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I;OF,- MI c Harfo toun rd Shoreline &4@# 224 .M3 H37 Harford County Department of Planning and ZoniAg 1981 00@. 1981 Abstract Contents The Harford County Shoreline Study was con- Executive Summary 2 ducted in the summer of 1980. Extensive field Introduction 6 analysis was used to examine the land near the water's edge in order to locate areas with Harford County Waterways 8 potential for passive and active recreational use Susquehanna RiverlBroad Creek 8 and to identify some of the sensitive coastline Susquehanna River/Conowingo Dam to Havre de Grace 15 environments that may need to be protected. Havre de Grace to Swan Creek Point 25 The study concludes that there are many Swan Creek 29 possibilities for increased public access to the Bush River/Otter Point Creek 31 waterways of the County. It was also found The Gunpowder River 40 that the coastline marshes need further protec- tion to prevent environmental degradation. Harford County Marshes 44 This study was funded by the Maryland Swan Creek Marsh 45 Coastal Management Program through a grant Church Creek Marsh 45 from the Office of Coastal Zone Management, Bush Creek Marsh 46 National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Otter Point Creek Marsh 46 (NOAA). Gunpowder River Marsh- 47 Recommendations 48 Methodology 52 Glossary of Plants Observed 52 Map of Harford County Maryland Inside Back Cover Legendfor Shoreline Study Maps Back Foldout Key Map of Harford County Shoreline Study Back Foldout CIO Harford County Shoreline Study Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning 1981 County Executive: J. Thomas Barranger Director, Department of Planning and Zoning: Guy W. Hager Council President:John W. Hardwicke Chief, Long Range Planning and Research Division: Uri P. Avin District A: Barbara A. Risacher Project Director: Robert S. Lynch District B: Edward H. RahlI., Jr. Contributor, Harford County Marshes: Stanley Kollar, District C: John W. Schafer Assistant Professor Biology, Harford Community College District D: Lehman W. Spry Project Assistant: Michael Luzier District E: Barbara 0. Kreamer Editor: Marilyn W. Norris District F: FrankJ. Hutchins Maps: Michael Luzier Graphic Design: Sandra R. Sparks Photographs: Wayne Nield, Robert S. Lynch VXoperty of CSC Library Copies of this report are available from the Flarford County Department of Planning and Zoning, Bel Air, Maryland, 21014 (301) 838-6000, ext. 381. Executive Summary Harford County has 106 miles of shoreline, of which only a quarter is accessible to the public. This shoreline study was undertaken in an effort to gather information about the natural features of this important resource, to identify areas with potential for recreational use and areas requiring conservation management. The Department of Natural Resources funded the study. Field survey techniques were used to observe and gather information from the perspective of the waterside. The area within the U.S. Army testing installation at Aberdeen Proving Ground was not included in the study. In order to accurately describe the condition of _eNtl W the shoreline, three types of information were col- lected: natural features (land, shore, and vegetation), constructed features (erosion-control structures, piers, houses) and natural processes (erosion, sedimentation, and succession). Natural Features The Harford County shoreline can be categorized according to five basic shoreline types. These typologies contain generalized characteristics found in different combinations of shore and fastland zones. V Rocky/Overhang N '_A@4 Similar to the natural overhang shoreline except ks of varying sizes. Found containing numerous roc along the Susquehanna River the Oakington Shore, and the coves of Swan Creek, the Bush and the Gunpowder Rivers. Natural/Overhang A natural shore with overhanging mixed hardwood vegetation. Found along the Susquehanna River, the Oakington Shore, and the coves of Swan Creek, the Bush and the Gunpowder Rivers. 2 ILA '71 '14 41. . . . . . . . .--- 'K '54 -at v V. M@ 'Z. Air& Marsh Low wetland, periodically inundated. Considerable growth of grasses, sedges, cattails, and rushes. air P.'@ @N Found in the Swan Creek and the Bush and Gun- Sandy/Vegetation A sandy beach with mixed hardwood vegetation. In- powder Rivers. shore landscape is usually recessed (sloping), but some are bluffed. Found along the Bush and Gun- powder Rivers. Gravelly/Vegetation Gravelly beach with mixed hardwood vegetation. Found along the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. Natural Processes Two major natural processes were documented. Vegetational succession was observed and recorded. Erosion and sedimentation were noted together because they are related in occurrence. '3 Vegetational Succession at., _AA 0 Most of the inland zone along the Harford Coun- ty shoreline is in the climax stage of succession. Mixed hardwood forests contain beech-maple and V A- oak-hickory as the dominant tree association. _,W. 0 Swan Creek Point is the only shoreline area.that is still in the process of succession, exhibiting vegetation of a stage preceding climax. Erosion/Sedimentation 0 Swan Creek is bearing increased sediment loads because of development that is occurring upstream. Increased sedimentation may also be due to the blocking of waterflow by the U.S. Army Spesutie V, Causeway. The Bush River drainage system contains nine potential point-source polluters, ranging from in- dustries to sewage-treatment plants to a quarry. Runoff from urban areas, construction sites and agricultural lands contributes to the sedimentation problems as well. Bush Creek Marsh appears to have a low veg eta- i xt tional diversity which could have been caused by 7-4- increasing sedimentation rates. N_ Heavy siltation has been occurring in the Gun- 14k W powder River because of runoff from construction AOKI *A 'A sites and agricultural land and the sand and gravel A operations on the tributaries at the head of the tidal I 7 portion of the river. ov, J'@ Otter Creek Marsh acts as a buffer for the water passing through it. Nutrients and heavy sediments from several large developments near Route 40 per- lip cipitate out here. V 4@_ Constructed Features The Harford County shoreline exhibits several types of constructed features. Year-round Dwellings Havre de Grace is an 18th century city located on the Susquehanna River. The city plan of streets and buildings offers unique vistas from the water- side into town and from the town onto the water. 0 Joppatowne has extensively landscaped single- family houses and townhouses located on many of the coves of the Gunpowder River. 0 The west shore of Foster Branch is lined with residential units. A few houses appear along the Susquehanna near d the mouth of Deer Creek. 0 Seasonal homes converted to year-round use are located along Broad Creek. Homes of varying size, style and quality of repair are found along the Bush River. Seasonal and year A round housing are mixed. 0 Several homes are located on top of the steep banks of Swan Creek. 4, Seasonal Dwellings 0 Cabins dot the waterfront land owned by the Philadelphia Electric Company on the Susquehanna 0 River above the Conowingo Dam and along Broad Creek. 0 Seasonal housing is found along the Bush River. Bulkheads and Piers 0 Bulkheads have been built along the shorelines of joppatowne and Havre de Grace and in some places along the Bush River. 0 There are piers and docking and launching facilities on the Susquehanna near the mouth of ""0 Broad Creek and at Havre de Grace, on the Bush 1_0 A River, on Foster Branch and at Joppatowne. Introduction Harford County is situated along the western shore resources, wildlife, nutrient-rich areas, permanent been held with members of APG's Facilities Engi- of the upper Chesapeake Bay. The Susquehanna and adverse changes to ecological systems, decreas- neering-Environmental Staff concerning the River serves as the county's northeast boundary ing open space available for public use and possibility of allowing public access to some of with Cecil County. To the southeast, the county is shoreline erosion." Congress recognized that there their shoreline recreational space. bordered by the Little Gunpowder River, a boun- are "important ecological, cultural, historical, and dary shared with Baltimore County. esthetic values in the coastal zone which are essen- Harford County Shoreline Segments Harford County begins in the Northern Piedmont tial to the well-being of all citizens" and which are A shoreline is the contact point between a body of area and slopes gently down to the shores of the subject to forces that may irrevocably alter them. Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North Harford County has actively participated in the water and the land. It is a complicated and fragile America. The 106 miles of county shoreline which Coastal Zone Management Program since 1977. In ecosystem. Any attempt to document the character border the bay and its rivers, estuaries and marshes that time, progress has been made at the local level of a shoreline requires simplification and generaliza- rink among the finest natural assets of this largely through the passage of legislation that regulates tion upon the various single elements which, in agricultural area. Only 26 miles (25%) of the Har- stormwater runoff, sediment control and flood plain fact, function as a complex system. Although this ford County shoreline is directly accessible to the management. This legislation helps to protect the method introduces some measure of error, it pro- public. The U.S. Army's testing installation at the county's waterbodies from. environmental degrada- vides a way of assembling a total picture of the Aberdeen -Proving Ground (APG) controls the rest. tion. system. This control extends to portions of county shoreline There continue to be requests for use of the For purposes of study, the Harford County bordering the Chesapeake Bay, Bush River and coastal area in ways which are not compatible with shoreline was divided into six geographical areas. Gunpowder River. This situation makes the accessi- the sensitive nature of the coastal zone and its ad- Each of these areas is described separately in this ble 3horeline of even greater importance to the joining shoreline. For example, there are proposals chapter. Each geographical unit is composed of County. for new residential developments in areas adjacent three interactive physical elements: the Eastland, the The objectives of the Harford County Shoreline to Church Creek Marsh and Otter Point Marsh. In shore and the near shore (See Figure i). Together, Study were: addition, expansion of county, municipal, and the three elements function as a single ecotone with 0 to gather information on shoreline conditions, federal sewage treatment facilities is currenily each element performing a different function in the wildlife habitat, submerged aquatic vegetation, and underway. It is critical that the possible negative working of the system. (An ecotone is the transition other natural features that make the shoreline a uni- environmental impact of such activities be zone between two different ecological units.) In this que environmental system. understood. case the zone provides a transition between upland 0 to identify areas with potential for passive or ac- This study included conventional data sources areas and tidal waters. tive recreational use. relating to the shoreline, e.g., United States 0 to identify areas which require conservation Geographical Survey maps, aerial photographs, management. photogrammetric maps, and Department of Natural Resources maps. However, field surveying was the FASTLAND ASHORE NEAR SHORE to identify policy issues which affect land use, essential technique employed. Observation of the shoreline access and use, and conservation manage- shoreline and data collection were accomplished ment. from the water. This provided the unique oppor- Funding for this study was provided by the Depart- tunity to examine shoreline land use from the @_MLW @15 -rid- R Wg- ment of Natural Resources, Tidewater Administra perspective of the waterways rather than from the tion, Maryland Coastal Zone Management Pro- land. Apart from furnishing accurate and up-to-date gram, information, this approach offered certain unique Legislative support for the study goes back to the insights about the natural shore and the urban areas Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) passed by adjacent to it. Congress in 1972. This act was passed because The study excluded the lands of the Aberdeen Figure 1: An illustration of the definition of the three com- ponents of the shorelands. Source: William H. Queen unplanned growth and uncontrolled development in Proving Ground (APG) which are owned by the -Chesapeake Research Consortium, Inc. "Physical Alterations of coastal areas had led to "loss of living marine federal government. However, discussions have Coastal Shorelines 6 In order to accurately describe the condition of NATURAL FEATURES MAN-MADE FEATURES NATURAL PROCESSES the Harford County shoreline, three types of infor- r mation are needed: natural features, constructed Shore Zone Vegetation Fasticird! Erosion Control Structures features and natural processes. Constructed features I I I I I i 1 1 Beach Natural Shore Aquatic Upland Recessed Bluffed Beach Je!Hys Groins Bulkheads Erosion., Succession include erosion-control structures, piers, and Bench S.dimentati I I Slop. mixed houses. The natural processes of importance are Sandy Gravelly Hardwood erosion, sedimentation, and succession. I I Forest Slope slope S.b@erged Enn.Irg..t Ft Natural Features F' "'t r-d,.s,t.,. d.1-ft M* M* S. I Isre Severe ever The natural features of a shoreline are what makes Bluff Bluff it a unique environmental setting. The natural Figure 2: Am illustration of the shoreline characteristics inventoried. features were classified into four categories below. ford County are characterized as either sandy or Constructed Features Fastland gravelly and according to the severity of their slope The fastland zone extends landward from the shore (flat, moderate, severe or bluff). Constructed features have the potential to alter the zone. It is a relatively stable area and is the site of There are several marshes along the Harford natural conditions of the shoreline. Erosion-control most development activity. In Harford County the County shoreline. An explanation of the unique structures such as jetties, groins and bulkheads, are fastland supports a mixed hardwood forest with features of the marshy shore zone is included in the often placed in the shore zone. The types and loca- beech-maple and oak-hickory as the dominant tree introduction to the chapter on Harford County tions of erosion-control structures as well as other associations. marshes. constructed features such as piers and houses were Fastland landscape is classified as recessed, bluff- Near-Shore Zone inventoried in this study. ed or beached bench/slope. A recessed landscape slopes uniformly toward the water's edge, while a The near-shore zone is the area that extends from Natural Processes bluffed landscape slopes abruptly to the water. A the seaward limit of the shore zone to the 6-foot bench/slope is characterized by a plateau on top of contour line, which is an area always below water. Soil erosion, sedimentation and succession are the a recess or a bluff, usually followed by an addi- The near-shore bottom material is an important natural processes that are relevant to the shoreline study. Soil erosion and sedimentation were con- tional steep slope. Access to beaches often depends feature in the estuarine system because it is where upon the type of inshore landscape. Typically, aquatic vegetation is rooted. The firmness of the sidered together because sedimentation is the prod- recessed or bench/slope landscapes offer greater ac- bottom material depends upon the mixture of sand, uct of erosion. Both of these processes can damage cess to the waterfront. silt and clay particles and it determines what type the ecosystem. As land mass erodes, the material of vegetation will be able to take root. Furthermore, that is removed is deposited somewhere else on the The Shore Zone the firmness of the bottom is an important con- landscape. Soil erosion results in the loss of The shore zone is a buffer area between the sideration in choosing areas for recreational use. valuable topsoil and sedimentation increases the tur- fastland and the water. The shore width (measured -bidity of the water and can harm aquatic life. Tur- from the fastland towards the water) fluctuates with Vegetation bidity decreases the amount of light available for the daily tides. The seaward limit of the shore zone plants and sediment clogs the gills of fish. is the break in slope between the steeper shore sur- Aquatic and upland vegetation were inventoried in Succession is the natural progression of vegetation face and the more gently sloped near shore. this study. Both submerged aquatic and emergent types to the climax community which is indigenous In this 'study, the shore has been classified as vegetation were encountered in the field. Each of to the area. A mixed hardwood forest is the climax beach, natural shore or marsh. The distinction be- these types play a vital role in maintaining the community of this region and is the dominant tween beach and natural shore is an important one. health of an estuarine system. Likewise, the mixed vegetative cover found on the inshore regions of the The natural shore is an extension of the fastland; a hardwood forests of the upland are important as Harford County shoreline. These areas were iden- beach is formed by material deposited by the rivers they provide a habitat for wildlife and protect the tified, but the actual stage of succession was not as they move toward the sea. The beaches in Har- fastland from erosion. determined. 7 Harford County Waterways Harford County is fortunate in having a One and one-half miles south of the Maryland/ geographical location that places it in close proximi- Pennsylvania line is the mouth of Broad Creek. ty to major waterways. Portions of the Susquehan- Z Broad Creek drains the northeastern corner of Har- na, Bush and Gunpowder Rivers flow through the ford County and is one of the county's main stream County. In addition the County borders on the t.1 valleys. Steep slopes frame most of the creek's Chesapeake Bay. Each waterway is unique in that shoreline. A number of tributaries run into the flow characteristics, species of wildlife supported, creek. The stream banks are quite heavily wooded, or length and width of waterbody may differ. providing shelter for wildlife and creating areas of However, all the County waterways are tied great natural beauty. The Broad Creek Steatite together into a beautiful but fragile natural system. Quarry, a prehistoric Indian Quarry used from This system is often under stress from land use ac- 2,000 to 1,000 B.C., is also situated on the creek. tivities that occur on the shore and negatively alter There is also a Boy Scout Camp. the balance of the system. From the mouth of Broad Creek west approx- This chapter on Waterways discusses features of imately 300 feet beyond the bridge on Route 623, the Rivers and Bay and examines the adjoining the banks of the creek are dotted with residential shoreline. structures. Some of these cabins appear to have been built about forty years ago while others are Susquehanna RiverlBroad Creek more modern. Initially, these cabins were built as seasonal residences but over the years they have The Susquehanna River is the largest river in the been converted to year-round use. eastern United States. It is a major water resource The majority of the land immediately fronting on not only for Harford County and the State of Broad Creek is owned by the Philadelphia Electric Maryland but also for Pennsylvania and New York. Company. The Company leases the land to in- The Susquehanna River Basin extends 160 miles to dividuals who wish to build or purchase a cabin the west (near Altoona, Pennsylvania) and 225 there. During the summer months, the Broad Creek miles to the north (near Binghamton, New York). area is very busy with recreational activity. The The river drains an area of 27,500 square miles: 4@ waters at the mouth of the creek are excellent for 6,300 in New York; 20,900 in Pennsylvania; and canoeing, boating and fishing. The County Depart- 300 in Maryland. The drainage basin in Maryland ment of Parks and Recreation maintains a boat- includes parts of both Harford and Cecil Counties. launching facility there. A short distance below the The average flow of the Susquehanna River is 25 mouth of the Broad Creek, along the Susquehanna billion gallons per day. During the period that River, there is a private marina offering daily boat records have been kept, the flow has varied from a rentals. low of one billion gallons per day in 1932 to 536 A notable change in the shoreline is found in billion during the flood of 1936. At least fifty per- Hopkins Cove, immediately above the Conowingo cent of the fresh water entering the Chesapeake Bay Dam. Much debris has collected in the cove. Old comes from the Susquehanna. logs, brush, plastic bottles and metal drums have The Conowingo Dam is situated at a point ap- washed downriver from the upstate region. In the proximately five miles south of the Maryland/Penn- County shoreline is heavily wooded and the ground past, such debris has been a problem to both the sylvania line. Between this line and the dam, the rises sharply from the water's edge. The vegetation Philadelphia Electric Company, which operates the river is relatively calm and reaches a depth of is mixed hardwood forest made up primarily of oak- dam, and property owners in Havre de Grace seventy feet. The Peach Bottom Atomic Power hickory and beech-maple associations. The water- where much of the debris eventually settles. The Plant is on the river north of the Maryland line and front land is owned by the Philadelphia Electric problem is most severe in early spring when ice is visible in the distance. 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The fact that a dam structure 4,648 feet long and 105 feet high is required to impound the river's flow is a testament to the awesome power of the Susque- hanna. The dam has two effects on the visual character of the river downstream. The most obvious is that the visual continuity of the river and shoreline is broken by such an imposing structure. A more sub- tle effect is the dam's alteration of the river's flow characteristics. When the Philadelphia Electric Company does not spill water for a long period of time, the stream channel below the dam becomes virtually empty. At times it is possible to walk from Harford to Cecil County across a nearly dry river bed. Undoubtedly, it would have been a rare occa- sion in the river's history if such a condition had existed prior to the dam's construction. Over the years both fishermen and Maryland mercially in Maryland in 1889, prior to major dam Conowingo Dam, but decided to defer resolution of agencies have criticized the low-water conditions construction on the Susquehanna. Three dams were the question while going forward with issuing a which have caused fish kills in the lower Sus- constructed on the Susquehanna River in Penn- new license for the dam. A public hearing is quehanna. As recently as July 1980, during a sylvania in the early 1900's, blocking access to scheduled for late 1981 to determine the status of 48-hour period, an estimated 16,959 white perch, upstream spawning areas. Since that time, anadromous fishery in the Susquehanna River basin 1310 striped bass, 1208 menhaden and 162 carp American shad fishery in the Susquehanna River and what measures, if any, would be required of the died in the river. The Maryland Department of has declined to extremely low levels. (In addition to licensees. Natural Resources, Tidewater Administration/Tidal the physical obstruction of migration, problems of Further downstream, the dam drops out of sight. Fisheries Division concluded that the fish kill was water quality and fishery management also appear Steep banks, sloping to the water's edge and caused by low levels of dissolved oxygen in the to have contributed to the decline.) forested with mixed hardwoods, confine the view so water, resulting from low-flow conditions. A number of studies of the decline of the that the only vistas are up and down river. These Another concern expressed by various govern- anadromous fishery resources and the feasibility of spectacular banks are covered with lush vegetation mental agencies and fishers alike is the need for a such passage facilities have been conducted by-state which is interrupted by rock outcropping that fish ladder at the Conowingo Dam. Large numbers, and federal agencies, the licensees of the Conow- reveals the region's geologic history. Along this por- of anadromous fish once migrated up the Sus- ingo Dam and others. The interested parties con- tion of the river, human presence is marked only by quehanna River to spawn. They travelled through tinue to hold differing positions on the economic a few houses and an occasional corn field set high Maryland and Pennsylvania and often as far feasibility and technical suitability of installing fish- on top of the steep banks. upstream as New York. Records of the National passage facilities at the Dam. The Federal Energy The point where Deer Creek flows into the Sus- Marine Fisheries Service indicate that over 7 Regulatory Commission (FERC) addressed the issue quehanna roughly marks the fall line, which million pounds of American shad were taken corn- during the recent relicensing procedures of the separates the Coastal Plain from the Piedmont 15 Uplands Region. Below this transition line the river is subject to the tidal action of the bay. The mouth of Deer Creek is rocky and can be treacherous due -4- to the combined swift currents of the creek and the river. The creek itself is navigable only by canoe. The Deer Creek River valley contains some of the richest farmland in the state. A recent study by tA the Maryland Department of Natural Resources ad- dressed the uniqueness and beauty of this valley. The Deer Creek Scenic River Study made recom- mendations for the management and conservation of the creek. As a result, the Deer Creek Scenic River Advisory Board was formed. A group of farmers and landowners was appointed to monitor land use near the creek. In addition, county legislation has established a buffer strip extending 150 feet on either side of the creek. Moving further into the Susquehanna River, four distant bridges become visible, signaling the' presence of Havre de Grace. In contrast to the Con- owingo Dam, these structures seem light, almost gracious. The eastern-most bridge is the approx- imate point at which the City of Havre de Grace -.-Aw _W begins. Havre de Grace is located just east of where the Piedmont ends and the Coastal Plain begins. Since the Plain is lower and flatter than the Pied- Za mont, Havre de Grace has a much different character than any of the areas upstream. Havre de Grace was planned perhaps as early as ISM, 1785, but certainly by 1795. In Tidewater Maryland, there is a special physical relationship between the water and the town on the shore. Several historic buildings combined with the uni- que plan of the town recreate in Havre de Grace the experience of life in the early days of the "shipyard" and the Seneca Warehouse, as well as this point. The Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal region. The plan provided for a series of two-way the shoreline configuration remain as they were terminated at Havre de Grace and the city was vistas. More than twenty streets not only allow drawn in 19th-century atlases. served by both the B&O and PW&B railroads. those in town to look out onto the water, but also Havre de Grace survives from a time when the Today, U.S. Route 40 and the Amtrak System allow those on the water to look into the town. Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries were a primary loom above the town and the river on their respec- With its docks, bulkheads and piers, the town transportation system. Havre de Grace has been a tive bridges. Some commercial water traffic still literally reaches out into the water, creating a very commercial service center at the crossing of major passes Havre de Grace and an ever-increasing special relationship between the natural and the transportation since the 17th century when it was number of pleasure boats fills the waterways. The constructed environment. While the coal and ice known as Susquehanna Lower Ferry. The Old Post town is a navigational landmark, indicating the up- wharves no longer exist, the "town wharf," the Road to Philadelphia crossed the Susquehanna at permost shores of the Chesapeake Bay. 16 V V V v r f-r r r 'r e -4 rl- r r f r r' 1r r r r r-, rr r' r' 'rr r r e 4, r r,T. e r r r r r rr, rr rt r r, rr (-I" r r- r^ f' F -,, I r,- r - ( r r r, r (<rC , - , - -r , '_ - 'ir r I J -1 r r Ir r yl r C, r _rr" r-,- r r,r r rr, r rr r j r r r a J", c , r I Ir rr It, rr er It- r r r,:r ri-I f r r , . 1, f, r r C r I ,r, r r rf 11--Ir r t @ r rr' e- rl r r Fr r-, r. r, rf - r , 1, r rr ',,-r r r -1 - " I r, . r cr k r rr r r Xj r LA -r L. 41 Cr tr, i C rl fr A F'r C,r OFA Vy 7-,.- io, "10c, MAIL a9mmah, Ohl' 'fr' )jW PIP7 'Rik ON 'Rib, 'IN P-- 40\\ 6 Ilk, 0'1@' 0 V M - , NO Z r fe r, r @rt r A, -,e r I r er Ir Jr. e e e@ A, r r f" r; r r r X x r r r r 14 r rW rr A i r c4 r p ri r v@ _rz- k. r P A ir rr f l r I' rr F, r r rl r, el@ f ' - I I " r ',rr el r, r F IN I e 1: " ox rlr j 7, T f Cr, 'Y te v, 11 e r tr 1 r eiA rr ,i,, ,, r. I., r, rv i rr r (,e I A IS r 'Cl C 41 "r @e( Ice( r 'Ir - , r(l-r rrr r4r , I-IL E er r-r @@ -, 1, r I ir I @rc I4e, I 'I @1@ Mm 0 0. !101@ 00 00 00 000 0 00 o ooo0 0000 000 0 00000 000000 0000 0000 000000 0 0 00a0 0 0 0 0 00 0 -80 0/ A&000 o o a, 0_ 0000 qo@ 00 0 0 C0000 00 0 0 000 /* 0 000 00 0 0 00 0 0o 0 0 000 00 400 00 0 000 0 0 0* 0 000 *0 000 0 000 0 0 S( 0049 004 00 I t v, 00 000 * 0 0 0 00a 00 1_0 00 0 900 0 0 444 0 0 000 00 0 *00 0 0 00 0 000 00 @44 00 0 000 0 0 49 0 00 0 44 90 0 000 00 L4 1_4444 %L #Y 0 00 0 0 L(Cs4440 00 0 rl tIt44 000 0 It, I r 1. 11444 oeoo 0 0 1.1 AL k,k, % , A 0 000 00 0000 0 0 0 00 0 tt1 00 04 00 000 Q 000 Li N,0o 0 0 El 000 0 0 k Ir X It 't 049 IL kj. 4L C-1 L I ( ( E % - ( , , (@,t If@- , - .-I . - I'- IL, Z 14 it f I Xif% 'N I C IL of 00, 't ol rcr @1@ , ,1, "r Ll r r Of 4;@ 0000 0000 0 00(- 000(- oooo(- 00 0 04 0 a 0 0 00000(-- 000.0 000000c, 00-ooo 0 00000 0000 0 00 0000 00 0000 0 0 0000 0000 0 06 0 0 0000 0, 0 *000 0 0000 000 0 W""/O -00000 0 oooocl- 000C 0000000 00000(l 000 0 0ooo@ 00 0000000 000c, 000 ooo(- - - 000 0000c" . . ..... 0000000 00 0 0 41 0 0 0000 0@ 0e00 ()Ooo 00000 0 0000000 00 0 0 00 000000 00 0000000 00 0 0 000 00000 000 oooo(-/ 0000000 00 0 0 000000 00 C, 000a00 0a 0 * 0a000 0 0000000 0 * 0 0 LO0000 0 000 0 0 0 0 000 -0000(- 00 0 0 00 0 0 0 00000(- 000 0 0 0 0 0 000000(- 000 0 00 0 0000000 0 0a0000oooooooc@ 00 0 0000000( L---) r 00000 r - - - -000000007/ 00 000000C 00000()c 0 00000C 00 DOOOOC DOOOOC5),\- 000000(9"Wlj@ 00 0000000 0000, 0000 0000000 0000 00000 0000 0000 0000 00 0 000 0 000000 0000 00 0000 0 000000 0 0000 00 0000000 00 00 0000)00000000 @0000000 0 0 0a00D00000000 0000000 ........ oooooooo6u@.@ooM 0 00000000 0 00000000 000000000000or 0 0 0 000 00000000 0OOOOOOOOOOOC( . . . . . . .....0000 00 00000000 00 00000000000( ... . . . . . . . . . w t 0 ;--(j 0000000000( 0 00 0 0 0 0@@Dooooooo 000 0000000000( 0 0 0 0 00 0000 00 Ic 00000000 0000 000000000 00000000 000000 OOOOOOOOQ 0000 0000000001 000 0000088 00000000, .. .... 0 00 100 00000 00 0 000000000(-- 000000 U 00000000 00000000000 0 00000000000 0 0 000000000 0 0 ...... 0 0 00 0 00000000 0000,- 0 0000 0 0 a000 0 000000000000C C ................. 000000000000C 0 00 00000000000C). 0 0000 0 0 4 000000000000 0 0 00000000000cr---- ol ...... 0000000000 .... . 00 0 000 ool)@ 000 0 00 0000000c, 0 0 00 0 0000c, 000 ooouuuuuuuo@ 0000000 800 ooouu 00000 00 o00 000 nnnnnc 40 00000@- 000a0'a 0 000 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 000000000 CAJI 0 0 0 00000000000000C 0000 0 00 9 0 0 0 %*000 0 0 00000000000000C '07 0000 's 0*0 0 0 00 0 0000 0 0 00000000000000C 00'a 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0000 e 0 0 00000000000000( 6.000o :0 0 00000000000000 0000 0 0- 00000000000000 ooooooooooooocl 0 0 0 000 0 00 00 0000 0 OOOOOOOOOOOOOC 000*0 0 000 0 0 0 0 0009 0000000000000C 0000 00 000 0 00 00 000 00000000000000 000000 0 000 0 0 0 0 000 000000000000001@ 00000000000000(\ 000 000000000& a000 '00 10, ,OR, 116 @ f oul 0. - . 0 (8@- . ...... ....... ol 0 - 0 0 1, " ............ 000, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 ... ....... 000 3000 0... 0 0 0 0 0 00000 00 000 00: 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 DOOO :)Oocl @10 0 000 0 0 0 00 00 0 0 0 I-AL 0 c 0 000 0 0 0 0 oc, -9 to:-o 0(- 00 000* 0 00 0 0 00 0' 0 0 : : 0000 0 0 0 0 0 00C aa dh M aaaaI a 0 00C 00( - - - - - -- - - - w 00, -00 0 11 10 0 0 000 $)()Oo 01- lo : 0 : 0 Havre de Grace to Swan Creek Point The stretch of shore between Havre de Grace and Swan Creek Point is the only area within the Coun- ty's jurisdiction that borders the Chesapeake Bay. This is the single location in the county with a view of the great expanse of water that suggests the enormity of the bay. In contrast to the confined vistas which the rivers offer, this area is completely open with the Cecil County shore forming a backdrop on the horizon. The shore zone is predominantly natural, with a few short sandy and gravelly beaches. These beaches are often difficult to see because of the mature trees which overhang the shore. Extensive f!t Film submerged aquatic vegetation lines the shallow "M water's edge. Mixed hardwood vegetation covers a -hl steeply recessed and bluffed inshore landscape. Z Bordering this shore are large farms and estates with lush green fields of crops. Heading southwest from Havre de Grace the steep banks rise gradual- ly. The bluff appears to reach its highest point (about 14 feet) near Oakington. From Oakington to Swan Creek Point the steep banks fall to an eleva- L tion of two to three feet above sea level. Swan Creek Point is the only area that does not contain hardwood trees; it is covered with succes- sional vegetation consisting of small shrubs and nom grasses. This vegetation and the varying bluff height add visual diversity to an otherwise constant segment of shore. The point is very narrow and ap- pears to draw the viewer inward, away from the bay and into the Swan Creek. P-0 X A 3-\Rlt@ jow@ 'b'd JAL 25 A;' q@ t pip- 0-77-0- 000000 0000 0(@O- 0000000 F 70"00(l Q-QOOO oooooo o5o.-t7@I 4 4 0' 4 44'o 0 0,0 4 'o L 44 4 4 4 44 00441 0 0 GL-V-l0-L 29 IN leA 44 & 00*0:& 0*0 00000 100 0 0 0 0 Xt go 00 0O'ft w7w -0 0 00 0 00 vp0 00 <>" 00 0Ot0 0 0 1owl k-, twl so A@o so 0 730 0- e 0 IV 4;0040 0*0 440 00 0 04 00 0 000 000 0 04 4 0 ........ .. ... 41 0 000000 00 0 00 00a 0000 00000000 0 0 0 0 0 09 0 00 0 0 ,Ole0lk 0 0 00 a00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 49 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 00000 0 00000 0000 0 0 000 00 000 0000 900 0 00 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 V 0 0 0 M, 0 0 w w 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 000@000 0 000 *0 -job 0 0 0 0 0 J690 0 9 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0-0-9 0* @ , 00 0 0 0 0 0 -0, -0 -O-A-- M--dL- - 0 o AA Z AIAAAw A AAA O/oo" AAA 4A AA A AAAAAA A A AAA oool o o ool oo/ o 0 Olo @oo L or, @o -00' A" ol oov o' ol I 0 ol ol C" or oool/ ool ooo ol le" oooF/@ OFz ol '@o ool ooF"o 4 44 oooF M/oo 5'r o' 44 n N N 4 '4.4:.* f-@@' 4 44 o cr -4 4 *7- ooo, ';y "o 4444@J M, 4 44444 4 krW 4 4 4 444 4 4 44 A 44 444 4 4V*" 44 444 4 V-8. 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AA 4 000 ---u(juooo, A 0000000 -44 -)Uoo, A uuooooooouooo A 000 A 4 oooo-----UUOOO- A U0006 4444 ooooo uu U000000 A 4 ooooo-1.)uuoo 00 44 uuoooo 0 A 4 4 OTC 'j 00000000 A A 0000 -'Q@)0(-)C)OOI A 00000 f. 17 4 0 OPOO 000000 4 A 00000000000000 4 0 4 444 000000000 4 000000000000 000 44 000000' 4 000000000000000C 144. . . . 0000000000000000C 44 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOC 3 44 4 0 44444 4 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOC 4A4444 44 OOOOOOOOOOOOC 444444 444 44 44 0000000000C 4 4 00000000C 444A444 44 00000C 44 44 000 444444A444444 44444 44 44 1 4.*. . 44 4 44 4 4A444 4A4 4 4A44A44i4 4444 4 14 44 4 444444 44A4 4 A4 4 4 44114444 4444 4 44 444 444 A4 4 444 4 14 1 14 4 @@ov rw V -i-, 54 X, ..ze. 4-- f 4 tk 4 4 4 4 4 t y-ii iO 4 4 4 4 0'/' 00, @o a ol 0 'o 00 001, IOFZ OF ol of AA-1 00, S oor OOF 000, .4 /Z// 'Off Z/Z 00,/ AV-) 00 -juc 00 ol 000 00, Ix 00 01 0@1 0@1 q,6@0@ 0050 O@ w 00 04 Of f:,7 ol 0 00 00 0@ 0 o 0 4 (D) Jlt 0' Swan Creek Swan Creek Point separates the creek from the Chesapeake Bay and is largely responsible for the unique character of this area. On the bayside of the t point, choppy water extends to the visual horizon. P In contrast, the creek is serene and the views are confined by land-Harford County to the north and Aberdeen Proving Ground to the south. t, The shoreline along Swan Creek seems to exist in a relatively natural state. Heavy inshore vegetation overhangs the shore. Wildflowers grow on the t- banks and grasses protrude from the water. The forces of erosion and strong winds have caused trees to fall into the water, adding to the "natural" set- ting. The two marshes on the creek also contribute to the beauty and the wilderness character of this area. The steeply recessed inshore landscape creates a feeling of enclosure. There are several homes on top of the steep 71 banks, but they do not interrupt the continuity of the shoreline because they are set back from the water's edge. Few piers and bulkheads have been constructed; therefore the shoreline is not dominated by such structures. This natural state is a direct result of the fact that the creek has very limited access by land. In fact, the only direct public access is by boat. The U.S. Army land which lines the south side of the creek is undeveloped except for a small dock- ing facility-near the mouth of the creek. The Army currently maintains a sewage-treatment plant that discharges into the northern reaches of the creek. @4 This sewage plant has contributed to the poor A water quality of Swan Creek. There is a plan to phasee this. plant out of operation over the next few years. Extensive siltation has occurred because of both natural processes and human activities. Develop- ment upstream has increased the sediment loads which the creek is forced to bear. Various groups of U.S. Army's 1963 construction of the Spesutie deposited in the creek. Discussions are ongoing bet- fishermen, government officials and recreational Causeway. These claims state that the causeway, by ween county officials and the Army to explore the boaters have charged that much of the increased blocking the flow of water in the bay and near the possibility of opening the causeway and allowing sedimentation in the creek has resulted from the mouth of the creek, has caused sediment to be the water to flow unimpeded, 29 41 cF a 9. 0 4r ol o > o9 ilk Al oo "kl A, oo ,X, Im 1A Ulm WAN CREEK t% 0 04 C) Bush RiverlOtter Point Creek In contrast to the Susquehanna River which cuts its way from the Piedmont towards the Chesapeake Bay, the Bush River is located in the Coastal Plain and is a product of the processes that formed the bay. As a result, the Bush River looks like a large basin rather than a river. Another distinguishing characteristic of the Bush River is that most of its inshore land is developed. The only undeveloped areas are around Church Creek Marsh, Otter Point Marsh and areas owned by the federal government. Development in this area began as people built K summer cottages in the 1920's. A full-scale com- munity has evolved complete with two marinas, two T M", 7 boat yards, a public boat landing and numerous private piers jutting into the river. In addition, ;7- bulkheads have been constructed along much of the shoreline in an effort to prevent erosion. The developed shoreline gives the Bush River a V "A40 visual character much different than any other area in Harford County. Although the Broad Creek shoreline is also developed, its narrow width and steeply recessed inshore landscape are much dif- ferent from the Bush River's openness and more subtle shaping. The character of the homes in these two areas is also very different. Homes on the Bush recreational boating. The river is an important fish ed shells in the river's bottom. River vary greatly in size, style and quality of nursery and feeding area and the wetland at Otter Failing septic systems, sewer-line overflows and repair as opposed to the similarity of the homes on Point Creek is of great value to wildlife. Recrea- discharge of untreated waste from boats have caused Broad Creek. There are many homes on the Bush tional fishing occurs in the Bush River, but there is bacteria and nutrient problems. The flushing action River which look as though they have been no shellfish harvesting. All recreational beaches on of the river is very slow, requiring a 48-day cycle. neglected for a long time. These homes are often Bush River, once prime swimming areas, were clos- This allows for nutrient build-up which causes situated between more well-kept residences. The ed in 1966 because of high bacteria counts. They eutrophic conditions and algae formation. wide range of housing types and quality of upkeep were reopened in the late 1960's, were closed again Several measures have been taken to reduce the gives the impression that the transformation from in 1971 and remain so. pollution of the river: implementation of sediment summer resort area to permanent community is not The Bush drainage system contains nine potential control, storm-water management practices, and ex- yet complete. point-source polluters, ranging from industries to tension of sewer lines to areas with failing septic The Bush River is 9.8 miles long and has sewage-treatment plants to a quarry. Runoff from systems. In addition, the Harford County Depart- numerous tributaries. Bynum Run and Winters urban areas, construction sites and agricultural ment of Public Works has undertaken a study of Run are the major water courses flowing into the lands and failing septic systems contribute to the water quality and sediment loading in the Winters river. The total drainage area is 139.7 square miles nutrient, bacteria and sedimentation problems in Run watershed. If bacteria levels and sediment pro- and the watershed lies in both the Piedmont and the river. Test firing of ammunition into the river blems can be controlled, the Bush River has the Coastal Plain. at Aberdeen Proving Ground also creates potential potential of becoming the beautiful estuarine body The Bush River waters are used heavily for problems, especially due to exploded and unexplod- it once was. 31 11 1;j 71 7'7 5@j Rio 0 0 fw Do -41, w re 0 of a w .,.,r r 0 I.C ko 0 0 0 r r RP IL CA t, 2 :7 le of fir, YW lk 01 0 e ooor@ 01 00 XT 01 Z- o o NnI At rs,'4,Vk- u, 60 /@ol Z 00, 1@0 A i It C I-L 0@ V10 I t" AL el It. A J@ x- S @.jL 'r AI 't ju C k r tk L L L4t. % k.L j C rf It, er7 t It A Z 4 4 It I, %" 44 P A_ 1_4 4 J@ 4444 4 4 4 44 44 4 4 *4 4 4 444 4 4 4 4 Or 4 4 4 44 4 4444 4 4 444 44444 4 4 444 4A444 4 4 oor. 444 4 444 44 444 44 it 44't44 4 44't4 4 4 444 444 4 4 4 4444 4 4444 4 44A44 4444 4 I.t 4 4 4444 4 4444 44 4444 4 4444 4 4 44 4 4444 4 4444 44 4 11.0 44 44 4414 4 444 44 4 4 4444 44 4 4 44 ;;ol 4 4 44 4 44 4 4444 44 444 44 0 444 4 4 44 - J 4 44 4 -J-0 4 100 10) U@ (0) (0-) (0) 0 0 000u-C)O@@0 4 4 Do 000 000co 44 4 0 000 0 on 000 0 0 00 0000 44 4 00 000000 00000 00 0000000 0 Z) 0000000 06 COO 0 Z)8. P 0000000 000 000000000 0 0 0 4 DO 00000000 44 DO OOKOCO)OO 000 00 044 000000000000 D 0 C) 4 00000000000000 D 0000000000 DO a 0 04 D 000000000 D 04 00000000 0 0 (300000 3A 0 DO o 00 4 1 - .r,. Do 0 80 000RO DO 00080000 Do 0 D 0 0000000 01 0 0 0 Doo 000 0 0 0 0 )o 00 0 U00000000000 --- 00000000 0 Mm" 0 0 0 5-j l4k 0, 0 0 0 0 0 o 6 ok a a 0 0 all 0 77", 0 oo@666 o 0(, u 00 0 000 0 0 Fl. 0 Aff L7 Ily NX ... ..... .. Tw. duo 0 rA, 46 o 40 0 YI 49 0 0 1.01 je al l4w;17 wow I A , . r, ;i, I - 0 C--r The Gunpowder River The Gunpowder River is the channel through which most of the 472 square miles of the Gun- powder River basin drain into the Chesapeake Bay.. In contrast to the basin-like appearance of the Bush River, the Harford County portion of the Gun- powder River is very narrow and marshy. The river lies in the Coastal Plain and is characterized by low elevations and relatively flat land forms. Broad tidal estuaries divide the area into narrow, terrace-like 417Z peninsulas of low relief. There are extensive tidal ,+, , vi@ marshes surrounding these peninsulas. The river is bordered by Baltimore County, Har- ford County and the federal land of Aberdeen Prov- ing Ground. Harford County's jurisdiction extends southward to the railroad bridge over the river, i*LJ where federal jurisdiction begins. Across the river to the west is Baltimore County. The Harford County communities of Joppatowne and Rumsey Island are not visible from the railroad bridge area. An extensive marsh with emergent grasses screens these dense residential communities. A narrow dredged channel marks the boating en- trance into the area. Foster Branch sits just east of the channel, but it 4@nr is difficult to see because of the surrounding marsh "T ,Fg hore of Foster Branch is lin- vegetation. The west s ed with residential units, many with piers and 7@_ docking facilities for recreational boating. The east shore is mostly marsh and is undeveloped. From the water, Foster Branch appears to be very quiet contributes to a pleasant visual experience. mouths of the large tributaries. Heavy siltation has and secluded. The waters of the Gunpowder River are relatively been caused by runoff from construction sites, The shores of the dredged channel leading into healthy. Applicable water-quality standards for agricultural runoff and sand and gravel operations Joppatowne are covered with wild flowers and dissolved oxygen, temperature, acidity/alkalinity and on the tributaries at the head of the tidal portion of emergent grasses. Upon entering the Joppatowne bacteria have been met, in contrast to the Bush the river. community, the vista includes hundreds of boats River, which has received poor marks on these The Gunpowder River offers wide visual diversi- docked at a large marina and in front of homes. All criteria. The major pollution of the Gunpowder ty ranging from unique wildlife and natural vegeta- of Joppatowne is neatly protected with bulkheads of River stems from sedimentation and a higher-than- tion to a high concentration of pleasure boats in concrete and steel. There are many coves, each con- normal algae population during summer months. Joppatowne. While this study did not examine the taining several townhouses and boats. Most of the High nutrient loading from urban and agricultural shoreline of Aberdeen Proving Ground, notice was single-family and townhouse units are of similar runoff, septic system failure and contributions from made of the abundant underwater vegetation and style. However, tree plantings by individual proper- upstream have led to shifts in the species of plants extensive sandy beaches. These appear to be some ty owners offer some landscaping diversity which on the river bottom and heavy algae blooms in the of the finest shoreline beaches in Harford County. 40 ... . ..... .... ... .. ... .. . 771 ... ....... . ... .. .... 7-: ... ........ . ... . .... ...... . .. .. ... ... . ... ..... '77 . ..... .... 7j-, .... ... .... .... YN OF 7r vw ... ... . .. ... .. . .... @oj . ..... . .. ZA . ..... .... .. . ..... ....- ... . ..... .... ... @o' _70 100 'AN",I all 4L I- rr' kr 'r I of 17 r 'ty Irl f I. ... ..... I., cc r I r, er 'r cr r F-I@lrr r r rr Owc -4 t4t L. r (,rrr- f. A' r re'r, t'Zi ye i r r C, -r- r r r r If - @e '14 er r r re L. r r r r r rr rr- rr re- 0 Aj t., "r 'o r r 44 ir re, J r f r 0 IL tiff r r r rr rt' rf 0 9 0 0 0 ... ... . .. .... ... . .. .. ....... 0 OA are 0/ 0 lot 61 W-I 0 0 00 0 0 04 0 0 0/ ON 0 @/, 0 0 0 0 0'- 0 0 0 0 0 0 ... ... .... ... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ............ 0 0 0 % 0 0 0 0 00004 0 C/ 0 ... .... ... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00"-0- 0 4 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0' 0 0 00 0 0 0 s, 0 1* 0 0 4v 0 1% @O 0 0 000000000, 0 @kA. ..... ...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .Z 0 0 0 0 0 0'0> 0 0000000 00 041. 0 '07;P0% 00000 -0 0 00 0 0. 0 0 0 O%@ 00 0 Harford County Marshes Marshes are characterized by soils which are 4k, _V1 waterlogged during the growing season, often being covered by 6 inches to 3 feet of water. Plant diver- sity is usually low. Grasses, sedges, rushes and various broadleaf species dominate the shallow areas. Cattails, arrowhead, smartweed and pickerelweed grow in areas of greater depth. In spite of their low species diversity, marshes are exceedingly important. They provide food and habitat for migratory waterfowl and act as spawning or breeding grounds for large numbers of fish, 'y birds, and mammals. Many open-ocean species begin their lives in freshwater marshes far from the waters in which they will mature. Few plant species can tolerate having their roots underwater all of the time, but those which have !:r adapted to these somewhat stressful conditions sup- port an abundant wildlife. There are not many ecosystems which can surpass the number of bird species found in the marshes surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. Egret, heron, osprey, eagles, hawks, gulls, geese, and numerous duck species are only a few of the birds commonly sighted in this I,, f area. Fish such as white and yellow perch, striped bass, catfish and herring and invertebrates such as blue crabs and oysters are prized by many. These T@ and other aquatic organisms are supported at least partially by the marshland vegetation. Marsh areas also act as natural filters, slowing the movement of sediment and other debris from upland sites and collecting nutrients which might cause eutrophication of open-water habitats. This is true particularly during the warm summer months Although tidal marshlands have naturally high con- centrations of organic matter and nutrients, these are not a typical characteristic of an open-water ecosystem. The process of eutrophication usually af- fects only aged open-water systems or results when fecal contamination (human or animal), high phosphate detergents or fertilizer runoff increase kl nutrient levels above normal. This condition per- mits microscopic algae to undergo a population ex- plosion. The life spans of these algae are short and , as large numbers die off, they are decomposed by .0- 44 organisms which use up the oxygen that is normally four and five parts-per-thousand during the autumn by boat. The Swan Creek Marsh itself forms a available for fish and other organisms. Thus, when when freshwater inflow is less. Lower stream flows broad delta which is 2 '000 feet across. Anyone temperatures are high and nutrient levels excessive, in autumn reduce the total amount of fresh water travelling upstream, however, @vould first encounter algal growth and death are rapid. Decomposition that is available to mix with the saltwater from the a mudflat which extends 600 feet'downstrearn from causes oxygen levels to drop to near zero, many fish ocean. Spring salinities in the Gunpowder River the marsh vegetation and all the way across the die and foul odors result. (further south) average slightly higher than one delta. These mud flats become exposed during the High sediment levels can also cause ecosystem part-per-thousand, while autumn levels are between lowest tides. Water here is very muddy. disruption by covering bottom dwellers, clogging six and seven parts-per-thousand. Because of this, The marsh encompasses approximately 110 acres the gills of fish and invertebrates and cutting the the Gunpowder marshes contain some saltwater and is cut by two primary channels. Arrow-arum. supply of sunlight to aquatic plants. As a result species which are absent in the marshes further and pickerelweed form the bulk of the lower marsh there is a reduction in photosynthesis, increased north. growth with wild rice emerging in more shallow decomposition and decreased species diversity. The marshes discussed in this study are classified areas. Rice-cutgrass and smartweed also occur fre- Tidal marshes are among the most productive as freshwater estuarine river marshes. Tidal varia- quently. The upper reaches of the marsh are ecosystems in the world. The biomass produced tions are especially pronounced in these marshes dominated by cattail and smartweed intermingled there often moves far out to sea, providing.food for and vegetation tends to be distributed according to with river bulrush. It eventually grades into a red- many oceanic species. Productivity in tidal.marshes water depth. Those species most well-adapted to be- maple swamp. In several areas the cardinal flower has been calculated to be about three times the out- ing covered by water will occupy the channel edges emerges through the vegetation. put of the most productive agricultural lands. and the less tolerant will colonize the higher The Swan Creek Marsh supports a number of Thus, although considered "useless" in the past, ground. Since special adaptations are required for bird species. Blue and white heron, snowy egret, marshes fulfill a number of important functions plants to tolerate consistently deep water, most and red-winged blackbirds were all sighted in the which are necessary to ecosystem stability and species tend to occupy higher sites. It should be area. The presence of wild rice indicates this would human endeavor alike. Without tidal marshes there noted that, since this survey was conducted during be a prime water-fowl area during migration. would be fewer waterfowl, fish or invertebrates and August 1980, some spring and early-summer many open-water areas would be clogged by silt species may have been absent. Church Creek Marsh and plagued by eutrophic conditions. For these The following freshwater estuarine river marshes reasons, marshes and estuaries are now being pro- were observed: Swan Creek Marsh, Church Creek Church Creek Marsh is the northernmost of the tected by federal, state and local governments and Marsh, Bush Creek Marsh, Otter Point Marsh, and three marshes supported by the Bush River and lies by private individuals and institutions as well. Ac- Gunpowder Marsh. Although there are freshwater at the head of the Bush River near Belcamp. It is a tivities such as dredging and filling are severely estuarine bay marshes in Harford County, they are long marsh (5,000 feet) extending primarily along restricted to protect the many resources which they located predominantly within the Aberdeen Proving the western edge of Church Creek. The total area could affect. Ground and were not included in this study. of the marsh is estimated at 70 acres. Harford County has marshes which exhibit both Although arrow-arum and pickerelweed dominate freshwater and saltwater species. From the mouth Swan Creek Marsh the deeper waters along the edge of the channel, of the Chesapeake Bay to its headwaters, plant- mallow forms fairly dense stands at some locations. species composition gradually shifts from strict This marsh is on Swan Creek southeast of the Cattails are found in the higher areas of the marsh saltmarsh species, such as cordgrass and glasswort, Town of Aberdeen. Some of the marsh is within which extend in from upland sites. Approximately to those plants found only in freshwater marshes, Aberdeen Proving Ground. Most of the marsh is 1,200 feet upstream from the mouth of the creek is such as cattails and wild rice. undeveloped. It is a productive natural area and a a stand of elephant grass. Isolated stands of The headwaters of the bay are farthest from the prime wildlife habitat. pickerelweed and arrow-arurn also occur throughout saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. The marshes in The mouth of the Swan Creek drainage basin is the marsh. The uppermost reaches are again this vicinity are close to the Susquehanna River partially sheltered by a sandy spit which extends dominated by cattails with smartweed, pickerelweed which is the bay's source of fresh water. Near Bush down -from the northeast. Millet grass and water and arrow-arurn along water's edge. Of the three River, surface-water 'salinities average one or fewer willow grow along the shoreline. Several small mar- marshes in the Bush River area, this creek appears parts-per-thousand during the spring and between shy areas are encountered as one moves upstream to have the greatest vegetational diversity. 45 Mallard ducks, common egret and green heron were spotted in Church Creek. Muskrat are known to make their homes in this marsh. Bush Creek Marsh This marsh is located between Church Creek and Otter Point Creek at the headwaters of Bush River and Long Bar harbor. It is a comparatively small wetland but is significant for fish and wildlife sup- port. The marsh encompasses approximately 45 acres to the south of Route 40 and another 30 acres to the north of the highway. The marsh delta is A4 bordered by a mud flat which grades into the typical pickerelweed and arrow-arum. These species also border the marsh along its northern edge and AL grade into cattails as elevation increases. The southwestern reaches of the lower marsh contain a number of marsh mallow mixed with cattails. A central strip of the marsh is dominated by smart- weed and rice-cutgrass. The inland marsh which is located to the north of Route 40 is composed primarily of cattails with a mixture of smartweed photographs taken in 1957 and 1977 shows that occasionally. Virginia rails, marsh wrens, and white and arrow-arurn in the center. Red-winged this marsh has grown considerably. During this herons are not uncommon. Muskrat and raccoon blackbirds are common in the area. 20-year span, a number of housing developments frequent the marsh, and otter slides have been noted Of the areas surveyed, the Bush Creek Marsh ap- have been built in the vicinity. Construction may nearby. The value of this area as a spawning peared to have the lowest vegetational diversity. have caused considerable amounts of soil to wash ground for several anadromous fish has been This could be due to increased sedimentation rates from these sites into the marsh, extending its total recognized. Anadromous fish spend the earlier which keep the marsh in a constant state of change, area. stages of their life cycle in fresh waters and migrate preventing species which require greater stability The watercourses in Otter Point Creek Marsh are to ocean areas as they mature. The marsh acts as a from establishing themselves. A comparison of 1957 and 1977 aerial photographs revealed considerable bordered by sweetflag and pickerelweed. nursery for these and many other species as well. erosion on upland sites in this watershed, causing Pickerelweed and wild rice cover vast areas of the The comparative size of this marsh makes it a an incre Iase in sedimentation in the Bush Creek marsh, with cattails occupying the slightly higher highly desirable area for wildlife. The relatively Marsh. areas. Wild rice forms several large islands with high plant diversity provides a variety of food pickerelweed and sweetflag borders. River bulrush, sources for the birds and mammals which visit the Otter'Point Creek Marsh jewelweed, smartweed and golden club also grow area. The large size also insulates more sensitive throughout the marsh. Water mitfoit and wild species from the influences of human activity. This Otter Point Creek Marsh with approximately 400 celery, two submerged plants, occur in the shallow can be especially important during nesting periods. acres of wetland, was the largest surveyed. water in front of the marsh. This marsh also has a buffering effect on water (Although the Gunpowder River Marsh is actually Wading birds are frequent visitors to this marsh. which passes through it. Nutrients and heavier much larger, only a portion of it is in Harford Blue heron and egret are most common, while sediments from several large developments near County.) The mouth of Otter Point Creek Marsh is yellow-crowned night heron and green heron are Route 40 precipitate out here prior to entering nearly 2,200 feet wide and the wetland extends less frequently observed. In more shallow areas, Bush River when they would exacerbate an already 3,600 feet upstream. A comparison of aerial upland plovers, sandpipers and yellowlegs are seen precarious water-quality condition. 46 Gunpowder River Marsh The Gunpowder River Marsh is the largest of those being discussed in this text. However, the majority of its land is located in Baltimore County and will JA@ not be included in this discussion. In addition, much of what was wetland habitat has been dredg- ed and reclaimed and is now part of the Jop- patowne development. This has considerably altered the wetland configuration. The total marsh, including the Foster Branch area, now comprises around 125 acres. 7@ When compared with the other county marshes, -V- the topography of this land is quite different. Whereas the others were low areas with slight or gradual changes in slope, here the land rises rather abruptly from the watercourses. This has the effect of limiting marsh vegetation to thin fringing areas along the water's edge. The predominant species in the foreground are cattails, river bulrush, and smartweed. Located immediately behind are marsh and rose mallows and a number of shrubs, in- V0, cluding marsh elders and sea myrtle- two salt tolerant species. The watercourses in the area are turbid due to power boats which usually travel at 17, high speeds. This turbidity may have had a severe t impact upon shoreline vegetation. In sheltered areas the vegetation is more well developed and more diverse. One extensive marsh area exists between the main channel into Joppatowne and the Baltimore County line. This area is dominated by cattails, sweetflag, pickerelweed and arrow-arum. Elsewhere there are a WQX:@i@ number of mud flat areas which support a rather dense population of water-milfbil. Foster Branch is one of the more interesting ltt:02t@-. = botanical areas. Pickerelweed, sweetflag, smartweed, and arrow-arum. line the eastern edge of the chan- nel. Water milfbil is present,.as well. In several areas,, yellow and white water lilies are found and cardinal flowers dot the bank. Mallow, elephant grass and wild rice are present on higher soil. Green heron, whistling swans, mallard ducks and an American bittern were sighted in this vicinity. 47 Recommendations The Harford County Shoreline Study was under- taken to accomplish four basic objectives: gather information on shoreline conditions, wildlife habitat, submerged aquatic vegetation and other natural features that make the shoreline a uni- que environmental system. to identify areas with potential for active or passive recreational use. 0 to identify areas which require conservation management. 41 to identify policy issues which affect land use, shoreline access and use and conservation manage- ment. It 0 Recommendations relating to each of these objec- tive@s are included in the text that follows. Information A knowledge and understanding of existing shoreline conditions and the dynamics of these natural systems are essential before planners can make recommendations about proposed land use. The Department of Planning and Zoning should Discussions with U.S. Army officials at the Aber- This research effort has provided an opportunity investigate the possibility of conducting future deen Proving Ground should explore public use of for mapping the county's shoreline and for gather- shoreline studies which would provide updated in- some of the waterfront space within the Proving ing baseline information that identifies not only formation on a regular basis. Grounds (including the beach south of the Bush present land use and shoreline conditions but, more River railroad bridge) and the development of a importantly, suggests parameters for policy con- Recreational Use nature trail around the Swan,Creek Marsh. siderations about the future of the Harford County shoreline. Although this study was done under During this study, many shoreline activities were The Harford County Parks and Recreation Open rather strict time constraints and can be, therefore, observed. The recommendations that follow are ex- Space Plan should include a study of methods of only a general reference, it was possible to identify amples of the opportunities that are available in the providing greater public access to the waterfront some of the major vegetational and physiographic county. Recommendations for specific shore-site areas of the county in conjunction with the study of characteristics of the Harford County waterways development are not intended to imply that these county recreational needs. and marshes. are the only opportunities which should be ex- 0 The Department of Planning and Zoning and the On the basis of the information presented in the plored for public access. City of Havre de Grace should continue their study previous sections of this report, the following On the basis of the information presented in the of Tydings Island as a recreational site. The island, recommendations are made: previous se ions of this report, the following located in the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the 9 The Department of Planning and Zoning should recommendations are made: Susquehanna River, offers several recreational continue to work with the City of Havre de Grace 0 Discussion should be initiated between the possibilities: a picnic site on the bluffed and partial- on their Waterfront Study. Philadelphia Electric Company and Harford Coun- ly wooded northern side; swimming at the sandy 0 The information from this Shoreline Study ty to consider the development of hiking trails beach on the southeast; and other passive recrea- should be used in the development of an informa- along the Susquehanna River and a bicycle trail tional activities on the southwest corner which tional program for county residents. along the banks of the old canal. could accommodate dredge spoil material. 48 Discussion should be initiated between the coun- has met with mixed success because of the lack of An effective debris-removal program should be ty and the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company to personnel to enforce the regulations. Recently, en- employed at the Conowingo Dam by Philadelphia consider public access to the beach front property forcement capabilities have been increased and a Electric Company to stop the ar@hual flood of debris along the Bush River between Bush River Neck higher rate of compliance will hopefully result. that settles in the Havre de Grace Yacht Basin. Road and Sod Run. Although the river is closed for Late in 1981 the Harford County Department of 0 The U.S. Army should open the causeway con- swimming, this area lends itself to use for fishing, Planning and Zoning will begin a comprehensive necting the Proving Ground to Spesutie Island by nature trails, and more active recreation. zoning review. Such a review has not been made immediately placing pipes in the causeway to allow The abandoned gravel pit on Otter Point Road since the initial zoning effort in 1957. Difficult and bay waters to flow freely and reduce the sedimenta- should be-exa-m-ined for-pos-sible reclamation and complex land-use issue"elating to housing, - tion of Swan Creek.------- conversion to a recreational site. Although no overt transportation, economic development and environ- 0 In order to retard the loss of farmland and to reclamation efforts have been made, the area is ment protection will be addressed. The comprehen- preserve watersheds, Harford County should con- covered with successional vegetation. It has the sive zoning review will include concern for the sider rural conservation zoning legislation. The potential as a site for picnicking, bicycling, and ac- preservation and conservation of the county's Rural Conservation Zone could establish a residen- tive recreation. natural resources and various zoning techniques tial density appropriate for the land beyond the 0 The point adjacent to Otter Point and Flying will be explored to find the most practical and ef- urban-rural demarcation line; use percent-of-slope Point Park should be investigated as a site for ac- fective strategies for preserving the unique en- and soil types in a watershed zone to restrict tive and passive recreation. The eastern side of this vironmental features of the county. development; and require environmental impact point is a sloping sandy beach on Otter Point On the basis of the information presented in the statements if a proposed zoning reclassification Creek. The western side borders on the Otter Point previous sections of this report, the following Marsh. Water-contact activities Iwould need to be recommendations are made: might affect water quality in a watershed or in any public reservoir. postponed until tests of bacteria levels indicate safe Further efforts should be made to educate county I Harford County should act immediately to in- ranges; however, hiking and nature trails could be residents about the importance of environmental clude local Critical Area Designations into its instituted immediately controls in stemming the pollution and destruction overall planning program. On November 20, 1980, of Harford County waterways and marshes. the Maryland Department of State Planning Conservation Management 0 Clo .set.contact should be maintained with published a list of areas which are of unusual or Residential and commercial development of land in organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation significant importance based on physical, social, Harford County is an important aspect of the and the Maryland Environmental Trust which pro- economic or governmental conditions or trends. economic growth of the county. Unfortunately, vide funding and educational programs for protec- The Secretary designated these areas as deserving such development often has adverse effects on coun- ting environmental resources. special management attention to assure the preser- ty rivers, streams, and wetlands. As new construc- 0 Harford County should provide proper zoning vation, conservation, or utilization of their special tion alters the land uses, the landscape, waterways designations for sensitive environmental areas. values. Five Harford County marshes were and marshes are plagued by increased stormwater These zones would protect the environment by designated as being of Critical State Concern: Swan runoff, sedimentation and chemical pollution. allowing only those uses which are compatible with Creek, Church Creek, Bush Creek, Otter Point, In recent years, the Harford County government the natural environment. The integrity of the and Gunpowder Delta. Local zoning, subdivision- has worked to provide for more effective en- wetland habitat in the marsh areas is especially in growth management and other planning decisions vironmental controls and regulations. The Sediment need of protection by the establishment of buffer must be consistent with the preservation of the Control, Storm Water Management and Flood zones of from 100 to 200 feet, depending on site designated areas. At the end of each year, an assess- Plain Zoning Legislation were attempts at reducing conditions. ment of these areas should be included in the plan- the degradation of the county's natural water * Regulations should be designed to reduce sedi- ning agency's annual report. resources. The 208 Water Quality Program stresses ment loading which is often caused by sand and 0 Immediate attention should be given to the ac- the control of soil erosion and water runoff from' grave, extraction in the river basin and improper tions which presently threaten the five marsh areas both agricultural and residential development sites. sediment control techniques during land develop- previously described. The fragile marsh environ- However, the use of soil-management techniques ment. ment must be respected by man. 49 Swan Creek Marsh Otter Point Marsh policies can help to achieve a balance between these The Aberdeen Proving Ground Master Plain Development of some portions of the marsh, in ac- two choices rather than an elimination of one or the reserves an area adjacent to the wetlands for cordance with current zoning and waterlsewer other. military housing. Increased sedimentation of the plans, will have a negative impact on the life of the On the basis of the information presented in the marsh could occur if adequate buffer zones and marsh. previous sections of this report, the following sedimentation controls are not employed. A bridge across the Bush River Marsh area to recommendations are made: Effluent from the APG sewage-treatment plant alleviate traffic congestion on Willoughby Beach 0 The Harford County Government must pursue currently discharges into the creek and causes ex- Road would be a significant threat to the ecosystem an active policy of recognizing the uniqueness of tensive pollution. (The Army plans to move.the of the marsh and would destroy some of Harford the Coastal Zone and encouraging land use which is discharge from this plant away from the creek in County's most beautiful shosreline v'stas. in harmony with the land and water edge. This the near future.) Gunpowder Delta and Marsh goal can be realized through proper land use and Church Creek Marsh The single most important issue involving the pro- development controls. Development on the land north of the marsh poses tection of the wetlands, the water quality, and the 0 Continued citizen support of the Maryland an increased siltation problem which would have a scenic beauty of the Gunpowder River delta is the Coastal Zone Program is necessary to insure con- negative impact on spawning grounds and sensitive presence of mineral resources along the Gunpowder tinued funding of local Coastal Planners whose vegetation. and Little Gunpowder Falls. About 9207o of the primary function is to address land use conflicts Proposed zoning reclassification of a large delta is owned by mining interests. This situation which are unique to the Coastal Zone. agricultural area bordering on Gray's Run which creates a conflict between conservation -if natural 0 The County Master Plan indicates as one of its feeds this marsh threatens life in the marsh unless resources and the need for mining the aj;gregate stated goals that "Waterfront Recreation Areas for adequate precautions are taken before development found in the region. public use will be protected." County parkland begins. along the water's edge is scarce. The Department of Bush Creek Marsh Parks and Recreation should take every opportunity The immediate threat to the Bush River north of to use its Open Space Program to acquire and U.S. Route 40 is the Bata Riverside development. develop waterfront parks. To retard erosion and stabilize the existing shore, Stringent enforcement of environmental regulations the Planning and Zoning Department should use and maintenance of storm-water and sediment- the 100-year-flood-plain and shoreline erosion rates control facilities are critical to the protection of the marsh. Even with the proper execution of these to determine minimum set-back regulations for development requirements, the quality of water residential construction. runoff could prove to be detrimental to the life of 0 A Shore Zone District should be established in the marsh. order to regulate land use in the Coastal Zone. On A secondary impact on the marsh comes from ly one-story homes might be permitted near the upstream development. The main stream feeding water to protect the view of those who live further into the marsh, Bynum Run, is on the edge of the inland. Access to the shore for property owners on County Master Plan Development Envelope. The the uplands might be assured through a system of major portion of county residential growth is ex- Policy Issues rights-of-way. Coastal vistas might be preserved by pected to occur in the corridor running west of considering visual impact of a proposed land use in Bynum Run within the coastal zone along 1-95 and Policies help to set parameters within which deci- addition to environmental impact. Route 40. Protection of the Bynum Run stream sions can be most appropriately made. Every deci- 0 The county should examine the impact of in- valley is imperative in order to protect Bush Creek sion presents a different set oftrade-offs. In making dustrial growth in the Route 40 corridor on the Marsh. The strict enforcement of existing en- decisions about land use3 perhaps the trade-off does Coastal Zone. The effect of industrialization on vironmental protection ordinances will help to not need to be recreational use or conservation, water quality, shoreline access and the coastal en- reduce negative development impacts on the marsh. development or preservation. Carefully formed vironment should be considered. 50 dl Methodology The first step in the Shoreline Study was to select V", shore was considered a single mapping unit; all in- field maps which were large enough to show the formation pertaining to that particular segment was essential features of the shoreline. County tax maps recorded on the matrix, the segment was located on (at 1:600 scale) were used for mapping all of the the map, and the segment and matrix were shoreline except the Bush River, which was numbered correspondingly. mapped on photogrammetric maps at 1:200 scale. The horizontal axis of the matrix lists all other All maps in the final report use the 1:600 scale to features to be noted. As a segment of shoreline was provide consistent representation of the shoreline. viewed, the type of beach, vegetation, erosion, bot- Before visiting the field, the inventory team I and wildlife were checked off in the tom materia studied aerial photographs and maps showing appropriate boxes. The location of piers, bulkheads, historical shorelines, wetland areas, distribution of houses, and submerged aquatic vegetation was the submerged aquatic vegetation and shoreline struc- only information that had to be recorded in tures. The team then travelled the waterways, eparate notation. observing the entire shoreline by boat. The impor- The matrix is organized in a way that tance of conducting the inventory from the water automatically ranks the shoreline in terms of recrea- cannot be overemphasized. Many shoreline areas tional suitability. The shore zones are listed hierar- would have been inaccessible by any other means. chically so that the type of shore most suitable for In addition, mapping the accurate location of sedimentation and successional vegetative growth. recreation (sandy) is at the top while the shore that submerged aquatic vegetation would have been Since this information could not be recorded direct- offers the least recreational opportunity (natural much more difficult., ly onto maps in the field, the team needed a fast rocky shore) is at the bottom. The horizontal axis is Recording field observations proved to be the and accurate way of documenting information so also ordered so that the more checks a shore seg- most difficult task in the Shoreline Study because that it could be mapped in the office at a later time. ment receives in the categories on the left of the of the number of variety of features to be mapped. An inventory matrix was developed to CaLegorize all matrix the more recreational opportunity that seg- Beach length, shape, composition, aquatic vegeta- the essential information. ment offers. For example, a flat, sandy beach 1500 tion, inshore vegetation, visual appearance, and The vertical axis of the matrix contains a list of feet long and 20 feet wide with no erosion-or wildlife were the natural features to be documented. all shore types that would be encountered in the sedimentation, and mixed decidious vegetation is The constructed features included piers, erosion- field. The type of shore zone on the vertical axis better suited for recreation than would be a heavily control structures and buildings along the shoreline. was then used as the criterion to divide the eroded, natural rock shore which is short in length Natural processes to be observed were erosion, shoreline into mapping units. A uniform segment of and width and has submerged aquatic vegetation. Glossary of Plants Observed Arrow-Arum (Peltandra virginiana) Marsh Mallow (Hibiscus palustris) Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Miller Grass (Milium effusum) Water Milfbil (Myriophyllium spicatum) Cattails (Typha spp.) Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) Water Lilies (Nuphar advena) Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Water Willow (Justica americana) Elephant Grass (Phragmites communis) Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides) White Water Lilies (Nymphaea odorata) Glasswort (Salicornia spp.) River Bull Rush (Scirpus fluviatilis) Wild Celery (Vallisneria americana) Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum) Sea Myrtle (Baccharis halimifolia) Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica) jewel Weed (Impatiens capensis) Smartweed (Polygonum spp.) 52 ~0 PENNSYLVANIA LAND USES RESIDEN~qYIAL E~4qDINSTITUTIONAL COUNTY PARK STATE PARK AGRICULTURAL MARINA WOODLAND Map numbers correspond to page number Map scale: I inch 600 feet GRASS SHORE TYPES ~2qF~0qE-~8q71 SANDY ~;176qF GRAVELLY A ~qr~qA~q-~qA~6qj ROCKY NATURAL INSHORE LANDSCAPES RECESS 0~4q0 FLAT RECESS ~C 5 k 36-- BLUFF --34 Is A~BER~O~6qUN PR BENCH/SLOPE 3 ~q-33/ 38 EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURES 32 BULKHEADS 43-~' ~2qF 0~q1 RIP RAP 42~q- ~qF~0qo~-~-~4q*~qISTEEL 41 WOOD B~ERDEEI~. CONCRETE PROVING JETTY RO~UN _~4q0~" SHORE AND NEAR SHORE VEGETATION ~F ~8qf~8qf~0qE] EMERGENT GRASS SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION SUCCESSION MARSH P E N N S Y L V A N I A CEO Whiteford CH RE Street M14 pubtin KR Ady Darlington Madonna F14 C Level 1 (04 Churchviiie 15=6 ess u0per ee De Uossroads C Bet Alf F5 41) 40 Creswell Aberoven @ --47 P"ryman bin 0 ABERDEEN PROVING GROUN dgewood @,j oppa,.Wn A ABERE)EEN PROVING ROUN N Harford Cou Alt- gal 3011 low