Environmental Report, October 2024
Cold Water Preservation in MD
My thanks to all who responded to the Alert issued a few weeks ago. The issue of protecting cold water streams and rivers from future development hits home for those who enjoy fishing in
the four Maryland counties cited. The recommendation for an “existing use” classification for the seven streams, tributaries, and rivers would protect them from encroaching development.
The identified cold water locations are:
Tributary to Jacks Hole (Harford County)
Tributary to Michaels Run (Harford County)
Tributary to Broad Creek (Harford County)
North Branch of Potomac (Allegany County)
North Branch of Potomac (Garrett County)
North Branch of Potomac near Kempton (Garrett County)
Dog Creek (Washington County)
These locations have been identified as having naturally reproducing trout populations, and have the aquatic life to support the trout.
Although the period for public comment to The MD Department of the Environment (MDE) has passed it is important to keep this issue on our radar. Our contact at MDE is Melinda Cutler at
melinda.cutler@maryland.gov
Whether you live in MD or VA you have a stake in keeping fishing locations in our area clear, cold, and producing fish. Look for future updates.
Other News: Our projects…
We had two scheduled Environmental Projects this past year. Both were clean up activities at two Izaak Walton League of America Chapter Houses; one in Maryland (Germantown) and the other in Virginia (Leesburg), Our member turnout was small but we were able to clear some brush and remove invasives. These projects provided a chance to express our appreciation to the IWLA for providing CWA with a space for our general meetings and tie flying gatherings. AND we could fish the lovely ponds after lunch.
For the next Calendar year I would like to get CWA members involved in stream monitoring events. I have identified several opportunities for us to join already existing programs of stream monitoring but I want to gauge member interest before committing.
