A sincere thank you to Michelle Smith and the Northumberland Echo for featuring the Little Wicomico River Jetty on the front page of the June 3, 2026 edition.

The article highlights several recent incidents involving grounded and disabled vessels near the jetties and  responses by Smith Point Sea Rescue. These incidents demonstrate that the deteriorating conditions at the Little Wicomico River Jetty are not a future concern—they are affecting Chesapeake Bay boaters today. As the article notes, a waterway once known as a safe harbor for transient boaters seeking refuge from rough weather is increasingly being viewed as a waterway to avoid.  

The notion that boaters are beginning to view the Little Wicomico as a waterway to avoid should concern all Virginians. As Virginia's northernmost direct access point to the Chesapeake Bay, it is not merely a local waterway—it is a Commonwealth asset that supports public safety, working waterfronts, recreation, and maritime heritage.

Why does media coverage matter?

Because public awareness matters.

Newspaper coverage helps document the real-world impacts of shoaling on public safety, navigation, working waterfronts, tourism, and local businesses. It also helps demonstrate community interest and support to government agencies and elected officials responsible for funding, permitting, and long-term planning.

In fact, public awareness and media coverage are important components of many state and federal funding requests, including Community Project Funding (CPF) and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests. Articles such as this help show that the challenges facing the Little Wicomico River Jetty are recognized by the community and are worthy of public investment and attention.

We are grateful to Michelle Smith and the Northumberland Echo for helping tell this story and for keeping the public informed on an issue that affects public safety, Chesapeake Bay access, emergency response, watermen, oyster growers, marinas, businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Please take a moment to read and share the article: https://publisher1.etype.services/Northumberland-Echo/e-paper-regular-edition/8A1CC97CAE2AA082

And if you have not already signed the petition, please add your voice. More than 1,500 supporters have already joined this effort, and every signature helps demonstrate that safe Chesapeake Bay access is important to Virginians and the many other Chesapeake Bay stakeholders.

Let's Dredge—and Repair—the Little Wicomico River Jetty!