Chesapeake Bay Public Access

A recent National Park Service study highlights the demand for public access to the Chesapeake Bay for kayak launching and other uses.

According to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan, the following areas received the highest numbers of site suggestions:

1. Dundalk/Edgemere area (Baltimore County, Maryland)

2. Annapolis (Maryland)

3. Sassafras River and main stem of the Chesapeake Bay south of the Sassafras River (Maryland)

4. Nanticoke River (Delaware and Maryland)

5. Anacostia and Potomac Rivers (Washington DC, and Arlington, Virginia)

6. Fort Monroe (Hampton, Virginia)

7. Colonial National Historic Park (Virginia)

8. Nansemond River (Virginia)

9. Harrisburg (Pennsylvania)

10. Raystown Branch of the Juniata River (Pennsylvania)

11. Altoona (Pennsylvania)

source: National Park Service

Potomac River Smallmouth Bass Angler Survey

From June through October 2012 Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) will be conducting a smallmouth bass angler survey on the Potomac River between Harpers Ferry and Seneca Breaks.

Information gathered from the survey will be used to help biologists track smallmouth bass population trends and gauge the effects of regulations.

The survey will collect basic fishing information from anglers via postage prepaid survey cards, which will be distributed to anglers on the river and at bass clubs.

In November, DNR will randomly draw 10 winners from the survey submissions who will each receive a $50 prepaid debit card.

source: MD DNR

Storms Delay Potomac River Ramble

The 2011 Potomac River Ramble, originally set for Sunday, September 11, 2011, has been rescheduled due to conditions on the river.

The make-up date is set for Sunday October, 16 2011.

The October make-up paddle will be contingent upon enough participants signing up.

For more information, please visit www.potomacriver.org.

Upper Potomac River Advisory until September 13, 2011

According to Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), the recent Upper Potomac River Advisory has been extended until September 13, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.

Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.

For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200.

Upper Potomac River Advisory

On September 7, 2011, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced that boating and other recreational use of the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, should be avoided until September 9, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.

According to DNR, the advisory is based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.

Hazardous stages are water levels which pose a threat to non white- water vessels, tubers, swimmers and other recreational users and are caused by wave action, water velocity, and treacherous currents.  This hazardous condition may also exist on tributaries of the Potomac River.

This warning does not apply to professionally guided river trips. NRP reminds boaters to always wear a life jacket; it is mandatory to wear a USCG approved life jacket while boating on the upper Potomac River from November 15 to May 15.

For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200. 

NOTE: see the updated Upper Potomac River advisory.

2011 Potomac River Ramble

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin invites the public to attend 2011 Potomac River Ramble on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Attendees will enjoy paddling between the shores of Maryland and West Virginia. Along the way, paddlers will stop for an out-of-boat brunch and a couple of educational programs focusing on watershed issues.

The Potomac River Ramble is a canoeing and kayaking event that features environmental programming, restoration projects, festive meals, meetings with elected officials, and much more.

Experience with boats is not necessary. Guides, food, and transportation will be provided. Attendees can enjoy Potomac River scenery, presentations, food, camaraderie, and paddling.

For information or to register for the event, visit the River Ramble page on the ICPRB website.