Hoyer Joins Bernie Fowler’s Wade-In

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) delivered remarks June 12 at former Maryland state senator Bernie Fowler’s annual Patuxent River Wade-In at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, MD, to raise awareness about the health of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay.

“I was honored to join my friend, Bernie Fowler for his annual wade-in to measure the quality of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay into which it flows,” Congressman Hoyer said. “We are grateful to Bernie for his pioneering effort in the 1970s to protect the river and bay and begin the process of cleaning it up, and for the steadfastness with which he has pursued that mission throughout his life.”

Each year, Bernie Fowler holds the wade-in to assess how far he can wade into the Patuxent River until he can no longer see his white sneakers. The non-scientific measurement, which is known as the ‘Sneaker Index’.

“I hope communities on both sides of the bay and throughout its watershed take this opportunity to follow in Bernie Fowler’s muddy footsteps and take action where they live to raise awareness and help cleanup efforts,” the congressman continued. “We have a special responsibility when it comes to the Patuxent, as it is the only tributary of the Chesapeake that flows entirely through Maryland. It is an important part of our state’s history and identity. It is central to our local economy and to the livelihood of thousands of Marylanders. I’ve made a cleaner and healthier Chesapeake and Patuxent a central component of my work in Congress, and I look forward to attending the Wade-In year after year.”

Bernie Fowler held the first Patuxent River Wade-In in 1988. This year’s index was measured at 31 inches.

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