Hoyer Attends Bernie Fowler Wade-In

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) waded into the Patuxent River alongside former Maryland State Senator Bernie Fowler at Mr. Fowler’s Annual Wade-In at Jefferson Patterson Park on June 14. Mr. Fowler holds the wade-in each year to see how far into the water he can walk before he can no longer see his white sneakers, a non-scientific measurement he calls as the “sneaker index.” The informal index brings awareness to improving the health of the Patuxent River.

“I was proud to participate in one of the most unique and storied activities in the modern history of our state,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I don’t know of anywhere else in this country where elected officials, activists, and community members come together to measure the quality of their rivers based on the visibility of a man’s sneaker. Bernie Fowler’s ‘sneaker index’ has enabled a generation of Marylanders to learn about the health of the Patuxent River in terms that can be readily understood.

“The Patuxent River is a wonderful resource that has sustained our communities, supported our local economy, and captured our imagination for hundreds of years,” continued Congressman Hoyer. “Generation after generation of Marylanders enjoy it for its clear waters and recreation activities, but the river has been threatened in the last 50 years by pollution and sediment runoff. Since the 1960s, Bernie Fowler has been the Patuxent River’s champion, and because of his efforts – both in and out of public office – the river is getting cleaner. But we still have a long way to go to clean up the Patuxent and the Chesapeake and to put in place measures that will protect them for generations to come. That’s why I’ve made it one of my highest priorities in Congress to support policies that will help clean up the river and Bay. I thank Bernie and his partner in life, Betty, for everything they have done and continue to do for our state and the generations of Marylanders who will enjoy the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay for years to come.”

Bernie Fowler held the first Patuxent River Wade-In in 1988. This year the index was measured at 44 inches.