Sassafras River Association
General Membership Meeting
6:00 PM Thursday May 17th, Galena Fire Hall
River News
SRA Hiring RIVERKEEPER
SRA is now accepting applications for the Sassafras RIVERKEEPER. To view the position description and instructions on how to apply, click here.
General Membership Meeting
Join SRA for our upcoming membership meeting highlighting the Susquehanna River and it's influence on the Sassafras and upper Chesapeake Bay. As a result of Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, an estimated 4 million tons of sediment was scoured out from behind Conowingo Dam and flushed down the Susquehanna River to the Bay. Conowingo has long been a barrier trapping sediment and pollution before it enters the Chesapeake, but studies by the U.S. Geological Survey suggest that the Dam is rapidly nearing its storage capacity.
At our meeting guest speaker Michael Helfrich, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, will present information on the re-licensing of Conowingo Dam, the threats associated with sediment behind the dam, and will discuss potential steps to mitigate future impacts to the Bay. Come and learn more about this important issue, and what it means for the Sassafras River. Please RSVP to Cheryl Boyd by email cboyd@sassafrasriver.org or by calling 410-275-1400.
Sassafest River Jam 2012: Save the Date!
Join SRA for our 3rd annual Sassafest River Jam! This year's event will be held at Georgetown Yacht Basin and promises to be a day filled with live music, food, environmental exhibitors, vendors, and good company. More details to come soon!
SRA Announces "Stewardship Assistant" Position
The Sassafras River Association will be a host organization for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Chesapeake Conservation Corps volunteer program - an exciting year-long paid volunteer opportunity. The Conservation Corps Volunteer will work as a member of the SRA staff beginning in the Fall of 2012 and will work closely with the Sassafras Riverkeeper, Agricultural Outreach Coordinator, and Watershed Coordinator to implement a variety of SRA's programs to protect and restore the Sassafras. Click here to learn more.100% Funding Now Available for Septic Repairs
Traditional septic systems do not remove nitrogen and deliver about 30 pounds of nitrogen per year to groundwater - new systems can cut nitrogen loads in half. Residents of both Kent and Cecil Counties are currently eligible to receive 100% funding for septic system upgrades to a nitrogen removing system. Anyone interested in upgrading their septic may be eligible to apply, but top priority is given to those who live in the critical area (land within 1,000 feet of tidal waters) and have old or failing septic systems.
The Bay Restoration Fund provides money to counties to help Marylanders install nitrogen removing systems, and these funds are generated through local flush taxes. Without this funding, installation of a nitrogen removing system would typically cost a homeowner approximately $15,000. Due to possible changes in the way the Bay Restoration Fund operates, 100% funding may not be available after this fiscal year, which ends June 30th, 2012. Contact your local Department of Environmental Health to inquire about upgrading your septic system, and to apply for funding.
Cecil County: Charles Smyser, Director of Environmental Health 410-996-5160 or csmyser@dhmh.state.md.us
Kent County: John Beskid, Director of Environmental Health 410-778-2142 or jbeskid@dhmh.state.md.us