Why are residents and foresters upset with UMBC's $27 million project?

Residents and foresters are upset because the project involved clear-cutting nearly 3 acres of trees and bulldozing a stream valley and wetlands, which they believe harms the environment and the Herbert Run streambed.

What environmental violations occurred at the UMBC site?

Inspections revealed violations of state wetland protection laws, including crushed silt fences, unstabilized slopes, and construction equipment in streambeds, leading to increased erosion.

What are UMBC's stated goals for the $27 million project?

UMBC states the project aims to restore, stabilize, and remediate portions of the site, including addressing stream bank erosion and improving stormwater drainage along Herbert Run.

Home / Environment / UMBC Destroys Forested Wetland: $27M "Restoration" Sparks Outrage

UMBC Destroys Forested Wetland: $27M "Restoration" Sparks Outrage

8 Feb

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Summary

UMBC clear-cut nearly 3 acres of trees and bulldozed a stream valley.
Project violated state laws protecting wetlands, receiving over 30 violations.
Community members and foresters criticize the $27 million project's environmental impact.

UMBC Destroys Forested Wetland: $27M "Restoration" Sparks Outrage

A $27 million project by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to "restore and stabilize" a site has ignited controversy, with critics alleging clear-cutting of nearly 3 acres of trees and bulldozing of a stream valley and wetlands. Residents and foresters contend the project degrades the Herbert Run streambed and harms the environment, contradicting UMBC's stated goals. The university acknowledged it could have improved community outreach.

Inspections by the Maryland Department of the Environment revealed multiple violations of state laws protecting wetlands, including issues with silt fences, unstabilized slopes, and construction equipment in streambeds, contributing to increased erosion. Despite UMBC's plans for tree replacement and a five-year survival commitment, the community laments the destruction of the Spring Grove Arboretum, where volunteers had planted 1,000 trees in 2021. Many of these saplings were removed to facilitate construction.