Restoring a Bay Resource:
Riparian Forest Buffer Demonstration Sites
Foratry Workgroup
Gieapeake Bay Program
January i<)<|7
CBP/TRS 159/97
EPA 903-R-97-OO1
Chesapeake Bay Program
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Restoring a Bay Resource:
Riparian Forest Buffer Demonstration Sites
Forestry Workgroup
Nutrient Subcommittee
Chesapeake Bay Program
January 1997
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND i
IMPORTANCE OF DEMONSTRATION SITES ii
ADELPHI MANOR PARK, MD 1
BEAVERDAM CREEK, MD 3
BELTSVILLE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, MD . . 5
BOWERSOX FARM, PA 11
CHALLENGER SEVEN MEMORIAL GROVE, MD 13
CHAPEL POINT STATE PARK, MD 15
DIFFICULT RUN, VA 17
DONEGAL CREEK, PA 19
EDEN MILL PARK, MD 27
FOUR MILE RUN, VA 29
HOLLYWOOD BRANCH, MD 31
HURSH FARM, PA 33
LICKINGHOLE CREEK, VA 35
LONG GREEN CREEK, MD 37
MONOCACY NATURAL RESOURCE AREA, MD 39
ST. LEONARD'S FARM, VA 41
VERDANT VALLEY FARM, MD 43
WALKERSVILLE HERITAGE FARM PARK, MD 45
WILLOW OAKS FARM, MD 47
APPENDIX I: MAPS TO THE RESTORATION SITES
APPENDIX II: SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE
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BACKGROUND
Riparian forests are integral to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers for many reasons. Their
position in the landscape makes riparian forests excellent buffers between upland areas and the adjacent
waters that will eventually enter the Bay. Riparian forest buffers are capable of filtering ground and surface
water, stabilizing streambanks, providing shade and supporting a variety of habitats.
Water Quality
Riparian forest buffers help maintain and improve water quality by preventing substantial amounts of
sediment, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous) and toxics from reaching streams, rivers and the
Chesapeake Bay. Excess nitrogen and phosphorous are two of the biggest threats to the health and
productivity of the Bay. If allowed to reach the waterways, nitrogen and phosphorous promote algal
growth, which upsets the balance of aquatic vegetation. When the algae die and decompose, they
consume large quantities of oxygen, depleting the supply available for fish and other forms of aquatic life.
Forested buffers can retain and absorb up to 80 percent of the phosphorous and 89 percent of the
nitrogen in ground and surface water. The roots of buffer vegetation also create breaches in the soil which
allow rainwater to penetrate, recharging underground aquifers.
Streambank Stabilization
A woodland floor is composed of multiple layers of dead and decaying leaves, branches, twigs and other
organic matter. This forest "litter" acts like a sponge, retaining and absorbing large quantities of surface
runoff. This allows the water to percolate into the soil slowly, rather than running off rapidly and carrying
substantial quantities of topsoil with it. In fact, a mature forest floor can absorb up to six inches of rainfall
per hour. Much of this runoff also contains nutrients, which, as discussed above, are absorbed and utilized
by plants in the buffers to maintain their health and vigor. In addition, forested steam buffers benefit
streambanks by physically binding their soil, which keeps the banks in place.
Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife habitat is greatly enhanced by riparian forest buffers through their provision of food, water, cover
and nesting for a multitude of birds and small animals. Forest buffers also create an excellent protective
corridor, which allows for freer movement of wildlife. In addition, these "Greenways" provide excellent
scenic routes of travel for humans to use and enjoy.
Aquatic Habitat
Aquatic life in the streams and rivers benefits from riparian forest buffers. The trees' canopy shades the
water, which moderates water temperatures and protects against rapid fluctuations that can harm aquatic
organisms and reduce fish spawning and survival. The roots of the forest buffer, in addition to stabilizing
the streambanks, provide numerous underwater obstacles which make excellent feeding grounds for fish.
Also, leaves from the trees fall into the stream and are trapped on woody debris and rocks where they
provide food and shelter for small bottom dwelling creatures, such as insects, amphibians, crustaceans and
small fish, which are critical to the aquatic food chain.
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IMPORTANCE OF
DEMONSTRATION SITES
"Seeing is believing." This saying is especially true when it comes to communicating land management
practices. Landowners and managers are interested in seeing the results of a conservation practice
or a change in their management operations. Although providing educational and training
opportunities and technical guides and manuals is valuable, seeing a project first hand is invaluable.
The restoration of riparian forests and natural approaches to stream restoration are relatively new
practices. Although we have been planting trees for nearly a century, the use of hardwoods, the
preparation and maintenance of planted sites, and the dynamic interaction with a river or stream are
all characteristics of riparian restoration that we still are working to perfect and understand.
The riparian forest buffers in this document are located in agricultural, rural and urban settings. An
effort was made to locate restoration efforts in all three of these settings in order to show the buffers'
applicability in different land uses. Several of the profiled restoration sites were included in this
document because of the size of the riparian forest buffer planting. The minimal buffer width for
effective removal of pollutants and trapping of sediment is generally considered to be between 50'-75'.
However, in several of the restoration sites, the buffer width exceeds this figure by 2-3 fold. Two of
the buffer sites were specifically planted as part of a nature trail that is designed to highlight the
functions and values of riparian forest buffers to visitors, Finally, some of the profiled sites are part of
a larger watershed forest buffer planting, meaning that the restoration effort consisted of planting
contiguous woody vegetation along a stream, rather than at one isolated location.
The use of demonstration sites for riparian forest buffer establishment is one way to help accomplish
the objectives of communication, education, and monitoring. A demonstration site is a completed
project that I) is representative of other similar sites, 2) facilitates access by those who wish to observe
or study project techniques, and 3) has monitoring which will help provide additional information to
improve the practice overtime. This compilation is a start. We will continue to add to this riparian
forest buffer demonstration site guide overtime.
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ADELPHI MANOR PARK, MD
Background
Adelphi Manor Park is located along Route 193 in College Park, Maryland. The
Northwest'Branch of the Anacostia River runs through Adelphi Manor Park. The
many smaller tributaries of the Anacostia's two principal branches,
Northwest and Northeast, form a broad, fan-shaped drainage basin
of 170 square miles. Due to the increased urbanization that has
occurred in this watershed, the Anacostia River and many of its
tributaries have become severely degraded. Specifically, the area's
increasing imperviousness has resulted in stormwater flows with
greater velocity, volume and pollutant levels.
Adelphi Manor Park is part of the Maryland National Capital Park and
Planning Commission trail system. Therefore, along with stabilized
streambanks and improved water quality, this riparian forest buffer will
also provide aesthetic values for the trail users. The restoration effort
is being coordinated by the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources Forest Service, with funding from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
Anacostia River
Land. Use Statistics
Urban 44%
Wooded 29%
Pasture 15%
Cultivated 8%
Surface mines; sand
& gravel operations;
construction sites 4%
Project Description
On April 29, 1995, the first phase of the Adelphi Manor Park Restoration Effort was
initiated. Volunteers from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Metropolitan
Washington Council of Governments, University of Maryland and Americorps
planted one acre, or 500 linear feet, of forest buffer along one side of the
Northwest Branch. The average width of the riparian forest buffer is 150'. Four
hundred and fifteen containerized trees and seedlings of the following species were
planted: red maple, green ash, black gum, red osier dogwood, arrowood
viburnum, sweetbay magnolia, pin oak, yellow poplar, red oak, sycamore and
serviceberry. On October 15, 1995, another 500 linear feet of buffer was planted
with the help of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and students from the University
of Maryland.
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In the Spring of 1996, the other side of the Northwest branch was planted. Using
the same species as in the earlier plantings, approximately 600 linear feet of buffer,
with an average width of 50' was restored. A stream clean-up was conducted in
the spring of 1996 as well. In all, the Adelphi Manor Park project has resulted in
the restoration of five acres, or Vi mile, of streambank. Because the Northwest
Branch was experiencing erosion problems, over 100 dormant black willow stakes,
which are effective streambank stabilizers, were driven into the bank to prevent
further erosion. The Black Willow Stake Project will be used to determine if this
practice is effective in stabilizing streambanks in the Anacostia watershed. The
Adelphi Manor Park Restoration is an ongoing project.
Monitoring
The restoration effort at the Adelphi Manor Park will be monitored by MD
Department of Natural Resources Forest Service personnel. Periodic examinations
will be made to determine the tree survival and willow stake effectiveness.
However, the tree survival rate will not be assessed.
Contact:
Dave Plummer
Anacostia Watershed Forester
MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(301)464-3065
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BEAVERDAM CREEK, MD
Background
Beaverdam Creek is one of the many Anacostia River tributaries that flow through
the Bertsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). Nearly half of the tributaries in
the Anacostia watershed pass through BARC property. Restoration in this area
provides an excellent opportunity to improve the water quality and overall health
of the Anacostia River. Encompassing 6,582 acres, BARC represents almost 9
percent of the land in the Maryland section of the Anacostia watershed. This is one
of the largest land holdings under single ownership in the watershed, and with
proper management BARC can have a major impact on the condition of the
Anacostia watershed and the people who live there.
As part of the restoration effort at BARC, twenty sites have been selected for
reforestation. The first stage of the BARC restoration has been establishing riparian
forest buffer plantings on a tributary of Beaverdam Creek. Before the restoration,
the site was sparsely buffered on both sides with cedar, maple and sweetgum. This
restoration site is adjacent to a wetland of special state concern, which provides
habitat for a variety of wildlife, including neo-tropical migrant birds. Increasing the
riparian forest buffer will provide additional habitat and diversity for wildlife and
enhance the filtering capacity of this wetland area.
The establishment of riparian forest buffers at BARC is being funded through a grant
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the USDA Forest Service.
The grant provides support for reforestation projects throughout the
Anacostia watershed and is administered by the MD Department of
Natural Resources Forest Service. During the past 20 years, an
average of 100 acres of forest
have been lost daily in the
Project Description Chesapeake Bay watershed
In the spring of 1995, a contractor hand planted 15 acres of riparian
forest buffer. In all, 9,000 seedlings of the following varieties were planted: green
ash, sycamore, black cherry, black walnut, crab apple, pin oak and red osier
dogwood. The riparian forest buffer is roughly 100' wide on one side of the stream
and slightly less on the other side. These Beaverdam Creek plantings have resulted
in the establishment of 4,000 linear feet of riparian forest buffer. Due to the
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significant deer population, deer fencing and tubex were used to protect the
seedlings. These two methods of protecting tree seedlings will be monitored by
MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service for their effectiveness.
Monitoring
All planting sites will be checked to insure planting success. Survival counts will be
taken for several years following reforestation. This will provide information not
only on initial planting success but also on what other factors may impact
reforestation attempts on agricultural land (e.g. rodents, herbicides, deer,
machinery, etc.). Seedling plantings should exhibit a 70 percent or greater survival
rate and containerized plantings should have 85 percent survival rate or better.
Plantings not meeting these requirements will receive a reinforcement planting to
improve stocking levels.
Contact:
Dave Plummer
Anacostia Watershed Forester
MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(301)464-3065
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BELTSVILLE AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH CENTER, MD
Background
Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) is located in the Maryland portion
of the Anacostia watershed. The Anacostia watershed encompasses one of the
most heavily populated and urbanized areas in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Over 495,000 people currently live in the 120 square miles that make up the
Maryland section of the Anacostia watershed. The pressures of urbanization are
evident throughout the watershed. The bare soil of construction sites, run-down
industrial areas, expanses of impermeable surfaces and tons of trash near streams
are all signs of a degraded urban watershed. As a result of these and other
problems, the Anacostia has been ranked the fourth most threatened river in the
United States by American Rivers.
Nearly half of the tributaries in the Anacostia watershed pass through BARC. This
provides an excellent opportunity to improve the water quality and overall health
of the Anacostia River. At 6,582. acres, BARC represents almost 9 percent of the
land area in the Maryland section of the Anacostia watershed. This is one of the
largest land holdings under single ownership in the entire watershed, and with
active management BARC can have a major impact on the condition of the
Anacostia watershed and the people who live there.
The last naturally reproducing population of brown trout in the
Anacostia watershed is found in the Paint Branch, and there are a
number of planting opportunities along this tributary on BARC
property. By establishing riparian forest buffers, this habitat can be
improved tremendously. Trees will not only filter nutrients from
agricultural lands and shade the stream to provide the cool water mi^mmm
temperatures that trout require, but they will also deliver the
necessary cover and food that trout need to survive. Brown trout are highly
intolerant of degraded water quality; if they are not protected, the trout will surely
decline. Development in the Paint Branch sub-watershed has already put pressure
on the fishery. Establishing riparian forest buffers at BARC can compensate for
losses of habitat in other sections of Paint Branch and will help to increase the range
and number of trout in the Anacostia watershed.
The population in the
Anacostia watershed reached
569,000 by 1980 and is
expected to increase 17
percent by the year 2010
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Perhaps the greatest advantage of establishing riparian forest buffers at BARC is the
research opportunity it presents. Many questions still remain about planting forest
buffers on or adjacent to agricultural land. Are riparian forest buffers compatible
with agriculture? What establishment methods and techniques work best? What
problems may be encountered when riparian forest buffers are planted? All of
these questions and more must be answered before riparian forest buffers are fully
accepted by the agricultural community. Establishing riparian forest buffers at BARC
can provide insight that will be applicable throughout the Chesapeake Bay region
to help farmers decide if forested riparian buffers are workable on their property.
In this way, BARC can be a model for other agricultural landowners, both public
and private. Creating riparian forest buffers at BARC will not only promote
stewardship and water quality, but, hopefully, will also tie in with the research and
investigation upon which BARC was founded.
The establishment of riparian forest buffers at BARC is being funded through a grant
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grant provides support for
reforestation projects throughout the Anacostia watershed and is administered by
the MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. The MD Department
of Natural Resources Forest Service, in cooperation with BARC, will assume
responsibility for funding as well as planning all reforestation projects.
Project Description
The restoration sites were chosen in March of 1995. At that time all of the chosen
sites had flowing water, but many of the streams in this restoration project may "be
considered intermittent streams, and some may even be ditches. The selection
process was intended to be as thorough as possible. In some cases the proposed
reforestation sites did not comply with current BARC management objectives;
however, these sites were identified strictly from a stream enhancement
perspective. Although consideration was given to avoiding interference with farm
activities, there may be some sites where future farm activities were not known.
In these instances the proposed reforestation may be inappropriate. Additionally,
there may be some sites that were not contained in this proposal that will become
available for planting. As part of the restoration effort, twenty riparian forest buffer
sites were chosen based on their proximity to watercourses.
By May of 1996, the first phase of BARC had resulted in 15 acres of BARC
property being reforested with roughly 9,000 trees and shrubs. The average width
of the riparian buffers is 100'. Buffer widths were based on standard accepted
r
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guidelines. Where possible, a 100' buffer was proposed in accordance with United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service guidelines. Where a 100'
buffer could not be implemented because of fields, structures, roads or other
restriction, a 50' buffer was proposed. A 50' buffer is considered the minimum
buffer width for providing a full range of benefits to the stream. However, in a few
situations only a 25' buffer was possible. Although this smaller width reduces the
capabilities of the buffer, it is still preferred over no forest buffer at all. When
designing buffer widths, consideration was given to the importance of future
research. In addition, there was flexibility in the proposal to
allow for smaller buffer widths where necessary to avoid ^^^^^^^^^^1^1^^
ongoing agricultural research projects. According to the US Forest Service, a
riparian forest buffer is an area of trees
-,-, | ., . r _. , rr and other vegetation which can intercept
I here are several sites where riparian forest buffers were _ **»_*« j
r surface runott, subsurtace flow and
increased beyond the standard guidelines. This occurred in deeper ^0,^^^ flows for the
areas where there was an expanse of open land that was not purpose of removing or buffering the
in production, and it appeared that a larger buffer could be effects of nutrients, pesticides or other
established without impacting any ongoing farm operations. chemicals from upland land use, which
These larger buffers were proposed more for the wildlife and could otherwise enter bodies of water.
conservation benefits than from a water quality perspective, mm^mmmmmmmm^^^^^^^mi^mf^^^m
Large blocks of contiguous forest provide habitat for a. broad
array of wildlife, including many species of neo-tropical songbirds.
Methods of Planting
The BARC restoration sites are quite varied and will require different specifications
for planting methods, spacing, species composition and size, site preparation and
maintenance. Three plantings methods will be used to establish riparian forest
buffers at BARC. Volunteer plantings, contract hand plantings and contract machine
plantings will all be used for this reforestation effort. Each of these planting methods
is appropriate under the right conditions, and more than one method will
frequently be applicable to a particular site. The method chosen will depend on
the size and location of the planting area, funding, soils and planting stock.
Volunteer plantings are one of the best methods for reforesting streamside buffers.
Volunteers provide the manpower needed for planting the containerized trees
without labor costs. When volunteer plantings are not feasible, contract hand
planting and machine planting will be used. These two methods will require hiring
a private company to carry out the riparian forest buffer plantings. These contract
methods will contribute significantly to the cost of planting and can only be used
when seedlings are being planted. Machine planting is appropriate on larger
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sites or where the ground makes hand planting difficult. Hand planting is used for
small, irregular shaped planting areas where a greater variety of seedlings are being
planted. Machine planting does not usually provide opportunity for mixing different
species.
The majority of the riparian buffer plantings at BARC will be done with'seedlings.
Seedlings are cheaper and are about 8-18" in height, making them much easier to
transport, handle and plant than containerized or balled and burlapped (B&B) trees.
Seedlings are also more likely to survive with little maintenance. However, for the
sites around buildings, which are highly visible, the larger B&B and
containerized trees will be used. This larger planting stock is usually ^^m^
about one inch in diameter and 6-8' tall. Containerized trees and
shrubs also come in a range of sizes from I -4', depending on species
and supplier. Seedlings may be mixed in with B&B and containerized
plants on some sites to add diversity to the planting. The spacing will
depend on the size of the trees being planted. The larger B&B trees ^i
will be spaced approximately 15 X 15', which will require about 200
trees per acre. The smaller containerized trees will be planted on a 10 X 10'
spacing with 435 trees per acre. The seedlings will be spaced on an 8 X 8' spacing
with roughly 680 trees per acre. In all cases, attempts will be made to avoid an
unnatural grid appearance.
Seedling plantings can be accomplished by all three of the proposed planting
methods. In order to insure seedling survival, it may be necessary to incorporate
some type of site preparation with the seedling plantings. Site preparation will be
used to reduce the competition from grasses and other herbaceous species. Site
preparation may involve a herbicide application, discing or rotavating. In addition,
most of the seedling plantings will require the use of tree shelters or fencing. Tree
shelters and fencing are important in areas with high deer or rodent populations.
Plantings with containerized or B&B stock will be carried out by volunteers. For
these plantings, volunteers will dig the holes, plant the trees and mulch the area
around the tree (approximately 1.5' radius around the tree).
A variety of species will be planted to establish riparian forest buffers at BARC.
They include red maple, downy serviceberry, river birch, American hornbeam,
hackberry, eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, green ash, common winterberry,
black walnut, spicebush, sweetgum, yellow poplar, sweetbay magnolia, black gum,
loblolly pine, sycamore, black cherry, white oak, pin oak, red oak, black willow,
elderberry and-arrowood viburnum. All of the chosen species are native to the
state of Maryland. For most of the restoration sites, a mixture of hardwood trees
and shrubs will be planted. Some areas will be planted with loblolly pine to provide
Today, 50 percent or more of
riparian forest buffers are
disturbed or degraded, and
more continue to be lost.
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diversity and aesthetic value The combination of species to be planted on each site
is flexible and will depend on available planting stock, soil conditions and planting
method.
Monitoring
All planting sites will be checked to insure planting success. Survival counts will be
taken for several years following the original reforestation. This will provide
information not only on initial planting success but also on what other factors may
impact reforestation attempts on agricultural land (e.g., deer, rodents, machinery,
herbicides, etc.). Seedling plantings should exhibit a 70 percent or greater survival
rate, and containerized plantings should have 85 percent survival rate or better.
Any planting that does not meet these requirements will receive a reinforcement
planting to improve the stocking levels.
Contact:
Dave Plummer
Anacostia Watershed Forester
MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(301)464-3065
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BOWERSOX FARM, PA
Background
Bowersox Farm is one of the nineteen properties participating in the Donegal
Creek Restoration Project. The section of Donegal Creek that runs through the
Bowersox Farm stretches approximately 1,800' and flows through a fallow pasture.
The Donegal Creek watershed is 17.2 square miles, or I 1,008 acres. The
watershed has been identified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania "State mmm
Water Plan" (SWP) as a high priority area for non-point source pollution
(NPS) clean-up. The intense agricultural land use within the watershed is
recognized as the main cause of stream degradation.
In a small stream,
temperatures may rise 1.5
degrees in just 100' of
exposure -without trees
Due to the poor quality of the stream, the Lancaster County Conservation mmm
District and the Donegal Fish and Conservation Association formed a
cooperative partnership to restore 6.67 miles of impacted stream corridor,
beginning at the Donegal Creek/Chickies Creek confluence and ending in the
headwaters of the east and west branch. This portion of Donegal Creek is still
trying to recover from the pressure of cattle grazing that occurred in this area for
decades. As a result, the stream channel is wide and shallow in most locations.
It is hoped that the Donegal Creek restoration project will restore the once thriving
trout fishery and improve the water quality, wildlife habitat and recreational value
of the stream.
Project Description
On April 29, 1995, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Lancaster County
Conservation District and the Donegal Fish and Conservation Association
sponsored a riparian forest buffer strip planting of 2,000 trees at the Bowersox
Farm. The Bowersox Farm forest buffer measures 800' long and is approximately
50' wide. This buffer contains four rows of hardwoods (with an occasional conifer)
along the stream and two additional rows of shrubs. The species of trees and
shrubs planted included pin oak, shagbark hickory, red maple, silky dogwood, red-
osier dogwood, grey-stem dogwood, sycamore and hybrid poplar.
In addition, the Partnership has installed the following streambank stabilization
improvements: five rock frame deflectors, one jack dam, approximately 60' of rip-
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rap bank stabilization and four half-log houses. There are plans to install two more
jack dams, 10 rock frame deflectors and eight half-log houses.
Monitoring
The Partnership is intending to monitor the physical-chemical parameters
and aquatic macroinvertebrate community within the project target area. "^^
A preliminary water chemistry and biota report for the upper reaches of
the west branch (Donegal Springs area) has already been completed. The survival
rate will be assessed by Lancaster County Conservation District personnel.
Presently, the survival rate for trees at the Bowersox Farm is assessed at 75
percent.
Nonpoint source pollution
accounts for more than 50
percent of the pollution in our
nation's waters
Contact:
Mark Metzler
Lancaster County Conservation District
(717)299-5361
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CHALLENGER SEVEN
MEMORIAL GROVE, MD
Background
The Challenger Seven Memorial Grove is located at the Naval Air Station in
Lexington Park on the Patuxent P\iver in Maryland. The Patuxent River, one of the
major tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, flows through I 10 miles of Maryland's
diverse landscape and is the longest river located entirely within the state of
Maryland. The drainage basin of the Patuxent River occupies approximately one-
tenth of the state's total land area. Due to the rolling to flat terrain of its Coastal
Plains, the Patuxent watershed is characterized by highly erodible soils.
Consequently, the water quality of the Patuxent River has been degraded.
The Challenger Seven Memorial
Grove, dedicated on April 20, 1990,
was designed to commemorate the
pioneering spirit of the Challenger
crew. The Grove is also intended to
convey to visitors to the site an
understanding of the vital importance
of trees in an ecosystem and their
responsibility as stewards of the land.
The Grove serves as a windbreak and _^^_^^^^^^_^^^^^_^_^_
a forested green belt along the
Patuxent River. This particular site was chosen because of its highly visibility, which
was desirable for large gatherings. In addition, the habitat could be improved
without impacting adjacent land usage. The site is located in a rural setting. Prior
to the tree planting, the dominant vegetative species were Japanese honeysuckle,
sumac and autumn olive.
m frees are one of Me organisms taste to life on earth, and'itis
absolutely vital Mat we assure their survival. Jt is tied to our
own continued existence, ft is appropriate that we should choose
to plant living memorials to Challenger Seven's crew, for trees
contribute so much to life an4 that earthly teauty one sees from
space?*
frank £acer
Quest Speaker, Challenger Seven Memorial (jrove Dedication
Project Description
On April 20, 1990, about 300 school kids from St. Mary's County and Brownie
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Troop 807, with the assistance of 300 active duty military personnel, each planted
seven trees to commemorate the crew of the Challenger Space Shuttle. In all, the
volunteers planted 2,100 seedlings. The restoration effort resulted in four acres of
buffer being planted. The planting measures 200'by 1,200'. The average width
of the riparian forest buffer is 125' The seedlings were planted on a 10 X 10
spacing using shovels and augers. The following
varieties of seedlings were planted: red oak,
yellow poplar, sawtooth oak, flowering dogwood,
white pine, green ash and red osier dogwood.
Loblolly pines were later planted to replace some
of the white pines that did not survive the first
year.
** What we're deiftg is fealty impffrtant. Jt represents
the tree
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CHAPEL POINT STATE PARK, MD
Background
Chapel Point State Park is located in the Charles County town of Marbury,
Maryland. The Chapel Point State Park encompasses 827.5 acres and is located
adjacent to Port Tobacco PJver. Port Tobacco River is one of many tributaries that
flows into the Potomac Rjver. The Potomac River sweeps nearly 400 miles across
the Atlantic Piedmont and Plain to form the fourth largest watershed on the East
Coast and one of the nation's most bountiful and historic rivers.
Along with point source pollution, the main threat to the health and productivity of
the Potomac River is excess sediment. Sediment is carried to the Potomac River
from te tributaries, including the Port Tobacco River. Approximately two-thirds of
this sediment stems from the erosion of agricultural land; the rest comes from
construction sites and other sources throughout the Potomac watershed. The
Chapel Point State Park riparian forest buffer will help reduce the amount of
sediment entering the Port Tobacco River, which will have favorable impacts on
the Potomac River and .ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. The main objectives for
the restoration effort at the Chapel Point State Park are
improved water quality and established forested buffer strips HMMM^MM^H
along the Port Tobacco River.
r
The establishment of riparian forest buffers at Chapel Point
State Park was made possible with funding by the Maryland
Greenways Program. The Greenways Program provides long-
term assistance to protect public lands and coordination with
federal and local governments and the private sector on a ^^^^^"
statewide Greenway network, of which stream and river valleys
are an essential part. The Greenways Program also prepares scenic river plans and
assists local governments in developing long-term management strategies through
the Scenic and Wild Rivers Program.
According to the most recent
available estimates, nearly one
million tons of sediment washes
into the tidewater Potomac
annually.
Project Description
In April of 1993, 22 acres of loblolly pine were planted along the Port Tobacco
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River in the Chapel Point State Park. The riparian forest buffer planting was done
by Maslen and Spence, a private contracting firm. In all, 13,000 loblolly trees were
planted. The trees, which were established by machine planting with Cust to
control grass competition, are spaced 7X10' apart and extend for 3,000 linear
feet. The average width of the riparian forest buffer is 300'; however, in some
sections the buffer extends 1,000'. Streambank stabilization was not a part of the
Chapel Point State Park restoration effort.
Monitoring
The restoration site at the Chapel Point State Park will be monitored and the
survival rate assessed by MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
personnel. Presently, the survival rate of the buffer planting is assessed at 90
percent.
Contact:
Dave Gailey
MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(301)934-2543
Restoring a Bay Resource
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DIFFICULT RUN, VA
Background
The Difficult Run watershed, the largest watershed in Fairfax County, Virginia, is
one of the tributaries of the Potomac River. The Difficult Run drainage includes ten
tributaries and encompasses approximately 56,566 acres.
The watershed is 80 percent developed and is used in a ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^M
variety of ways, including housing, shopping malls, recreation The population within the Bay
and some agriculture. In spite of its urban location, Difficult watershed is projected to grow by
Run teems with deer, fox, amphibians, waterfowl and many nearly one million people by the year
bird species, including hawks. However, increasing 2000 and by 2.6 million people by
urbanization has resulted in serious flooding and soil erosion the year 2020
as well as degraded water quality. As a result, Difficult Run ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^MH
it is now listed as a critical watershed in Virginia.
The main objective of the Difficult Run Urban Reforestation Project is to moderate
nutrient influx in floodwater runoff. Additional objectives include stabilizing
streambanks and improving wildlife habitat. The restoration sites were chosen
because they were determined to lack sufficient forest buffer to adequately control
and process floodwater runoff.
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VA DOF), the Fairfax County Park Authority
(FCPA) and the Fairfax ReLeaf recently dedicated the Difficult Run Urban
Reforestation project. The dedication site is located adjacent to Route 7 near
Carpers Farm Way in Vienna, Virginia. A sign identifying the project and the
participating organizations was placed next to Route 7.
Project Description
The Difficult Run Urban Reforestation Project has been initiated in four phases, with
Phases I, II and III completed by Spring 1995. As part of these three phases,
approximately 45 acres of vegetation was planted on both sides of Difficult River
by volunteers from Fairfax ReLeaf, DC Cares and local Boy Scout troops. The
average width of the riparian forest buffer is 40'; however, in some sections the
buffer extends to 100'. The buffer protects 6,875 linear feet of stream. In all,
8,750 seedlings of alder, apple ash, dogwood, sweet gum, red maple, water oak,
white oak, willow oak, persimmon, poplar, walnut, sycamore and river birch were
17 Restoring a Bay Resource
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planted. Although the funding for the project's different phases has not come from
the same source, the objectives have remained the same. Phase IV, which is in
progress, is focused on raising public awareness concerning riparian buffers in urban
settings and involves more networking with communities for post-planting
monitoring.
Several additional projects in the Difficult Run Restoration took place in late 1995
and early 1996. These projects included a planting of 600 tree seedlings adjacent
to a stream in Herndon, a planting of 50 seedlings in conjunction with a school age
Earth Conference in Reston, an installation of a 250 plant buffer adjacent to Links
Pond on Reston International Golf Course property, and a planting of 600 tree and
shrub seedlings along the Difficult Run mainstem in Vienna.
Monitoring
No monitoring of the Difficult Run Urban Reforestation Project has been
completed. However, the survival rate of the vegetation will be assessed by VA
DOF personnel and volunteers. Presently, the average survival rate is assessed to
be between 70-75 percent.
Contact:
Judy Okay
VA Department of Forestry
(703)324-1489
Restoring a Bay Resource
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DONEGAL CREEK, PA
Background
The Lancaster County Conservation District and the Donegal Fish and
Conservation Association have formed a cooperative "Partnership" for the purpose
of restoring 6.67 miles of Donegal Creek. Donegal Creek, a tributary of the
Susquehanna River, is a limestone trout stream located in the northwest corner of
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Partnership refers to their undertaking as the
"Donegal Creek Restoration Project." This riparian forest buffer restoration project
is being approached and implemented from a "Riparian Corridor Management"
perspective.
The Donegal Creek watershed covers 17.2 square miles, or I 1,008 acres. The
watershed has been identified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania "State Water
Plan" (SWP) as a high priority area for non-point source pollution clean-up. The
intense agricultural land use within the watershed is credited as the main cause of
stream degradation. As a result of the degraded water quality in Donegal Creek,
the Partnership began corrective action beginning in the summer of 1994. The
Partnership's project target area consists of 6.67 miles of impacted stream corridor
beginning at the Donegal Creek/Chickies Creek confluence and ending in the
headwaters of the east and west branch.
The Partnership is currently working in the headwaters of the
west branch, which encompasses the Donegal Springs area.
Four landowners in the Donegal Springs area are currently
involved in the restoration project and have had various
corrective improvements already installed on their property.
To date, the Lancaster County Conservation District and the mmm^^^^m^^m
Donegal Fish and Conservation Association have donated all
the necessary materials and labor required to make these improvements.
The Donegal Creek Restoration Project involves the following agencies and
associations: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Chesapeake Bay Foundation,
Trout Unlimited, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Pennsylvania Association of
Conservation Districts, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, US
Environmental Protection Agency, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources.
~1
Cropland erosion accounts for 38
percent of the approximately 1.5
billion tons of sediment that reach
the nation's waters each year
19
Restoring a Bay Resource
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Project Description
The Partnership is currently working with four landowners in the Donegal Springs
area and is proposing to work with the remaining 19 landowners within the project
target area. The landowners have already been contracted either by a survey letter
or a personal visit.
Within the project area, 14 of the 23 landowners allow free cattle access to the
stream. These 14 cattle pastures make up approximately 4.7 miles of the total
6.67 miles of project target area. The Donegal Creek exhibits some prime
examples of the impacts that cattle have
on streams. At Donegal Springs (the
headwaters of the west branch), the
stream width at water level measured
12' and had an average depth of I I".
These measurements were taken where
the stream was in an unimparted,
wooded condition, just before entering
one of the pastures that was slated for
restoration. The stream width and
depth was then measured along the
pasture, 100' downstream of the
wooded location. Along the pasture, the
stream width had increased to 28' and
had an average depth of only 4". The dairy cattle, which had free access to the
stream, had clearly made the difference. Within this same pasture, which contains
1,000' of stream corridor, only a single tree was found in the riparian area.
Non-point source pollution resulting from agricultural activities is not only a major
problem in the Donegal Creek watershed, but also in the downstream
Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. The Donegal Creek Restoration
Project will reduce various pollutant sources, such as pesticides and nutrients,
related to the intense agricultural land use surrounding Donegal Creek. Although
it will take a while to'establish and mature, the re-establishment of a riparian forest
buffer will most likely be the most significant improvement resulting from this
stream corridor restoration project.
The Partnership anticipates the Donegal Creek Restoration Project to result in the
following:
** ttfff vnly the stream, tut the farmer benefits foe, with herd
health, with stream and water quality - because the herd will
te drinking frem this water - and also twisted ankles en the
tank, mastitis and water-torne bacteria. Jt's a censdentiffus
efftrrt tetween the landowner and the neiahtors helping vut."
Jravis Martin
£ancaster County Conservation Dittriel
Restoring a Bay Resource
20
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Restoration Efforts
Streambank fencing and cattle crossing
The Partnership plans to install streambank fencing in 15 different cattle pastures.
This fencing will protect approximately 4.9 miles of the total 6.67 miles.of project
target areas from cattle access to the stream. Fences will be installed as far back as
the landowner will allow, but not less than 10' from the streambank. Additionally,
21 stone ford cattle crossings will be installed in combination with the streambank
fencing.
Fish enhancement structures
Approximately 134 rock frame and log frame deflectors, 3 porcupine deflectors,
24 Jack Dams, 15 wood slat fish houses, 40 half-log houses and 100 tons of
boulder replacement will be installed.
Riparian buffer strips
Riparian forest buffer strips will be planted
and re-established along the project's 6.67
miles of stream corridor. The forest buffer
strip is at least 10' wide, as it is confined to
the limits of the stream bank fencing, and in
some circumstances the buffer exceeds 50'
in width. This restoration will involve the
planting of more than 27,733 tree
seedlings. Tree protectors will occasionally
be utilized on the following hardwood
seedlings: red maple, shagbark hickory,
shellbark hickory, white ash, slippery elm,
American planetree and flowering dogwood
buffer strip establishment is being provided by
groups (e.g. scouts, schools, churches).
**7he Dtweaalfish and Conservation Association operates
a cooperative nursery with the Pennsylvania fish
Commission, and we stock the Donegal Creek, ftnd Mis used
to te, years aao, nursery waters, fhere were ta/ae native fish
that used to inhabit these waters, and we would tike to see
the stream revert tack to that same scenario**
lorn ftloore
Coordinator, Donegal Jifh and Conservation District
The labor for all the riparian forest
the Partnership and other volunteer
Streambank stabilization
The restoration effort will also involve stabilizing eroded streambanks along the
project's 6.67 miles of stream corridor. Where appropriate and necessary, sections
of eroded streambanks will be stabilized using the following techniques:
bio-engineering;
rip-rapping;
mud sill installation and
use of porcupine, rock frame and log frame deflectors.
21
Restoring a "Bay Resource
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Re-establishment of the trout population
The Partnership believes natural trout reproduction will be possible in the Donegal
Springs area, where a propagation area has been established on two of the
landowners' property. Sport fishing is not allowed in this area. Any adult fish,
either living in this area or traveling to it, should be undisturbed during spawning
season.
Goals and Objectives
The Donegal Creek Restoration Project emphasizes "Riparian Corridor
Management." The Partnership intends to continue work in the east and west
branches and then proceed downstream. The Partnership will generally be
focusing on the installation of the following: stream bank fencing, stone ford cattle
crossings, forest buffer strips, stream bank stabilization and fish enhancement
structures. Each of these corrective improvements is discussed below.
I. Stream bank fencing
Fences will be installed as far back as the.
landowner will allow, but no less than 10'.
All fencing will be maintained by the Partnership.
Each individual fence will have its own power
source. The power source will be either a 6 or
12 volt powered fence charger.
2. Stone ford cattle crossings
The Lancaster County Conservation District will
oversee and design all crossings.
Normally, one crossing will be installed per 1000'
of stream corridor that has been fenced to deny
cattle access (unless the landowner's section of
fenced stream is less than 1000').
3. Forest buffer strips
Forest plantings will entail the re-establishment of native flora.
Where appropriate, the Partnership will utilize bio-engineering
methods such as:
live stakes and
fascines.
Planting bare foot seedlings will be the most common method of
establishing a forest buffer
The Partnership is approaching
the project front a "Riparian
Corridor Management"
perspective. The Partnership is
not only concerned about cattle
with free access to the stream, but
also the lack of native vegetation,
a sediment-laden substrate and a
wide, shallow channel due to
various forms of accelerated
erosion and resulting
sedimentation.
Restoring a Bay Resource
22
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The Partnership will perform any needed weeding and cutting of
noxious weeds and undesirable exotic trees.
No nitrogen fixing tree species will be planted because the Donegal
Creek already has a nitrate problem.
Tree protectors will occasionally be utilized on the following
hardwood seedlings:
red maple
shagbark hickory
shellbark hickory
white ash
slippery elm
American planetree
flowering dogwood
Forested buffers will be as wide as the landowner will allow.
Generally, the fenced corridor along the stream will determine the
width,
Labor for all forest buffer strip establishment will be provided by the
Partnership and other volunteer groups
4. Stream bank stabilization
The Lancaster County Conservation District will process the
necessary- permits.
The Lancaster County Conservation District will notify the
appropriate agencies and municipalities as per permit conditions.
Where appropriate, the Partnership will utilize bio-engineering
methods such as:
live stakes and
fascines.
Where appropriate, the Partnership will utilize rip-rap for stabilizing
severely eroded vertical banks.
Only limestone rock will be used since the Donegal Creek
is a limestone stream.
All rip-rap will be a minimum size of R-4.
Rjp-rap must be angular in shape thereby ensuring that rip-
rap material can withstand anticipated velocities.
Rip-rap will only be used as a bank stabilization method
when necessary due to severe erosion.
The Lancaster County Conservation District shall oversee
all rip-rap installations.
No purchased rip-rap materials will be used to build
23 Restoring a Bay Resource
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vertical masonry walls as a form of streambank stabilization.
All installed rip-rap will be installed as natural as possible.
Native vegetation will be encouraged to grow among ^^^^^^
placed rip-rap. Live stakes incorporated with rip-rap In the //
, , i jj i u XL there are 100,000 miles
is one method commonly used to accomplish this.
^ , , , ... , ... , , ., . ... of streams, rivers and
Rock frame deflectors will be utilized where there is a solid , ^
substrate. ^--^^^
Log frame deflectors will be used where it is possible to
correctly anchor the device with re-bar.
All anchoring re-bar will normally be at least 3' in length.
All re-bar will be sent over and made flush with the log to prevent
snagging of floating debris.
All logs will be either black walnut, pin oak, eastern red oak or other
suitable hardwood species; conifer species will not be used.
Porcupine deflectors may be utilized in backwater conditions and/or
where the anticipated velocity is less than 8 FPS. Leftover
Christmas trees are often used to construct porcupine deflectors.
5. Fish enhancement structures
The Partnership will install and maintain all structures.
The Lancaster County Conservation District will oversee the
installation of all structures.
All structures will be made from natural materials. No tires,
concrete block, spoil asphalt, plastics etc. will be used. Necessary
re-bar and nails for anchoring purposes will be allowed.
No structure will be higher than I' above normal summer flow
elevation.
No structure will block the mitigation offish.
6. The district also plans to work with the farming community on manure
management. As opportunities arise, the District will utilize already
existing programs to cost-share conservation practices where necessary.
This restoration project offers a perfect opportunity for the District to get
additional farmers involved in the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Milestones
March I, 1995-April I, 1995:
The Partnership has contacted all 23 landowners in the project target area.
Restoring a Bay Resource 24
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August 11, 1995:
A hands-on workshop was held on one of the properties in cooperation with
PACD.
February I, 1996 February I, 1998:
Installation of stream bank fencing and associated stone ford cattle crossings in the
remaining 14 cattle pastures will be completed to limit free cattle access to the
stream.
February I, 1996 - February I, 1999:
Installation of necessary forest buffer strips, stream bank stabilization and fish
enhancement structures will be completed. These improvement will only be
installed in the cattle pastures upon completion of necessary stream bank fencing,
Work will continue in the west branch and will then switch to the east branch.
Upon completion of the east branch, work will proceed downstream on the main
stem.
February I, 1996 - indefinitely:
The Partnership will maintain all improvements. The Partnership will sponsor
various open houses and /or workshops for various groups.
Recognition
The Donegal Creek Restoration Project and Lancaster County Conservation
District were recognized in November 1995 with a "Land Stewardship Award" by
the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Monitoring
The Partnership proposes to continue to monitor the physical-chemical parameters
and aquatic macro invertebrate community within the project target area. A
"Preliminary Water Chemistry and Biota Report" for the upper reaches of the west
branch (Donegal Springs area) has already been completed.
Contact:
Mark Metzler
Lancaster County Conservation District
(717)299-5361
25
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Restoring a Bay Resource
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EDEN MILL PARK, MD
Background
Eden Mill Park is a 57.5-acre county park located in northern Harford County,
Maryland. Eden Mill Park borders Deer Creek for approximately 4,000 linear feet.
Deer Creek, the largest tributary in Hartford County, flows into the Susquehanna
River. The Susquehanna is the largest tributary river to the Chesapeake Bay and
adds an astonishing 19 million gallons of freshwater to the Bay every minute. The
population in the Susquehanna basin increased by 19 percent, more than half a
million people, between 1950 and I960. Changes in land use have accompanied
this population growth. As a result of these significant changes, the Susquehanna
River is experiencing nutrient, toxics and sediment pollution.
Eden Mill Park is a county park used primarily as a field trip site for local school
kids; Its facilities include a educational center and nature trails. The specific goals
of the Deer Creek restoration effort are improved water quality, wildlife habitat
and stabilized stream banks.
This riparian forest buffer was established, maintained and reinforced by the
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and Eagle Scout Eric
Wolfe of Scout Troop #238. Eric raised $300 to purchase 20 balled and
burlapped (B&B) TreeMendous Trees for this restoration project. i
The restoration effort is proceeding in two phases. Phase I, which has been
completed, involved the area downstream from the Eden Mill Dam construction
area. Phase II will involve the area above the Dam and will occur after the
completion of construction.
Susquehanna River
Land use Statistics
Cropland
Pasture
Forest
Urban and.
Other Uses
17%
18%
62%
3%
Project Description
As part of Phase I, Eagle Scout Eric Wolfe, along with MD Department of Natural
Resource Forest Service personnel, planted six hundred seedlings (1.4 acres) to
reinforce the existing forest buffer in April of 1995. The buffer measures 1,200
linear feet and is 50' wide. It consists of the following species: willow oak, green
ash, river birch, eastern redbud, pin oak and serviceberry. In addition,
TreeMendous Trees containerized stock of American sycamore, pin oak,
J
27
Restoring a Bay Resource
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sweetgum, green ash and red maple were used. As part of the streambank
stabilization, red osier dogwood and speckled alder were planted 10' X 10' along
the Deer Creek streambank.
Phase II will occur after the construction of the new Eden Mill Dam. The extent
of the impounded water will determine the need for riparian forest buffer
establishment. A planting plan for Phase II will be written by a forester from the
MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service upon request by personnel
from Eden Mill Park after the construction work is completed.
Monitoring
The reforestation planting done at Eden Mill Park will not be monitored for water
quality. However, the survival rate will be assessed by MD Department of Natural
Resources Forest Service personnel. Presently, the survival rate of the trees is
assessed at 98 percent after the Phase I reinforcement.
Accordi n g to
estimates, over 7 tons
of soil per acre of
cropland are lost
every year in the
Susquehanna basin.
Contact:
Michael Huneke
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(410) 836-4551
Restoring a Bay Resource
28
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FOUR MILE RUN, VA
Background
Four Mile Run, which flows through Arlington County, Virginia, is a tributary of the
Potomac River. Nearly twenty square miles of land drain into Four Mile Run. This
drainage area contains 60 percent of Arlington County, as well as parts of Fairfax
County and the cities of Falls Church and Alexandria. The Four Mile Run watershed
is heavily urbanized, with 40 percent of the land covered by impervious surfaces,
such as highways, parking lots and rooftops.
The Izaac Walton League's Save Our Streams (SOS) restoration demonstration
project is located in East Falls Church Park, an open park with recreation fields, a
playground and a heavily traveled foot/bicycle path. The restoration site is located
approximately eight miles from the confluence of Four Mile Run and the Potomac
River in the uppermost quarter of the watershed. Four Mile Run is heavily
degraded from nonpoint source pollution and was also experiencing streambank
erosion. In many reaches, banks were vertical and were sloughing into the stream
thereby contributing to a heavy sediment load.
The goals of the restoration project were to conduct a stream habitat restoration
project that repairs the stream banks and re-establishes soil-binding streambank
vegetation; to provide hands-on bioengineering training for local citizens who might
seek similar solutions to problems on their streams and to demonstrate the
necessity of recruiting a diverse array of stakeholders to successfully complete a
habitat restoration project.
Project Description
The project, which was broken into two units, repaired approximately 3 10 linear
feet of streambank on May 7, 1994. The first unit was a 220-foot
stretch on the inside of a shallow bend that fades into a 50-foot stretch ^M
of riprap armoring an active scour point. The project then resumes for
another 90 feet, fading into riprap that protects the base of a
footbridge. All work took place on the north bank of the stream.
Riparian forest buffers are the
naturally occurring vegetation
along streams.
The site was seeded with an equal mix of annual and perennial rye
grasses'. The annual grass provided immediate cover, and the perennial would
29
Restoring a Bay Resource
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provide protection during the winter The site was mulched with a thin layer of
straw to intercept rain drops and retain moisture near the soil, providing suitable
conditions for plant growth. The entire bank was covered with an erosion control
fabric mesh made of biodegradable jute. Volunteers planted 3,500 cuttings of red
osier dogwood and bankers dwarf willow, each averaging seven feet in length. All
plant materials were donated by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center. Finally,
alders were planted at the top of the bank approximately four feet apart. They
were marked with bright yellow flags so that park maintenance staff would not
mow into the project.
Monitoring
The site will be monitored by Save Our Streams employees, and maintenance
actions will be taken when necessary.
Contact:
Izaak Walton League of America
Save Our Streams
(800) BUG-IWLA
Restoring a Bay Resource
30
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HOLLYWOOD BRANCH, MD
Background
The Hollywood Branch is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, just north of
Washington, DC. The watershed drains approximately 1.3 square miles.
Hollywood Branch flows into Paint Branch, a major tributary of the Anacostia River
that supports a reproducing population of brown trout. The trout live
upstream of the Hollywood Branch confluence. The predominant land use in
the Hollywood Branch watershed is residential housing. Most homes are single
dwellings on approximately !/4 acre lots. This area is heavily crisscrossed by
roads, and several large roads serve as major arteries for the area.
Areas covered with trees
and shrubs absorb 14
times more rainfall than a
mowed lawn.
As a result of the development in the watershed and the conveyance of
stormwater into the stream channel, streambank erosion is an obvious problem in
many parts of the Hollywood Branch watershed. Streambanks were vertical and
sloughing into the stream. Many of the large trees have exposed roots and are
leaning precariously toward the stream channel. The Hollywood Branch
Restoration Effort was performed by 12 environmental educators participating in
the Save Our Streams Summer Water Institute. Also volunteering were
Montgomery County teachers from Kensington Parkwood Elementary and
Rockville High School.
The restoration demonstration project is located in Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional
Park. The park is managed by the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning
Commission. The project is located in a narrow finger of land that runs upward
from the northeast corner of the park. The site is located in a nontidal wetland,
characterized by lush growth of rushes, sedges and other types of frequently
encountered wetland vegetation. The site is approximately Vi mile above the
confluence of Hollywood Branch and Paint Branch.
Project Description
The Hollywood Branch restoration project took place on July 12, 1995, and
repaired approximately I 10 linear feet of streambank. Volunteers sloped the
streambank, placed riprap along the toe of the bank, planted streambank
vegetation, seeded and mulched the restoration site and secured the streambank
with erosion control fabric.
31
Restoring a Bay Resource
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Volunteers also planted a total of 50 black willow and silky dogwood saplings, with
one half of the trees (25) planted in each row. The entire site, including the areas
disturbed by the heavy equipment, were seeded with a mix of annual and
perennial rye grass. Volunteers covered the entire site wrth straw mulch to provide
immediate protection against rain. The straw will serve an important erosion
protection function until the grass becomes established as a permanent soil cover.
Monitoring
Until the plants become well established, which may take two to three growing
seasons, a local Montgomery County Stream Team has been set up in case the
plants need to be watered. Structurally, the maintenance requirements are
minimal. The silt fence must be watched until the grass and woody plants are
established to stop any sediment-land overland runoff from entering the stream.
The woody plants may require pruning in the future to stimulate accelerated lateral
growth in the form of new roots and shoots. Eventually, with proper management,
this site can provide a large number of cuttings for future streambank projects.
Contact:
Izaak Walton League of America
Save Our Streams
(800) BUG-IWLA
Restoring a Bay Resource
32
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HURSH FARM, PA
Background
Hursh Farm is one of the nineteen properties that is participating in the Donegai
Creek Restoration Project. Donegal Creek, which empties into Chickies Creek, is
a limestone trout stream located in the northwest corner of Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. The Donegal Creek watershed is 17.2 square miles, or 1,008 acres.
The intense agricultural land use within the watershed is recognized as the main cause
of stream degradation. Due to the poor
water quality of the stream, the Lancaster
County Conservation District and the
Donegal Fish and Conservation
Association formed a cooperative
m What mattes this prffjecf unique is Mat is was dene stricfty
frem a eff/tservatitm sfandpffint because the taneteufner hadnff
Cffnce/ns 0f attyene hunting or fishing in here. /In
environmental appwach was used as the setting pvint."
partnership to restore the once thriving
trout fishery and improve the water
quality, wildlife habitat and recreational
value of Donegal Creek.
The section of Donegal Creek that runs
through Hursh Farm stretches for 1,000'
and flows through a dairy pasture. The
stream has been heavily impacted by cattle; the steam channel was wide, shallow and
lacked adequate cover for aquatic organisms. When the restoration project is
completed, this stretch of Donegal Creek will have received the most intensive
corrective work.
All materials, including the trees, shrubs, fence, solar charger and stone for the
Donegal Creek Restoration Project at the Hursh Farm were donated by local
businesses, conservation organizations and state and federal agencies.
lorn
Cwfdinahr, Donegal Jith and Conservation Association
Project Description
In August of 1994, volunteers fenced 1,000' of Donegal Creek on this property. The
volunteers also constructed a cattle crossing to allow the cows to reach the adjacent
meadow or drink from the stream without hurting themselves or the environmentally
fragile waterway. In April of 1995, volunteers from the Lancaster Conservation
District and the Lancaster Stream Bank Fencing Work Group planted over one
33
Restoring a Bay Resource
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thousand (0.5 acres) trees and shrubs along 1,800' of the stream corridor. The
average width of the riparian forest buffer is 10'. The species planted include:
streamco willow, silky dogwood, grey dogwood, red osier dogwood, poplar, green
ash, black walnut, shagbark hickory, shellbark hickory and red maple.
There are plans to install fish enhancement structures in this section of Donegal
Creek. Approximately 24 log frame deflectors, two wood slat fish houses,
one jack dam and some boulder placement will be used to make this m^^^m
section of the stream more hospitable to fish.
Monitoring
Riparian forest buffers are
the naturally occurring
vegetation along streams
The Partnership intends to monitor the physical-chemical parameters and
aquatic macroinvertebrate community within the project target area. A preliminary
water chemistry and biota report for the upper reaches of the west branch (Donegal
Springs area) has already been completed. The survival rate will be assessed by
Lancaster County Conservation District personnel. Presently, the survival rate for
trees at the Hursh Farm is assessed at 75 percent.
Contact:
Mark Metzler
Lancaster County Conservation District
(717)299-5361
Restoring a Bay Resource
34
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LICKINGHOLE CREEK, VA
Background
Lickinghole Creek is a small stream that originates 2,420' above sea level in the Blue
Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Located entirely within Albemarle County, the
Lickinghole basin drains 13.7 square miles of predominately agricultural land.
Lickinghole Creek flows east by southeast and merges with many other small
streams before it enters the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir, which provides
drinking water to the city of Charlottesville and surrounding ^^^^^^^^^^
towns. Its Waters leave the reservoir and become part of
the James River. The James River flows for 450-miles as it
works its way to the Chesapeake Bay. Agricultural
development in this part of Virginia has altered the natural
landscape for hundreds of years. As a result, eroding
streambanks caused by cattle grazing and the removal of
riparian forest buffers are commonly seen.
Approximately two million
people, nearly one third of
Virginia's population, live in the
James watershed. This figure is
projected to grow to 2.3 million
by the year 2000.
Lickinghole Creek supports a diverse aquatic community, although nonpoint source
pollution from cattle manure and streambank erosion is an obvious problem. The
restoration demonstration project is located just west of the town of Crozet on
land owned by a local farmer. The project is in the upper quarter of the
watershed, approximately 5.5 miles from Lickinghole's confluence with the
Mediums River.
Project Description
The project repaired approximately 240 linear feet of streambank on June 4, 1994,
along the north bank of Lickinghole Creek. Prior to the plantings, a backhoe was
used to slope the streambank, eliminating its vertical position. Volunteers planted
one thousand cuttings of red osier dogwood and streamco willow, each averaging
5 feet in height. These species are bred selectively for streambank stabilization
applications and remain supple enough to lie flat against the bank during high flows.
Most importantly, these species produce an enormous amount of deep subsurface
root mass that provides long-term soil binding. In addition, three hundred I -foot
root cuttings were donated for this project. The cuttings were a mixed set of alder,
streamco willow and red osier dogwood. All plant materials were donated to the
project by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
35
Restoring a Bay Resource
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Conservation Service Plants Materials Center. When the plantings were
completed, the entire bank was covered with an erosion control fabric mesh made
of biodegradable jute.
Monitoring
The restoration site will be monitored regularly, and maintenance actions will be
taken when necessary. To date, the site has demonstrated structural soundness,
and major maintenance seems unlikely. Because beaver activity was observed in
the areas upstream from the site, sprouting willows and dogwoods should be
inspected for animal damage and appropriate steps taken to allow plant growth.
Finally, local volunteers and area officials are expected to monitor the site's water
quality to assess the long-term water quality improvements in Lickinghole Creek.
Contact:
Izaak Walton League of America
Save Our Streams
(800) BUG-IWLA
r
,J
Restoring a Bay Resource
36
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LONG GREEN CREEK, MD
Background
Long Green Creek, which runs through Baltimore County, Maryland, is one of the
tributaries of the Gunpowder River. Long Green Creek flows for about 4.13 miles
and has a watershed that encompasses 14.3 square miles. The Long Green
Creek flows primarily through an agricultural landscape with numerous mfm
pasture grasses. As a result of the agricultural activities along Long Green
Creek, the stream has experienced declining water quality and streambank
erosion, which have resulted in degradation of the stream's habitat.
Gunpowder River
Land Use Statistics
About 10 years ago, Trout Unlimited (TU), a non-profit group made up of
fishing enthusiasts, noticed a decline in the natural reproducing trout
population in Long Green Creek. They worked their way up Long Green
Creek using an electric shocking gun, a tool used to determine fish
populations. TU conducted water quality analyses to determine the cause
of the declining trout population and discovered that the trout populations ^^
were living in areas where there were more trees and lower water
temperatures. TU believes that if the habitat and water quality conditions were
improved in Long Green Creek, the trout would return. Therefore, TU, along
with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (ACB) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (F&WS), targeted Long Green Creek as a showcase for effective stream
techniques that would improve the stream's habitat, as well as stabilize its eroding
streambanks. The Long Green Creek Restoration Project is being approached as
a watershed effort. As such, TU, ACB and F&WS have plans to conduct
restoration projects at other sites along Long Green Creek.
Project Description
1973 1984-85
Residential 13% 15%
Commercial 2% 5%
Agricultural 33% 31%
Forest 37% 35%
Wetlands 1% 1%
Urban 3% 5%
The Long Green Creek restoration project is being completed in three phases over
a two year period. In April 1995, as part of Phase I, ACB volunteers fenced 1,200
linear feet of streambank and planted 2,000 live stakes and 1,500 seedlings of
native tree species. These efforts have greatly improved the stabilization of the
banks and floodplain. As part of Phase II, ACB sponsored a reforestation planting
in October 1995. Volunteers planted over 420 containerized stock and 2,000 live
stakes of native facultative and facultative wet species along the streambank. The
riparian buffer width varies from 75' to over 150' due to the meandering of the
37
Restoring a Bay Resource
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Long Green Creek. For Phase III, volunteers from ACB, Americorps, and the
Gunpowder Valley Watershed Association fenced 1500' of streambank and planted
approximately 10,000 seedlings of native floodplain tree species in April of 1996.
In all, the Long Green Creek Restoration has resulted in about I mile of stream
restored using vegetation and streambank fencing.
Monitoring
The Long Green Creek Restoration is now
in the maintenance and monitoring phase.
Members of the Gunpowder Valley
Watershed Association are being trained
by ACB staff to monitor physical
measurements, which include shape,
pattern, profile and fishery assessment and
chemical analysis, including macroinvertebrate sampling. The survival rate of the
vegetation will also be assessed by the Watershed Association staff, after training is
provided by ACB staff. The survival rate is currently assessed at 85 percent.
* Sffcattiside forests are extremely itnptffattf ft Me voter
quality and living resources in the ffay. Hthen planted next
fe streams, trees act as tuffers that help the ffay ty reducing
pollution and increasing hafa'tat h of/set the large amount
of hatitat that has hen lost in the ffay watershed?*
?«rwm Jlanigan
Executive Director, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Contact:
Glenn Page
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
(410)377-6270
Restoring a Bay Resource
38
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MONOCACY NATURAL
RESOURCE AREA, MD
Background
The Monocacy River is the largest Maryland tributary to the Potomac River. It
begins near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border west of Harney, Maryland, at the
confluence of Marsh and Rock Creeks. The Monocacy watershed encompasses
774 square miles, or 476,200 acres, of which 75 percent is in Maryland and the
rest in Pennsylvania. Roughly three-quarters of the land in the watershed has been
cleared for agriculture; the remaining land supports forests, the City of Frederick
and ever-growing residential neighborhoods.
The stream targeted for restoration is an unnamed tributary to Furnace Branch,
which flows into the Monocacy River. The restoration site is located in a pasture
that is actively grazed by cattle and was chosen because of the stream's poor
water quality. This project was initiated by the MD Department of Natural
Resources Forest Service.
The goals of the demonstration site are to explain the different methods of
planting a riparian forest buffer, the different ways of caring for the tree seedlings,
and the many benefits of forested buffers and other water quality projects. The
buffer area contains a serf-guided tour, which, along with a brochure, highlights the
restoration effort as well as the benefits of forests and riparian buffers. In addition,
recovering wetlands and native "volunteer" plants are pointed out in the tour.
The Monocacy
watershed supports
3,500 farms, each
averaging 150 acres.
Crop land erosion
ranges from 2 to 35
tons per acre.
Project Description
The initial planting occurred in 1990, with reforestations done in 1992 and 1993.
As part of this restoration effort, 2,640 linear feet of stream and I 1.4 acres of
vegetation were planted. The average width of the buffer is 100' on both sides of
the stream. Some of the trees were planted by hand using volunteers on Earth
Day. The volunteers included local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as
students from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Other areas were planted
with a mechanical tree planter and a tractor. In all, 3,600 trees were planted,
including: loblolly pine, gray dogwood, silky dogwood, sergeant crabapple, white
ash, green ash, black walnut, sawtooth oak, Maryland alder, river birch, yellow
39
Restoring a Bay Resource
-------
poplar, sycamore, redbud, hackberry and pin oak. The seedlings are being cared
for in different ways. The seedlings planted by volunteers are in tree shelters, and
a few sections are being kept free of competing vegetation by mowing.
Two sections of conifers are being sprayed with an herbicide. In addition
to the buffer planting, two livestock watering facilities were also installed as
part of this project. One watering facility is a 400-gallon gravity fed trough
that utilizes a spring development. The other is a 400-gallon trough fed by
a well through a solar-powered electric pump. Two stream crossings are
present in this buffer demonstration area; one crossing was recently
constructed, and the other already existed. These crossings give cattle and
machinery access to all the pastures without causing streambank erosion. ""
There are plans to further improve the demonstration area by fencing and
installing crossings on the remaining spring and streams. Rotational intensive grazing
and pasture rehabilitation may also be introduced.
Monitoring
This site will not be monitored. However, the tree survival rate will be assessed
by MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. The current survival
rate is 70 percent.
According to the MD
Department of Natural
Resources Forest Inventory,
there is a maximum of
85,000 acres of cropland in
Maryland that could be
converted to forest buffers.
Contact:
Patricia Feely
MD DNR Forest Service
(301)473-8417
Restoring a Bay Resource
40
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ST. LEONARD'S FARM, VA
Background
St. Leonard's Farm, a 330-acre cattle field in Warrenton, Virginia, is located on
Great Run, a tributary of the Rappahannock River. The Rappahannock watershed
is spread over 2,848 square miles; 63 percent is
forested, 35 percent is covered by cropland, and only
2 percent is urban. Since 35 percent of the land in the
Rappahannock basin is used for either pasture or
crops, it is not surprising that much of the pollution in
the river comes form agricultural runoff such as soil,
manure, pesticides and fertilizer. Up the river from St.
Leonard's Farm is the Warrenton Waste Water
Treatment Plant. Chlorine, bacteria and nutrients,
including nitrogen and phosphorous, are some of the
pollutants that can enter water from a waste water
treatment plant. Over the years, Save Our Streams
has monitored the water quality of Great Run and found it to be very poor.
The goal of this restoration effort is to test the use of hybrid poplar trees in riparian
areas as a method of reducing pollution running into nearby streams. St. Leonard's
Farm provides an opportunity for research on the technique of establishing poplar
riparian forest buffers. Poplar trees are not only capable of improving water quality
and providing wildlife habitat; but the trees are also a valuable cash commodity
when harvested. St. Leonard's Farm also provides a site for comparison between
poplar and native tree buffers. Establishing poplar riparian forest buffers will provide
insight that can be used throughout the Chesapeake Bay region to help farmers
decide if poplar riparian forest buffers are applicable on their property.
** Watty 6''tame Me pellutien ef Me ffay 0/t
/afme ft. ffiit we all Cffnfriiwfa, and Mis is we
way fo dtf sffmeMing afouf if and we tope
farmers can eventually tncffrpffrafe Me ptrplar
mttf Meir daily management. "
Paddy katien
Vfl Department yj ZnvinHtmentai Quality
Project Description
Approximately 1,400 poplar trees were planted in the Spring of 1995 by
volunteers from Keep Faquier Clean and Central Elementary School. Five hundred
four-to-five foot hybrid poplar trees were planted 3X12' apart in three rows on
both sides of the stream. Three different kinds of five-foot hybrids were planted,
including: 200 androscoggin poplar, 150 red caudina and 150 charkowiensis
41
Restoring a Bay Resource
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incrassata. In addition, 400 unrooted 12-inch cuttings of androscoggin poplar were
planted, as well as 250 Imperial Carolina poplar. These cuttings were planted in
four rows of 2 X 6'. The average width of the buffer is 30' on both sides of the
river. Different planting methods were used for this restoration project. Initially the
holes for the five-foot trees were dug with a post-hole auger. After that, the
preferred method was to use a ditch witch. As a companion project, VA
Department of Forestry (DOF) planted 250 river birch, willow oak, green ash
and bald cypress at the same Warrenton site.
Monitoring
Over the next five years, tree growth and stream pollution levels will'be
measured to determine the poplar's effectiveness at curbing pollution and
whether these trees have widespread application to farm runoff. The details
of the St. Leonard's monitoring plan are still being discussed. However, the site will
definitely be monitored for macroinvertebrates and nitrate levels twice a year. The
survival rate will be assessed by volunteers of Keep Faquier Clean, in collaboration
with DOF. Presently, the rooted stocks have done quite well; the sticks, however,
have experienced problems due to climatic changes.
The St. Leonard's Farm
experiment will determine
whether a poplar riparian
forest buffer will
significantly reduce
pollution running into
Great Run.
Contact:
Dennis McCarthy
Virginia Department of Forestry - Warrenton Office
(540)347-6358
Restoring a Bay Resource
42
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VERDANT VALLEY FARM, MD
Background
Verdant Valley Farm is a 223-acre horse and agricultural farm located in Harford
County, through which the Little Gunpowder Falls River flows . Little Gunpowder
Falls runs from northern Baltimore County to Days Cove, wh ere it empties into
the Chesapeake Bay. The Little Gunpowder Falls provides about 25 miles of
habitat supporting brook and brown trout, and much of this area is bordered by
Gunpowder Falls State Park.
The headwaters of the Little Gunpowder, in the Monkton area near the Baltimore-
Harford County line, flow through heavily grazed and cropped agricultural fields.
Consequently, sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous loadings and changes in water
temperature that result from increased non-point source pollution have degraded
the water quality. The specific objectives of this restoration are moderated water
temperature for the trout that inhabit the stream
and improved wildlife habitat for the Farm's
numerous species of migratory waterfowl.
^ We ceut alfeady see the fffffftt effects, fhefe are
tifds 0itf there that we ttever saw teftre."
fames Easier
JCandoumer
The Verdant Valley Farm restoration is part of the
Little Gunpowder Falls Restoration Project, one of
the most extensive watershed restoration efforts
undertaken on private land in the state of Maryland.
This project is being funded with the help of the
Federal Forest Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) and the Maryland Department
of Natural Resources' Greenshores Buffer Incentive Program (BIP). SIP pays 65
percent of certain improvement costs, while BIP pays between $300 and $500 per
acre of improvement.
Project Description
At the Verdant Valley Farm, three acres of pasture land was restored along the
Little Gunpowder Falls in 1993. One thousand seedlings of the following varieties
were planted: sycamore, black walnut, pin oak, green ash and white ash. The
seedlings were spaced 12' X 12' and were planted by a private contractor.
43
Restoring a Bay Resource
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The riparian forest buffer measures 50' wide and travels 3,000 linear feet along the
Harford County side of Little Gunpowder Falls. Only one side of the stream was
planted because the other side was already established with woody vegetation.
Since one row of woody vegetation was already present along the streambanks,
bank stabilization was not needed. A survival inspection was completed in the Fall
of 1993 at the Verdant Farm, at which time it was determined there was a need
for reinforcement. Consequently, replantings with the same species used in 1993
were conducted in 1994. Due to buck rubs and flood damage, the plantings were
reinforced again in 1996.
Monitoring
The Verdant Valley Farm will not be monitored. However, the survival rate will
be assessed by MD Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. Presently,
the trees are roughly I" in diameter and 8' high.
Contact: Michael Huneke
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(410)836-4551
Restoring a Bay Resource
44
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WALKERSVILLE HERITAGE
FARM PARK, MD
Background
The Walkersville Heritage Farm Park Forest Buffer Nature Trail is located on
Devilbiss Bridge Road along Glade Creek in Walkersville, Maryland. Glade Creek
is a tributary of the Mononacy River, the largest Maryland tributary to the Potomac
River. The Mononacy River forms near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border west
of Hamey, Maryland, at the confluence of Marsh and Rock Creeks. The ^^^
Monocacy watershed encompasses 774 square miles, or 476,200 acres,
of which 75 percent is in the state of Maryland and the rest in
Pennsylvania. Roughly three-quarters of the land in the watershed has
been cleared for agriculture and currently supports about 3,500 farms,
each averaging 150 acres. However, the Monocacy watershed is quickly
evolving from an agricultural to a suburban landscape.
Wildlife habitat is greatly
enhanced, by riparian forest
buffers. Trees, shrubs, grasses
and the transition from aquatic
to upland habitats are critical
in the life stages of over */2 of
all native Bay species.
The Walkersville Heritage Farm Park was targeted for riparian forest
buffer restoration because of the severely degraded water quality in Glade Creek.
Another objective of the project is improved wildlife habitat. Prior to the planting,
the park mowed the fields.
A buffer trail and brochure have been developed for visitors to the Walkersville
Heritage Farm Park to follow a self-guided trail and learn about trees and wildlife
along the way. The Vs mile handicapped-accessible loop contains two foot bridges
and sixteen informative steps as it winds its way along Glade Creek.
Project Description
The riparian forest buffer planting and bridge construction were completed in
1990. At that time, roughly two acres of vegetation were hand planted by
volunteers. The riparian forest buffer protects both sides of Glade Creek for
approximately 900 linear feet. The average width of the riparian buffer is 100'.
The species planted included sycamore, river birch, tulip poplar, red maple, green
ash, red oak, blackgum, hackberry, spicebush, silky dogwood, red bud, white pine,
black"walnut, yellow poplar and pin oak.
45
Restoring a Bay Resource
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The ground between the trees in the buffer is mowed to about '/>" because of
public pressure. A 2-5' buffer of dense silky dogwood exists between the creek
bank and the mowed area. The most impressive part of this area is the growth
rate of the trees; many of them are 20' tall and 4" in diameter. The possibility
exists to extend the riparian forest buffer downstream as the land on either side
of Glade Creek becomes high density subdivisions.
Monitoring
The Forest Buffer Nature Trail at the Walkersville Heritage Farm Park mmmmm
will not be monitored. However, the survival rate will be assessed by
the Town of Walkersville and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Forest Service. Presently, the survival rate is assessed at 80 percent.
Areas covered with trees and
shrubs absorb 14 times more
rainfall than a mowed lawn.
Contact:
Patricia Feely
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(301)473-8417
Restoring a Bay Resource
46
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WILLOW OAKS FARM, MD
Background
Willow Oaks Farm is an 800-acre privately owned farm with 300 head of cattle.
This farm, through which the Little Gunpowder Falls flows, is located in Jarrettsville
Pike, Maryland, at the Battimore-Harford county line. Little Gunpowder Falls runs
from northern Baltimore County to Days Cove, where it empties into the
Chesapeake Bay. Little Gunpowder Falls provides about 25 miles of habitat
supporting brook and brown trout, and much of this area is bordered by
Gunpowder Falls State Park.
The headwaters of the Little Gunpowder Falls flow
through heavily grazed and cropped agricultural fields.
Sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous loadings and the
change in water temperature that results from increased
non-point source pollution has degraded the water quality
of this stream. The specific goals of this restoration are
stabilized streambanks and improved water quality, which
will benefit the trout that inhabit the stream, and enhanced
wildlife habitat for numerous species of migratory
waterfowl.
The Willow Oaks Farm restoration effort is part of the most extensive watershed
restoration effort on private land undertaken in the state. The project will cost
more than $ 14,000, with $ I 1,000 being returned to the landowners through the
Federal Stewardship Improvement Program (SIP) and the state Department of
Natural Resources Buffer Improvement Program (BIP). SIP pays 65 percent of the
costs, while BIP pays between $300 to $500 per acre of improvements.
m ttty dream is Mat
-------
about 5,000 willow posts and ships are being used to stabilize the streambank.
These willows are fast growers and deep rooting, which makes them ideal for
anchoring high erosion areas of the property. In addition to the streambank
stabilization and buffer reforestation, nearly 4 linear miles of high-tensile fencing was
installed on the property to keep cattle from grazing in the
water. Three cement crossings and one non-cement crossing
for cattle are also being installed to prevent livestock waste
from entering the stream. In the spring of 1996, an additional
fencing and planting of 15 acres was completed along the
Yellow Branch, a tributary of Little Gunpowder Falls, which also
flows through the Willow Oaks Farm property. A
reinforcement of this Yellow Branch planting with sycamore,
black walnut, and green ash seedlings is planned for the spring
of 1997. When this project is compete, over 30 acres of forest
buffer along Little Gunpowder Falls and Yellow Branch will have been reforested.
s if Me iffffst significant riparian
reiteration ftte /Maryland forest Service
has ever undertaken."
Mike tiuneke
Watershed Joretter, MD Vltil - Jvrett Service
Monitoring
This site will not be monitored; however, the survival rate will be assessed by MD
Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. Presently, the survival rate is
assessed at 80 percent.
Contact:
Michael Huneke
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
(410)836-4551
Restoring a Bay Resource
48
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APPENDIX I:
MAPS TO THE RESTORATION SITES
-------
BEAVERDAM CREEK
PC Hap 8;A,BZ,
Research
jtoad
A
N
farm road
5ch
field
5 l/2ch
-------
BELTSVILLE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER
-------
CHALLENGER SEVEN MEMORIAL GROVE
Challenger Seven Memorial Grove
;_::;:: -w *..£:: >'.!": i'-:::>*
V^':n:.:::v*. ^Vi.rf
V?S;|-Pt|E^
>.. ::... -- -a^ \ V- -^- >
" "^ * *- K1-. '.I
.:; r!j,: ''.'' ':< .^V&:
-------
CHAPEL POINT STATE PARK
FOREST MANAGEMENT MAP
(or
CHAPEL POINT STATE PARK
LOBLOLLY PINE BUFFER PLANTING
1"=660-
Prepared by- J- Sprout
Date: Jan. ]9. 1996
Maryland
Forest Service
LEGEND
Property boundary
Stand boundary
Stand number Q
Hard road =====
Farm lane ====.
Woods road
Stream
Ridge line-
Fence
Railroad
Buffer Planting
I I I I t
-------
DIFFICULT RUN
FAIRFAX CO I
-------
DONEGAL CREEK*
' x
-------
N
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MAP
for
Eden Mill Park
Acres: 57.5 Scule: I" =660'
Prepared by: Michael J . Huneke
Dale: 10/20/93
Maryland
Forest Park &. Wildlife Service
LEGEND
Property boundary_
Stand boundary
Stand number,
Hard road
Farm lane
Woods road
SI rca m
Ridge line
Fence_
Roilroad_
0
-------
LONG GREEN CREEK
-------
/-Parking //
«> Lot JJ
SCALE : 1" = 1080'
DATE: October 30,1991
Drawn by: Callahan
.A .^-Monocacy Nat.
Mgmt. Area -
1 )*** Clearcut
>
2 I*** pence
3 >** Forest Buffer
4 V* Field Plantj_ngs
><
5 4** logging Road/Larvling
6 ** Buffer Demon. Area
-------
VERDANT VALLEY FARM
LEGEND
PROPERTY LINE
STREAM
HARD SURFACE ROAD
FARM LANE
FOREST STAND
PLANTING ZONE
TOREST LiMO
c:
JUNE A. 1993
PREPARED BY-
MICHAEL J. HUNEKE
-------
WALKERSVBLLE FARM HERITAGE PARK
Forest buffer
demonstration area
compost
ommunity garden
-------
FOREST MANAGEMENT MAP
lor
i
o
ff
-------
APPENDIX II:
SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE
-------
SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE
Forested buffers can be used in both rural and urbanized areas to improve water
quality and wildlife habitat and stabilize streambanks. Forested buffers are most
effective when used in combination with other conservation measures that address
nutrient management, runoff and erosion control. Prior to creating the forested
buffer, seek the assistance of technical experts who will help you evaluate important
factors, including:
the immediate and long term goals of this site;
which vegetation, if any, should be removed;
the characteristics of the waterway, including its age, water flow and
soil conditions, and
how to reduce costs.
If you are a streamside landowner, establishing a forested buffer will help you save
soil, improve wildlife habitat and protect water quality. Streamside landowners
who develop improved land management plans, including the use of forested
buffers, fencing and other Best Management Practices, may be eligible for cost-
share assistance through a variety of sources.
For more information please contact:
Chesapeake Bay Program
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109
Annapolis, MD 21403
(800) YOUR BAY
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (MD Office)
6600 York Road, Suite 100
Baltimore, MD2I2I2
(410)377-6270
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (PA Office)
225 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)236-9019
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (VA Office)
P.O.Box 1981
Richmond, VA 23218
(804)775-0951
-------
Or your State Forestry Agency Representatives:
Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry
P.O. Box 8552
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717)787-2106
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service
Tawes State Office Building, E-1
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410)974-3776
Virginia Department of Forestry
P.O. Box 3758
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(804) 977-6555
If you would like to have a project of yours included this guide, please send a
short description and detailed planting and location information along with the
name, address, and phone number of the contact person to:
Chesapeake Bay Program
Forestry Workgroup Fellow
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109
Annapolis, MD2I403
(410) 267-5700 (telephone)
(410)267-5777 (fax)
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