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Grant No. NA270ZO337-01 Task 3 Nanticoke River Watershed: A Summary of, Resource Characteristics and Enhancement Activities i@'@ IN I IM I 2 J;w "L W, '71@"A VO 01- 1 Pow Maryland Department of Natural Resources Public Lands and Forestry Greenways and Resource Planning June,1994 .11-T I S Lai I> State of Maryland @2 The Honorable William Donald Schaefer, Governor of M Department of Natural Resources Torrey C. Brown, M.D., Secretary Public Lands and Forestry James W. Dumnyer, Assistant Secretary 4. Michael J. Nelson, Deputy Assistant Secretary David G. Burke, Director, Greenways & Resource Planning Ethel Locks, Chief, Eastern Region Acknowledgements Numerous individuals from both the private and public sectors provided information and assistance throughout the planning process. Special thanks are extended to Ilya Fleishman for technical services and graphic assistance: John Dulaney for providing GIS data and mapping; Arnold Norden, Anne Sloan, Denise Tritaik and John Wolf for editing, Wanda Manning for photos and Monica Sellman for administrative and clerical support. The Eastern Regional Team for technical assistance Charlotte Cathell, Program Open Space; Doug Wigfield, Fish, Heritage and Wildlife; Kip Powers, Forest Service; Daryl DeCesare, Maryland Forest and Parks; John Hutson, Maryland Environmental Trust; Larry Engle, Engineering and Construction; Nancy Howard, Public Communication. Special thanks to Josie Thoms for illustration and layout. A major portion of this study was prepared by Environmental Systems Analysis, Inc. The Department of Natural Resources gratefully acknowledges their participation in this effort. ATMOS""" Partial funding for this project was provided by the Coastal Zone Management Program of the Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award number UE W (000 NA270ZO337-01. On cover: Wetlands near the Route 50 bridge over the Nanticoke River - joining Wicornico and Dorchester Counties. Nanticoke River Watershed: A Summary of Resource Characteristics and Enhancement Activities June, 1994 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Public Lands and Forestry Greenways and Resource Planning US Department of Commerce NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER LIBRARY 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE Charleston, SC 29405-2413 I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I i US Department of Commerce NOAA Cenotal Services Ccrntcr Library 220'4 South Hobson I' wo-nue Charleston, SC 29405-2413 -j I I TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ............................................. I Nanticoke River Watershed Map .................................... 2 Resource and Watershed Characteristics Physiography ................................................. 4 Living Resources . ............................................ I I Cultural Resources ............................................ 18 Recreational Opportunities ....................................... 21 Agency Activities Living Resources Chart . ........................................ 27 Recreational Resources Chart ..................................... 31 Greenways and Resource Planning Enhancement Activities ... ............ 33. 31 -;L L W CARROLL HARFORD CECIL GARRETT W $ k BALTIMORE IFREOERICK HOWARD KENT MONTGOMEny ANNE QUEEN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ARUNOEL ANNE*S .1@ ..NCE CAROL INE The Nanticoke River is the largest Chesapeake \GEORGE'S Bay tributary on the lower Delmarva peninsula. ALSO It originates in southern Delaware and empties into Tangier Sound adjacent to the mouth of the CALV T 4. Wicomico River and Fishing Bay. The river is CHARLES tidal and navigable to Seaford, Delaware. DOACHESTE Slightly over one-half of its drainage area is SIT. MARY'S located in Maryland and covers 575 square miles WORCESTfR in Dorchester, Caroline, and Wicomico Counties. Pogo rSET The Marshyhope Creek is the largest tributary, its tidal lirrdt is Federalsburg, Caroline County. Other major tributaries in Maryland include the Z. Barren, Quantico, Rewastico and Wetipquin Creeks in Wicomico County and Chicone Creek in Dorchester County. protect and enhance terrestrial and aquatic A series of smaller rivers flows into Fishing Bay. habitats, water quality and other significant The Blackwater, the Little Blackwater, the watershed characteristics. Recreational resource Transquaking and the Cl-dcamicomico, as well as enhancement activities provide both passive and numerous small creeks drain the vast tidal active recreational opportunities which integrate marshes that encompass the drainage area. Over man into this environment. 50,000 acres of tidal wetlands are located in this watershed, representing about one-quarter of the The Resource and Watershed Characteristics, tidal wetlands in Maryland. Together, the Section 1, shows how physiographic features, Nanticoke and the Fishing Bayffilackwater living resources, cultural resources, and drainage areas form the area of study for this recreational opportunities are currently arranged enhancement strategy. This watershed has been in the watershed. This information can be used identified by Maryland and Delaware to be an to identify future enhancement activities. Recent excellent area in which to protect and enhance activities conducted by agencies of the Maryland natural resources for recreation and conservation Department of Natural Resources and other purposes. private and public agencies in the Nanticoke River Watershed study area are summarized in This study provides an overview of the Section III Agency Activity. The Greenways and recreational and natural resource characteristics Resource Planning Enhancement Activities, of the Nanticoke watershed. This document also Section 111, provides a brief description of site identifies what living resources and recreational specific and regionally oriented enhancement enhancement activities the Department was activities which have been initiated as a result of involved with at the time of the study. Living this study. resource enhancement activities are efforts to tv" i r N... qr %-AI. m Sri tkd Y ,4 1 4 0' U. AR @?A 8P. f ISB"y Fed 0 30" 60" Nanticoke River Watershed 2 1. RESOURCE AND WATERSHED CHARACTERISTICS This section describes the individual components which influence the existing and potential character of the study area. The interplay of physiographic features and the living resources which have evolved within these parameters with current and historic uses are discussed and represented with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps to illustrate the existing character and potential enhancement of the area. 3 PHYSIOGRAPHY This section describes the physical qualities of the watershed and how people have influenced and responded to these qualities. Soil and hydrologic characteristics are the primary determinants of land use suitability. The manipulations of these characteristics and the vegetative communities depict the current composition of the watershed. Land Use The Forest Cover and Agriculture map shows the relationship of agricultural lands to forested lands. This map indicates agriculture in the north, center, and east sections of the watershed and timber production along the east side of the river, and west section of the watershed. This distribution was, in part, created in response to the natural soil conditions in the watershed. Current land uses in the Nanticoke watershed have a major effect on the character and viability of living and recreational resources. The major land uses include a mixture of forest land, agricultural land, and wetlands. Commercial, suburban residential, institutional and industrial uses make up approximately 1.2% of the land use. The following table provides a breakdown of the major current land uses within the study area. LAND USE T- ACREAGE % OF STUDY ARE A TOTAL IN STUDY 401,480 AGRICULTURE 116,167 28.9 FOREST 154,635 38.5 RESIDENTIAL 3,294 0.8 COMMERCIAL, 1,486 0.4 INDUSTRIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL LANDS OPEN WATER 47,491 11.8 WETLANDS 74,974 18.7 OTHER 3,433 0.9 (figures provided by Maryland Office of Planning, 1990) 4 LAND USE continued Towns historically developed where fastland waterfront property and the increasing urban allowed access to navigable waterways. economic opportunities in the region. The These locations are uncommon in the study general inaccessibility of the Nanticoke area as evidenced by the few widely- River has limited the amount of shoreline scattered waterfront towns. Railroad recreational/resort development, which is alignments, now mostly abandoned, currently concentrated on the lower supported other rural towns. These towns Wicomico County side of the river at have adapted to other economic Bivalve and Nanticoke. Most new oppol-Lunities. Several small residential development adjacent to the river must subdivisions are concentrated west of comply with the State Forest Conservation Salisbury and around Federalsburg . and Act, the State's Tidal and Nontidal Wetlands others are scattered throughout the Acts, section 404 of the Federal Clean Water watershed. Residential development pressure Act as well as State and County Chesapeake is increasing due to the availability of Bay Critical Area programs. A3 Shoreline structureson the Nanticoke at Vienna. 5. IDATA SOURCE: Maryland Office of Planning --p @M 9 At ....... ... 5 Land Use @ Agriculture Fed Forest 0 30000 60000 Nanticoke River Watershed Forest Cover and Agriculture 6 Forests The Forest Cover and Agriculture map shows the distribution of existing forests. These forests are fiirther divided into deciduous hardwood stands, pine stands and mixed forest areas. Conservation of existing natural diversity requires that examples of various forest community types will be available to maintain long term health of the forest and related natural resources for the enjoyment offuture generations. Based on the 1993 State Forest Inventory, forest cover of several types comprises 247 square miles, or 43%, of the land in the study area. This percentage is greater than that listed for 1990 (39.9%). Wood products and wildlife habitat are among the principle benefits of the forest. Forests also provide substantial water quality protection values to surface waters, by moderating runoff and trapping nutrient pollutants. The study area includes pine, hardwood, and mixed pine and hardwood forest types. Some forest areas are regenerating after harvest. Included in the forest inventory are large areas of forested wetlands. Loblolly pine is the principal timber tree in the study area. The continued presence and expansion of the forest land base in the watershed can be largely attributed to the existence of an economic incentive for private landowners to retain forests. As a result, economic pressures exist to maintain or enhance the loblolly pine component of the privately owned forests. Public forest land ownership or private landowners incentive programs may be required to meet diversity goals if natural diversity is found to be threatened. The loblolly pine is susceptible to insect infestations, particularly southern pine beetle, while the hardwood forests are subject to defoliation from gypsy moth. Soils Soils have been characterized into two general categories based on hydrology: dry soils and wet soils. The dry soil conditions constitute where agriculture has developed. The remaining dry soils that contain forest are some of the best growing sites for native stands ofpine and many of these stands are extensively managed for forest products. 7he forest on the wet soils generally contain bottomland hardwood and loblolly pine stands. Atlantic White Cedar has historically occurred and continues to occur in scattered stands on the wetter sites. Many of the pine stands on the very wet soils along the marsh edge are stunted and very slow growing. Land uses are in large part dictated by the character of the soils. The majority of the lower watershed's soils are poorly drained with large areas of swamp and marsh that are subject to tidal flooding, except for some large areas of very sandy soils in Wicomico County. Poor drainage limits the agricultural value of soils and drainage ditches have been constructed and maintained to alleviate this condition. The upper watershed has mostly well drained soils with some areas of excessively drained sandy soils. Some of the areas of sandy soil are of limited use for agriculture due to drought and low fertility. Agricultural land use includes farm yards, orchards, pasture and cropland. Row-cropped corn and soy bean is planted extensively for use as feed for poultry, which is one of the largest components of the agricultural economy. 7 DATA SOURCE: Maryland Office of Planning Soil Feet FEE Dry Series Wet Series 0 30" 60" Nanticoke River Watershed Soils Wetlands The Wetland map shows the distribution of forested wetland and open marsh. Wetlands are afforded a degree of protection fiom development. Timber harvests in wetlands require the implementation of Best Management Practices along with the development of a Forest Harvest Plan (Critical Area) that details protection of stream buffers, wetlands and endangered species. The study area contains the Maryland Wetlands are afforded some protection from portion of the Chesapeake Bay's largest development under State and Federal assemblage of tidal and nontidal wetlands, wetland regulations. However, natural including forested, shrub/scrub and open occurrences such as the rising of relative sea marsh; combined, they comprise over 16% level, and certain forestry and agricultural of the land area. Wetlands are highly operations influence these resources. valuable resources which provide water quality enhancement, flood protection, Large areas of low tidal marsh, especially in wildlife habitat, flood control and other the Blackwater drainage, are suffering from functions. There is a progression from erosion because of rising sea level and brackish marshes to freshwater tidal marshes, cropping by the exotic nutria. These freshwater tidal shrub swamps and, finally, activities create open water landward of the freshwater forested swamps in the tidal and existing marshes by accretion, thus non-tidal reaches of the study area. Wetlands converting forested wetlands to marsh. are principally floodplain swamps and seasonally flooded forests above the tidal limits. saltmarsh cordgrass nutria big cordgrass 9 DATA SOURCE: National Wetland Inventory 4F .. . .. .. .. .. m@ R Wetland Estuarine Feet Lacustrine and Palustrine 661-m@ 6@@. M 0 30W 6OW Nanticoke River Watershed Wetlands .10 LIVING RESOURCES The interaction between land and water has created an area with diverse natural conditions. 7he watershed contains abundance and diversity of life. Some of these living resources have historically and continue to be usedfor recreation and economic viability. There is also a great diversity and quantity of species which have not historically been used by people but which are @aining cultural and recreational significance. 7he Wildlife map generalizes the areas where indicator species frequently occur. The salinity gradient is also. indicated since this is one of the primary environmental factors which determines the range of plant and animal species. striped bass (rockfish) hightide bush FLORA AND FAUNA Yhere is a diversity and quantity of habitats provided in the watershed. Some species concentrate in the area during certain seasons, while others have adapted to the unique physical condition which have and continue to influence the region. 1@0 water dock sika deer American woodcock Rare, Threatened and Endangered, and Non-Game Species The diversity of terrestrial and wetland habitats within the Nanticoke watershed provides suitable habitats for a number of rare, threatened or endangered plant and animal species. The principal animal species are the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Delmarva fox squirrel, black ra il, and several species of forest interior nesting birds. Management activities for some of these species are carried out by the DNR on Wildlife Management Areas, by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and by many private landowners. Forest interior nesting birds, particularly neotropical migratory species, have been declining due to forest fragmentation as well as loss of tropical winter habitat. The Delmarva fox squirrel's low population is attributed to its habitat requirement of mature forest. Restoration efforts to reestablish this species in areas it formerly t@.. inhabited are on-going. The bald eagle and osprey have increased in numbers after the banning of DDT in the early 1970's. The peregrine is increasing primarily as a result of ongoing efforts to reintroduce this bird of bald eagle peregrine falcon prey to the eastern United States. Other rare animal species present include the seaside sparrow, black rail and short-eared owl. The f high black rail is a secretive inhabitant o tidal marshes. Originally thought to be very rare, it is found to be more common, althou-h its habitat requirements are not well known. red-bellied water snake The DNR's Maryland Natural Heritage Delmarva fox squirrel Program has identified sites where black rail concentrations of rare plants and animals require special protection efforts. Other select areas have been identified through on- going research'and field work. This data is . IN being used to target future protection efforts by the Department and other conservation organizations. short-eared owl seaside sparrow 12 Nfigratory Game Birds Mallards, black duck, wood duck, and Canada geese are the principal species which breed in the watershed. The study area is better known as a migratory, wintering and breeding habitat. These species appear to benefit from protection and the creation of nesting/brood habitat. Historical waterfowl staging and concentration areas have been mapped by the DNR's Wildlife Division. These concentration areas include the entirety of Fishing Bay and most of the lower Nanticoke River. The management activities at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and on DNR Wildlife Management Areas benefit many of the waterfowl species. The 1990 The Blackwater - Nanticoke Focus I.. N mallard Area Plan 0 990) was developed as part of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture. This plan was prepared by the Wildlife Division to implement the North American Waterfowl Mana-ement Plan. This is a commitment between the United States, Canada and Mexico to protect and increase migratory waterfowl populations. The decline of submerged aquatic vegetation ;1 0 (SAV) has reduced the quality of habitat for black duck - species such as canvasback and divin redlicad ducks; however, SAV are reestablishing themselves in certain places. Feral, non-migratory mallards are believed to be hybridizing with native black ducks; however, there is no real evidence that this 0,! is related to the past decline in black duck numbers. Black duck populations have V recently stabilized. Extensive wood duck habitat is present in the wooded swamps that border the upper Nanticoke and Marshyhope v Creek. The placement of nesting boxes has WOOD DUCK NESTING BOXES 6VIfR WATER provided the opportunity for increasing nest success of wood ducks. Dump nesting, however, continues to impact recruitment. American woodcook population have declined due to habitat loss. Hunting regulations have been modified to reduce harvest on local breeding woodcock. W o d c k canvasback 13 Furbearers nutria The extensive wetland habitats support healthy populations of native muskrat, red and gray fox, beaver, otter and raccoon as well as the exotic nutria. These species provide a fur harvest which is a regionally important source of income. red fox The nutria, imported from South America in the 1930's and 1940's for captive fur production, was accidentally released into the wild and has since established large populations in local wetland habitats. The muskrat nutria competes for habitat with native species, particularly muskrat. The main beaver problem with nutria is not competition, but habitat degradation. Large nutria populations are believed to be responsible for marsh, dike, farm pond and agricultural crop Y damage. Their behavior degrades habitat for many other species. Otter t, Upland Game raccoon Healthy populations of native gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, whitetailed deer and turkey provide recreational opportunities for hunting and wildlife observation. Exotic sika deer occur mainly in Dorchester County, in the marshes west of the Nanticoke River and also provide opportunities for hunting. Wild turkey populations have greatly benefitted from management activities including live bird releases. wild turkey XU4 Populations of bobwhite quail have been declining recently. Management for upland @,[email protected] n N, game is conducted on the DNR Wildlife 4011W,";@;,"l-, 1, Management Areas. The DNR Wildlife A -f". 14 cottontail rabbit Division and Forest Service also are working cooperatively with landowners for enh 7@ ancing I - !,5 upland game habitat. They provide Federal cost sharing under the "1990 Stewardship Program. 5W111 bobwhite quail Whiletailed deer R. sika deer 'ito' American dcock woo 14 AQUATIC RESOURCES The Nanticoke River and BlackwaterlFishing Bay watersheds contain a diversity of estuarine aquatic habitats ranging from brackish water to tidal freshwater to nontidal freshwater. The surface water and species inhabiting them have sufferedfrom degradation. A variety offactors have contributed to the decline: habitat disturbance, acid precipitation, over-harvesting, blockages to fish migration, point and non-point source pollution and disease. Most aquatic organisms of economic and recreational significance exhibit cyclical variation in population, but the trend for most species is downward. There are, however, still viable commercial fisheries. oyster harvesting with hand tongs. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) SAV are considered indicator species for water quality and provide important habitat for many animal species. Historically there were well-established SAV beds in the lower Nanticoke and outer Fishing Bay. SAV has disappeared in the Nanticoke and almost all of Fishing Bay since 1970* based on U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyNirginia Institute of Marine Sciences surveys. This survey also indicates a significant reduction in waterfowl and shellfish populations. Water quality improvements are necessary before SAV can be expected to increase by significant amounts. 15 Finfish striped bass Crockfish) Resident and transient fish species provide both recreational and commercial fisheries. The principal recreational species are: white and yellow perch, pickerel, catfish, and largemouth bass in the upper portions of the watershed, and bluefish, sea trout and striped bass (rockfish) in more saline habitats. White perch, catfish and, formerly, rockfish comprise the majority of the commercial catch. A specialized commercial fishery also exists for American eels which are sold as crabbing and fishing bait and exported for consumption. A wide variety of other finfish species also occur but are not generally sold commercially. E@tl I white perch Extensive research is being conducted on the yellow perch Nanticoke due to the serious decline of its striped bass spawning success. The Delmarva Power Corporation's Vienna 71 C140 Generating Plant is located near the center of the striped bass spawning area in the MS Nanticoke and is proposed for expansion. Concerns about further impacting spawning success have led to additional studies as part of the review for the expansion. pickerel -S Oyster catfish - @w The oyster resource in the study area has been decimated by the diseases MSX and Den-no as well as by historic over-harvesting Americ a noyster and water quality degradation. Public oyster bars, natural oyster bars and private leases currently produce few marketable size largernouth bass oysters. Oyster harvests were relatively low during the late 1960's and early 1970's but were higher in the late 1970's with a peak around bluefish 1979. Harvests have declined since that time. sea trout Blue Crab Blue crabs are found throughout the lower .hizaill.- portions of the river system. Annual harvests fluctuate for the blue crab. The crab is now American eel the most viable commercial fishery. blue crab JMCE: "Habitd Requirements for Chesapeake Bay Living Resource wid pci@wW ommminication wob DNR Fisheries and Wil"4 Divisions. V IWO L Ila a o h, 12" S WMI A- -d ck BI Duck od CK 14 adfin tSalin V Feet 6@ 0 30000 wm -Nanticoke River Watershed Wildlife -17 CULTURAL RESOURCES Cultural resources are sites, structures, deposits and other evidence of historic human occupation. They are divided into two primary types in this region. Archaeological sites pertain to places where evidence of native American habitation is deposited. Historical structures are remains of Eitropean-American habitation. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Evidence of intensive native American habitation can be found along the river systems in the watershed. The Nanticoke Indian tribe established a network of villages and encampments which persisted until the area was absorbed by European inhabitants. Evidence of their presence is revealed primarily by piles of discarded oyster shell A deer hunting method. called shell middens. There are also deposits which contain stone tools and pottery. Very little archeological work had been done (Locations of sites are not depicted.) in Caroline County prior to the founding of the Upper Delmarva Regional Preservation Center in 1981. Mr. Joe Reinhart, a local qua amateur archaeologist, initially discovered a SPEAR PCXNT number of prehistoric sites in the county. The Regional Preservation Center has since increased the number of inventoried sites to AsAOw HEADS 83. Most of the research in Caroline County has been limited to prehistoric sites. PE11LE AX.E.AD A 1980 study of Dorchester County's artifact -stone mplements made by Maryland Indians, collection has resulted in an overview of the Approximately 25% of Maryland's county's pre-history. Other studies by the inventoried archeological sites are located on center have included a record of free black the Eastern Shore. These sites * include populations for the earliest colonial period European-Indian contact sites and free black until the post Civil War era, and research of (underground railroad) sites. Approximately the European-Indian culture contact period, 305 sites lie within the Nanticoke which resulted in the discovery of a village Watershed. Early archeological research of site, one of the few known in the Mid- the Eastern Shore has historically been Atlantic region. A total of 166 archeological performed by amateur archaeologists. sites were recorded as of 1986. Identification of many of the known sites has occurred since the formation of the There were 76 inventoried archeological Northeast, Mid-Shore and Lower Delmarva sites recorded in Wicomico County in 1986. chapters of the Archaeological Society of Most of this research has focused on the Maryland. prehistoric period. 18 HISTORIC STRUCTURES Standing structures and sites of historic European habitation are found in the watershed. 7he most significant and best preserved of these sites are inventoried by various history societies. Historic structures included on the National Register are located on the Historic Standing Structures rnap. Approximately 4.5% of the Maryland pre-1940 properties in this county. There is Historic Trust inventoried historical a survey focusing primarily on pre-Civil War structures are in Caroline, Dorchester and structures with major work being done in Wicomico Counties. Cambridge and Vienna. The southern portion of the county has not been studied as Caroline County contains 284 inventoried extensively as the northern portion. listings and there are an estimated total of 4,098 pre-1940 properties in the county. There are 152 inventoried sites listed in Wicomico County including 14 properties The Dorchester County inventory contains listed on the National Register of Historic 735 inventoried listings with 17 of these Places. There are an estimated 6,688 pre- sites listed on the National Register of 1940 properties in the county. Historic Places. 'Ar'llere are an estimated 5,579 d@3 4 Fd J MT Historic structures along the shores of the Nanticoke River in Vienna. 19 iV- N all Historic Structure A Fee 0 30" 60" Nanticoke River Watershed Historic Standing Structures 20 RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Recreation in the watershed is primarily resource based, such as hunting and fishing. 77zese activities are important to the local economy. Sportsmen are drawn to the watershed front throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to experience one of the premier waterfowl and deer hunting areas on the East Coast. Recreation provides customers for food, gas, sporting goods, guide services and lodging establishments, as well as providing income for those who lease their land to hunters. Waterfowl hunting revenues have decreased with the waterfowl population decline and the subsequent reduction in seasons and limits. Ecotourism, conversely, is increasing and supplies customers for the local bed and breakfast industries. Bicycling, canoeing and hiking are also popular due to the relatively flat topography and scenic quality which typify the watershed. Recreational boating and high-speed bass boating is also increasing and may have impacts on living resources. Recreation is provided on both public and private lands and public waterways. PUBLIC LANDS The Public Lands map shows federal, state and county owned lands available for public use. Boating on Big Marsh Creek. 21 00" a ater eCo mer- Public Land Feet I 0 30000. 60000 Nanticoke River Watershed Public Land .-22 State Lands County and Local Parks The largest public landowner in the study Eight county parks are located within the area is the DNR with five Wildlife watershed; four in Caroline, three in Management Areas (WMA's): Fishing Bay Wicomico and one in Dorchester County. (21,256 acres), Idy1wild (2,639 acres), These parks offer various recreational LeCompte (485 acres), Linkwood (313 opportunities including boat launching acres) and Nanticoke River (1688 acres). facilities, hiking and picnicking. Active State Program Open Space funds are used recreational facilities are also located in for acquisition, as well as Federal funds and these parks and at local public schools and shared projects with local conservancy and playgrounds. land trust organizations. These State lands also form part of a large corridor or Shoreline Access greenway extending outside of the study area that includes Ellis Bay, Taylors Island, Deal The Bay Access map indicates locations Island, Fairmount, Cedar Island Wildlife where public water firont or boat launching Management Areas and Janes Island State facilities are availible. Park near Crisfield. Shoreline access is limited by the extensive These parcels are managed for wildlife with marsh fringes which typify the watershed. an emphasis on game species and are open Boating access points are mostly small to the public for hunting and fishing in facilities in the towns or where bridges cross season and all year for wildlife observation certain tributaries. Eleven public ramps exist and nature study. They do not, however, within the watershed, most of which are provide facilities. located in the lower portions of the study area. The DNR's Boating Administration Federal Lands provides funding assistance to local governments for boat ramps, harbors and The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is sanitary pump-out facilities, and shore 20,090 acres and is the only Federally erosion control projects for local protected area in the study area. The governments and private landowners. County Blackwater Refuge is noted for its winter and municipal governments in the coastal concentrations of eagles and waterfowl, and zone are also eligible for funding of low cost extensive management efforts have been construction/acquisition projects under undertaken there, including construction and Section 306A of the Coastal Zone operation of a series of impoundments. The Management Act through Program Open Refuge is also an important destination for Space. tourists in Dorchester County. The wildlife drive allows people to observe wildlife from Fishing and car-top boating access frequently their automobiles. Views over the pristine occurs where a bridge crosses or abuts a marsh are also provided from hiking trails. tributary. There are no special facilities at these popularly used locations. ,23 7'f I 474V Day Access Point Fed 0 30M 60WO Nanticoke River Watershed Bay Access -24 Private Lands and Facilities Many privately owned lands and riparian rights are leased for hunting. Overnight facilities are also provided by private entrepreneurs. Cam pgrounds and Bed and Breakfasts Conservation Easements There are two Boy Scout camps, Camp Easements provide public benefit in the form Nanticoke and Camp Merrill. Environmental of environmental protection but usually do education is an important goal of the Boy not provide public access. There are Scouts at their camps. There is a commercial currently two DNR easements in the campground located on the lower Nanticoke watershed through the Maryland River near Tyaskin. Environmental Trust: Tudor Farms (2,532.5 acres) and the Burnett property (25.5 acres) Vienna has a small waterfront bed and breakfast industry. The historic buildings and nearby ecotourism opportunities are popular attractions. There are also bed and breakfasts in Hurlock and along the Marshyhope Creek. X "Nei 3N It'? rl FE Wetland vegetation along Nanticoke waterfront in Vienna bed and breakfast area. 25 I I I I I 1 11. AGENCY ACTIVITIES I i I I I I I I I I I w 26 A SELECTED AGENCY ACTIVITIES LIVING RESOURCES M."M M.. 11! On, 1@14 M'M Greenways & Resource Nanticoke River Watershed: Completed Provides a brief description of site specific and Planning (GRP) A Summary of Resource regionally oriented enhancement activities which Characteristics and have been initiated as a result of this study Enhancement Activities - Information can be used to identify future enhancement activities Resource planning projects On-going - Coordinate local Greenways plans with DNR with local governments & public lands planning and mapping. other DNR agenciestprivate - Provide technical assistance to local governments, organizations organizations for enhancement projects Marshyhope Creek FY 95 - Technical assistance project with POS, Boating Waterfront Administration, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Md Dept. of Park/Federalsburg the Environment, and ISTEA committee to stabilize a 4500' shoreline with wetland plantings and 200 landscape trees Delmarva Power & Light Conceptual/ - Effort to explore the feasibility of an fly ash dump impoundment preliminary impoundment at the abandoned fly ash dump +1000 acres review across from DP&L Vienna Power Plant; interagency discussions with Wildlife, Wetlands, Power Plant Siting, POS Acquisition mapping for Finalizing - GIS maps of public lands including the subject DNR lands watershed Program Open Space Land acquisition for DNR; On-going - Coordinate DNR land acquisition throughout (POS) assist local governments the watershed with their acquisition, - Guide local government with die funding of development funds acquisition and development projects Agricultural easements land On-going - Joint effort with Md Department of Agriculture preservation program - Acquisition program designed to purchase development rights in order to keep land in agriculture Forest Service State Forest Inventory FY 93-94 - GIS mapping of current Forest Inventory in the watershed Identification of FY 93-94 - Joint effort with Coastal and Watershed Resources reforestation opportunities - Inventory and mapping of areas suitable reforestation opportunities within the 100' tidal buffer & 300' riparian corridor Reforestation Program On-going - Provide assistance to landowners in reforesting harvested woodlands and old farm fields. Seedlings provided by state nursery at cost. State and federal cost share programs available to landowners that pay 50% to 65% of the reforestation expense. Administration of State On-going - Guide local government and land owners in the Forest Conservation Act implementation of the Forest Conservation Act Stewardship Program On-going - Joint effort with public agencies and private organizations to help private property owners to prepare management plans that take an integrated approach to natural resource management Wtored to the landowner objectives and to manage for multiple benefits including timber, wildlife... - Federal funds Faulkner Branch Acidity FY 93 - Study/analysis of the pH levels in Faulkner Study Spawning Branch. Emphasis placed on pH levels after Season rainfall events 27 SELECrED AGENCY ACTIVITIES LIVING RESOURCES .. ....... R g @4- gv I Forest Service Forest Pest Program On-going Monitor die effects of southern pine beetle, assist landowners with recommendations for control of any infested areas; assist Md. Dept of Agriculture in the gypsy moth control program. Local Forestry Board oversees a cost share program where landowners whose property is infested can be sprayed. Buffer Incentive Program On-going - Provide grants to landowners ($500/acre) to reforest open fields. Land must be within 300' of a blue line stream or within the 100 year flood plain. - State funds Maryland Environmental Local land assistance, On-going - Guide/assist in the donation of perpetual Trust Monitor/stewardship of conservation easements to preserve farmland, existing conservation forestland, waterfront, rare or unique natural areas, easements. Solicitation of scenic, endangered species habitat, historic new conservation easement properties and other rural land donors Chesapeake Bay Research Biological Indicators On-going - Fish community sampling with beach seine and cy & Monitorin., Project bottom trawls - Water quality parameters measured with Hydrolab Surveyor1l Water quality monitoring FY 93 - Experimental study & analysis of current water buoy in Mafshyhope Creek Spawning quality conditions in Marshyhope Creek Season Tidal Fisheries Division Striped Bass recruitment Completed/ Joint effort with Power Plant & Environmental study & seminar final report Review pending Anadromous fish studies FY 94 - Juvenile sampling and seines at fish sample for Striped Bass, American stations; conducting a marktrecapture study at Shad & Herring these points Fish Passage Program, FY 93-94 - Work with private landowners in order to improve Barren Creek fish passage along Barren Creek Oyster bar charts Completed - Map location of Oyster Bars within watershed Oyster bar seeding On-going - Minor seeding program on the natural oyster bars that were hit the least by the MSX disease Fish studies for Striped On-going Bass, American Shad, and Herring Power Plant & Delmarva Power Corp. FY 93-94 - Currently reviewing proposal for expansion of the Environmental Review Vienna plant expansion Vienna power plant Striped Bass recruitment Completed/ - Joint effort with Chesapeake Bay Research & study & seminar final report Monitoring pending Water Resources Admin, Wetlands & Waterways On-going State regulatory program to protect tidal and Water & Wetlands Program regulatory programs nonddal wetlands throughout the State Water appropriation On-going Review water appropriation requests and surface reques(s ining reclarnaflon projecis 28 SELECTED AGENCY ACTIVIT IE S LrVING RESOURCES Water Resources Admin, Wetlands quarter quad Pending Enforcement of regulated activities and mapping Enforcement Services mapping Funding of wetland resources on a county by county basis Program Natural Heritage Program Natural Heritage On-going - Maintains database on Maryland rare & threatened Database species and natural communities. Inventory work currently in progress in the watershed Natural Areas Registry On-going - Currently working with timber companies and other private landowners to protect and re- establish areas of natural habitat; advises The Nature Conservancy on their protection efforts in the watershed. Freshwater Fisheries Largemouth Black Bass FY 93 - Currently studying the Black Bass of Marshyhope Division studies "Creek which is the principal spawning area for the bass in the watershed Wildlife Division Non-game & bald eagle On-going - State-wide continual survey and mapping surveys Phragmites control On-going - Currently conducted in disturbed areas (i.e. impoundments) Atlantic Coast Joint On-going - Plan for the protection and enhancement of habitat Venture/Nandcoke and buffers, repair of existing tidal impoundments, Blackwater Area Focus nesting structures, and possible establishment of Plan wildlife sanctuaries according to the Blackwater Area Focus Plan Green's Island Permit - Renovations of this impoundment to improve Impoundment construction Review habitat for waterfowl Mapping of waterfowl On-going - Survey and mapping concentration areas on - Maps provided to local planning agencies for aerials and into GIS resource protection and planning quads Wildlife Division Midwinter waterfowl trend On-going - Used to determine trends in populations and (continued) information changes in the distribution Big Marsh area study and In Progress habitat improvement Stewardship Program On-going - Joint effort with Forestry Service Nanticoke River WMA On-going - Prepare management plan; part of the Statewide management plan effort to re-write the management plans for all WMA's including Idylwild, Linkwood, Fishing Bay, Le Compte Delmarva fox squirrel On-going - Currently working with timber companies, landowners, and local government to conserve Delmarva Fox Squirrel habitat Maryland Dept. of Mosquito control On-going - Components of this program on hold due to black Agriculture rail concerns Agricultural land On-going - Joint effort with Program Open Space preservation program - Acquisition program designed to purchase easements development rights in order to keep land in active agriculture 29 SELECTED AGENCY ACTIVITIES LIVING RESOURCES .M A ;xM 1k1,A1W.R'@N1_x 111 MR., 01% Maryland Office of Maryland Growth On-going Assist local government in updating their Planning Management Act comprehensive open space plans and compliance implementation with Maryland's Growth Management Plan Coastal & Watershed Identification of forest FY 93-94 - Joint effort with Forestry Service, Md Resources conservation and forestation Environmental Trust, Md Agricultural Land opportunities in the Preservation Foundation watershed as part of a statewide effort Updating & refining FY mid-94 - Inventory and mapping of suitable forest computerized maps and conservation and reforestation opportunities within associate database the 100' tidal buffer & 300' riparian corridor Maryland Growth On-going - Assist local governments in updating their Management Act comprehensive plans and working on compliance Implementation with Maryland's Growth Management Plan Maryland's Chesapeake On-going - Part of statewide effort to develop watershed plans Bay Tributary Strategies for reducing nutrient pollution from point and non-point sources. The Nanticoke River is pan of the Lower Eastern Shore Watershed. 30 SELECTED AGENCY ACTIVITIES RECREATIONAL RESOURCES 01'*.@@ _P! 9 Greenways & Re source Nanticoke River: A Completed Provides a brief description of site specific and Planning (GRP) Summary of Resource regionally oriented enhancement activities wWch Characteristics and have been initiated as a result of this study Enhancement Activities - Information can be used to identify future enhancement acfivities Mapping On-going - Mapping the project boundary of Fish.ing Bay, 600' scale Federalsburg Hike & Dike FY 95 -Technical assistance project with the Town of Trail Federalsburg. ISTEA approved funding for the (rail along the Marshyhope Creek/part of the Marshyhope Waterfront Park project Program Open Space Acquisition of recreation On-going - Assist state agencies and local governments with (POS) areas funding requests for acquisidon, development Boating Administration Wetipquin Creek boat ramp FY 94 - Designed to provide better boating access for the (BOA) improvement public Bivalve harbor jetties FY 94 - Engineering plans completed Vienna ramp permit FY 92 - Designed to provide better boating access for the acquisition public Marine pump-out facilities FY 92 - Designed to provide convenient and safe pump-out at Nanticoke Harbor and facilities for the boating public Cedar Hill Park Bivalve Wharf engineering FY 93 - Grant provided by the Boating Adn-dnistration to project in Wiconuco Wicomico County for the renovation and upgrading County of Bivalve Wharf Breakwater for shore FY 94 - Project to aid in the control of shore erosion in the erosion control at Cedar Park Hill Park in Bivalve Federalsburg, Marshyhope FY 94 - Project to control shoreline erosion Creek Elliott Island Harbor On-going - Grant provided to Dorchester County for Elliott improvements Island Harbor improvements Tidal Fisheries Division Fish studies for Striped On-going - Statew1de study including subject watershed Bass, American Shad and Herring Anadromous fish studies Ongoing - Juvenile sampling and seines at fish sample for Striped Bass, American stations. Conducting a marktrecapture study at these Shad & Herring points Boat ramp at Nanticoke FY '95 - Planned to provide access to the marsh within the River WMA Nanticoke River WMA Freshwater Fisheries Fish pond stocking FY 93 - Various stocking on an as needed basis Division Largemouth Black Bass On-going - Currently studying the Black Bass in Marshyhope studies Creek, which is the principal spawning area for the bass in the watershed 31 SE.LE,C`ITA) A(;I,',NCI'A(7['IVI*1'11,"S RECREATION RESOURCES A ys. Freshwater Fisheries Fish pond stocking FY 93 - Various stocking on an as needed basis Division Largemouth Black Bass On-going - Currently studying the Black Bass in Marshyhope studies Creek, which is the principal spawning area for tk bass in the watershed Wildlife Division Hunting, trapping, Wking, Seasonal Hunting by permit on wildlife management areas nature study, fishing, crabbing, photography, bird watching, boating/canoeing N., Canada goose great blue heron 32 111. GREENWAYS AND RESOURCE PLANNING ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES During the development of this study, Greenways & Resource Planning (GRP) staff have witnessed an increasing level of public awareness and discussion about new initiatives under- taken by a variety of sponsors to protect and enhance resources associated with the Nanticoke River. GRP has offered technical assistance in the coordination of enhancement projects Which are compatible with these initiatives which help promote river conservation. Technical assistance efforts have focused on the FederalsburgIMarshyhope Creek and Vienna areas. GRP has been directly involved with or has discussed the potential opportunities associated with the following enhancement initiatives: 33 V"' Feet 0 3 00 60000 Nanticoke River Watershed Focus Areas 34 Federalsburg Focus Area The Town of Federalsburg requested technical assistance to develop a waterfront park system along the dredge filled banks of the Marshyhope Creek. GRP staff devised a master plan, identified funding and technical assistance sources, facilitated interagency coordination and funding requisition, and developed schematic and detailed design documentation. The following are the individual components of the master plan. Federalsburg Waterfront Non-structural Shoreline Erosion Control & Marsh Creation: A 42,000 square foot spartina grass marsh creation project is proposed by the DNR Shore Erosion Control in Marina Park along the Marshyhope Creek to control erosion and provide tidal wetland habitat. GRP has prepared a design to unify the project with landscape elements. SEC has requested funding from.the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. Federalsburg Shoreline Buffer: Native wetland shrub plantings along 2,500 feet of the Marshyhope Creek and its tributaries is proposed to complement the Shore Erosion Control project.- Federalsburg has applied to the Chesapeake Bay Trust for funding. DNR may also be asked to provide technical assistance for wildlife structures and to assist further in the coordination of efforts and the supervision of construction. Federalsburg Wetland Mitigation: The Water Resources Administration is actively pursuing mitigation sites in Caroline and Dorchester Counties. Federalsburg/Marsbyhope Creek is suitable for non-tidal forested wetland mitigation. If the Federalsburg site is selected, GRP will initiate topographic analysis. Federalsburg Waterfront Ilike and Bike Trail: Gravel trails and landscaping in the urban waterfront park create a scenic walkway along the Marshyhope Creek. The construction of the trail, landscaping, bridge, and marsh creation could offer economic opportunities. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) committee has approved the grant application. The Department of Transportation is preparing a Memorandum of Understanding. When the contract is signed, the ISTEA contracts will be advertised. Implementation is scheduled for the Fall 1994. Federalsburg has applied to the U.S. Forest Service to request a Small Business Grant for tree planting. The Town is considering presen ting the concept to local groups and providing a forum to explore opportunities with local and state agencies and public/private organizations. If feasible, DNR could be requested to provide further technical assistance, 35 Federalsburg Mine-pond Reclamation Swimming Facility: The current owner of two abandoned mine ponds adjacent to Marina Park has expressed interest in selling/donating the site. Caroline County representatives have been approached to determine their interest in management. Federalsburg may wish to survey members of the local community to determine interest and support for the project. If feasible, DNR could be requested to provide further technical assistance. Marshyhope Creek Canoe Access: Federalsburg is exploring primitive canoe access points along the creek and has applied for funding. Dorchester County Department of Parks and Recreation is considering access at two bridge crossings. GRP has made Boating Administration aware of the interest. Boating has agreed to explore the feasibility of implementing this component of the plan. Federalsburg/Smithville Boating, Swinuning, Biking, Outfitters, and Bait and Tackle Store: Ecological restoration and recreational facility development projects are potential opportunities for small business ventures that are associated with fishing, canoeing, swimming, and cycling. The Town has discussed the possibility of presenting the economic viability of thernaster plan to local groups, business community, etc. and providing a forum to explore opportunities with local and state agencies and public/private organizations. If feasible, DNR could be requested to provide further technical assistance. IIY@ kl: " t V J, VIZ. '771 On- Zug, 4 ;W 4Z CENTRAL AVENUE, FEDERALSBURG MARSHYHOPE CREEK 36 Vienna Focus Area GRP was approached by the Vienna town government, Wicomico County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Chesapeake Corporation with a variety of potential enhancement opportunities. The following activities have been initiated as a result of these investigations. Vienna Marsh: Greenways & Resource Planning is soliciting comments on the feasibility of converting the Delmarva Power & Light fly-ash dump to an impoundment for emergent marsh habitat restoration and waterfowl sanctuary. Staff has conducted a precursory review with many of the appropriate agencies of the Department. Preliminary tests need to be conducted to assess environmental conditions. r r4 X@ W Del rn arva Power & Light plant on the 'Nanticoke In Vienna Vienna-Hebron-Salisbury Rail-Trail: The proposed rail-trail project will link the Nanticoke River to Salisbury via a joint effort with Delmarva Power & Light. DP&L is considering allowing access from Hebron to the Vienna Marsh along the power line right-of-way. Wicomico County owns the old Route 50 roadway through the marsh to the Nanticoke River. DNR is sub-leasing the railroad right of way for conversion to a rail trail. Recreational facilities, such as an observation tower or fishing pier could be developed on the abandoned Route 50 alignment in the marsh across from Vienna. Program Open Space and Greenways and Resource Planning are providing technical assistance. 37 Vienna Ecotourism Outfitter, Bed & Breakfast, and Tour Guide Service: The Town of Vienna has potential opportunities for the private sector/business community to respond to the increased ecotourism trend in the area. There is an abandoned Coast Guard building in Town which, if supported by the Federal government, has the potential to be converted into a facility that could support economic development. The Town may wish to consider improving the existing boating facilities. Nanticoke River/Marsbyhope Creek Public/Private Partnerships: Private landowners can promote, provide and enhance greenways opportunities throughout the Watershed. Chesapeake Corporation has expressed interest in converting formerly harvested areas along the Nanticoke River and Marshyhope Creek into a public use forest and nature interpretation area. The site has potential for opportunities for public access, canoe access, nature and interpretative trails and non-consumptive wildlife use. Greenways & Resource Planning has agreed to provide technical assistance and to coordinate, if requested, participation in educational forums to discuss stewardship objectives. Scenic, Historical and Natural Features Driving Tour: Greenways & Resource Planning is exploring sites of natural features, scenic areas and historic interest to prepare a brochure for a scenic drive for the Eastern Region. A segment of the drive identifies sites within the Nanticoke Watershed that represent significant destination points for a family drive. 38 I I I I I I I I I I I i US Department of Commerce NOAA Coa@faj Services Center L"oTari, 2234 South Hebson Charleston, SC 2Z)405-2413 I I NDAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY 3 6668 14111451 4 ...... .... Greenways and Resource Planning Tawes State Office Building Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Tel. 410-974-3654 -*AMK*m