The Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) will hold their regular meeting at the Route 40 Elementary School on Thursday, March 19th at 7 p.m.  Each meeting brings local citizens and SRWA members together to talk about issues within the watershed and to host an expert from an assortment of professions. The guest speaker for this meeting will be Leah Miller from the Izaak Walton League of America to talk about the stream corridor assessment that is planned for the Savage River watershed this spring.

 

 

SRWA has partnered with the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) to perform a stream corridor assessment (SCA) survey within the Savage River watershed. A SCA survey helps to identify environmental problems and develop comparative assessments of different stream reaches throughout a watershed. Select stream miles will be walked throughout the watershed and problem sites will be recorded. All problem sites are evaluated and scored by field crews on three separate areas: problem severity, correctability, and accessibility. The survey is intended to provide a rapid method of examining an entire drainage network so future monitoring and management efforts can be better targeted. SRWA plans to use this information in the development of a watershed management plan which will prioritize restoration efforts on a watershed scale, making them more efficient and effective in the future.

 

Ms. Miller became director of the IWLA clean water programs, Save Our Streams and Protect Our Wetlands, in 2004. Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League is one of the Nation's oldest and most respected conservation organizations. With a powerful grassroots network of nearly 300 local chapters nationwide, the League takes a common-sense approach toward protecting our country's natural heritage and improving outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. Ms. Miller supervises staff, manages the day-to-day operations of the program, raises funds for all levels of the program, and coordinates and teaches workshops. She has also co-authored the League's Handbook for Stream Enhancement and Stewardship, and coordinated two Webcast series, Wetland-Friendly Backyards and Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management.

 

In addition, the public is invited to help select the final version of the Savage River watershed visioning statement.  This visioning statement will represent the goals, attitudes, and future aspirations of the community towards the Savage River watershed.  The selection will be made from several drafts developed with public input at the January 31^st ‘Visioning Session' which was hosted by SRWA.  The selected visioning statement will help guide future SRWA efforts in the watershed.

 

The SRWA is a group of local landowners and other citizens dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed.  Members assist interested landowners and public land managers with environmental stewardship efforts and educational outreach.  Anyone who is concerned about the Savage River watershed is invited to join.  SRWA meetings are held at Route 40 Elementary School on the third Thursday of odd numbered months, beginning at 7 p.m.  The school is located at 17764 National Pike, a few miles west of Frostburg.  For more information, persons may contact SRWA via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by telephone at 301-689-7156.  The SRWA is a non profit charitable organization.  Donations may be sent to: Savage River Watershed Association, PO Box 355, Frostburg, MD 21532.