Our policy initiatives will help us advance sound land use policies on the county, state, and regional level, and build a powerful constituency that has the political will to advocate for issues important to the health of the river. Here are some of the issues that we will be following.
Stormwater: Stormwater harms our river and streams because it is funneled directly from the stormdrain system into our waterways without being treated. In Depth...
Low-Impact Development: LID techniques such as raingardens and green roofs are an important way to lessen the effects of stormwater pollution. In Depth...
Forest and Riparian Conservation: Since the mid-1980s, the Chesapeake Bay watershed has been losing forestland at a rate exceeding 100 acres a day. Between 1982 and 1997, the Bay watershed lost more than 750,000 acres of forestland to urban development - an area equal to 20 District of Columbias. At least 36% of the remaining forestland is at high risk of development over the next 5 to 10 years.
This loss of forest cover has tremendous environmental consequences. Forested areas, especially those next to water bodies, provide stormwater management and groundwater recharge, prevent erosion, filter pollution, and provide wildlife habitat. Loss of forest cover is directly linked to declines in stream health, incidence of flooding, and increased pollutant loads across the Potomac and Chesapeake watersheds.
C&O Canal Issues: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park runs 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. Known for its canal towpath, the park is also home to a rich diversity of plants and animals found nowhere else in the United States, including several federal and state-listed endangered species, which thrive in one of the nation's longest stretches of protected river habitat. Some 3 million visitors enjoy the park each year, as many as visit Yellowstone.
The C&O Canal is the backyard national park for thousands of Potomac watershed residents, but it faces an ever-growing number of challenges. Among them are increasing development pressures and boundary infringements, irresponsible development proposals inside park lands, and chronic underfunding. A business plan analysis of the park's fiscal year 2001 budget showed that its funding met only about one-third of its needs, compared to an average of two-thirds for other national parks producing similar plans.
Current Recent and Ongoing Projects
Forest Conservation Law revisions (Montgomery County, MD): The Forest Conservation Law is Montgomery County's only comprehensive tree preservation ordinance. Increasing awareness about the effects of forest loss along with a spate of illegal tree cuttings has demonstrated the need to revise and strengthen this landmark law. Potomac Conservancy worked with Congressman Chris Van Hollen's C&O Canal Task Force to propose improvements to the law, and is now working with the County Council to implement those changes.
Enforcement issues: Potomac Conservancy serves its members and watershed citizens by ensuring that illegal tree cuttings and conservation area violations are thoroughly and properly addressed by the government agency responsible for enforcing the law. If you discover an illegal tree cutting or other environmental crime, please call us!
Lake Linganore Stream Buffer Ordinance (Frederick County, MD): Lake Linganore provides most of the drinking water for Frederick County residents, yet violates federal and state limits for phosphorus and sediment pollution. In 2007, Potomac Conservancy successfully advocated for a law creating a 100-175 foot buffer along all waterbodies in the Lake Linganore watershed, which will help protect drinking water and prevent further pollution.
C&O Canal Setback Rule (Montgomery County, MD): Although the C&O Canal is 185 miles long, the actual parkland is a mere ribbon, in many places reaching only a few feet beyond the canal itself. Its scenic and natural views depend almost entirely on the scenic and natural qualities of adjoining private properties. In 2007, Potomac Conservancy successfully advocated for a setback that will prevent almost all accessory structures within 200 feet of the park boundaries. This setback will provide strong, consistent protection for the scenic experience of millions of park visitors.
C&O Canal NHP Funding: In partnership with a variety of other organizations, the Potomac Conservancy has been advocating for increased funding for the C&O Canal National Historical Park. In particular, we have been working towards funding the Big Slackwater project, which would close the only gap in the 184.5-mile long towpath.
Georgetown Boathouse in the C&O Canal NHP: Georgetown University has proposed building an enormous, private boathouse on C&O Canal NHP land, immediately adjacent to the Capital Crescent Trail and just upstream from the Washington Canoe Club. While Potomac Conservancy recognizes the need for more and better river access for rowers, and is a strong advocate for recreation on the river, the proposed structure is poorly sited and scaled. We are advocating with Congress and the National Park Service to ensure a full environmental review of this proposal.