Bowie-Bruce
Member

Can't make it to the hearing, but did send this in to the DNR site asking for input

Growing up in Arbutus in the 80’s, I fished the Patapsco from the Rte 40 Bridge down to the Avalon area for most of my teenage years and well into my 20’s. Although I now live in Perry Hall w/ my family of 5, I occasionally still get down to the river and check it out, especially since the removal of Simkins and Union Dams. I am impressed how there is much more public access, from the parking on Ilchester next to the Railroad Bridge (where you risked your car being towed back in the 80’s and 90’s) to the Grist Mill walk bridge and the paving of the Grist Mill path.

If Bloede’s is taken down it would open up the entire river from Daniels to the harbor for recreational use. While I loved fishing off the sewer piping and catching carp as a teen below the dam I would love just to take a Weekend day to walk and fish miles of the Patapsco w/ my sons. Taking down the dam would improve safety, improve water conditions as the river would be allowed to move freely and not pool up above and below the dam, and return to that portion of the river closer to its’ original state. Also, I hear that Baltimore County is trying to get the Simkins Mill torn down. If that were to occur along with the demolition of Bloede’s Dam you would have a recreational jewel that stretches for miles in the southwest part of the county.

While I understand the historical value of the Dam, it is far from its’ original state. Agnes basically ripped it apart and was repaired in the early 90’s when the fish ladder was installed. Maybe leaving a part of the dam near sewer line with a marking would suffice. But you have to ask what is more historic, a 100+ year old dam far from its’ original state, or the original state of the Patapsco?

Jeff Ashton
Perry Hall

Should the board end the ability to communicate: I wish you a wonderful future.

Hey check out the simkins web cam and all the sediment behind it. Tomorrow and Wednesday rain should make for great pics from the cam

Awww, thank you. It's 'cause I love you, don'cha know.

- Heee.

I'm really fortunate and grateful. I work for a great company. I like my job. And it affords me to travel -for business or pleasure- to all parts worldwide.

The globe is my playground and I'm so appreciative to be a part of it!

You rooting for the Saints this weekend? She is!

I saw this and thought you might enjoy it and the pictures that go with it.

http://www.missoulian.com/lifestyles...tml?mode=story

one of natures buds...

This stuff finds me!