By Greg Ellison
(Dec. 24, 2020) Along with updating efforts to address the continuing presence of resident Canada geese at area ponds, the Ocean Pines Environment and Natural Assets Committee also discussed research about establishing clam beds to reduce pollutants in the St. Martin River during its meeting last Wednesday.
Committee member Karen Krun Detter presented data regarding the water filtering capabilities of clams during the group’s meeting on Dec. 16.
Committee Chairman Ken Wolf has been focused on obtaining a stronger understanding of potential options for reducing water pollution in the St. Martin River stemming from effluent discharge and nutrient runoff tied to extreme rain.
Committee member Marty Clarke said the research unearthed by Detter was eye opening.
“We were told that clams have a lot more filtering ability than we thought,” he said.
Although oysters provide a higher degree of filtration for tidal waters, establishing self-perpetuating populations has proven challenging in recent years.
As an alternative, the environment committee is beginning to investigate the feasibility of deploying clams to the same end.
“We were surprised to learn that they were as good at filtering as they are,” Clarke said.
The committee also delved into continuing efforts to reduce the presence of resident geese populations at two ponds in the north and the South Gate pond.
Clarke made a motion to ask the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors to consider permitting natural vegetation and grasses to become established around the North Gate and memorial ponds.
Ideally, when undergrowth blocks pathways from ponds or other water bodies it increase the possibility of hidden predators, which tends to discourage grazing by geese flocks.
Committee members have suggested by refraining from manicuring grass and bushes located just offshore a buffer zone under 10 feet could be created to keep waterfowl from exploring the shoreline.
Canada geese, nests and eggs, are protected under federal law by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits capturing or killing except during legal hunting seasons.
In related news, the committee reported results from water quality tests at the three Pines ponds in question are still forthcoming.
Committee member Sharon Santacroce also presented a first draft for an upcoming “Green Street” article in the Ocean Pines quarterly newsletter, which will be submitted after minor revisions are completed.
The next Environment and Natural Assets Committee meeting is scheduled on Jan. 27 at 9 a.m.