Essex, MD (Sept.1, 1998) -- A public meeting, to discuss the condition of the Upper Western Shore and Baltimore Metropolitan area watersheds, will be held on Thurs., Sept. 10, from 7-9 p.m., in the Lecture Hall at Essex Community College. The meeting will also begin to look at watershed restoration and protection strategies, and is being hosted by Maryland's Tributary Teams.

As part of the new federal Clean Water Action Plan (CWAP), Maryland has conducted a preliminary state-wide assessment of its watersheds and identified priority watersheds in need of restoration over the next two years. The assessment involved a broad spectrum of participants including local, state and federal agencies and representatives of many private organizations. "The CWAP provides a structured process to address the issue of watershed management, one that incorporates local, state, and federal programs and, most importantly, encourages the involvement of citizens and stakeholders," said Charlie Conklin, Chairman of the Upper Western Shore Tributary Team. "I encourage the and stakeholders to become involved in this process by attending the regional meeting for information and to offer their input."

The priority watersheds that have been identified as needing restoration are: Bush River, Swan Creek, Bird River, Back River, Baltimore Harbor, Jones Falls and Gwynns Falls. Pristine or sensitive watersheds identified as needing extra protection include: the Lower Susquehanna, Deer Creek, Conowingo Dam, Prettyboy Reservoir, Gwynns Falls, Liberty Reservoir, and the South Branch of the Patapsco River. Watersheds can fall in both categories if they have signs of stress or degradation but still contain pristine or sensitive natural resources.

Public comments will be included in the assessment of Maryland's watersheds, help set priorities for watershed protection and restoration, and be used in developing implementation strategies to protect them.

Through the efforts of the Tributary Teams appointed by Governor Parris N. Glendening, Maryland has a head start on this initiative. The Teams have been working for three years to reduce nutrient pollution entering the State's rivers and streams. This program offers the opportunity to strengthen public health protections, target community-based watershed protection efforts in high priority areas and provide communities with new resources to control polluted runoff.

The draft Maryland Clean Water Action Plan can be found on the Internet at: www.dnr.state.md.us/cwap/