Why is it that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources went to great lengths to drain the pond on private property west of Route 3 in Crofton a few years ago when a Northern Snakehead fish was discovered there?  (National Geographic News)

The answer depends somewhat on who you ask, but one common denominator in any conversation about this is the pond's proximity to the Little Patuxent River, just 75 feet from the pond.  Officials and biologists were worried that this "air-breathing, land-crawling, voracious predator" would invade the state's river system and even reach the Chesapeake Bay, causing irreparable harm.

However, Maryland Department of the Environment apparently isn't concerned about the impact of development on this site, so close to the Little Patuxent River.  In fact, they have issued a permit for a big box store there.  I guess they don't anticipate that development of this wetland will impact the environment as negatively as that 24-inch long fish; that pollution and runoff to the Little Patuxent River, affecting the state river system and even the Chesapeake Bay, will not be a problem.  Go figure! 

I wonder, then, why this property was included in the Patuxent Greenway System established to protect “important” lands"  If its location within the bounds of a designated State Scenic River in the critical area doesn't protect this property, can any land in Maryland be protected from a future covered in concrete?

These beautiful wildflowers were photographed at the site where the pond is located and the permit has been issued:

For more about this, please read Will This Maryland Wetland Soon Become Concrete? - Part I.

Crofton residents have successfully opposed the owner of this property and his various development schemes in the area for over 20 years.  Unfortunately, this time he has succeeded in getting this critical permit from the government agency charged with responsibility for protecting our environment.

The Greater Crofton Council is an excellent resource for updates about this and other matters of local concern, so be sure to bookmark their website and check it often.

Look for Part III of this series next week on the Maryland Real Estate Blog.

PHOTO:  Kathryn Para