Dear Secretary Bryant,                                                                    June 6, 2009 
 
 

I support the Shenandoah River Keeper’s recommendations to regulate poultry litter use in the Shenandoah watershed and across Virginia. 
 

I am generally NOT a fan of government regulation.  However, Virginia’s population is exploding; and its acreage is not.  The commonwealth’s rising population (almost double in 30 years) and the world’s increasing demand for Virginia agriculture are growing beyond our watersheds’ ability to support them without government intervention.     
 

American farmers are the heroes that have fed the continent and the world for the last two centuries.  But at some point we must recognize that our rivers and our land have limits.  If we cannot lessen the number of people that need to be fed, we have to adjust the methods we use to meet that need.    
 

On principle, I do not advocate adding to the body of Virginia laws.  However, I am a realist.  There appears to be no end in sight to population growth, and more people will always require more government intervention.   Really, the concept couldn’t be simpler.  
 

On that basis, I support the Shenandoah River Keeper’s regulatory proposals.  Our rivers just plain need the protection.   
 
 

Aaron Otte

Reston, VA

(703) 796-6060

aaron.otte.ctr@usmc.mil