NOAA Public Comment Meetings

In October 2015, NOAA announced its intent to designate a new national marine sanctuary to help conserve nationally-significant shipwrecks and related maritime heritage resources in Maryland. Following a public comment period last year, NOAA has developed a detailed analysis for a proposed national marine sanctuary to protect Mallows Bay-Potomac River, a maritime heritage resource area along the Potomac River, about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C.  The public now has an  opportunity to review the proposed alternative and provide input.  (for more on proposed alternatives) 

Mallow's Bay
Photo courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

CCASM and the Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc have written letters of support for the 52-square mile section of the Potomac designated in Alternative C.

But our continued help is needed to make the Sanctuary a reality. 

NOAA has scheduled two public meetings to solicit public comments for the proposed new sanctuary.  We are urged to attend and participate in these meetings.  The meetings will be held

• Tuesday,  March 7, 2017  (6-9 pm)
  Charles County Government Building
  200 Baltimore Street
  La Plata, Maryland   map
   
• Thursday,  March 9, 2017  (6-9 pm)
  Anne Arundel Community College
  Center for Applied Learning and Technology (CALT) Building (Room 100),
  101 College Parkway,
  Arnold, MD 21012   map

We can also submit electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
Click the "Comment Now!" icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. 
Comments must be received by March 31, 2017.