Located within an hour of the nation's Capitol, Douglas Point is one of the most ecologically important and culturally significant areas remaining in the metropolitan Washington area.  But in spite of these values and resources, an influential gravel mining company in the state was poised to mine it for sand and gravel. The Wilderness Society supported one of our local partners in a coalition effort to acquire Douglas Point for the public and to protect it for future generations.

Significance
Douglas Point in Charles County, Maryland, lies just an hour's drive from Washington, DC. For all of that, it is one of the least densely populated areas in the state.

Douglas Point is considered to be one of the most ecologically pristine and culturally significant areas remaining in Maryland, surprising, indeed, given the rapid growth and burgeoning sprawl of the surrounding area. Bordered by nearly 10 miles of unspoiled Potomac River shoreline, the ecologically unique Mattawoman Creek, and the historic Port Tobacco River, the area provides critical habitat for migratory waterfowl, bald eagles, and a number of other rare and endangered plant and animal species. The area is also known for its Native American archeological sites, Civil War history, and unusual fossil deposits.

Demonstrating Local Support
The Wilderness Society worked with our local partner, the Nanjemoy-Potomac Environmental Council, to oppose repeated efforts by Maryland Rock Industries to mine Douglas Point for sand and gravel. As part of the campaign, we undertook the first-ever comprehensive environmental poll of the citizens of the Potomac Watershed, including residents of Charles County. This poll showed that area residents consider natural areas, streams and rivers to be very important to their overall quality of life. The poll also found that:

• Over two-thirds believe the region is developing too fast, many more than is the case nationally.
• Potomac River watershed residents are much more concerned about the harmful effects of growth on their quality of life than are Americans generally.
• Residents see air pollution, sprawl and overdevelopment and unsafe drinking water as the most important environmental problems in the Potomac watershed.
• Watershed residents strongly support a plan to identify and protect undeveloped areas within the watershed.

Success and a Model for the Future
Ultimately, our coalition efforts saved Douglas Point, through a diverse and far-reaching cooperative effort between the State of Maryland, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), The Conservation Fund, Trust for Public Land and Charles County.

A combination of congressionally appropriated funds and matching state funds from the Maryland legislature allowed the acquisition of Douglas Point for the public. In December 2000, the BLM, the State of Maryland and Charles County signed an agreement laying the foundation for cooperative management of the area and providing for acquisition of additional lands along the Potomac River. The BLM is now coordinating with the state and county to develop a management plan for this unique area.

The Wilderness Society will continue to work with the Nanjemoy-Potomac Environmental Council and others to ensure that the management plan fully protects the natural values of Douglas Point and its surrounding lands.