Contact Information
 

Mission Statement:

The Savage River Watershed Association is a group of local landowners and other citizens dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River Watershed by assisting interested landowners and public land managers with environmental stewardship efforts and educational outreach.

Background:

We are landowners and citizens concerned about Garrett County’s Savage River watershed.  Though we come from diverse backgrounds we’re united by our appreciation for this region.  We want to preserve all of its values, especially the quality and quantity of its ground and surface water resources.  We have identified many threats to our watershed that include acid rain, thermal pollution, habitat destruction, exotic invasive species, acid mine drainage (AMD), erosion and sediment, storm water runoff, loss of farms and forest and over consumption of water.  We are now working to identify specific impacts and generate a plan for remediation.  Through our efforts we hope to preserve and enhance the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed.

The Savage River is a headwater tributary for the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay that includes both coldwater and highland streams.  As Maryland’s premier brook trout fishery, the Savage River has been identified as a conservation priority because it is one of the few watersheds that still contain intact populations of native brook trout in Maryland.  The Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) was formed in March 2006.  We were inspired by efforts to restore water quality in Aaron Run, the only tributary within the watershed impacted by AMD.  We selected the native brook trout for our logo because it is our keystone species.  To protect it, we need to preserve all of the values of the Savage River watershed. 

Projects and Accomplishments:

·      Watershed Assessment and Planning
In partnership with SRWA, the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is leading a two-year Savage River Watershed assessment project that includes biological monitoring using Save Our Streams (SOS) methodology. A Stream Corridor Assessment developed by the MD Department of Natural Resources Watershed Restoration Division is also being completed. Volunteers will walk the entire stream network of the watershed to collect information and map environmental disturbances. The results will then be used to prioritize restoration efforts within the watershed. The Maryland Conservation Corps will be providing volunteer support for this project.

·      Exotic Invasive Species Management

·      Japanese Spiraea
SRWA continues control efforts of Japanese Spiraea in the Bear Pen Run area of Savage River State Forest. Bear Pen is designated as a Type 1 Wildland and like other natural areas around the State is threatened by a variety of exotic invasive species. SRWA coordinates two volunteer work days in the Bear Pen Run Wildlands each year to remove Japanese spiraea, garlic mustard and other invasive plants that reduce regional biodiversity.

·      Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
This exotic invasive insect threatens native hemlocks, an evergreen tree found along many streams in the Savage River watershed.  Hemlocks help shade streams, keeping water temperatures low, a critical factor for native brook trout survival.  In an effort to mitigate impacts from this invasive insect, SRWA volunteers planted 2,000 red spruce in 2009 and expects to plant an additional 1,000 trees in 2010.  It is hoped that this native evergreen tree will ultimately fill in gaps where hemlocks are lost, maintaining shaded streams for brook trout.

·      Headwater Brook Trout Barrier Removal
SRWA has partnered with the Canaan Valley Institute (CVI), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the City of Frostburg to remove an impoundment that is a remnant of a decommissioned Frostburg water source. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the major funder for this project, has awarded SRWA $120,000 for this project. This project will: 

·      Restore brook trout and other fish passage

·      Reduce thermal impact in Savage River headwaters

·      Restore 1,000 ft section of stream channel

·      Replace the pond with wetland providing habitat and flood protection

 

·      Education and Outreach
At SRWA bimonthly meetings guest speakers share information on a variety of topics such as grants for landowners to conserve habitat; techniques for battling invasive species; and impacts to ground and surface waters. Each year SRWA holds workshops to train volunteers interested in learning Save Our Streams biological monitoring techniques. SRWA also offers conservation landscaping classes such "Harvesting Rain in Gardens & Barrels" and "Wildflower ID for Beginners.”

 

Partners and Contributors: