September 21, 2016
The Churchill Community Foundation and Potomac Conservancy are happy to announce the receipt of a grant from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The grant, of nearly $600,000, supports the implementation of The Amethyst Stream Restoration Project, a local restoration effort in the Waters Landing community of Germantown, Maryland. The project will mitigate the impact of polluted stormwater runoff and improve water quality in Lake Churchill.
The Amethyst Stream Restoration will address residents’ concerns about property loss and increase the aesthetic and recreational value of this portion of the stream valley. The purpose of the stream restoration is to improve water quality in the stream and in Lake Churchill by creating stable channel geometry and restoring access to the adjacent floodplain. Through the installation of step pools and grade control structures, erosive velocities will be reduced and higher flows will be able to access the floodplain. Restored access to the floodplain will enhance in-stream and riparian habitats, recharge groundwater, enhance the hydrology of existing wetlands, and allow for the establishment of additional, more diverse native riparian vegetation.
The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund was created to provide the financial assistance necessary to advance Chesapeake Bay restoration by focusing limited financial resources on the most effective pollution-control projects. Essential to its success is an annual allocation process that:
- Targets funds to the most cost-effective locations and practices;
- Leverages funds to the greatest extent practicable;
- Engages the community and holds everyone accountable; and
- Provides the flexibility necessary to take advantage of constantly changing conditions, opportunities and scientific developments.
For more information go to http://dnr2.maryland.gov/ccs/Pages/funding/trust-fund.aspx. For a priority list of 2017 projects go to http://dnr2.maryland.gov/ccs/documents/Trust-Fund-FY17-Priority-List.pdf.
Potomac Conservancy is the region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. The Conservancy combines the grassroots power of 21,000 members and online activists with local land conservation and policy initiatives to strengthen the Voice of the Nation’s River.
Potomac Conservancy seeks to improve the Potomac River’s water quality by building an impassioned base of river advocates to impart change at the local level. Founded in 1993, the Conservancy drives the region’s clean water movement by providing the tools that empower local landowners, activists, volunteers, partners, donors and all river champions to lead the charge for clean drinking water, healthy lands and safe access to the river. For more information go to www.potomac.org.
Churchill Community Foundation (CCF) strives to make Lake Churchill a place where members of the community come to enjoy the beauty of nature at a special spot within walking distance of their homes. Lake Churchill is located in Germantown, Maryland. For more information go to www.churchillcommunityfoundation.com