The Sassafras River Association is engaged in a wide range of activities: advocacy, education, watershed assessment and monitoring -- all focused on one principal goal, to remove the Sassafras River from Maryland's list of polluted waterways.
SWAP
The Sassafras Watershed Action Plan (SWAP) is a community based watershed plan which was developed over the course of one year (2009). SWAP was approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency in January 2010. The Plan includes 30 restoration strategies, cost estimates, responsible parties, implementation timeline and funding opportunities that will have clear and demonstrable effect on improving the water quality in the Sassafras River.
Goal: A healthy clean river that is safe for swimming, fishing, crabbing, and meets the TMDL for all impairments.
Sassafras Samplers
For more than 4 years, the SRA has sponsored a water quality monitoring program, the Sassafras Samplers. It's a great way for our dedicated volunteers to learn the science of the River while making an essential contribution to our knowledge of River conditions.
From 2005-2008 The Samplers tested 20 sites on the tidal portion of the River 3 times a year, in the spring, summer, and fall. The samplers tested for a number of parameters that indicate the overall health of the River.
To view results from 2008 check out our Dashboard
This year, the samplers have conducted monthly testing in the tidal portion of the River as well as the non-tidal creeks and streams that flow into the River. This is a big effort and we will need more volunteers to carry out our plans. Click on the link to Volunteer Today or email/call the RIVERKEEPER® for more information. For an interactive map showing all past and present testing locations as well as data, please click HERE.
Just In! 2009 Sampling Season Results!! To view results from 2009 and to see where we are headed in 2010 click HERE.
Sassafras Sampler Resources
The following documents are required of each Sassafras Sampler to review and keep for their records for quality assurance while participating in the Sassafras River Association's Water Quality Monitoring Program.
Agricultural Outreach
The SRA Agriculture Outreach program focuses on building relationships with Sassafras River watershed farmers, identifying opportunities for and implementing conservation projects, and promoting best management practices on agricultural operations throughout the watershed. The three main goals of the program include:
- Developing relationships with the Sassafras River watershed agricultural community, including but not limited to farmers, NRCS, USDA and County SCD employees, DNR employees, Farm Bureau, University of Delaware and University of MD extension and research staff.
- Identifying priority areas as well as specific sites for agricultural BMPs, conservation planning, and restoration projects.
- Coordinating funding, technical assistance, and efforts of NRCS, SCD, DNR, Ducks Unlimited, and other sources to maximize assistance and simplify application and implementation processes for individual landowners in priority areas.
Residential/Homeowner Outreach
The SRA Residential Outreach program is focused on working closely with homeowners and residents of the Sassafras River watershed to develop an awareness of the common pollutants that affect the River’s health as well as behavior changes that can positively impact water quality. SRA works in conjunction with its partners, including but not limited to University of Maryland Master Gardeners, University of Delaware Soil Testing Lab, Kent and Cecil County Departments of Environmental Health, and private denitrifying septic system manufacturers, to hold information workshops and training opportunities focused on changing behaviors and offering solutions to common issues. To date, SRA has focused its efforts on soil testing for lawn and gardens, rain barrel construction and use, denitrifying septic systems, and use of native landscaping at home.
The SRA Residential Outreach program has also provided funding to homeowners interested in taking steps to reduce their impact on the Sassafras River, through free septic tests. Workshops and training opportunities are scheduled throughout the summer and fall. Check Watershed Events for details.
Responsible Recreation Outreach
The Sassafras RIVERKEEPER monitors and patrols the River weekly from April through October. The RIVERKEEPER promotes responsible use of the River (paddling, canoeing, bird watching, etc.) as well as disseminates information on Clean Boating practices and the Department of Natural Resources Clean Marina program. The RIVERKEEPER speaks at a host of public forums (yacht clubs, homeowner’s associations, schools, events, etc.) to educate stakeholders and promote SRA’s mission of restoring the Sassafras.
Youth Outreach
The Sassafras RIVERKEEPER has an annual mandate to reach every 4th grader in the watershed, with the goal of developing the next generation of stewards through education and awareness. The RIVERKEEPER participates in Kent County’s outdoor education program as well as Boy Scout, Girl Scout and other youth based activities in both Cecil and Kent Counties. Children participate in simple water quality sampling (tidal waters) and macroinvertebrate investigation (non-tidal waters). Children learn about sources of pollution and steps they can take to improve water quality.
Educational Forums
In the beginning SRA hosted educational forums to educate stakeholders about our watershed. You can find summaries of our forums in our Monthly Newsletters. With the implementation of SWAP, SRA now hosts workshops on restoration strategies and occasional meetings on relevant topics. For a schedule of upcoming workshops and activities please check Watershed Events.
Monthly Newsletter—Sassafras Update
The June Sassafras Update has the latest SRA news. You can get a topical index of our past newsletters and read them here.
| Date | Topic | |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-10 | Agriculture - Nutrient Reduction | |
| 2005-09 | Agriculture's Role | |
| 2005-08 | Algae Bloom | |
| 2008-03 | Algae Study by Horn Point Lab | |
| 2005-07 | Annual Meeting, 2005 | |
| 2006-07 | Annual Meeting, 2006 | |
| 2007-07 | Annual Meeting, 2007 | |
| 2008-07 | Annual Meeting, 2008 | |
| 2007-03 | Backyard to the Bay - 2007 Forum | |
| 2007-02 | Backyard to the Bay Preview | |
| 2007-11 | Cecil Sassafras River Watershed Plan | |
| 2008-09 | Cecil Sassafras River Watershed Plan | |
| 2006-04 | Clean Marinas | |
| 2008-06 | Conversation with the RIVERKEEPER | |
| 2005-08 | Cruise | |
| 2006-04 | DNR Police | |
| 2008-11 | Executive Director Hired for SRA | |
| 2007-04 | Eyes on the Bay | |
| 2005-11 | Farmland Preservation | |
| 2008-06 | Fish Die-off at Turners Creek | |
| 2008-03 | Fish Study by Chris Wiggins | |
| 2006-05 | John Smith's Voyage of Discovery | |
| 2006-01 | Living Shorelines | |
| 2008-05 | Meet the RIVERKEEPER! | |
| 2007-01 | Native Americans on the Sassafras | |
| 2007-06 | Ordinary Point Restoration | |
| 2006-10 | Planning 101 - The State Perspective | |
| 2006-11 | Planning 102 - The County Perspective | |
| 2007-04 | Project Clean Stream 2007 | |
| 2008-04 | Project Clean Stream 2008 | |
| 2007-08 | Reaching for Our RIVERKEEPER® | |
| 2008-08 | Rubblefill in Kent County | |
| 2008-09 | Rubblefill in Kent County | |
| 2007-12 | Sassafras RIVERKEEPER Approved | |
| 2008-11 | Sassafras Samplers 2008 Results | |
| 2008-01 | Sassafras Samplers 3-year Review | |
| 2005-10 | Sassafras Samplers Kickoff | |
| 2008-12 | Sassafras Watershed Action Plan | |
| 2005-05 | Septic Systems 101 | |
| 2006-03 | Septics - 2006 Water Resources Forum | |
| 2007-05 | Septics - Bay Restoration Fund | |
| 2008-05 | Septics - Funding Nitrogen Removal | |
| 2006-02 | Snowed In! | |
| 2006-12 | SRA logo | |
| 2008-10 | Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER | |
| 2005-04 | Tributary Strategies in Maryland | |
| 2007-09 | Turners Creek Restoration Project | |
| 2005-12 | Underwater Grasses (SAV) | |
| 2006-04 | US Route 301 Expansion in Delaware | |
| 2006-08 | US Route 301 Expansion in Delaware | |
| 2006-09 | US Route 301 Update | |
| 2007-01 | US Route 301 Update | |
| 2005-06 | Wade-in, 2005 | |
| 2006-06 | Wade-in, 2006 | |
| 2006-07 | Water Chestnut Harvest | |
| 2009-01 | SWAP | |
| 2009-02 | SWAP | |
| 2009-03 | Sassafras Marinas - SWAP | |
| 2009-04 | SWAP, Advocacy Update | |
| 2009-05 | Corsica River Project | |
| 2009-06 | Waterkeeper Alliance Annual Conference | |
| 2009-07 | Annual Meeting/Beach Closures | |
| 2009-08 | Indian Acres/Governor O'Malley | |
| 2009-09 | SRA Awarded NFWF Grant/BNR Septic Upgrade | |
| 2009-10 | Indian Acres/MD Comptroller/Oil Spill | |
| 2009-11 | New Hire/Bay TMDL | |
| 2009-12 | New Chart for 2010/MDE De-delegation Petition | |
| 2010-01 | Call for Volunteers!/2010 Legislative Session | |
| 2010-02 | SWAP Stakeholders - Turning the Plan into Action | |
| 2010-03 | Nutrient Trading/Legislative Session | |
| 2010-04 | Spring Brings Changes for SRA | |
| 2010-05 | April Showers Bring May Barrels | |
| 2010-06 | Parting Thoughts From Kim Kohl |
Advocacy
An important part of our mission is to work with Federal, State and local governments on issues that effect the Sassafras River watershed. You can find a description of the issues we're currently tracking here. If there's an issue you think we should be following—a new residential development, a change in zoning laws, or other proposed legislation—send us an email.
1) 2010 Legislative Session
View bills that SRA supports in this year's legislative session.
2) Legal Action
The Sassafras Riverkeeper has joined the Waterkeepers Chesapeake in filing a petition to EPA to revoke Maryland Department of the Environement's authority to implement and enforce the Clean Water Act.
- What Do Other Waterkeepers Have to Say?
- December 3, 2009 Waterkeeper Chesapeake Petition to EPA
- December 7, 2009 Waterkeeper Chesapeake De-delegation Petition Press Release
3) Indian Acres
The Cecil County Commissioners voted and approved the Letter of Intent (LOI) surrounding full time residency at Indian Acres Campground in Earlville, MD. SRA has advocated for improved waste infrastructure at Indian Acres to the State and County authorities and will continue to follow this issue to ensure the proper regulations are followed.
- February 22, 2010 SRA Letter to Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- January 8, 2010 SRA Second Letter to Health Department
- December 15, 2009 Approved LOI
- December 2, 2009 SRA Letter to Health Department
- October 6, 2009 SRA Letter to Cecil County Commissioners Opposing the Letter of Intent
- September 23, 2009 Public Notice of Hearing and Letter of Intent
- August, 2009 Sassafras Riverkeeper's Cove: Indian Acres Campground Raises Questions
- May 4, 2009 SRA Letter to Cecil County Commissioners
3) Rubble Land Fill
SRA is advocating against a proposal to create a rubble land fill in northern Kent County located at the headwaters of Jacob's Creek, a tributary to the Sassafras River. You can follow these links to the relevant documents:
- May 29, 2009 Denial of Request from Kent County
- May 11, 2009 Freedom of Information Act Request to Kent County
- August 22, 2008 MDE Secretary Wilson's letter to the SRA
- July 25, 2008 SRA Letter to the Kent County Commissioners
- June 13, 2008 Fiscal Impact Analysis by the Plan's Proponents
6) Letters of Support
- August 2009 SRA writes a letter to Governor O'Malley advoacting for state funding of upgrades to Betterton and Galena Waste Water Treatment Plants.
- August 2009 SRA supports the Town of Galena in acquiring funds for the Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade to Enhanced Nutrient Removal technology.
- May 2009 SRA supports Kent County Commissioners in opposition to land application of sewage sludge
- March 2009 Sultana Project
- February 2009 Susquehanna Sediment Study
- January 2009 CRA Septic Initiative
Watershed Events
June
- SRA - Septic Upgrade Workshops
Kent County - June 5th 10AM-12PM
Cecil County - June 12th 2PM-4PMIn conjunction with two homeowners in Cecil and Kent Counties SRA will be hosting on site septic workshops for anyone interested in upgrading their septic system to a new, denitrifying system.
The workshop will include 1) How to apply for state grant funding for your new system, 2) Overview of how the denitrifying system operates, system energy requirements, costs, maintenance, etc., 3) System company representative with a display model to field questions, 4) Homeowners available to answer questions about their experiences with the denitrifying system, 5) Bay Restoration Fund expert on site to discuss funding opportunities.
Please call (410) 708-7667 or email Josh Thompson (SRA Outreach Coordinator) to register by June 1st. Limited space is available.
July
- First Annual Sassafest and Wade-In!
Betterton Beach, Betterton, MD
Saturday July 17th, 10:30AM-4:00PMCome out for a day of fun celebrating the Sassafras River. The event will include live music, paddle races, food and drinks, and environmental exhibits including Scales and Tails, Adkins Aboretum, Sultana and more! Check out more details here. Event is FREE and open to the public.
Sassafest
A day to Celebrate the Sassafras!
When: Saturday, July 17th, 2010 (raindate July 18th)
Where: Betterton Beach in Kent County (Directions , Flyer)
Event is FREE and open to the public
Schedule of Events
10:30 Paddle Race Registration - Kayak, canoe and life jacket required. Races for all participations (children over age 12, young and older adults). Spare life jackets will be on hand.
10:45 Upper Eastern Shore Trib Team Wade-In - Join MD Department of Natural Resources and SRA in this free-style water clarity test. Walk into the Sassafras until your sneakers disappear from sight.
11:00 Paddle Race Kick-Off - Obstacle course. Prizes will be awarded. Lifeguards on site.
12:00 (noon) to 4:00 Live Music, Food and Drink
12pm – 1pm The Blueskeepers
1pm - 2pm Big Hats and No Cattle
2pm - 3pm Driven Women
3pm - 4pm Rebecca Pitre and Friends
Sponsors
SRA appreciates the generosity of the following local businesses for their financial support of Sassafest:
- Angelica Nurseries, Kennedyville, MD
- Atlantic Broadband, Grasonville, MD
- Biggs Fuel, Galena, MD
- Choptank Electric Cooperation, Denton, MD
- Dixon Valve and Coupling, Chestertown, MD
- Environmental Concern, St. Michaels, MD
- Galena Funeral Home, Galena, MD
- Gillespie & Sons, Chestertown, MD
- Gregg Neck Boat Yard, Galena, MD
- LaMotte, Chestertown, MD
- People’s Bank, Chestertown, MD
- Tri Gas & Oil, Federalsburg, MD
- Sawyer Brothers Marine, Cecilton, MD