The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Dorchester Soil Conservation District and Little Blackwater Advisory Committee, will begin wetland restoration and reforestation on state-owned property near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County.
“Wetlands are critical to the health of our beloved Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “These restoration efforts are essential to our future – for those who rely on waterways for their livelihoods, as well as those who enjoy them as a recreational resource.”
In June 2007, under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, Maryland acquired 728 acres of ecologically sensitive land along the Little Blackwater River that was threatened by runaway development.
“The project expands the existing agricultural ditches to create swamp runs and flood plains to better manage runoff into Maple Dam Branch, which runs along the side of the property,” said Jim Newcomb, of Dorchester Soil Conservation District. “We were pleased to provide insightful guidance to DNR to materialize our shared vision and construction plans.”
Maple Dam Branch is part of the Little Blackwater River, which flows into the Blackwater River. These two rivers and their adjacent tidal and nontidal wetlands comprise a significant portion of the watershed for the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest conservation areas in Maryland.
In addition to improving the water quality entering Maple Dam Branch and Little Blackwater River, the acquisition through DNR’s Program Open Space resulted in: protecting and enhancing existing resources and Green Infrastructure Hub, an area of focus for on-going land conservation efforts by DNR and local land trusts; improving wildlife habitat at the site; providing passive recreational opportunities for the public; and implementation of agricultural best management practices.
source: DNR press release
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