Three Wishes
Making NewYear’sresolutions for anentire county isunusual, so instead I offer three wishes.They all concern our water situation, as you might expect in this column.
My first wish is that in 2013 we receive an average amount of precipitation, about 39 inches.That doesn’t seem like much to wish for, but we rely on precipitation for our water supply and some years are not average.During 2012, we received about 10% above average precipitation, and in 2011 we received about 80% more than average.
The law of averages tells us that these good years eventually will be followed by some dry years to maintain the long-term average.Let’s wish it won’t be dry this year when we are expecting a record number of tourists to celebrate the 150thanniversary of theGettysburgbattle.They could strain our water supply during the usually dry summer months—the peak tourist season.
My second wish is that the Adams County government and the twelve municipalities in the Marsh and Rock Creeks watersheds will take seriously a forthcoming Critical Area Resource Plan (CARP) forthese watersheds, which together cover most of central Adams County.The CARP waves a red WARNING flag when it states: “During dry periods...both surface and ground- water resources become depleted and may no longer be sufficient to meet the [region’s] water needs."This important report makes many common-sense recommendations such as increased water storage capacity so that runoff from heavy rains can be stored for use during dry periods.
But if our past experience is a guide, it will be difficult to implement the CARP's recommendations.They require multi-municipal cooperation for several years, which is difficult but essential since water does not respect political boundaries.So let‘s wish for leadership from theAdams CountyCommissionersto bring the parties together and offer needed support.
My third wish is that the Commissionersrestorethe drastic—67% — funding cuts they made in the county’s land preservation program for this year.Even better, they could increase that funding to take advantage of an unprecedented opportunity.The recent temporary drop in land prices and current historically-low interest rates permit low-cost borrowing to provide matching funds from government and private sources for preservation easements on prime properties. Borrowing for such easements was authorized by a 3 to 1 majority of voters in a 2008 Water and Land Preservation Referendum.Much of the $10 million authorization has not been used.
Last year the Commissioners gave priority to purchasing equipment such as digital radios and computers.These are useful and needed, but not long-lasting. Preservation easements endure forever. They will keep protecting our farmland and water sources far into the future.Money spent now on protection will provide increasing future dividends as our population grows and needs more food and water.Our Commissioners have often talked about securing a good future for Adams County; preserving our land and water is a good way to do that.
I know Mother Nature can’t hear our wishes for rain when we need it. But our Commissioners can hear us, so if you share some of my wishes for the county’s future, tell them.And please join me in wishing them and our county a Happy New Year!
Charles Skopic is the President of the Watershed Alliance of Adams County (WAAC). WAAC’s web address is g.