Terrapins need your help this Friday Feb. 23rd and Wednesday Feb 28th!

Thanks to your petition signatures we have hearings coming up next week on the two cross-filed bills that seek the permanent closure of the commercial terrapin fishery in Maryland. They're not safe yet - we need your help!

 

What you can do:

You can attend the hearings!

A strong public showing at the two hearings can help a bill's passage by demonstrating strong public support, and just as importantly, it can help assure that the original intent of the bill is maintained in case other user groups seek amendment.

 

When:
Arrive by 12:00 pm the day of the hearing so you can sign the bill's "guest book" and indicate that you are in favor of the bill's passage and to allow time for going through security. Tip: Bring a good book with you in case the bill is not read right away.

Senate hearing for SB532 - Friday Feb 23rd at 1PM (arrive by 12 PM).

House hearing for HB760 - Wednesday Feb 28th 1PM (arrive by 12 PM).

 

Where:
The main entrances to the Senate (2/23) and House (2/28) buildings are located on either side of Rowe Blvd. in Annapolis, MD. You can reach Rowe Blvd. via exit 24 off of Rt. 50.

This map shows the Navy Parking Lot's shuttle service route (more below).

 

Parking:
The Navy parking lot has free shuttle access downtown every 15 minutes. There is also a (cash only) parking garage near the Visitor's Center which is about 2 blocks away from the House and Senate, however, it tends to fill up early so allow for extra time. See this link for info on both.

 

Dress:
Business dress or business casual is what the representatives and staff wear.

 

Bring:
A valid driver's license/photo ID for entry into the Senate and House (and be prepared to go through Security's metal detector).

 

Materials:
Bring copies of your letter of support and submit it as written testimony. If you have made a poster or other art, you can display this where you sit or if you speak (need to sign up by 12:40pm).

Also bring a good book to pass the time if needed.

 

Please also stay in Annapolis to attend the DNR's Terrapin Regulation Scoping Public Meeting at 6:30pm, also on Wednesday the 28th, where they will discuss how they would like to regulate the 2007 harvest. The vote on the bills will not be ready by then, so this is an important separate step if the bills do not pass.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks!