Chesapeake Bay News

Questionable conditions on the Potomac River caused a delay of the 2011 Potomac River Ramble.  The make-up date is set for Sunday October, 16 2011.

Start time: 8:00 a.m.
End time: 5:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at Shepherd University (shuttle service to just below Dam 4)
What: The 2011 Potomac River Ramble
The October make-up paddle will be contingent upon enough participants signing up.

For more information, please visit www.potomacriver.org.

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin invites the public to paddle with members on the Potomac River for the Shepherdstown Brunch Trip Sunday, September 11, 2011.

NOTE : The event has been re-scheduled due to water conditions. The make-up date is set for Sunday October, 16 2011.

Spend a day on the Potomac paddling between the shores of Maryland and West Virginia.  The one day Ramble will start mid-morning on Sunday September 11th just below Dam 4 and end in cozy Shepherdstown, W.Va.  Along the way, paddlers will stop for an out-of-boat brunch and a couple of educational programs focusing on watershed issues.

The Potomac River Ramble is a canoeing and kayaking event that features environmental programming, restoration projects, festive meals, meetings with elected officials, and much more.

Novice and experienced paddlers alike enjoy a unique on-the-water experience that builds a strong environmental ethic, while having a lot of fun.  The Ramble aims to elevate awareness of the Potomac River’s importance to the region and to encourage local residents to play an active role in its restoration.

Experience with boats is not necessary.  Guides, food, and transportation will be provided.  Attendees can enjoy Potomac River scenery, presentations, food, camaraderie, and paddling.

For information or to register for the event, visit the River Ramble page on the ICPRB website.

The Potomac River in Washington, D.C. is showing multiple benefits from restoration efforts, newly published research suggests.  Reduced nutrients and improved water clarity have increased the abundance and diversity of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Potomac, according to direct measurements taken during the 18-year field study.

Since 1990, the area covered by SAV in the lower Potomac has doubled, the area covered by native SAV has increased ten-fold, the diversity of plant species has increased, and the proportion of exotic species to native species has declined as nutrients have declined, according to the study by the U.S. Geological Survey and England’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC).

More than a dozen species of SAV, including the exotic hydrilla, co-exist in this reach of the Potomac that was almost barren in a 1978-1981 USGS study.

SAV are critical to the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They provide oxygen, food, and shelter so that invertebrates, fish, crabs and waterfowl can survive.  High nutrient levels stimulate algal blooms in the water, decrease water clarity, and block light needed for SAV growth.

The authors analyzed measurements of aquatic plant species abundance, nutrient effluent from the wastewater treatment plant, and water quality from 1990 to 2007. The surveys included a 50-mile reach of the tidal Potomac downstream from Washington.

Key Findings on the Potomac River’s SAV:

- Native SAV cover increased tenfold from 288 to 3081 acres.

- The overall area covered by SAV in the Potomac more than doubled since 1990, increasing from 4207 to 8441 acres.

- The diversity of SAV has increased. In 1990 the exotic hydrilla was 10 times more abundant than any other species. In 2007 the abundance of the 7 most frequently occurring species are more evenly matched.

- In 1990, more than 80% of the total SAV was hydrilla; in 2007 hydrilla declined to 20%.

- Results suggest declining fitness of exotic species relative to native species during restoration.

These results are consistent with a multi-agency study released in July, which correlated nutrient reductions with gains in the abundance of SAV in some Chesapeake Bay tributaries, while noting a negative correlation within the bay between SAV and nitrogen.

The study was supported by USGS National Research Program; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore; the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Aquatic Plant Management Program; and the Fisheries Division of the District of Columbia Department of Health.

The report, “Long-term reductions in anthropogenic nutrients link to improvements in Chesapeake Bay habitat is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1003590107.

source: USGS

A special guest has been invited to the annual Potomac River Ramble, July 8-11. On the second night of this year’s canoe and kayak camping trip, the 18th century Cherokee Indian “Mankiller” Ostenaco (played by actor  Doug Wood) will appear in the firelight, his head painted warrior red, to tell the story of how he led 130 men into war to protect British settlers against the fury of the French.

The Potomac River Ramble, sponsored by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and led by River & Trail Outfitters, is an annual, multi-day canoe and kayak trip featuring riverside camping, catered meals, restoration projects, history talks, nature walks and environmental education.

Biologists, historians, geologists and other experts will meet the group of paddlers along the way for hands-on instruction and discussion. Organizers hope participants will become intimately connected with the “nation’s river” by camping alongside it as they paddle the three-day course.

This year’s event begins Thursday evening, July 8 and ends Sunday afternoon, July 11. Experienced guides and other experts will lead paddlers from Town Creek Park, W.Va. through the gorges and rolling hills of the Potomac River’s Paw Paw Bends, ending at Little Orleans.

No paddling experience is necessary, and you do not have to register for the entire trip. The cost is $55 per day and includes meals, camping fees, guides, shuttle and educational programming. If you do not have a boat, rentals are available; prices include delivery and pickup.

For more information please visit:  http://www.potomacriver.org/cms/

You may also contact Jennifer Willoughby with the ICPRB at 301-984-1908 ext. 109 or JWilloughby@icprb.org; or Lee Baihly with River & Trail Outfitters at 301-988-5712 or lee@rivertrail.com.

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin has been working to enhance and protect the Potomac River and its tributaries through regional and interstate partnerships since 1940. River and Trail Outfitters has been guiding trips since 1972, annually outfitting more than 30,000 people on various rivers in the Potomac watershed.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Montgomery County have partnered to rebuild the Pennyfield boat ramp which provides access to the Potomac River. The ramp is located at the Muddy Branch at the National Park Service aqueduct. This popular location has been used for decades by boaters and anglers.

“The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission appreciates the cooperative efforts with DNR and the National Park Service to design, fund, and construct this project that provides greatly improved access to the aqueduct and Potomac River,” said Project Engineer Andrew Frank. “This location is very popular among avid sportsmen and families alike, and we have received many compliments on the completed project. M-NCPPC anticipates the public will continue to enjoy this improved launch site for decades to come and thanks everyone who helped make it possible.”

DNR provided $99,000 in grant funds to Montgomery County to build a concrete ramp, an in-water stone “j-hook” (that creates deep pooling water downstream from the ramp), place stones along the river banks to help keep them secure, and to create a handicapped accessible parking space. The Montgomery County Department of Parks contributed over $99,000 as well. DNR grant funds are from the Waterway Improvement Fund, which is funded by the 5 percent excise tax boaters pay when they register a boat in Maryland.

This unique boat ramp, which replaces the old wooden boat ramp that had fallen into disrepair, will provide access to hundreds of small flat bottom motorized hunting and fishing boats, and thousands of canoes and kayaks to the Potomac River.

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Inland Fisheries will host an open tidal bass roundtable discussion February 9 from 2– 5 p.m. in the C-1 conference room of the Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis, MD.

During the forum, scientists will present recent findings for largemouth bass populations in the Chesapeake Bay’s rivers such as the Potomac, Choptank, Nanticoke, and Upper Bay tributaries.

DNR officials will also present a review of procedures for tournament directors, including fish release guidelines and procedures, as well as tips for angler behavior and fish handling.

Also on the agenda is an overview of upcoming projects including a new radio tagging program, which will allow DNR biologists to track electronically tagged largemouth bass and assess the effectiveness of existing fish sanctuaries. In compliance with the radio tagging program it is important that bass anglers carefully revive and release a tagged fish in the same waters in which it was caught so the fish will continue to perform normally. DNR biologists will also discuss the ongoing nest box program—an effort to establish discreet refuges suitable for spawning in areas that don’t offer ideal conditions for reproduction.

The final hour of the meeting will be dedicated to questions and answers from stakeholders.

Those interested in attending or who want more information should contact DNR Fisheries Tidal Bass Manager Joe Love at jlove@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8257.

source: DNR press release

The 2009 Potomac River Ramble will be held June 24th – 28th. This year’s Ramble will feature the Monocacy Scenic River from the city of Frederick, Md. through the Monocacy Aqueduct and down the Potomac, ending at the McKee – Beshers Wildlife Management Area.

For 2009, events will include:

* Studying aquatic invaders with the Md. Department of Natural Resources and the Hood College Biology Department;

* Examining the inter-sex smallmouth bass problem in the Potomac with the U.S. Geological Survey;

* Interpretive programs at the Monocacy National Battlefield Park;

* Amphibian and wetland surveys with ICPRB and Montgomery County DEP biologists.

The Potomac River Rambles are a series of multi-day canoeing and kayaking expeditions that feature environmental programming, riverside camping, restoration projects, festive meals, meetings with elected officials, and much more.  Novice and experienced paddlers alike enjoy a unique on-the-water experience that builds a strong environmental ethic, while having a lot of fun in the process. The Rambles aim to elevate awareness of the Potomac River’s importance to the region and to encourage local residents to play an active role in its restoration.

At the invitation of NOAA, the State of Maryland recently announced its nomination of the U-1105 Black Panther Historic Shipwreck Preserve on the Potomac River to the national system of Marine Protected Areas as a site key for conservation.

“The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was pleased to work with the Maryland Historical Trust and the U.S. Navy to help coordinate the State’s participation in the national system of Marine Protected Areas, which lead to the nomination the U-1105 Black Panther Historic Shipwreck Preserve on the Potomac River as a site key for conservation,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Through our coastal spatial planning and mapping initiatives, we will continue investigating opportunities for nominating additional Maryland sites to the system that address sustainable production or natural heritage areas.”

Toxic Algae Bloom Identified in POTOMAC RIVER TRIBUTARY, MATTAWOMAN CREEK

Dept. of Natural Resources Asks Potomac Watershed Residents For Help to Prevent Future Harmful Algal Blooms

Routine water quality monitoring by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center recently identified high concentrations of toxic blue-green algae, Microcystis, in Mattawoman Creek off of the Potomac River.

“Excessive nutrient pollution in the water fuels these algal blooms, which are not uncommon in the freshwater and low salinity waters of the Potomac River.  Harmful algal blooms such as these can be prevented if more people living in the Potomac River watershed take steps to reduce run-off pollution,” said Tom Parham, DNR tidewater ecosystem assessment director. “Some easy and affordable backyard solutions include planting native trees and rain gardens, using rain barrels, and refraining from fertilizing in the spring.”

After learning of algal toxin levels higher than typical acceptable standards for human and animal contact in water samples from Mattawoman Creek, Charles County issued a health advisory for the area encouraging people to take precautions to reduce the risk of illness or discomfort related to blue-green algal blooms:

* The public should not swim in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is evident.

* Do not drink water from any area with the appearance of a blue-green algae bloom.

* If contact is made with problem water, simply wash off with fresh water.

* In some cases, skin irritations may occur after prolonged contact. If irritations persist, see a physician or local health care provider.

* Keep pets and livestock away from bloom areas.

* Blue-green algal blooms may contain toxins that could be harmful or fatal to pets and livestock.

* Do not eat internal organs of fish caught in blue-green bloom waters.

* Inhalation exposure to blue-green algal bloom waters may result in irritation of the eyes, ears, nose and throat with extended recreational activity on such waterways.

Please note that illness associated with harmful algal blooms is a reportable illness and physicians should be reporting these to local health departments.

“We will continue to monitor the algal bloom,” added Parham.

For up to date information on all of Maryland’s harmful algal blooms and water quality, please visit DNR’s Eyes on the Bay website at www.eyesonthebay.net.

Ron Lewis of Point of Rocks, Md. was fishing in the tidal Potomac River near Fort Washington on Sunday March 23, 2008 when he hooked and landed a new state record blue catfish. Ron who is an accomplished fisherman was targeting blue catfish, but the size of this particular fish caught him and his partner by surprise.

“When we brought the catfish alongside the boat we quickly realized that we needed a larger landing net; so we had to haul the fish into the boat by hand,” said Lewis.

Weighing in at an impressive 67.1 pounds and measuring 51 inches long, with a girth of 34.5 inches, Lewis’s catch broke the previous 65.5 pound state record blue catfish set by Josh Fitchett in 2006 in the same general area of the Potomac.

“Mr. Lewis’s historic catch illustrations Maryland’s superb year-round fishing opportunities,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin.

Fishing for blue catfish has quickly become a burgeoning trophy catch and release fishery in the tidal portion of the Potomac River and the anglers who fish for them have become a close knit union often sharing skills and tips.

The record blue catfish was kept alive and will reside in a public fish display at Bass Pro Shop in Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, Md.