Mid-Atlantic Conservation Special Notice
WHO TO CALL WHEN YOU SPOT POLLUTION
If you see pollution in the Potomac, Sheanadoah or tributaries:
First call one of the numbers below, and then call,
Potomac Riverkeeper:
at 301-POTOMAC(768-6622), or
email to keeper@potomacriverkeeper.org
Types of pollution; fish kills, algae blooms,
hazardous materials and oil spills, public sewer breaks
and over flows, sediment or dirt discharge, wetland impacts, etc.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE):
All pollution - Call 1 866-633-4686
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
Emergency Spill Line (all pollution) - call 1 800-642-3074
Open dumpster Litter Line - 800-322-5530
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):
All Pollution call 1 866-241-2050
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality -
All Pollution regular business hours call:
Northern Regional Office at 703-583-3800
Piedmont (Middle VA) Regional Office at 804-527-5020
Tidewater (Southern VA) Regional Office at 757-518-2179
Department of Emergency Management (after hours, holidays, weekends) call 804-897-6500
District of Columbia:
WASA hot line (sewer leaks) at 202-612-3400 - have nearest street and cross street ready
DC Watershed protection and Compliance Branch call 202-535-2240
DC Water Quality Division - call 202-724-9216
DC Department of the Environment call 202-535-2615
If you see pollution in the Susquehanna or tributaries:
Please call one of the numbers below:
LOWER Susquehanna Riverkeeper:
at 717-779-7915, or
email to riverkeeper@lowersusquehannariverkeeper.org
UPPER Susquehanna Riverkeeper(Paul Otruba):
at 570-662-3624 (Cell - 570 662 3624), or
email to mtnbooks@quik.com
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE):
All pollution - Call 1 866-633-4686
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):
All Pollution call 1 866-241-2050
Maryland Stream Waders 2008 Free water quality Monitoring
FOR INFORMATION AND TO FIND OUT HOW TO
PRE-REGISTER CLICK HERE
Whirling Disease
Myxobolus cerebralis (Mc) is a parasite that infiltrates
the head and spinal cartilage of fingerling trout where
it multiplies rapidly, putting pressure on the organ of
equilibrium. This causes the fish to swim erratically
(whirl), and have difficulty feeding and avoiding predators,
in severe cases, die. In severe infections, the disease can
cause high rates of mortality in young-of-the-year fish.
When an infected fish dies, millions of tiny indestructible
Mc spores (each about the size of a red blood cell) are
released to the water where they can survive in this
"dormant" form for up to 30 years.
Therein lies the gravity of the whirling disease problem. M. cerebralis
is virtually indestructible -- the spore can withstand freezing and
desiccation, and can survive in a stream for 20 to 30 years.
Whirling disease is most infective to rainbow and cutthroat
trout, but can infect all salmonid species, including brook trout.
Anglers and boaters can help prevent further spread.
Anglers, boaters, and others can make a difference in reducing
the chances of spreading whirling disease. Distribution of the
parasite is expanding rapidly in some areas, so you should assume
its presence if you don't know otherwise. Recommended precautions
that will help prevent not only the spread of whirling disease,
but also other disease-causing organisms and aquatic pests include:
- Never transport live fish from one water body to another.
(This is illegal in many states.)
- Dispose of fish entrails and skeletal parts properly.
Never discard fish parts in or near streams or rivers.
Do not discard fish parts in a kitchen disposal.
Whirling disease myxospores can survive most wastewater
treatment systems. Instead, discard in dry waste
that would go to a landfill.
- Contact the Department of Natural Resources at
800-688-3467 if you observe signs of whirling disease
in fish or observe illegal stocking.
- Obtain certified disease free fish for any private stock projects.
- Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear,
and drain water from boats before leaving an infected drainage.
This is good practice for preventing transfer of other
aquatic hitchhikers as well.
- Although the above precautions will remove most spores
from your gear, you may want to consider the following if
fishing in heavily infected waters: Rinse, then thoroughly
dry your boots, waders and other fishing equipment. This is
generally sufficient to kill the TAM stage of the parasite.
For disinfection options if your equipment does not have time
to dry thoroughly see Whirling Disease Initiative Web Site:
http://whirlingdisease.montana.edu/
A second source of information is the Whirling Disease Foundation:
http://www.whirling-disease.org/
Didymo (Didymosphenis geminata)
Didymo is an invasive freshwater alga
that can form massive blooms. Didymo can smother
streambeds and adversely affect freshwater fish,
plant andinvertebrate species by depriving them of
habitat, and also impact recreational opportunities.
It is not considered a significant human health risk,
but in recent years has been spreading to previously
unaffected areas in North America, Europe and
Asia, and has been detected in New Zealand. This
species historically formed blooms in fast-flowing,
cold, clean waters but now didymo is increasing its
ecological range. Recent research shows that many
countries across the globe provide suitable habitat
for didymo to thrive.
Find out more:
Scientific Document on Didymo (pdf)
Clean Angling Pledge (pdf)
FFF - An Aquatic Nuisance for North America
Environmental Protection Agency
Conflict for Natural Resources Trout versus Mining - By Don Fine
Reports of fish kills, intersex in fresh water fish species,
high mercury levels in salt water fish species are constant
reminders that destruction and depletion of our natural
environment is in a situation of destruction, depletion
and decay. We now read of environmental threats to a
meandering river deep in the rugged hills of Michigan's
Upper Peninsula. The Salmon Trout River, that constitutes
one of the last remaining spawning habitats for coaster
brook trout is threated by a mining project funded by the
Kennecott Minerals Company. Coaster brook trout are named
for their tendency to hang around the lakeshore for most
of the year, but travel upstream in the fall to spawn.
The Kennecott Minerals Company plans to drill an underground
mine in the desolate highlands surrounding this native river,
thus bringing employment of 120 jobs to the local community.
Nickel and copper extracted from the mine would contain
sulfide ore, the precursor to sulfuric acid which would
leach into the stream when the ore is exposed to air and
water. As expected the project is opposed by a desparate
group of environmental activists along with Native
Americans and local residents.
As happened so many times in recent years across this country,
overfishing, habitat destruction and competition from
deliberately introduced species (reference decline in
cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake with the introduction
of lake trout), threaten the continued existence of our
native species. Anyone who has fished for brook trout
(fondly called red trout in Canadian provinces) will
endorse the statement made recently by a Huron Mountain
Club member, " It's one of the most beautiful fish you
will ever see, bigger than most brook trout with a
brilliant red belly". A fact to be remembered, of the
several trout species found in our eastern waters,
only the brook trout is native.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation - MUD BUSTERS
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has started a
new program called the "Mud Busters." This program
is to document pollution problems and propose solutions.
As we build homes, roads, shopping malls, industrial parks,
and parking lots, the construction disrupts the natural
features of the landscape, often leaving soil unprotected
from rainfall. The result is that muddy water runs
quickly across cleared land and into the local streams,
creeks, and rivers that feed the Bay.
If you see a construction site, or any other situation
where land is disturbed and left unseeded, where soil
is eroding because of wind or rain or melting snow, or
if you see wetlands or a body of water threatened, make
a phone call to
Mr. Bruce Gilmore 410-558-2346 or 410-26-8816.
You can also make a full report on line at
CBF.ORG - MUDBUSTER REPORT
Please provide clear directions to the location, to
include township, county, municipality, road number,
nearby intersections or other landmarks to help identify
the site. If you have photos, please send those along, too.
To learn more about please visit
CBF -- MUDBUSTERS
CBF will report significant violations to the
proper authorities.
Pennsylvania Stream Restoration
In Pennsylvania, CBF and the farm communty,
landowners, and government agencies created
over 1,000 miles of forested stram buffers
and rstored 4,000 acres of wetlands, both
critical elements in the Bay's natural
pollution filtering system.
In Virginia, CBF worked with federal, state,
local, and corporate partners to restore 205
acres of wetlands and forest buffers along the
Rappahannock River and began a stream bank
restoration program in the Shenandoah Valley.
Meanwhile, CBF's aquaculture facility worked
with partners and volunteers to grow and stock
1.5 million disease-tolerant native oysters in
the Lynnhaven River.
In Maryland, nearly 1,000 volunterrs took part
in CBF's restoration projects with underwate
grasses, forested buffers, wetlands, and living
shorelines from the Eastern Shore to Western
Maryland. Using our state-of-the-art oyster
restoration vessel, Patricia Campbell, we
collaborated with several partners on more
thatn a dozen reef projects.
(from Save the Bay, a publication of the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation,
March 2005, Vol. 30. No. 5)
Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Maryland Farm Service Agency announced the
availability of the Draft Programmatic
Environmental Assessment for the Maryland
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).
Implementation of MD CREP would allow for a maximum
of 100,000 acres to be enrolled in the
program.
Goals of the program include:
Reduce nutrient pollution from agricultural lands
by approximately
5,750 tons of nitrogen and 550 tons of
phosphorus, annually and
Increase targeted fish, wildlife and plnat
species in
the Chesapeake Bay region by establishing or
enhancing
93,000acres of riparian habitat, 5,000 acres of
wetland
habitat and 2,000 acres of habitat for declining
species.
Of the maximum allowable acreage for enrollment,
77,000 acres may be enrolled into the program using
approved conservation practices designed to have
water quality benefits; 5,000 acres for wetland
restoration and enhancement, 16,000 acres of
protection of highly erodible lands and 2,000 acres
for habitat enhancement for declining species in
the state.
Fore more infromation please view the
Maryland
Department of Agriculture News Release.
The Potomac Conservancy Events for August
Potomac Heritage Trail Exploratory Hike.
Saturday, August 5, 10 am - 2 pm, Prince William Forest
Park, Virginia. Hike with Potomac Conservancy staff
on proposed routes for the Potomac Heritage National
Scenic Trail. Topics during the hike will include
natural history and Leave No Trace principles. T
his Potomac Conservancy event is suitable for children.
Free. (301) 608 - 1188, x213.
Dragonfly/Damselfly Walk.
Saturday, August 12, 12:30 - 2:30 pm, River Center
at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal, Cabin John, Md.
Join Audubon Society of Northern Virginia’s dragonfly
experts and nature photographers as they look at
dragonflies and other wildlife along the C&O Canal.
This Potomac Conservancy event is suitable for children.
Free. (301) 608 - 1188, x 209.
Voices of the River: Growing Native.
Sunday, August 13, 4 - 5 pm, River Center at
Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal, Cabin John, Md. Go
nuts for clean water by taking part in Growing Native!
This hands on seed collection project guarantees to
contribute to the health of the Potomac River.
This Potomac Conservancy event is suitable for children.
Free. (301) 608 - 1188, x 211.
Monocacy River Watershed Restoration Partners
Rob Schnabel - Watershed Restoration Scientist
I have spoken to most of you concerning the EPA
Grant that the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is
applying for to do restoration work on private
farmland. I have pulled together a list of great
partners that can help with the different phases of
these projects. Most of you are organizations that
can help get the volunteers out to plant trees to
restore the forest buffers and some of you are the
technical folks that can help with the design of
stream crossings or watering troughs for livestock,
and others are potential funders of this work to
help sustain our efforts. The Monocacy watershed is
huge but I feel that working together we can make a
difference in the long run.
All trees through this project will be planted by
volunteers, encouraging local communities to help
restore their local waterways.
I have attached a short project description with a
list of partners at the bottom of the page. Also
attached is an example partnership letter which I
would like for you to modify /fill in the blanks to
describe your organization. The grant is due in
mid-July therefore we would like to receive these
letters by Friday July 11th.
Monocacy Farm Stewardship
Description.doc
Example partnership letter.doc
If you have any questions or would like additional
information please e-mail me or call me at your
convenience. I will be away most of next week but
in all day tomorrow. I will be checking my e-mail
while I am away as well.
Thank you and I look forward to the prospect of
working together for our common goal.
Rob Schnabel
Watershed Restoration Scientist
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Philip Merrill Environmental Center
6 Herndon Avenue
Annapolis Maryland 21403
rschnabel@cbf.org
443-482-2175
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world; indeed,
it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Izaak Walton League of America news release!
IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE ISSUES REVAMPED CLEAN WATER ACTION KIT
Gaithersburg, MD (June 16) – The Izaak Walton
League has issued its all-new, totally revised and
updated Watershed Stewardship Action Kit for clean
water advocates and activists.
“This is a multi–faceted tool for
anyone who is interested in getting involved in
protecting streams and rivers in their
community,” said Gwyn Rowland, the
League’s director of watershed
programs.
Citizen involvement in watershed protection and
conservation activities has proven to have
measurable, positive results on the quality of the
nation's waters. Hands-on involvement in stream and
wetland conservation projects gives communities
concrete tools to help restore the nation’s
watersheds.
The toolkit is a central element to the
League’s longstanding Save Our Streams
program, which has pioneered stream and wetland
education for citizens since 1969. SOS has educated
and motivated citizens to clean-up stream
corridors, monitor stream health, restore degraded
stream banks and protect dwindling wetland
acreage.
The toolkit includes a number of fact sheets on
wetlands, the Clean Water Act, and watershed action
plans. It also provides background on how to
develop, fund, conduct, and get publicity for
watershed protection projects in local communities.
It also includes a list of relevant publications
from the Environmental Protection Agency with
directions on they can be acquired. To get the
toolkit go to www.iwla.org/merchant2 and click on
Books, or click on the “search” button
and type in “watershed stewardship action
kit.”
The SOS program is highly regarded among
scientists, agency professionals and concerned
citizens for its educational publications, training
videos, primary and secondary school curriculum,
and for its teacher and volunteer training
workshops that have been presented
nationwide.
According to Thomas Dahl, a wetlands biologist with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: “The
Watershed Stewardship Action Kit is a wonderful
educational tool for those who want to know more
about aquatic resources. The toolkit provides
citizens the ability to identify and understand the
importance and interdependence of many
environmental indicators. Users will have the
ability to better recognize environmental problems
and understand some of the consequences of such
things as changes in land use, wetland destruction,
or changes in water quality.”
SOS has received numerous national awards for
outstanding work in monitoring, restoration and
public education, including the 1990 Renew America
award for the Nation’s Best Surface Water
Protection Program; a 1990 Citation from the United
Nations Environment Programme; a White House
recognition ceremony hosted by President George
Bush; and the national 1994 American Greenways
DuPont Award from DuPont, The Conservation Fund and
the National Geographic Society.
Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League of
America is dedicated to common sense conservation
that protects America's hunting, fishing, and
outdoor heritage relying on solution-oriented
conservation, education, and the promotion of
outdoor recreation for the benefit of our citizens.
The League has more than 40,000 members and
supporters in 21 state divisions and more than 300
local chapters in 32 states.
Gift of Trees
The State of Maryland's Department of Natural
Resources Forest Service is sponsoring a "Gift of
Trees" program. Individuals can remember life's
special moments (e.g. birth, birthday, anniversary,
wedding, memorial, retirement, etc.) by giving a
gift of trees in the name of that individual.
Cost of purchase and planting of the tree is
covered via a $25 donation. All trees will be
planted in designated groves on public lands to
improve natural habitat and buffer our
waterways.
Checks are made payable to MD Department of Natural
Resources, and sent to:
TREE-MENDOUS MARYLAND
Tawes State Office Building E-1
Annapolis, MD 21401
In return for the tree contribution, a gift
certificate announcing the gift will be mailed to
the recipient in the name of the contributor. This
program is also supported by Stream ReLeaf and the
Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
The state of Maryland is sponsoring an
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in
2004. Sign-ups for this program are underway and
applications are due on or before April 9,
2004.
The applications are ranked for funding into two
pools. The first Statewide pool included funds to
control the run-off of animal waste, roof run-off,
etc into waterways. The second, a Countywide pool
includes cost sharing on systems and practices
relating to crop-land, grazing land, forest land,
irrigation and nurseries.
These plans are structured in part to encourage
farmers and ranchers to benefit from participation.
Technical assistance is planning projects is
available. Some EQIP incentive payments may be
provided over a period of three years to encourage
long term management practices that (waste)
producers might not otherwise use. EQIP offers
contracts with a minimum term that ends one year
after the implementation of the last scheduled
practice to a maximum term of ten years.
For more information, contact the Catoctin and
Frederick Soil Conservation District office at 92
Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702 or phone
number 301-695-2803, ext.3.