Magothy River Day
Saturday, June 12th 2010
at the Dobbins Island Anchorage
Presented by the
Magothy River Association
Dobbins Events
Magothy River Day is now officially June 12th to commemorate the day in 1608 that
Captain John Smith sailed into the Magothy River.  This year, the 402nd anniversary, we
will celebrate the occasion on Saturday, June 12th. Boaters should start to gather at the
Dobbins Island Anchorage around 12 Noon.  At 1PM, the Nautical Wheelers, a Jimmy
Buffett cover band will play an On-Water Concert lasting until 5PM.  Last year was a great
day and a rousing time and 2010 should be even better.  At 2:30PM, Magothy River
Association (MRA) President, Paul Spadaro, will splash to a landing on the Dobbins
Sandbar followed at 3 PM by a "Wade-In" water quality event open to all.  We hope to set a
Guinness Book World Record for Wade In's.  
Don't miss it!!!


Also, at 5:00 PM we will draw the winning tickets for the raffle.  
First Prize is the Hobbie Kayak from Backyard Boats.  
Second Prize is the Lighthouse Tour of Baltimore Light.
Winners:     First Prize - Mary Morin,        Second Prize - Andy Emrick

See our environmental event below.
Also, watch for our raingarden project in late summer or early fall.

The Wade In
The Wade In is scheduled for 3 PM.  This year, 3PM should correspond with low tide and
make it easier to extend our line into the River.  Those who wish to participate in the World
Record attempt will need to use inflatables or other small boats to get to the sand bar at
least 15  to 30 minutes before 3PM.  3x5 cards will be provided for your name and
address.  This will be used to document the World Record attempt.

Environmental Event
Saturday, June 19th - Stream Clean Up
Simmons Lane - Severna Park  9:30 AM
Stream feeds Cattail Creek
Link to the Stream Cleanup Page


Dobbins Defense Update
Don't forget that the MRA has continued to defend the public right to use the beach at the island.   
A lawsuit was filed in this regard and the case heard in September, 2009.  MRA contended that the
public should retain the right of use under prescriptive easement law.  This law creates an
easement for use when an individual, or group of people, demonstrate their continual use of land
in some manner without the consent of ownership.  On May 7, 2010, the Court ruled that the
public has the right to use the full extent of the beach at Dobbins Island up to the vegetation line.  
The existing fence pilings may remain, but all chain between the pilings must be removed.
MRA would like to emphasize that this ruling does not permit public access to any part of the
island other than the beach.  Please be respectful of this on Magothy River Day and on any other
visits to Dobbins Island.



MRA still believes that construction of a house on Dobbins Island is prohibited by Maryland laws
that were in place at the last change of the Island's ownership.  In fact, MRA contends that Anne
Arundel County had ruled, in 1999, that the island was not buildable property.  Also, the possible
installation of an underwater electric cable to the island is opposed by the MRA.  This could well
disrupt or even eliminate the decades old anchorage.  It is our hope, that this anchorage, and the
Island's beach, might yet become a stop on the "Captain John Smith Chesapeake National
Historic Water Trail".    

MRA has long sought the purchase, by government, of Dobbins Island to preserve it for future
generations of Marylanders.  We have proposed that the waters surrounding the island be
designated a Marine Preserve and Park.