County Seeks Assistance Creating Watershed Action Plan

County officials are looking for help in developing a Small Watershed Action Plan for the Beaverdam Run, Baisman Run and Oregon Branch watersheds.

The purpose of the plan is figure out how to clean up streams and rivers, and contribute healthier water to the Chesapeake Bay. Community members, the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability and the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, are constructing the plan.  

The Loch Raven Reservoir, which houses the three smaller watersheds, is not in compliance with some governmental water quality standards, said Erin Wisnieski, a natural resource specialist with the county. The watersheds need to reduce certain pollutants, including phosphorous, bacteria, sediment and mercury, to meet the standards.

Wisnieski said there is also concern about decreased populations of trout in the reservoir.

The Oregon Ridge Nature Center will host the second of three community meetings for the general public to learn about the project, the state of the watershed and to bring local knowledge into the plan.

On the agenda for this meeting are discussions on the prioritization of restoration options and research on the watershed’s fish, forest health and water quality.

The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on May 25 at the Oregon Ridge Nature Center Auditorium.