⚓ ACTION NEEDED BY OCTOBER 30: Tell Maryland You Support Little Wicomico Dredging!

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has opened public comments on Northumberland County's Little Wicomico River dredging application. Because the entrance lies near the Virginia–Maryland boundary, Maryland's review is a critical step toward final permitting and construction. We appreciate MDE's cooperation in shortening the public comment period from 30 to 15 days to help advance this urgently needed project. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is accepting public comments on Northumberland County’s Little Wicomico River dredging application until Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. 

What Maryland Is Reviewing

Maintenance dredging to restore safe navigation and beneficial reuse of dredged sand along the shoreline south of the jetty entrance.  

Why Your Comment Matters

At the mouth of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, this federal navigation channel serves watermen, seafood businesses, recreational boaters, emergency responders, and mariners seeking protected waters during rough conditions.  Personalize the example below to explain why safe access matters to you. Petition signatures do not replace comments submitted directly to MDE.

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How to Comment --Suggested Comment — Personalize and Send

Email: Justin.Bereznak@maryland.gov

Subject: Support Little Wicomico Dredging — MDE 26-WL-00520 / 26-WQC-0030

Include your name and community. 

I strongly support Northumberland County’s Little Wicomico River dredging application (MDE 26-WL-00520 / 26-WQC-0030).

Severe shoaling has compromised safe Chesapeake Bay access for watermen, businesses, recreational boaters, emergency responders, and mariners seeking shelter from rough conditions. I support the proposed dredging, beneficial reuse of sand, and appropriate environmental protections.

Thank you to MDE for expediting the public comment period. I strongly support approval of this application and respectfully encourage MDE to complete its review as expeditiously as practicable so this urgently needed project can move forward.

Thank you for considering my comments.

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Let's Keep Moving!

To our 1,679+ supporters: Thank you! Please email MDE by October 30 and share this update with others who care about safe Chesapeake Bay access.

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