Another Crofton Online Exclusive
More Ducks May Die During Dredging
By now most Crofton residents are familiar with the 'Dead Ducks' stories published by the Crofton News-Crier. Ducks at three Crofton area ponds have been dying of botulism. As the disease spreads, residents are worried not only about the welfare of the ducks, but also whether the disease might spread to household pets, or even to people.







According to the News-Crier, the "only solution is to drain the water and remove the polluted soil."

What hasn't been reported recently is that almost two years ago, a special levy of $88.00 was made on every homeowner in Crofton Meadows by the Crofton Meadows Homeowners Association Board of Directors, for the specific purpose of draining and dredging the pond on Aberdeen Drive. The total amount collected was almost a quarter of a million dollars!

Although there has been no botulism at the Aberdeen Drive pond [NOTE FROM EDITOR: This is no longer true. One duck at the Aberdeen Drive Pond has also died of botulism. Click here for the full, updated story.], the planned dredging could harm wildlife there. Apparently there have been no plans made to protect the nonflying ducks and geese, or the turtles and fish, which will be displaced during the planned seven week project.

[BULLETIN: As we write these words, the dredging has begun. Thirty volunteers spent all day Sunday [August 9] rescuing as many animals as they could. Efforts continued during the week, as a total of about 100 different volunteers worked in shifts. The full story, with pictures, is now available online. Click here for the full story. Be sure to check back later this week for the latest update.]

ProCom, the management company responsible for the work, says that draining and dredging operations will begin "soon." A company spokesman went on to explain that the ducks currently at the pond will be expected to find new homes on their own after the pond is drained. This almost certainly means even more ducks wandering around neighborhoods, waddling across busy streets, and splashing in rain puddles.

Crofton Online has asked to be notified when the work begins. Our reporter will be on hand to observe and take pictures. Stay tuned.

Crofton Online: An Interview with The Duck Ladies

More Pictures

Back to Crofton Online