Press Releases

Hoyer Attends Bernie Fowler's 31st Annual Patuxent River Wade In

ST. LEONARD, MD –Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) attended former Maryland State Senator Bernie Fowler’s 31st annual Patuxent River Wade In this afternoon. Each year, Bernie Fowler walks into the Patuxent River to assess how far he can wade until he can no longer see his white sneakers. The “Sneaker Index,” a non-scientific measurement, highlights the importance of the health of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay.

“I was so pleased to join my friend Bernie and members of the Southern Maryland community today to highlight the importance of the health of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Congressman Hoyer. “For thirty-one years, Bernie has focused our attention on the health and cleanliness of our waterways, and we are truly grateful for his efforts.”

“We must continue to work together here in Maryland to protect our environment, so that future generations can enjoy that which we treasure,” continued Congressman Hoyer. “In Congress, I’m working with my colleagues to combat the Trump Administration’s attacks on our environment. Clean air and a healthy Bay are extremely important to the livelihood of many Marylanders, and I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to build on Bernie’s efforts.”

Bernie Fowler held the first Patuxent River Wade In in 1988. This year’s index was measured at 36 inches.