Thank you for your support as we work to save Greenbury Point Conservation Area. I am writing now with an important update and to ask for your help again.
Yesterday, the director of public affairs for Naval District Washington put out the following statement:
“As of now, the Navy is not considering any sole source lease proposals for Greenbury Point. We received competing proposals from Anne Arundel County and the Naval Academy Golf Association for a sole source lease and management of Greenbury Point, which makes it no longer possible to consider either party’s request. NSA Annapolis is currently evaluating the status and future of Greenbury Point in support of the mission of both the installation and the U.S. Naval Academy.”
Severn River Association Executive Director Jesse Iliff responded:
"Severn River Association is encouraged by Mr. Ziegler's statement on Greenbury Point, even though it does not foreclose the possibility of a golf course outright. It appears a competitive bidding process that invites substantial change to the natural area could still be in the offing. The fact that the golf course proposal was not summarily rejected at the outset is concerning. It seems to indicate a sense somewhere within the Navy that something must be done with the property, rather than simply leaving well enough alone and preserving it. We will continue to monitor the situation and see how the Naval Academy Golf Association responds, but we're not going to hang up the 'mission accomplished' banner just yet."
Chesapeake Conservancy President & CEO Joel Dunn responded:
"I am hopeful that this reflects a positive change of course for the Navy, but I know with absolute certainty that the community will continue to advocate strongly for the permanent conservation of Greenbury Point Conservation Area and for continued equitable public access until that outcome is achieved."
However, today, Rick Hutzell, Meanwhile in Annapolis, reported that the Naval Academy Athletics Association Director intends to continue to pursue plans to develop the conservation area for purposes of a second non-public golf course. We need Congress to pass legislation that would permanently protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area.
Please write to the following members of Congress listed below and ask them to pass legislation that would permanently protect Greenbury Point. If you are not a resident of Maryland, please write to your member of Congress and carbon copy these 4 offices. To find out your representatives in Congress, please go to the following website: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
The Honorable Ben Cardin
United States Senate
509 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
United States Senate
110 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable C.A. Ruppersberger
U.S. House of Representatives
2206 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable John Sarbanes
U.S. House of Representatives
2370 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
We will keep this petition open as we pursue permanent protection for Greenbury Point Conservation Area.