Antietam Fly Anglers Conservation News
April 4 - Beaver Creek Stream Buffer Planting
9 am - 1 pm
Antietam Creek Watershed
Boonsboro (Washington County), MD
9 am - 1 pm
Antietam Creek Watershed
Boonsboro (Washington County), MD
This project is part of CBF's Farm Stewardship Program in the Antietam Creek
watershed. We will be planting 1,000 plants along 2,000' of a spring tributary
after the cows have been fenced out and a water trough has been installed.
We will also be expanding a buffer along the main-stem of Beaver Creek that
was planted by volunteers in 2005. Beaver Creek is a cold water fishery that
is a favorite among fly fishermen. The Newcomer Farm is a Century Farm and
in 2008 was put in a permanent agricultural easement through the Maryland
Environmental Trust. We encourage adults, families and community groups to
come out for a day to help the Bay! Dress for the weather, refreshments and
tools provided, but bring work gloves and shovels if you have them. Project
partners include the Beaver Creek Watershed Association, Antietam Fly Fishers,
Trout Unlimited, the Maryland Department of the Environment Landowner Incentive
Program, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners
for Wildlife Program. To sign up, please contact
Marcy Damon at 443-482-2156 or email MDrestoration@cbf.org
Marcy Damon at 443-482-2156 or email MDrestoration@cbf.org
April 25 - Tree Buffer Planting
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Potomac Watershed, Charles Town, WV
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Potomac Watershed, Charles Town, WV
Location is approx. 30 miles west of Frederick, MD
We'll be planting 700 native trees and shrubs to create a buffer along Opequon Creek, a tributary to the Potomac River. Partners include the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Shepherdstown University, and the Opequon Creek Project Team. Dress for the weather, equipment and refreshments provided.
Address: 137 Hinton Rd., Kearneysville, WV 25430 725-2342
Directions: >From Inwood: 1) Take Rt. 51 east towards Charles Town approximately 5 miles. 2) Turn right onto Rt.1/Leetown Rd., drive through Middleway. 3) Turn right onto Hinton Rd. We are the last driveway on the right, at the end of Hinton Rd. It is ~3.4 miles down Hinton Rd., ~0.9 mile past the two-way stop sign. Shortly after our driveway, Hinton Rd. is closed with an old farm gate. We have a black mailbox number "137" and a long driveway with a white house. Park anywhere along the driveway.
>From Charles Town: 1) Take Rt. 51 west towards Inwood approximately 5 miles. 2) Turn left onto Rt. 1/Leetown Rd., drive through Middleway. 3) Follow step 3 in first set of directions
>From Shepherdstown: 1) At the four-way stop, take Rt. 480 south towards Kearneysville. 2) Cross Rt. 9 and continue straight; the road is now called Rt. 1/Leetown Rd. 3) Cross Rt. 51 and continue straight on Rt. 1/Leetown Rd. through Middleway. 4) Follow step 3 in first set of directions
To sign up, send your complete contact information to Marcy Damon at 443-482-2156 or email MDrestoration@cbf.org
We'll be planting 700 native trees and shrubs to create a buffer along Opequon Creek, a tributary to the Potomac River. Partners include the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Shepherdstown University, and the Opequon Creek Project Team. Dress for the weather, equipment and refreshments provided.
Address: 137 Hinton Rd., Kearneysville, WV 25430 725-2342
Directions: >From Inwood: 1) Take Rt. 51 east towards Charles Town approximately 5 miles. 2) Turn right onto Rt.1/Leetown Rd., drive through Middleway. 3) Turn right onto Hinton Rd. We are the last driveway on the right, at the end of Hinton Rd. It is ~3.4 miles down Hinton Rd., ~0.9 mile past the two-way stop sign. Shortly after our driveway, Hinton Rd. is closed with an old farm gate. We have a black mailbox number "137" and a long driveway with a white house. Park anywhere along the driveway.
>From Charles Town: 1) Take Rt. 51 west towards Inwood approximately 5 miles. 2) Turn left onto Rt. 1/Leetown Rd., drive through Middleway. 3) Follow step 3 in first set of directions
>From Shepherdstown: 1) At the four-way stop, take Rt. 480 south towards Kearneysville. 2) Cross Rt. 9 and continue straight; the road is now called Rt. 1/Leetown Rd. 3) Cross Rt. 51 and continue straight on Rt. 1/Leetown Rd. through Middleway. 4) Follow step 3 in first set of directions
To sign up, send your complete contact information to Marcy Damon at 443-482-2156 or email MDrestoration@cbf.org
CHESAPEAKE BAY IS IN TROUBLE
On Saturday December 27, 2008 The Washington Post had a front page article on
the damage man is willfully and selfishly doing to the Chesapeake Bay.
Read it HERE if you have a chance.
And why is this?
Indifference? Ignorance? Personal gratification? The view is great? Look at all that water! So what if it is polluted right here and upstream? Greed? Money above all else? Back to indifference.
What happens in Antietam Creek, in the East Branch and in the West Branch, right here in Washington Township, has a direct impact on the Chesapeake Bay.
Every individual, every organization, every government entity, including those governmententities that think of themselves as a business, the people involved as board members and paid employees, have a responsibility to care for the Antietam Creek and for the Bay. To do anything less is to be irresponsible.
It starts with each one of us. All of us have this responsibility. We need to care more. Why don't we care more?
We need to speak up, to object, when the creek is damaged? Why don't we speak up?
What is everyone waiting for?
A.P. O'connor - President Antietam Watershed Association
Read it HERE if you have a chance.
And why is this?
Indifference? Ignorance? Personal gratification? The view is great? Look at all that water! So what if it is polluted right here and upstream? Greed? Money above all else? Back to indifference.
What happens in Antietam Creek, in the East Branch and in the West Branch, right here in Washington Township, has a direct impact on the Chesapeake Bay.
Every individual, every organization, every government entity, including those governmententities that think of themselves as a business, the people involved as board members and paid employees, have a responsibility to care for the Antietam Creek and for the Bay. To do anything less is to be irresponsible.
It starts with each one of us. All of us have this responsibility. We need to care more. Why don't we care more?
We need to speak up, to object, when the creek is damaged? Why don't we speak up?
What is everyone waiting for?
A.P. O'connor - President Antietam Watershed Association
ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DIDYMO
This is a reminder of how this disease is spread.
Felt bottom boots that are worn by almost all fly
fisherman are one of the main ways that Didymo is spread.
I talk to many fishermen that will visit multiple streams
in one day or over a long weekend. This does not give the
time needed for the boots to dry out enough to kill
Didymo on the felt bottoms. To greatly reduce the risk of
spreading Didymo we need to carry a five gallon bucket
and a package of table salt and do the following
things.
Before leaving a stream, scrub mud and debris off of boots and fishing gear.
Disinfect boots and equipment by scrubbing or soaking in 5 percent salt solution (2 cups of salt in 2.5 gallons of water) for one minute and then let dry completely. You may also scrub equipment with dishwashing detergent and rinse well.
Allowing equipment to completely dry for at least 48 hours will also kill Didymo, but realize that felt bottoms of boots may require longer drying times.
Soak items in very hot water (140° F) will also help.
Before leaving a stream, scrub mud and debris off of boots and fishing gear.
Disinfect boots and equipment by scrubbing or soaking in 5 percent salt solution (2 cups of salt in 2.5 gallons of water) for one minute and then let dry completely. You may also scrub equipment with dishwashing detergent and rinse well.
Allowing equipment to completely dry for at least 48 hours will also kill Didymo, but realize that felt bottoms of boots may require longer drying times.
Soak items in very hot water (140° F) will also help.
Potomac River on Federation of Fly Fishers 2008
Endangered Fisheries List
Press
ReleaseFFF Potomac River Fact Sheet
Intersex (Testicular Oocytes) in Smallmouth Bass
from the Potomac River and Selected Nearby Drainages
from the Potomac River and Selected Nearby Drainages
Federation of Fly Fishers Conservation Update
NOTICE - All conservation/restoration projects for
2009
are now on the Mid-Atlantic Conservation web site. Please
click your browser "Back" button to return here
after viewing -
2009 Conservation Projects
2009 Conservation Projects
Fishers Please Be Prudent
We have two very different threats to our fishing water
and what we do can make a very big difference. Both
Whirling Disease (WD) and Didymosphenis geminate (Didymo)
can be introduced into a stream by fishers. If we are not
prudent about caring for our gear, we can transport the
spores (Didymo) and parasites (Whirling Disease) from an
infected stream to one that is clear of infestation.
There is no way to determine if a stream is infected in
the early stages of Didymo or if the WD parasite is
present in the water.
Below is an excerpt from the Whirling Disease Initiative ( http://whirlingdisease.montana.edu/).
Carefully cleaning and drying all equipment is the best course of action to deal with all aquatic hitchhikers.
Recommended precautions that will help prevent not only the spread of whirling disease, but also other disease-causing organisms and aquatic pests include:
" Never transport live fish from one water body to another. (This is illegal in many states.)
" Obtain certified disease-free fish for any private fish stocking projects. " Do not use trout, whitefish, or salmon parts as cut bait.
" Dispose of fish entrails and skeletal parts properly.
Never discard fish parts in or near streams or rivers. Because an infected fish may harbor tens of thousands of myxospores, simply disposing of infected fish parts in a clean drainage could provide enough spores to start an infection. Do not discard fish parts in a kitchen disposal. Whirling disease myxospores can survive most wastewater treatment systems. Instead, discard in dry waste that would go to a landfill.
" Carefully clean all equipment before leaving a site, and allow it to dry. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving an infected drainage. This is good practice for preventing transfer of other aquatic hitchhikers as well.
And from the Leah Elwell Conservation Coordinator, Federation of Fly Fishers
There are four easy steps you can take to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.
1. Remove all dirt, plants and other materials from your gear before you leave a body of water
2. Rinse your gear with clean water
3. Thoroughly dry your gear
4. Never transport plants or animals from one body of water to another.
It may be difficult to thoroughly dry your gear if you are traveling on vacation and moving from one stream to another so hear is an additional suggestion from Leah.
There are a few specific methods to clean for didymo: easy and relatively non-toxic. A 5% salt solution or dishwashing detergent. Soak and scrub all gear for at least one minute. Knowing specific cleaning products that target particular
species can be helpful, but the FFF feels that a general message of inspect, clean with water and dry can work as a more universal, and less confusing, message for everyone everywhere. When appropriate the specific cleaning agents can be stressed. I agree it could be tough to carry two sets of boots, but something to consider. Also, before you travel - communicating with the regional management agency could be a good way to learn what the issues are in the places you will be fishing."
The ball is in our court and we must do all we can to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. Please take the time to follow the steps presented here and please spread the word!
John Brognard
Conservation VP
Mid-Atlantic Council - FFF
Below is an excerpt from the Whirling Disease Initiative ( http://whirlingdisease.montana.edu/).
Carefully cleaning and drying all equipment is the best course of action to deal with all aquatic hitchhikers.
Recommended precautions that will help prevent not only the spread of whirling disease, but also other disease-causing organisms and aquatic pests include:
" Never transport live fish from one water body to another. (This is illegal in many states.)
" Obtain certified disease-free fish for any private fish stocking projects. " Do not use trout, whitefish, or salmon parts as cut bait.
" Dispose of fish entrails and skeletal parts properly.
Never discard fish parts in or near streams or rivers. Because an infected fish may harbor tens of thousands of myxospores, simply disposing of infected fish parts in a clean drainage could provide enough spores to start an infection. Do not discard fish parts in a kitchen disposal. Whirling disease myxospores can survive most wastewater treatment systems. Instead, discard in dry waste that would go to a landfill.
" Carefully clean all equipment before leaving a site, and allow it to dry. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving an infected drainage. This is good practice for preventing transfer of other aquatic hitchhikers as well.
And from the Leah Elwell Conservation Coordinator, Federation of Fly Fishers
There are four easy steps you can take to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.
1. Remove all dirt, plants and other materials from your gear before you leave a body of water
2. Rinse your gear with clean water
3. Thoroughly dry your gear
4. Never transport plants or animals from one body of water to another.
It may be difficult to thoroughly dry your gear if you are traveling on vacation and moving from one stream to another so hear is an additional suggestion from Leah.
There are a few specific methods to clean for didymo: easy and relatively non-toxic. A 5% salt solution or dishwashing detergent. Soak and scrub all gear for at least one minute. Knowing specific cleaning products that target particular
species can be helpful, but the FFF feels that a general message of inspect, clean with water and dry can work as a more universal, and less confusing, message for everyone everywhere. When appropriate the specific cleaning agents can be stressed. I agree it could be tough to carry two sets of boots, but something to consider. Also, before you travel - communicating with the regional management agency could be a good way to learn what the issues are in the places you will be fishing."
The ball is in our court and we must do all we can to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. Please take the time to follow the steps presented here and please spread the word!
John Brognard
Conservation VP
Mid-Atlantic Council - FFF
2007 Maryland Environment and Natural Resources Report.
Whirling Disease
Understanding Whirling Disease and what we can do to prevent spreading.
LEARN MORE
Didymo (Didymosphenis geminata)
Didymo is an invasive freshwater alga that can form massive blooms. Didymo can smother streambeds and adversely affect freshwater fish, plant and invertebrate species by depriving them of habitat ...
LEARN MORE
MUD BUSTERS
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has started a new
program called the "Mud Busters." This program
is to document pollution problems and propose
solutions.
As we build homes, roads, shopping malls, industrial parks, and parking lots, the construction disrupts the natural features of the landscape, often leaving soil unprotected from rainfall. The result is that muddy water runs quickly across cleared land and into the local streams, creeks, and rivers that feed the Bay.
If you see a construction site, or any other situation where land is disturbed and left unseeded, where soil is eroding because of wind or rain or melting snow, or if you see wetlands or a body of water threatened, make a phone call to
Mr. Bruce Gilmore 410-558-2346 or 410-26-8816. You can also make a full report on line at CBF.ORG - MUDBUSTER REPORT
Please provide clear directions to the location, to include township, county, municipality, road number, nearby intersections or other landmarks to help identify the site. If you have photos, please send those along, too.
To learn more about please visit CBF -- MUDBUSTERS
CBF will report significant violations to the proper authorities.
As we build homes, roads, shopping malls, industrial parks, and parking lots, the construction disrupts the natural features of the landscape, often leaving soil unprotected from rainfall. The result is that muddy water runs quickly across cleared land and into the local streams, creeks, and rivers that feed the Bay.
If you see a construction site, or any other situation where land is disturbed and left unseeded, where soil is eroding because of wind or rain or melting snow, or if you see wetlands or a body of water threatened, make a phone call to
Mr. Bruce Gilmore 410-558-2346 or 410-26-8816. You can also make a full report on line at CBF.ORG - MUDBUSTER REPORT
Please provide clear directions to the location, to include township, county, municipality, road number, nearby intersections or other landmarks to help identify the site. If you have photos, please send those along, too.
To learn more about please visit CBF -- MUDBUSTERS
CBF will report significant violations to the proper authorities.
WHO TO CALL WHEN YOU SPOT POLLUTION
If you see pollution in the Potomac or its
tributaries:
First call one of the numbers below, and then call, Potomac Riverkeeper:
at 301-POTOMAC(768-6622), or email to keeper@potomacriverkeeper.org
Types of pollution; fish kills, algae blooms, hazardous materials and oil spills, public sewer breaks and over flows, sediment or dirt discharge, wetland impacts, etc.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE): All pollution - Call 1 800-633-6101
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR): All pollution - call 1 800-642-3074
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): All Pollution call 1 866-255-5158
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: All Pollution regular business hours call:
Northern Regional Office at 703-583-3800
Piedmont (Middle VA) Regional Office at 804-527-5020
Tidewater (Southern VA) Regional Office at 757-518-2000
After hours, holidays, weekends, call 804-897-6500 - Department of Emergency Management
District of Columbia: Sewer Leaks - WASA hot line at 202-612-3400 - have nearest street and cross street ready
Sediment/Dirt entering a storm drain from a construction site or a cement, truck washing into street or storm drain etc., call 202-535-2240- IDC Watershed protection and Compliance Branch Oil and hazardous Substances, call 202-724-9216 - DC Water Quality Division
After hours, weekends, and holidays, call the Mayor's hotline: 202-727-3636
First call one of the numbers below, and then call, Potomac Riverkeeper:
at 301-POTOMAC(768-6622), or email to keeper@potomacriverkeeper.org
Types of pollution; fish kills, algae blooms, hazardous materials and oil spills, public sewer breaks and over flows, sediment or dirt discharge, wetland impacts, etc.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE): All pollution - Call 1 800-633-6101
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR): All pollution - call 1 800-642-3074
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): All Pollution call 1 866-255-5158
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: All Pollution regular business hours call:
Northern Regional Office at 703-583-3800
Piedmont (Middle VA) Regional Office at 804-527-5020
Tidewater (Southern VA) Regional Office at 757-518-2000
After hours, holidays, weekends, call 804-897-6500 - Department of Emergency Management
District of Columbia: Sewer Leaks - WASA hot line at 202-612-3400 - have nearest street and cross street ready
Sediment/Dirt entering a storm drain from a construction site or a cement, truck washing into street or storm drain etc., call 202-535-2240- IDC Watershed protection and Compliance Branch Oil and hazardous Substances, call 202-724-9216 - DC Water Quality Division
After hours, weekends, and holidays, call the Mayor's hotline: 202-727-3636
MAC-FFF Conseavation VP
The Vice President of Conservation for MAC-FFF is John
Brognard. If you have questions about conservation issues
or wish to provide information for the Conservation site
please contact John at 301-371-4205 of email:
john@bfcustomfishingrods.com
john@bfcustomfishingrods.com
Mercury pollution
Please visit: Mid-Atlantic
Conservation web site and read
the excellent article on Mercury pollution by Don Fine.
the excellent article on Mercury pollution by Don Fine.
Three million gallons of liquid cow manure!
or those who think that cows grazing in your favorite
stream aren't really an environmental problem:
"Three, yes, three million gallons of liquid cow
manure gushed from a reservoir into New York's Black
River in mid August 05. This is one-fourth the size of
the 1989 oil spill of the Exxon Valdez. Thousands of fish
were killed, and it will take years before the river is
completely restored
