Water chestnut is an exotic species of aquatic vegetation that threatens to severely curtail water use of the Bird and Sassafras (Lloyd Creek) Rivers if the current population continues to spread. The current population on the Bird River has spread from approximately 50 plants in the summer of 1997 to 5 acres of plants in 1998. Preliminary investigations in 1999 indicate that the expansion continues.

Water Chestnut is also known as water caltrop, as the seeds resemble caltrops, sharp iron balls used to delay calvary troops. The seeds of water chestnut are large and sharp, and will completely preclude swimming in areas near populations. A severe infestation of water chestnut in the Potomac River in the 1930's caused property values to decline, prevented swimming along 100 miles of shoreline, and eventually covered 10,000 acres of the river. It took 8 aquatic harvesters and 250 volunteers many years of continual harvesting to eradicate the problem. It is believed that if we act now we can prevent a potentially large problem with relatively little effort.

Public meetings will be held on May 26 and May 27 to discuss the Department of Natural Resources' plans for water chestnut control in 1999.

Bird River Public Information Meeting Details

Thursday, May 27, 1999 7-9 P.M.
Chase Elementary Sschool
1701 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD

For more information or to volunteer with removal efforts, contact Matt Fleming: (410) 260-8827

Directions to Chase Elementary: Take 95 North to 695 East (toward Essex). Follow 695 to route 702. From 702, take the "Chase" exit (the second ramp; you will travel approximately ½ mile). The "Chase" exit will put you on Eastern Avenue. Move into the left lane, and follow Eastern Avenue for approximately 7-10 minutes. (You will pass Martin State Airport, then Bengies Drive-in Movie, on your right.) The left lane becomes a single lane going straight. Chase Elementary School is a stone building on the right-hand side.

Parking: Please park in the parking lot directly in front of the school. Enter the building through the front door. Walk straight down the hallway; the gym will be immediately on your right.

Sassafras River Public Information Meeting Details

Wednesday, May 26, 1999 7-9 P.M.
Galena Fire House
East Cross Street
Galena, MD

For more information or to volunteer with removal efforts, contact Christy Mills: (410) 260-8988

Directions to the Galena Fire House: From the south and Bay Bridge: North on Route 301. Follow Route 301 to Route 313. Turn left on Route 313 toward Galena. At the traffic light, turn right on Route 290 (East Cross Street). The Galena Fire House is on the left approximately 1/4 mile past the traffic light.
From the north: Follow Route 213 south to Galena. At the traffic light turn left onto Route 290 (East Cross Street). The Galena Fire House will be on the left approximately 1/4 mile from the traffic light.