Tell DNR not to sell water from state lands

<img width="160" height="94" align="left" src="http://www.baltimorespokes.org/images/articles/2006072814342651_1.gif" alt="">The Department of Natural Resources wants to sell water from state parks to private developers. These waters sustain the environment around them and should be kept in reserve for emergencies, not sold to the highest bidder.

Email Ronald Guns, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, and tell him that state waters should only be used for emergencies and that any policy to allow the sale of state waters must allow public input in the process.

<a href="https://www.environmentmaryland.org/action/clean-water/water-sales">https://www.environmentmaryland.org/action/clean-water/water-sales</a>;

Background:
One of Maryland's greatest treasures is the hundreds of thousands of acres of state land that have been preserved over the years. These forests, parks, and wildlife management areas have benefits beyond habitat and recreational opportunities. They also provide clean water for our lakes, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

446,000 acres of state land are managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), whose mission is to &quot;preserve, protect, enhance and restore Maryland's natural resources for the wise use and enjoyment of all citizens.&quot; Yet DNR is currently drafting a policy that would allow public water from state lands to be sold to private interests.

The Department is responding to pressure from private businesses and towns that want to use state water for private uses. Wisp ski resort would like to increase the amount of water it draws from Deep Creek Lake. Developers would like to use state water for new developments, especially in the mountainous parts of the state such as Boonsboro and the proposed Terrapin Run project.

State lands are protected because of the need for those resources. Taking water from state lands threatens the ecosystem of that park or forest and also threatens our drinking water supplies. State water must not be sold to the highest bidder, and must not be used for unsustainable growth.

Tell Deputy Secretary Ronald Guns that state waters should only be used for emergencies and that any policy to allow the sale of state waters must allow public input in the process.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:

<a href="http://www.environmentmaryland.org/action/clean-water/water-sales">http://www.environmentmaryland.org/action/clean-water/water-sales</a>;

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