INTRODUCTION The Severn River Commission (SRC) was established in 1985 by Resolutions of the County Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and the Annapolis Council, and extended indefinitely in 1989. The Severn River Watershed, by definition the specific waterway of the Severn and the land which drains into it, has been specified for the purposes of the Commission to include the area from the headwaters to a line from Sandy Point to Tolly Point. The Severn River Commission, designated to "provide counsel and advice to Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis, and the State of Maryland on environmental and other matters within the Severn River Watershed", focuses on study of and recommendations on policies, rules and regulations to protect the Severn River and its watershed, including comments on relevant existing State, County and City procedures. Biennial reports, submitted to the Anne Arundel County Council and the Annapolis City Council, outline the activities and accomplishments of the Commission. COMMISSION ACTIVITIES In its role as advisory body to State, County and city activities, the Severn River Commission has been involved in legislative, policy and regulatory procedures concerning critical and decisive issues affecting the well-being of the Severn River, its watershed and residents. The Commission addresses questions relevant to private or administrative considerations and strives to strike a balance between governmental necessities and civic concerns, a task ever more important in this increasingly popular and populated area. As outlined in the Commission's by-laws, the considerations in "environmental matters shall include but not be limited to natural resources, water and air quality, groundwater, noise, energy sources, wildlife, and other natural aspects of the environment, and the relationship of health to ambient environmental quality." PRIORITIES/AGENDA 1995 B 1996 SUMMARY Wallop-Breaux Amendment The Commission explored the possibility of tapping into the funds available through this amendment for increasing boating access to the Severn. The issue died as the result of negative input from the Severn River Association because of objections from waterfront property owners. Coastal Zone Management The Commission pursued resolution of whether the Coastal Zone Management Act (CMZA) prohibits discharge of a landfill into the Severn River because of its status as a scenic river. DNR coastal management instructions appeared to support this position, but prior verbal guidance from DNR said that this was not correct. Community Service Center Bill Because of its potential to serve as a precedent for development in other parts of the County, the Commission provided significant input on the Community Service Center Bill. The Commission opposed the initial version of the bill because it provided insufficient environmental protection or enhancement. Md Route 3 Task Force The Commission participated in the early discussions of the Route 3 Task Force, but as the emphasis of the meetings focussed on areas outside the watershed, the Commission reverted to a monitoring role. General Development Plan The Commission was represented on the GDP steering committee. SRC provided recommendations to the committee. Severn River Watershed Study The phase I study begun in 1993 by Land Ethics and Dodson Associates under contract to the Commission, was modified and expanded. Phases II and III were completed by ERM Inc. under contract to the Commission. Preliminary findings were briefed to GSPC, OIA and Chesapeake Bay Action Committee and public input was received. The final document, "LIVING WITH THE RIVER: A Development Management Study for the Severn River Watershed to the Year 2020" was released on August 1st 1995. Watershed Management Plan The Watershed Management Plan was conceived as a plan to implement the findings of the Severn River Watershed Study. During this period the Commission expended considerable effort attempting to define the format for such a plan and to determine the venue in which it could best be implemented (e.g. County Zoning and Regulation changes, DNR guidelines, legislation, etc). At the end of 1996, we had not been successful in identifying a suitable venue for executing such a management plan. Waivers As a result of concerns over the apparent ease with which waivers were granted by the County, the Commission initiated a review of surrounding jurisdictions' processes. However, due to other priorities, this effort was not carried forward. Legal Standing The Commission supported a Jan 95 Proposed bill in state legislature to establish standing for environmental groups. However, the bill was not taken up. Jabez Branch The Commission continued to be actively involved in the annual trout count as it had been for the past five years. This is an ongoing project, initiated by DNR fisheries section, in order to study the impacts of land use changes within the Jabez watershed. Holladay Park The Commission was involved in negotiations for purchase of approximately 20 acres of land most critical for protection of the Left and Right Forks of the Jabez Branch. The funds available for the purchase combined Millersville landfill mitigation money, Program Open Space (POS) money and ISTEA money. At the end of 1996, negotiations were still ongoing. Belvoir Farms Pier Request Due to the strong differing views of several of the Commission members, it was decided after numerous discussions to stay neutral on the subject. SHA Excess Property The Commission recommended that the approximately 100 acres of SHA owned land in the Gambrills area be permanently protected through conservation easements or direct title transfer to the Maryland Environmental Trust. Severn River Land Trust A representative of the SRLT attended the SRC meetings regularly in order to maintain a dialogue between the Commission and the Trust. Appointed Members: Robert C. Smith, Chairman
A. L. Waldron
William B. Moulden
Lina Vlavianos
Douglas Hollmann
Joan S. Willey
Jay Schwarz
John R. Flood
G. Robinson Wentz Ex Officio Members: No Active Ex Officio Members Staff: Brenda Weeks, PACE | 
