Ongoing TU projects in Maryland
Western Maryland Initiative
Within the first year of its formation, TU’s Western Maryland Initiative has worked to secure approximately $500,000 in funding to support on-the-ground conservation and continued outreach and education in Western Maryland. To support its efforts, TU has worked to develop important partnerships with numerous Local, State, Federal and NGO Partners.
The following is a brief synopsis of projects TU has already implemented or is working to implement:
Culvert replacements: TU WMI has received funding to replace two culverts with AOP friendly bridges and to provide the Garrett County Department of public works with a replacement design for a 3rd. Projects to occur in Wolf Den Run (North Branch Potomac River tributary above Jennings Randolph Lake), Sand Spring Run (George’s Creek headwaters), and Bear Pen Run (Savage River tributary above Savage Reservoir) (note: all three projects are occurring within allopatric brook trout catchments). Preliminary survey work has been completed for projects. Partners include: FABS, MPS NFWF, USFWS, EBTJV)
Riparian Buffer Plantings: To date, TU WMI has successfully completed approximately 2-acres of riparian buffer plantings in partnership with MFS. Planting projects were funded using MFS Special Rivers funds and completed in the Spring of 2019 in the Evitts Creek and Braddock Run watersheds.
In addition: TU WMI involved 69 community and student volunteers in tree planting events in the Fall of 2019 to plant 369 potted stock trees on approximately 7 acres of riparian area within headwater reaches of the upper Savage River, Crabtree Creek, and Sand Spring Run all within the Chesapeake Bay drainage. Fall tree plantings represented phase 1 of buffer restoration that will include restoration through bareroot seedling plantings. In addition to the 7 acres mentioned above, Spring 2020 plantings will include an additional 7 acres of buffer plantings in the Evitts Creek, Savage River, and Little Antietam Creek watersheds for a total of about 14 acres of buffer plantings. Partners include: FSU, Trust Fund, MFS, USFWS, TU grassroots, and additional community conservation groups.
Livestock Exclusion Projects: To date, TU WMI has completed a livestock exclusion project in the Crabtree Creek watershed. The project involved excluding livestock from 500 feet of stream through the construction of an armored watering area and the installation of 500 feet of exclusion fence. TU WMI and volunteers from TU grassroots then planted 100 potted stock trees and shrubs at the site. See a TU blog about the project here: (https://www.tu.org/blog/tu-spearheads-growing-partnership-for-brook-trout-conservation-in-md/) Project partners included: the National Capital Chapter, Nemacolin, PPK, WVU and FSU 5 Rivers, and the Youghiogheny Chapters of TU, MDDNR Trust Fund, USFWS, MDDNR FABS, and the Garrett College Wildlife Program. Much of the funding for the project provided by TU’s Embrace a Stream Program.
The exclusion fencing installed in the project described above represents about 5% of the fencing TU WMI plans to install over the next two years. TU WMI currently has funding for an additional 1.5 miles of livestock exclusion fencing and has landowner agreements in place with 3 additional landowners in the Christley Run, Blue Lick, and Crabtree Creek watersheds (Savage River watershed) to install fencing that will ultimately exclude livestock from associated stream reaches and establish forest buffers in riparian areas. TU WMI currently has about 0.40 miles of stream fencing for which a funding source needs to be identified. TU WMI plans to leverage existing funds with partner organizations to fully fund the remaining fencing mileage. (note: If individual chapters within the Mid-Atlantic Council are interested in providing support to livestock exclusion projects feel free to reach out to Seth Moessinger, TU WMI Conservation Coordinator, [email protected], 301-268-5751).
Upland Forest Establishment: To date, TU has been successful in developing a 19-acre upland reforestation project in partnership with SHA and The Nature Conservancy. Restoration will involve planting 3,500 native trees including 2,000 Red Spruce in an upland area between two native brook trout streams in the Casselman River watershed. Funding is to be provided by SHA with TNC providing volunteer coordination.
Community Engagement through Monitoring: TU WMI’s proposed conservation efforts also include monitoring efforts to track progress toward improving habitat. TU WMI is working to include students and community groups in this process. For example, Stephen Malan, active TU member and owner of Argia Benthic Services LLC, plans to provide tutorials to student members of the FSU Wildlife Society in laboratory identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. TU WMI will lead students in field collection of samples before and after restoration activities are completed. Argia Benthic Services LLC will then provide in-kind match to a NFWF Small Watersheds grant to perform necessary i.d. services. The data will be collected following Maryland Biological Stream Survey protocols to allow TU WMI to calculate a benthic index of biotic integrity at 5 restoration sites.
The following is a brief synopsis of projects TU has already implemented or is working to implement:
Culvert replacements: TU WMI has received funding to replace two culverts with AOP friendly bridges and to provide the Garrett County Department of public works with a replacement design for a 3rd. Projects to occur in Wolf Den Run (North Branch Potomac River tributary above Jennings Randolph Lake), Sand Spring Run (George’s Creek headwaters), and Bear Pen Run (Savage River tributary above Savage Reservoir) (note: all three projects are occurring within allopatric brook trout catchments). Preliminary survey work has been completed for projects. Partners include: FABS, MPS NFWF, USFWS, EBTJV)
Riparian Buffer Plantings: To date, TU WMI has successfully completed approximately 2-acres of riparian buffer plantings in partnership with MFS. Planting projects were funded using MFS Special Rivers funds and completed in the Spring of 2019 in the Evitts Creek and Braddock Run watersheds.
In addition: TU WMI involved 69 community and student volunteers in tree planting events in the Fall of 2019 to plant 369 potted stock trees on approximately 7 acres of riparian area within headwater reaches of the upper Savage River, Crabtree Creek, and Sand Spring Run all within the Chesapeake Bay drainage. Fall tree plantings represented phase 1 of buffer restoration that will include restoration through bareroot seedling plantings. In addition to the 7 acres mentioned above, Spring 2020 plantings will include an additional 7 acres of buffer plantings in the Evitts Creek, Savage River, and Little Antietam Creek watersheds for a total of about 14 acres of buffer plantings. Partners include: FSU, Trust Fund, MFS, USFWS, TU grassroots, and additional community conservation groups.
Livestock Exclusion Projects: To date, TU WMI has completed a livestock exclusion project in the Crabtree Creek watershed. The project involved excluding livestock from 500 feet of stream through the construction of an armored watering area and the installation of 500 feet of exclusion fence. TU WMI and volunteers from TU grassroots then planted 100 potted stock trees and shrubs at the site. See a TU blog about the project here: (https://www.tu.org/blog/tu-spearheads-growing-partnership-for-brook-trout-conservation-in-md/) Project partners included: the National Capital Chapter, Nemacolin, PPK, WVU and FSU 5 Rivers, and the Youghiogheny Chapters of TU, MDDNR Trust Fund, USFWS, MDDNR FABS, and the Garrett College Wildlife Program. Much of the funding for the project provided by TU’s Embrace a Stream Program.
The exclusion fencing installed in the project described above represents about 5% of the fencing TU WMI plans to install over the next two years. TU WMI currently has funding for an additional 1.5 miles of livestock exclusion fencing and has landowner agreements in place with 3 additional landowners in the Christley Run, Blue Lick, and Crabtree Creek watersheds (Savage River watershed) to install fencing that will ultimately exclude livestock from associated stream reaches and establish forest buffers in riparian areas. TU WMI currently has about 0.40 miles of stream fencing for which a funding source needs to be identified. TU WMI plans to leverage existing funds with partner organizations to fully fund the remaining fencing mileage. (note: If individual chapters within the Mid-Atlantic Council are interested in providing support to livestock exclusion projects feel free to reach out to Seth Moessinger, TU WMI Conservation Coordinator, [email protected], 301-268-5751).
Upland Forest Establishment: To date, TU has been successful in developing a 19-acre upland reforestation project in partnership with SHA and The Nature Conservancy. Restoration will involve planting 3,500 native trees including 2,000 Red Spruce in an upland area between two native brook trout streams in the Casselman River watershed. Funding is to be provided by SHA with TNC providing volunteer coordination.
Community Engagement through Monitoring: TU WMI’s proposed conservation efforts also include monitoring efforts to track progress toward improving habitat. TU WMI is working to include students and community groups in this process. For example, Stephen Malan, active TU member and owner of Argia Benthic Services LLC, plans to provide tutorials to student members of the FSU Wildlife Society in laboratory identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. TU WMI will lead students in field collection of samples before and after restoration activities are completed. Argia Benthic Services LLC will then provide in-kind match to a NFWF Small Watersheds grant to perform necessary i.d. services. The data will be collected following Maryland Biological Stream Survey protocols to allow TU WMI to calculate a benthic index of biotic integrity at 5 restoration sites.
Maryland Trout Unlimited (Baltimore Area Chapter)
Jones Falls Restoration: In 2013 MDTU began a project to restore approximately 600 yards of the Jones Falls River above Robert E. Lee Park, now called Lake Roland Park. The initial phases of the project was led by Tom Starrs and Brenda Foster, both past Presidents of MDTU. Jim Gracie led the design phase and was instrumental in securing funding. Brian Bernstein, Conservation Chair, and Scott Scarfone, a landscape architect, contributed to final design and worked on technical details of the project.
The Jones Falls Restoration Project is the latest episode in MDTU’s long history of stewarding this special suburban/urban stream. Jones Falls is a spring-fed stream that has its primary source of spring water in the Greenspring Valley in Baltimore County. The watershed is relatively undeveloped with land use in the valley comprised primarily of large estates. The mainstem of Jones Falls flows approximately 6.5 miles east from Garrison Forest Road to Falls Road, where it turns south paralleling Falls Road for about 2.5 miles. Fish population surveys by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service have documented the highest standing crop of wild trout of any stream in Maryland.
In 1973, MDTU joined forces with the Greenspring Valley Garden Club to adopt Jones Falls under the Save Our Streams, "Adopt a Stream" program. Activities over the years have included an annual litter cleanup, a water quality monitoring program in which students from seven schools in the Greenspring Valley were recruited and trained to collect water samples and make observations weekly to document water quality and habitat conditions. The chapter conducted an annual fish population survey, a watershed-wide stream walk, and a snapshot of the overall health of the watershed including macro-invertebrate collections and analysis of water samples. MDTU also conducted two habitat improvement and bank stabilization projects in the reach downstream of Park Heights Avenue. MDTU currently organizes an annual stream walk utilizing volunteers to assess the physical condition of every mile
of stream including major tributaries.
As part of the 2009-2014 MDTU Strategic Plan, the Chapter adopted the Jones Falls as its major resource effort. The new project focused on property owned by Baltimore City. The section is located on the west side of Falls Road immediately upstream of the Falls Road bridge over Jones Falls.
The section of stream adjacent to the Baltimore City property has been channelized and lined with a concrete channel in the past. Approximately 600 feet of concrete channel eliminates any habitat for aquatic life. MDTU proposed to remove concrete and restore natural stream channel from this reach so that natural stream habitat could be restored using a natural channel design approach. The redesigned channel would have stream banks vegetated with native plants as well as pools and riffles that are natural in a stream. MDTU envisioned that when the project is complete, there will be a natural channel and outstanding habitat for trout and aquatic organisms that are associated with a coldwater ecosystem.
Partners in the project included Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management (DEPRM), Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the Maryland DNR Fisheries Service.
MDTU successfully secured $425,000 in funding to complete the project. Funding came from the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Trust Fund. MDTU contracted with Brightwater, Inc. a local firm with over 26 years experience in natural channel stream restoration. Brightwater successfully completed the design phase that was approved by all parties. MDTU and Brightwater obtained all necessary permits to begin work.
At the last minute, the City of Baltimore demanded a $1,000,000 environmental performance bond. MDTU was unable to meet this requirement and feared the project would be shelved. However, the project was taken over by BlueWater Baltimore and Environmental Quality Resources, Inc.
The project was completed in September, 2016. Tree planting was completed shortly after and MDTU, who retained responsibility for stability monitoring, conducted the first monitoring training and survey in October, 2016.
Brown trout were observed holding in the restored section in October, 2016.
Upper Gunpowder Watershed Brook Trout Project: The Upper Gunpowder Watershed Brook Trout Conservation Partnership is a unique program. Rather than focus on specific improvements in a stream, it takes a watershed-wide approach to preservation. The project encompasses some 60 miles of stream across 48 square miles. Scott Scarfone leads the project. Adam Nabors spearheads the technical side of temperature logging and logger installation. Brian Bernstein also works closely with the project.
In the fall of 2014, the Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited (MDTU) convened a meeting at the National Aquarium, inviting interested parties to explore the possibility of establishing a brook trout conservation effort in the eastern part of Maryland. Organizations represented included MDTU, DNR’s Inland Fisheries Management Division, and the National Aquarium. At the initial meeting, DNR biologists led the group in an analysis of multiple sub-watersheds in the Gunpowder basin, highlighting each area’s future potential to support thriving, interconnected brook trout habitat. Forest cover, land use practices, and the amount of impervious surface area are all key factors that impact a watershed’s ability to sustain healthy populations of brook trout. The Upper Gunpowder watershed, partially within the Prettyboy Reservoir watershed, was identified as the sub-watershed with the most potential for a successful conservation and possibly restoration effort. (See inserted maps of project area.)
The Upper Watershed is, by Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates home to about 25% of the extant brook trout population in Maryland. This is second only to the Savage River Watershed in Western Maryland. Data on the extent of brook trout and reliable information on stream ecology is scant. Only a few of the streams have been surveyed to determine the existence of brook trout. Alan Heft, Maryland DNR, argued that this area is a prime location for preservation and restoration. He points out that the Upper Gunpowder Watershed has the least amount of developed land, most heavy existing tree cover, most known and intact brook trout populations, and the least amount of streams dominated by brown trout or in a location that has the potential to be taken over by brown trout.
Scott Scarfone, board member of Maryland Trout Unlimited and an avid small stream fisher for brookies, began looking into a couple of the small tributaries above Pettyboy Reservoir in 2013. He first approached Maryland DNR inland fisheries to get data only to learn that DNR focused most of its brook trout efforts on Western Maryland’s larger and better documented population of brook trout. Next he contacted the environmental departments of Baltimore and Carroll Counties to see what they have been doing in the watershed. While all were making an effort, action was disjointed and uncoordinated. As the circle of contacts grew, Scott began assembling a team of concerned citizen groups and agencies interested in brook trout preservation. Eventually the team grew to include:
• Maryland Trout Unlimited
· Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Inland Fisheries Management Division
• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Prettyboy Watershed Association
• Gunpowder Valley Conservancy
• National Aquarium
• Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture
• National Fish and Wildlife Service – Chesapeake Bay Workgroup
To date, the workgroup’s accomplishments are considerable. In addition to connecting with allied partner organizations or agencies who have overlapping interests such as DNR’s Maryland Biological Stream Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Baltimore and Carroll Counties, the group has:
Scott Scarfone presented the project in a session at the Southeast Regional Meeting in Roanoke, Virginia in May 2016 and has also presented to several local TU chapters.
Small Watershed Action Plans: In 2015-2016, the Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited was invited by Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability to represent MDTU on two Small Watershed Action Plans (SWAPs) within the County. The County was eager for MDTU to participate since both SWAPs included rivers and streams that support a healthy, self-sustaining brown trout population and to a lesser extent even native brook trout. SWAPs identify strategies to bring a small watershed into compliance with water quality criteria. Strategies go beyond traditional government capital projects and include projects in partnership with local watershed associations, citizen awareness campaigns and volunteer activities such as those organized by MDTU. MDTU board member Brian Bernstein attended a series of meetings to review and comment on the development of each stage of the SWAP. Specific MDTU goals were to highlight the importance of protecting trout and cold water resources within each SWAP. This included promoting greater cold water resource protection measures such as limiting development within cold water resource areas, promoting reforestation and riparian buffers and limiting higher density zoning changes.
SWAPs were completed for both the Lower Jones Falls and Northeastern Jones Falls watershed. The Jones Falls watershed encompasses 40 square miles including rural segments of Baltimore County at its upper reaches.
The other SWAP development process MDTU participated in was the Loch Raven Reservoir SWAP, for an area located just north of the Baltimore Beltway. This watershed occupies almost the entire central portion of Baltimore County. Small parts of Western Harford County and Southern York County, Pennsylvania also drain into this watershed. It encompasses Baltimore County communities from Upperco to Jacksonville including Hereford, Parkton and Cockeysville along the central corridor.
The Jones Falls Restoration Project is the latest episode in MDTU’s long history of stewarding this special suburban/urban stream. Jones Falls is a spring-fed stream that has its primary source of spring water in the Greenspring Valley in Baltimore County. The watershed is relatively undeveloped with land use in the valley comprised primarily of large estates. The mainstem of Jones Falls flows approximately 6.5 miles east from Garrison Forest Road to Falls Road, where it turns south paralleling Falls Road for about 2.5 miles. Fish population surveys by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service have documented the highest standing crop of wild trout of any stream in Maryland.
In 1973, MDTU joined forces with the Greenspring Valley Garden Club to adopt Jones Falls under the Save Our Streams, "Adopt a Stream" program. Activities over the years have included an annual litter cleanup, a water quality monitoring program in which students from seven schools in the Greenspring Valley were recruited and trained to collect water samples and make observations weekly to document water quality and habitat conditions. The chapter conducted an annual fish population survey, a watershed-wide stream walk, and a snapshot of the overall health of the watershed including macro-invertebrate collections and analysis of water samples. MDTU also conducted two habitat improvement and bank stabilization projects in the reach downstream of Park Heights Avenue. MDTU currently organizes an annual stream walk utilizing volunteers to assess the physical condition of every mile
of stream including major tributaries.
As part of the 2009-2014 MDTU Strategic Plan, the Chapter adopted the Jones Falls as its major resource effort. The new project focused on property owned by Baltimore City. The section is located on the west side of Falls Road immediately upstream of the Falls Road bridge over Jones Falls.
The section of stream adjacent to the Baltimore City property has been channelized and lined with a concrete channel in the past. Approximately 600 feet of concrete channel eliminates any habitat for aquatic life. MDTU proposed to remove concrete and restore natural stream channel from this reach so that natural stream habitat could be restored using a natural channel design approach. The redesigned channel would have stream banks vegetated with native plants as well as pools and riffles that are natural in a stream. MDTU envisioned that when the project is complete, there will be a natural channel and outstanding habitat for trout and aquatic organisms that are associated with a coldwater ecosystem.
Partners in the project included Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management (DEPRM), Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the Maryland DNR Fisheries Service.
MDTU successfully secured $425,000 in funding to complete the project. Funding came from the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Trust Fund. MDTU contracted with Brightwater, Inc. a local firm with over 26 years experience in natural channel stream restoration. Brightwater successfully completed the design phase that was approved by all parties. MDTU and Brightwater obtained all necessary permits to begin work.
At the last minute, the City of Baltimore demanded a $1,000,000 environmental performance bond. MDTU was unable to meet this requirement and feared the project would be shelved. However, the project was taken over by BlueWater Baltimore and Environmental Quality Resources, Inc.
The project was completed in September, 2016. Tree planting was completed shortly after and MDTU, who retained responsibility for stability monitoring, conducted the first monitoring training and survey in October, 2016.
Brown trout were observed holding in the restored section in October, 2016.
Upper Gunpowder Watershed Brook Trout Project: The Upper Gunpowder Watershed Brook Trout Conservation Partnership is a unique program. Rather than focus on specific improvements in a stream, it takes a watershed-wide approach to preservation. The project encompasses some 60 miles of stream across 48 square miles. Scott Scarfone leads the project. Adam Nabors spearheads the technical side of temperature logging and logger installation. Brian Bernstein also works closely with the project.
In the fall of 2014, the Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited (MDTU) convened a meeting at the National Aquarium, inviting interested parties to explore the possibility of establishing a brook trout conservation effort in the eastern part of Maryland. Organizations represented included MDTU, DNR’s Inland Fisheries Management Division, and the National Aquarium. At the initial meeting, DNR biologists led the group in an analysis of multiple sub-watersheds in the Gunpowder basin, highlighting each area’s future potential to support thriving, interconnected brook trout habitat. Forest cover, land use practices, and the amount of impervious surface area are all key factors that impact a watershed’s ability to sustain healthy populations of brook trout. The Upper Gunpowder watershed, partially within the Prettyboy Reservoir watershed, was identified as the sub-watershed with the most potential for a successful conservation and possibly restoration effort. (See inserted maps of project area.)
The Upper Watershed is, by Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates home to about 25% of the extant brook trout population in Maryland. This is second only to the Savage River Watershed in Western Maryland. Data on the extent of brook trout and reliable information on stream ecology is scant. Only a few of the streams have been surveyed to determine the existence of brook trout. Alan Heft, Maryland DNR, argued that this area is a prime location for preservation and restoration. He points out that the Upper Gunpowder Watershed has the least amount of developed land, most heavy existing tree cover, most known and intact brook trout populations, and the least amount of streams dominated by brown trout or in a location that has the potential to be taken over by brown trout.
Scott Scarfone, board member of Maryland Trout Unlimited and an avid small stream fisher for brookies, began looking into a couple of the small tributaries above Pettyboy Reservoir in 2013. He first approached Maryland DNR inland fisheries to get data only to learn that DNR focused most of its brook trout efforts on Western Maryland’s larger and better documented population of brook trout. Next he contacted the environmental departments of Baltimore and Carroll Counties to see what they have been doing in the watershed. While all were making an effort, action was disjointed and uncoordinated. As the circle of contacts grew, Scott began assembling a team of concerned citizen groups and agencies interested in brook trout preservation. Eventually the team grew to include:
• Maryland Trout Unlimited
· Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Inland Fisheries Management Division
• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Prettyboy Watershed Association
• Gunpowder Valley Conservancy
• National Aquarium
• Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture
• National Fish and Wildlife Service – Chesapeake Bay Workgroup
To date, the workgroup’s accomplishments are considerable. In addition to connecting with allied partner organizations or agencies who have overlapping interests such as DNR’s Maryland Biological Stream Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Baltimore and Carroll Counties, the group has:
- Developed a preliminary 20 Year work plan outline.
- Secured commitment of the Director of MD Fisheries for the project.
- Compiled existing data sets from various agencies in one location.
- Obtained a TU Embrace-a-Stream grant for acquisition of temperature loggers and development and distribution of an informational brochure.
- Designed informational brochure and distributed to each landowner in the watershed.
- Purchased and deployed 35 temperature loggers in Spring 2016 to collect stream temperature data; these were redeployed in 2017.
- Electroshocked several tributaries for brook trout population counts and tagged 15 brook trout for 1-year movement monitoring. Tagging was repeated in 2017.
- Working with the North Atlantic Aquatic Community Collaborative, 50 culverts in the watershed were assessed in 2016 under a USFWS Culvert Assessment grant. Team members were certified to follow USFWS assessment protocols
Scott Scarfone presented the project in a session at the Southeast Regional Meeting in Roanoke, Virginia in May 2016 and has also presented to several local TU chapters.
Small Watershed Action Plans: In 2015-2016, the Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited was invited by Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability to represent MDTU on two Small Watershed Action Plans (SWAPs) within the County. The County was eager for MDTU to participate since both SWAPs included rivers and streams that support a healthy, self-sustaining brown trout population and to a lesser extent even native brook trout. SWAPs identify strategies to bring a small watershed into compliance with water quality criteria. Strategies go beyond traditional government capital projects and include projects in partnership with local watershed associations, citizen awareness campaigns and volunteer activities such as those organized by MDTU. MDTU board member Brian Bernstein attended a series of meetings to review and comment on the development of each stage of the SWAP. Specific MDTU goals were to highlight the importance of protecting trout and cold water resources within each SWAP. This included promoting greater cold water resource protection measures such as limiting development within cold water resource areas, promoting reforestation and riparian buffers and limiting higher density zoning changes.
SWAPs were completed for both the Lower Jones Falls and Northeastern Jones Falls watershed. The Jones Falls watershed encompasses 40 square miles including rural segments of Baltimore County at its upper reaches.
The other SWAP development process MDTU participated in was the Loch Raven Reservoir SWAP, for an area located just north of the Baltimore Beltway. This watershed occupies almost the entire central portion of Baltimore County. Small parts of Western Harford County and Southern York County, Pennsylvania also drain into this watershed. It encompasses Baltimore County communities from Upperco to Jacksonville including Hereford, Parkton and Cockeysville along the central corridor.
Patapsco Valley - Trout Unlimited
PVTU has completed a four year project, “Targeted Benthic for Enhanced Cold Water Protection” that has identified all stream stretches within the Patapsco Valley that have the capability to hold trout populations. MDE has utilized TU data in support of stream re-designation to Class III.
The Board of PVTU has finalized a plan to monitor stream health in the Patapsco Valley. Fixed sites will be sampled on a six year cycle for temperature, benthic diversity, and physical habitat evaluations.
PVTU has teamed with the City of Manchester, Carroll County, DNR Forestry Service, and USDA-Conservation Service to protect the headwaters of Big Pipe Creek. This groundbreaking effort is protecting a headwater area that does not support trout yet populations occur less than a mile downstream. An extensive work plan was presented by TU and endorsed by all concerned agencies. A six thousand square foot abandoned skateboard surface located less than 20 feet from the stream was removed and returned to a native plant area and should be completed in Fall 2021.
PVTU with the help of MDDNR has surveyed streams in the South Branch Watershed for trout populations and monitored benthic index of biodiversity (BIBI) and water temperatures as part of a comprehensive and systematic process. As a result of these efforts, Piney Branch now a Class I or general use stream was shown to support a wild population of brown trout and with MDE's help is on course to be re-designated to Class III Natural Trout Water. Nearby Piney Run stream, however, was identified as being impacted by a variety of stressors that restricted trout populations below the Piney Run Reservoir. Aided by PVTU advocacy a large main stem segment of Piney Run between Route 32 to below Slacks Rd and its tributaries is scheduled to be restored. Funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the work will remove or mitigate low head dams, plant riparian buffers, and improve stream channels. A parallel effort spearheaded by PVTU is seeking to obtain a coldwater release from the Reservoir.
Planned future projects including restoring Morgan Run in the area of the handicapped accessible platform to provide trout holding areas and address bank erosion and to study the impact of stormwater runoff from I-70 into Hay Meadow Branch which is Natural Trout Water
The Board of PVTU has finalized a plan to monitor stream health in the Patapsco Valley. Fixed sites will be sampled on a six year cycle for temperature, benthic diversity, and physical habitat evaluations.
PVTU has teamed with the City of Manchester, Carroll County, DNR Forestry Service, and USDA-Conservation Service to protect the headwaters of Big Pipe Creek. This groundbreaking effort is protecting a headwater area that does not support trout yet populations occur less than a mile downstream. An extensive work plan was presented by TU and endorsed by all concerned agencies. A six thousand square foot abandoned skateboard surface located less than 20 feet from the stream was removed and returned to a native plant area and should be completed in Fall 2021.
PVTU with the help of MDDNR has surveyed streams in the South Branch Watershed for trout populations and monitored benthic index of biodiversity (BIBI) and water temperatures as part of a comprehensive and systematic process. As a result of these efforts, Piney Branch now a Class I or general use stream was shown to support a wild population of brown trout and with MDE's help is on course to be re-designated to Class III Natural Trout Water. Nearby Piney Run stream, however, was identified as being impacted by a variety of stressors that restricted trout populations below the Piney Run Reservoir. Aided by PVTU advocacy a large main stem segment of Piney Run between Route 32 to below Slacks Rd and its tributaries is scheduled to be restored. Funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the work will remove or mitigate low head dams, plant riparian buffers, and improve stream channels. A parallel effort spearheaded by PVTU is seeking to obtain a coldwater release from the Reservoir.
Planned future projects including restoring Morgan Run in the area of the handicapped accessible platform to provide trout holding areas and address bank erosion and to study the impact of stormwater runoff from I-70 into Hay Meadow Branch which is Natural Trout Water
National Capital - Trout Unlimited
Angler Corps: This winter, NCC-TU initiated the Angler Corps project. Angler Corps brings together a diverse group of avid wild trout anglers to explore central Maryland in an effort to locate previously undocumented wild and native trout populations. Locating a new trout population is not an easy task in a state as heavily studied as Maryland, but doing so can lead to upgraded environmental protections for those streams. The presence of wild trout in a stream may lead the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to designate the stream as Use-III (or "coldwater stream" designation), meaning no pollution may occur that would raise the water temperature beyond 68°F, keeping the water cold enough for trout survival. Angler Corps is temporarily paused until the latest Stay-at-Home orders are lifted.
Conservation Corps: NCC-TU is committed to protecting coldwater resources and native fish populations threatened by climate change. Recently, the chapter received grant money through Patagonia's Retail Grants Program to launch a detailed water temperature study on Catoctin Mountain native brook trout streams. The study will take place this summer and will help TU identify coldwater brook trout refuges to protect, in addition to warmwater influences that future projects can mitigate. In general, data collected should help paint a picture of how and where TU can act to safeguard our strongest local brook trout populations against future climate change impacts.
Fletchers Cove: The Potomac River Conservation Subcommittee focuses on the upper tidal Potomac River, and Fletcher’s Cove, the de-facto home of Washington D.C.’s robust urban fishery. This spring NCC-TU planned to host our third annual Tidal Potomac Slam along with our partners Northern Virginia – Trout Unlimited, CCA Greater Washington, CCA Northern Virginia, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Capitol Region, Potomac River Smallmouth Club, and Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders. However, with the emergence of the CoVID-19 Pandemic, the tournament was postponed indefinitely.
Unfortunately, the disruptions of CoVid-19 also led NCC-TU to postpone the highly anticipated inaugural Fletcher's Fest, which originated as a way to convene Potomac River conservation partners at Fletcher’s Cove for the Tidal Potomac Slam closing ceremonies and conclusion of the spring fishing season. Fletcher's Fest has been postponed to September 13th where everyone is invited to stop by and enjoy live music, drinks, barbeque, and casting lessons along the Potomac. NCC-TU has partnered with Potomac Conservancy to host a river clean-up as part of Fletcher's Fest and help keep the Cove trash free. In related news, NCC-TU continues to generate support for the #SaveTheCove campaign led by Friends of Fletcher’s Cove (FFC). #SaveTheCove is an advocacy campaign seeking to secure funding for emergency dredging and long-term remediation of Fletcher’s Cove, helping restore access and return the Potomac to its natural flow.
Rock Creek: Rock Creek is a treasured D.C. and Maryland waterway that provides urban dwellers an easy escape into the natural world. Cutting right through the heart of Washington D.C., this waterway is prone to the excessive erosion of it’s banks and pollution from storm water runoff and combined sewer outflows. NCC-TU partners with the Rock Creek Conservancy and local schools to support their mission in restoring Rock Creek by participating in stream cleanup events, lobbying for improved water quality policies in the district and promoting the responsible recreational use of this wonderful resource.
Conservation Corps: NCC-TU is committed to protecting coldwater resources and native fish populations threatened by climate change. Recently, the chapter received grant money through Patagonia's Retail Grants Program to launch a detailed water temperature study on Catoctin Mountain native brook trout streams. The study will take place this summer and will help TU identify coldwater brook trout refuges to protect, in addition to warmwater influences that future projects can mitigate. In general, data collected should help paint a picture of how and where TU can act to safeguard our strongest local brook trout populations against future climate change impacts.
Fletchers Cove: The Potomac River Conservation Subcommittee focuses on the upper tidal Potomac River, and Fletcher’s Cove, the de-facto home of Washington D.C.’s robust urban fishery. This spring NCC-TU planned to host our third annual Tidal Potomac Slam along with our partners Northern Virginia – Trout Unlimited, CCA Greater Washington, CCA Northern Virginia, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Capitol Region, Potomac River Smallmouth Club, and Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders. However, with the emergence of the CoVID-19 Pandemic, the tournament was postponed indefinitely.
Unfortunately, the disruptions of CoVid-19 also led NCC-TU to postpone the highly anticipated inaugural Fletcher's Fest, which originated as a way to convene Potomac River conservation partners at Fletcher’s Cove for the Tidal Potomac Slam closing ceremonies and conclusion of the spring fishing season. Fletcher's Fest has been postponed to September 13th where everyone is invited to stop by and enjoy live music, drinks, barbeque, and casting lessons along the Potomac. NCC-TU has partnered with Potomac Conservancy to host a river clean-up as part of Fletcher's Fest and help keep the Cove trash free. In related news, NCC-TU continues to generate support for the #SaveTheCove campaign led by Friends of Fletcher’s Cove (FFC). #SaveTheCove is an advocacy campaign seeking to secure funding for emergency dredging and long-term remediation of Fletcher’s Cove, helping restore access and return the Potomac to its natural flow.
Rock Creek: Rock Creek is a treasured D.C. and Maryland waterway that provides urban dwellers an easy escape into the natural world. Cutting right through the heart of Washington D.C., this waterway is prone to the excessive erosion of it’s banks and pollution from storm water runoff and combined sewer outflows. NCC-TU partners with the Rock Creek Conservancy and local schools to support their mission in restoring Rock Creek by participating in stream cleanup events, lobbying for improved water quality policies in the district and promoting the responsible recreational use of this wonderful resource.
Seneca Valley - Trout Unlimited
Further information coming soon.
Nemacolin - Trout Unlimited
Further information coming soon.
Youghiogheny - Trout Unlimited
Further information coming soon.
Potomac-Patuxent - Trout Unlimited
Further information coming soon.