'Duck Ladies' Speak Out:
'Community Consensus Needed
on Aberdeen Drive Duck Pond'

The Aberdeen Drive Duck Pond was originally created to collect water from area storm drains. According to Joyce and Lois, the Crofton Meadows community must reach a consensus about what the pond should be used for now. Do we really want to stock the pond and turn it into a regional recreation center?

Lois notes that she has already encountered people from as far away as West Virginia and Dale City, Virginia who came here to bass fish. Although the pond is private property, no effort is currently being made to restrict access to Crofton Meadows residents.

Should the pond serve primarily as an area where the ducks, turtles, fish, and other wildlife can live in peace? Should it be used for educational purposes, where local school children can observe quietly to learn about animals and nature? Should it be an area for local recreation and picnics? Should it be stocked with bass and used for regional fishing tournaments? Even the 'Duck Ladies' disagree between themselves as to what the pond's purpose really should be.

Their point, however, is that the community was not really consulted about the issue. If public meetings were held on the subject, they were unaware of them. What is needed are several highly publicized meetings where everyone can have his or her say. The needs of the animals, owners of property directly adjoining the pond, and the general Crofton Meadows community must all be considered, they say. And the meetings must be held before money is spent on such things as paving areas around the pond, or even putting in a gravel path.


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