Rock Creek Watershed Restoration <br/> Montgomery County, MD

Montgomery County's innovative stream reconstruction practices include recycling fallen logs found on site during the stream reconstruction process to anchor stream banks. The stream banks have also been graded to provide an expanded floodplain for the stream during storm events. Replacing a steep cut with a gentle grade allows plants to take root and provide additional stabilization.

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received a $2 million TE grant in 2000 to construct channel restoration and habitat improvements in Rock Creek Park. In an effort to restore and protect the Rock Creek watershed, which ultimately drains to the Chesapeake Bay, this project added modern stormwater controls to 730 acres to the Turkey Branch Stream subwatershed (approx. 30% of the drainage area). The project including work along 12,000 feet of the Turkey Branch Stream, along 13,400 feet of the Sycamore Creek, and along Joseph's Branch Stream. The Rock Creek watershed drains approximately 60 square miles.

You can learn more about the DEP’s work in this watershed by visiting their website at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/deptmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/restoration/home.asp