Chris Cannon
19421 Gristmill lane
Knoxville MD   21758
 
 
I like many others grew up wading, canoing, rafting, and fishing the Shenandoah river in the Harpersferry area. This is the place I call home.
My family settled in this area back in the 1800’s. I can only imagine what pristine beauty they must have encounterd  coming up the Potomac until reaching the confluence of the Shenandoah. Thomas Jefferson stood on a rock high above Harpersferry overlooking the Shenandoah and proclaimed that “the view down this river valley was truly worth the crossing of the atlantic”.  I often wonder what he would have to say about the condition of the river today? Heavy waste foam floating down collecting in in the slower water pockets, sick and dying fish scattered about, and a thick green crust on the rocks along the rivers edge. I’d be willing to bet he would not stand for this. And he would find out “why this spectacular river that he used to know was in such sad shape”. I  along with many others believe the answer to that question has a lot to do with the regulation of poultry liter. For far too long the spredding of chicken liter along the upper Shenandoah has gone unregulated. This is an issue that has to be addressed, and addressed know. The health and well being of the river depends on it. The regulations that are being proposed are exactly what is needed to bring the heath of this river back to the days that Thomas Jefferson himself would be proud. I strongly erge you to pass this regulation. This may not be the only problem with the health of the Shenandoah, but it will help a river that is in desperate need of it.
 
 
Thanks Jeff for all that you have done and continue to do.
 
Chris Cannon