River Report – Low Flows but Rain in the Forecast
Drought brings a lot of things—anxiety, thirsty plants, low river levels, angry yellowjackets (yes, you read that right!), and even poor air quality. The DC Metro region air quality dipped into Code Orange yesterday and was considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. It is expected to improve in the coming days.
The river’s flow at Point of Rocks is hovering at the point where ICPRB begins daily Drought Monitoring, however, staff will postpone initiating Drought Monitoring due to the 1 – 3 inches of rain in the forecast.
The heaviest rain is expected in the western part of the watershed, which is also currently the driest area in today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map. How that changes the map remains to be seen. Currently, the amount of the watershed in Severe Drought (orange) jumped from 37% to almost 60% since last week.
All the F(eels) for our NFWF Grant
We are excited to announce that ICPRB has received a 2024 Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant to restore access of the American eel to historic habitat in the western Potomac River watershed. The project will open more than 1,500 miles of upstream river and stream habitat for eel and related aquatic species.
Learn more about ICPRB’s eel project and see other WILD grant recipients >>>
The return of a thriving eel population to the Potomac River and its tributaries will provide more food for other species and better water quality, thereby increasing ecosystem resiliency.
This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service and Altria. Additional support was provided by the National Park Service.
Stay tuned to learn more as the project progresses!
Upcoming ICPRB Business Meeting
The ICPRB will hold its final business meeting of FY24 on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Adams County Agricultural and National Resources Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Commissioners will get an update on the region’s response to the drought, get briefed on ICPRB projects, and get a spotlight presentation on the Adams County Conservation District. Find the draft agenda on our Business Meetings site.
The public is invited to attend the meeting. Please contact us by Friday, September 6, for more information on how to attend.