take other actions, like to begin evaluating a dredging permit for the site. All parties are waiting for a key study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Cecil County spokesperson Robert Royster said in a statement that the county is “extremely troubled by both the lack of transparency in these negotiations and the pressure being applied by the state to accept the agreement before we fully understand its implications.”

“Cecil County is deeply concerned that this settlement was negotiated in secret, without any consultation or input from the counties most directly affected,” Royster wrote.

He added that the county’s water intakes south of the dam, including in Perryville, Port Deposit and Havre de Grace, “continue to experience significant impacts from sediment and debris trapped behind the Conowingo Dam.”

Kent County Commission President Ronald Fithian said his personal experience as a waterman tells him that more needs to be done at the dam. He still remembers Hurricane Agnes in 1973, when the dam opened its gates and clouded the bay in massive quantities of sediment.

“That thing shut the bay down for probably at least three months after the storm, for any type of harvesting,” Fithian said. “The sediment that come down was just unbelievable.”

But the issues didn’t stop with Agnes. Especially now that the dam’s reservoir is full, he fears that it is continuing to unnaturally eject sediment into the Upper Bay — diminishing the area’s oyster industry.

He thinks Constellation should be compelled to dredge behind the dam. And he balks at the $18 million allotment to study the idea, because prior studies have come and gone with no action.

“It’s gone unattended. They’ve let it fill up. So now, we get all of the sediment, nutrients — all the nasty things that might be coming down the Susquehanna River,” Fithian said. “We get it all. And the bay just can’t keep up with it.”

by Christine Condon, Maryland Matters
December 8, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Adkins Arboretum Hires Suzy Moore as Director of Advancement

by

Suzy Moore of Easton has recently been hired as the Director of Advancement at Adkins Arboretum. Moore, who was previously the Artistic Director at the Avalon Foundation in Easton, has 23 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including artistic direction, event production, and community engagement. She brings her passion for mission-driven work, fostering relationships, and creating inclusive experiences to a development and advancement-focused role at the Arboretum.

The Arboretum is no stranger to Moore, who would regularly walk her dog on the 400-acre site after a busy week of programming at the Avalon Theatre.

“I love all that nature is and just being outdoors – it’s how the introvert in me recharges,” states Moore.

“I like working with the people and being outdoors and advocating for the health that being outdoors brings you. We spent a lot of time outside as a family – taking road trips, hiking, and identifying birds. My mom was also an avid gardener, and I recently became a Master Gardener Intern with the University of Maryland Extension. It’s an important part of who I am,” she shares.

In her previous role at the Avalon Foundation, Moore was responsible for building community partnerships and sustaining long-term engagement. She helped to grow the organization into the largest arts nonprofit on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

“It was a lot of work, and it was a lot of fun. I was responsible for several things at the Avalon. I look forward to my new role and the luxury to focus on one thing – advancement and exploring what is important to our members and what the potential is for the Arboretum to become,” Moore adds.

“It’s a different role as it offers balance, to be able to think strategically, but also to walk in the South Meadow and enjoy the restorative and inspirational power that this place offers,” she reflects.

This past year, Adkins Arboretum offered 164 programs, which included everything from bird walks to art classes to health and wellness offerings.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to grow professionally and use the skills I have learned over the years and to bring the relationships that I built from a business in downtown Easton to a 400-acre wild place,” she shares. Moore is also excited to be a part of the Arboretum’s growing team and the new energy that comes with new employees.

“I am thrilled to have Suzy join our most remarkable team. She brings a thoughtful wisdom, exceptional generosity and kindness, and a lot of fun. The timing is perfect for her to join us as we move forward with our Master Plan and pursue funding to add a biophilic art gallery – connecting the gallery space to the natural environment here and making accessibility improvements to the Visitor’s Center,” comments Ginna Tiernan, Executive Director of Adkins Arboretum.

Moore arrives at an exciting time for the organization, which is seeking funding to begin a Master Plan and strategic planning process for the Arboretum’s sustainability moving forward. Plans include a new dedicated art gallery that will elevate the quality of the art on exhibit there, while allowing the current gallery space to be used exclusively for programming and events.

“We’re all looking for connection in the world. The Arboretum offers the space to do that, and I am excited to be here and advocate for something I love,” Moore concludes.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners Celebrate the Growing Success of Their Native Plant Project

by

The Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners are celebrating the continued success of their Native Plant Project, a community-centered initiative that demonstrates how local education and hands-on guidance can inspire meaningful environmental action. This fall alone, during Corsica River Day and Centreville Day, Master Gardeners collected 109 surveys and distributed 588 native plants to community members.

Over the past two years, volunteers have dedicated more than 300 hours to the project. Their efforts have generated an estimated $19,000 in savings for Queen Anne’s County, an extraordinary contribution that benefits both the environment and residents.

Participant feedback from this year underscores the program’s wide-reaching impact. Not only has it fostered ecological awareness, but it has also helped community members build confidence, conserve resources, and support biodiversity in their own backyards.

An impressive 98% of participants said the project helped them better understand how they are connected to the environment and how their daily actions can influence it. This newfound sense of connection is a powerful step toward long-term environmental stewardship.

Additionally, 87% of participants reported feeling more confident in their ability to care for their landscapes and plants. With accessible guidance, practical demonstrations, and hands-on learning, the project has helped demystify native plant gardening for people of all experience levels.

The program has also demonstrated clear economic and time-saving benefits. 94% of participants indicated that the project saved them both time and money, reflecting how native plants typically require fewer inputs and less long-term maintenance. The result: beautiful, resilient gardens that are easier and more affordable to sustain.

One of the most inspiring findings is the shift toward ecological gardening. 99% of participants said they intend to incorporate a variety of native plants that support beneficial insects. These small, individual choices collectively enhance pollinator habitats, increase biodiversity, and strengthen local ecosystems.

The ongoing impact of the Native Plant Project is unmistakable. When community members receive the right support and knowledge, they become powerful agents of environmental change. The program continues to grow not only healthier gardens, but also stronger community engagement and ecological resilience.

This project began as the vision of Master Gardener Wendy Hubbert, whose passion for native plants and tireless advocacy continue to inspire the program’s growth. Together with the more than 20 volunteers who support the project, their dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work have made a meaningful and lasting difference in our community.

For further information, please call or make reasonable accommodations to participate in any event, email the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County, Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Rachel J. Rhodes, at 410-758-0166 or [email protected] at least two weeks before the events or see us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/QueenAnnesCountyMasterGardeners

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.