ABSTRACT
Political and social considerations can play as large a role in the restoration of damaged ecosystems as ecological or economic factors. A classic example of this is shown in the decade-long stalemate between two groups concerned in the Patuxent River nutrient control controversy. The conflict over how to rehabilitate the Patuxent River ecosystem appeared to have been resolved by the mediation process. The status of the Patuxent River in 1992 is that noticeable improvement in certain water quality parameters has been evidenced. The political confrontation of 1978 led to a regional consensus and an understanding that all involved parties would benefit from a holistic approach to solving the environmental problems of the Patuxent River. Governor Hughes of Maryland had verbally committed $18 million of state funds to upgrade sewage treatment along the Patuxent River during the mediation process.
