Sassafras River Association

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 Trainings Scheduled

If you are interested in participating in water quality monitoring this year you will need to participate in a three hour training administrated by Chemical Analysts from the LaMotte Company. After this training you be asked to sample at least one site once a month for the year. Sampling sites are located at stream and road crossings throughout the Sassafras Watershed. There are two trainings scheduled but you will only need to attend one. Please e-mail Kascie Herron at riverkeeper@sassafrasriver.org to sign up.

• Saturday, March 13, 9:00 AM - Noon, Washington College Toll Science Building, Campus Ave. Chestertown, MD.
• Saturday, March 27, 9:00 AM - Noon, Washington College Toll Science Building, Campus Ave. Chestertown, MD.

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.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Appendix A - Colorimeter Instructions
• Appendix B - Data Entry Sheet
• Log Sheet
• 2009 Site Map
• 2009 Sampling Results and Next Steps for 2010

Educational Forums

For more than 4 years, we have been learning about watershed issues through regular educational forums.

You can find summaries of our forums in our Monthly Newsletters. With the implementation of SWAP we now host occasional meetings on relevant topics. Educational meetings are held at the Granary Restaurant, 6:30 pm. There are no educational forums scheduled at this time. Please check back in September.

Monthly Newsletter—Sassafras Update

The February Sassafras Update has the latest SRA news. You can get a topical index of our past newsletters and read them here.

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) 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.

• 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

2) Bracebridge Estates

SRA testifies to the Critical Area Commission in opposition to a growth allocation in the Critical Area at the Bracebrige Property in Cecilton, MD.

• July 15, 2009 Riverkeeper Testimony to the Critical Area Commission

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

4) 2009 Legislative Session

• View bills that SRA supports/opposes in this session
• 2009 Environmental Legislative Wrap-Up

5) 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

Click on the links below to read about the Waterkeepers Chesapeake litigation with MDE concerning the State's Construction Stormwater Permit.

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

March

• Go Green to Grow Green, Thursday, March 4, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Chesapeake College Higher Education Center. The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, in collaboration with Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, Pickering Creek Audubon Center and the Maryland Environmental Trust will be hosting a free volunteer information session. Come meet new friends, and learn more about volunteering on the Eastern Shore.


• Smart Energy Now Town Hall Meeting, Sunday, March 7, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave., Suite 401, Salisbury, MD. Hear from energy efficienty experts, Maryland environmental policymakers, and local green businesses about Maryland's energy future, how you can save money on your utility bills AND help the environment. For more information or to RSVP click HERE.


• Cabin Fever, Saturday, March 13, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Moore's Chapel United Methodist Church in Elkton, MD. Come learn about new ways to go outside and play! If you already know great places to hike, fish, walk, camp or throw a frisbee, then come tell everybody else! Moore's Chapel United Methodist Church is located at 392 Blake Road in Elkton. If you would like more details or are a part of a club, agency or organization and would like to set up a booth please contact Jane Bellmyer at jmbellmyer@yahoo.com.


• SK 101-Introduction to Sea Kayaking, March 20, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, West River Center, West River, MD. This event is primarily for the new paddler or those interested in getting into the sport; however, everyone is invited to expand their paddling horizons. Cost is $21 per person if registered before 2/15/10, $25/person if after 2/15/10. Registration includes a light breakfast, lunch and handouts. More information and the registration form are available at http://www.cpakayaker.com/sk10110.htm.


• SRA - Sassafras Sampler Training, Saturday, March 13 and March 27, 9AM-12PM, Washington College, Chestertown, MD. You only need to attend one session. If you are interested in volunteering with the Water Quality Monitoring Program, please contact Kascie Herron, Sassafras RIVERKEEPER at 410-708-3303 or by e-mail


• SRA - Lawn Care Workshop, Saturday, March 27, 10:00 AM, Granary Restaurant in Georgetown, MD. Pick up your FREE soil test kit at the SRA's office, take a soil sample and mail it in or drop it by our office by March 3rd. Then join us for the soil test outreach workshop at the Granary where you will get your soil results and receive free technical assistance from University of Delaware and Master Gardener Sabine Harvey on proper lawn care and green gardening. Call Josh Thompson at 410-708-7667 for more information and to sign up.

April

• SRA - Project Clean Stream, Saturday, April 10, 9AM-12PM. Volunteers needed for site captains and trash pickup, call Kascie at (410) 708-3303 or by e-mail


• Earth Day Festival and Mutt Strut, Saturday, April 24, Fountain Park in Chestertown, MD. Sponsored by Kent County Humane Society and the Town of Chestertown. Come visit the SRA booth and show your support of the efforts being made to preserve and protect the planet.