Magothy River Day
Sunday, June 12th 2011
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 403rd anniversary, we
will celebrate the occasion on Sunday, 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 2011 should be even better.  

There will not be a "Wade-In" water quality event this year.  Conditions on the sandbar
don't provide the best water clarity readings and the Guinness Book of World Records has
failed to recognize our efforts, two years running.



Environmental Event
Look for a Stream Cleanup later this year!!!

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.