The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Natural Resources Article 4-1103 of Maryland's Annotated Code, proposes that the following area of the Choptank River, Dorchester County, be closed to shellfish harvest for the purpose of creating the States Bank Oyster Sanctuary in the vicinity of the States Bank oyster bar.

All of the Dorchester County waters of the Choptank River enclosed by a line beginning at a point at or near the shore, defined by Latitude 38º 33.82' N and Longitude 76º 02.15' W; then running approximately 5º (true) to a point, defined by Latitude 38º 34.11' N and Longitude 76º 02.12' W; then running approximately 307º (true) to a point, defined by Latitude 38º 34.20' N and Longitude 76º 02.27' W; then running approximately 72º (true) to a point, defined by Latitude 38º 34.29' N and Longitude 76º 01.94' W; then running approximately 156º (true) to a point at or near the shore, defined by Latitude 38º 33.96' N and Longitude 76º 01.75' W.

A public hearing will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at the County Commissioners Office, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD. All interested parties are invited to attend and express their views. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Further information may be obtained by calling DNR Shellfish Program, Eric Campbell at (410) 260-8322.

It is the Department's intent to consider closing this area permanently by adoption of a regulation at a later date.

The Department's goal is to restore oyster population in these areas and to designate these grounds closed to harvest in order to contribute to the ecology of the bay. Seed oysters will be planted on the site to rebuild populations, if needed.

Written comments may be sent to Eric Campbell, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 or FAX (410) 260-8279. Comments must be received by Tuesday November 8, 2005.