The Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council continued our efforts to improve water quality of local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay by planting native tree seedlings on 109 acres of private and public land in Washington and Allegany Counties in April 2021. These projects were completed in partnership with 15 private and public landowners and the Maryland Forest Service, and with funding support from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.
This project aims to address the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment which exist in the Chesapeake Bay through the reforestation of several sites in Washington County and Allegany County. The planting of 10.8 acres of riparian buffer will be especially important to addressing several major natural resources management-focused efforts, including improving the water quality of the local watershed, erosion control, flood mitigation and storm water management, carbon sequestration, and young forest habitat restoration. Young forest habitat restoration is particularly important for promoting population rebounds of vulnerable and threatened species such as the Golden-winged and Cerulean warblers.
C&O Canal National Historical Park site, including 17.9 acres in the Potomac River Watershed, Washington County.
