Stream Restoration to Hoyes Run Vital to Local Trout Population;Supports Governor O’Malley’s Smart, Green and Growing Initiative
(September 28, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is partnering with Garrett County and the Youghiogheny River Watershed Association (YRWA) to enhance Hoyes Run, a tributary to the Youghiogheny River, near Wisp Mountain in Garrett County. The project is expected to begin spring 2010. Hoyes Run originates near Deep Creek Lake and discharges into the Youghiogheny River, which is a designated Wild and Scenic River, as well as a destination trout stream. Hoyes Run is unique because Brown, Brook and Rainbow trout all reproduce in this small stream.
“The Youghiogheny River Watershed Association is very pleased that the Hoyes Run erosion repair project has been selected to receive funding from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program and support from SHA,” said Edgar Harman, Chairman of YRWA. “Maintaining clean water resources are vital to the recreational industry. The opportunity for our youngsters to go fishing has been an activity cherished by the residents of the County for many years.”
Sediment due to bank erosion is a leading cause of the loss of habitat to many species of trout. Runoff from local roadways and new development in the area are increasing the erosion on the banks along Hoyes Run. In addition, large, mature native trees are succumbing to the bank erosion, creating further degradation to the stream bank, as well as its fragile ecosystem.
SHA will stabilize the bank by creating step pools, which are devices built with native stone that mimic naturally occurring features in other cascading streams in Western Maryland. Step pools incrementally slow the velocity of the water flow. In addition, SHA will re-grade the stream bank to create a more stable slope. When finished, the entire work area will be planted with native trees and a combination of native annual and perennial plant species.
“Restoring Hoyes Run is a prime example of creating and maintaining a green highway system,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “Enhancing the clarity of the stream and establishing a clean habitat for different species of native trout is an example of how effective partnerships can lead to the overall survival of vital natural resources.”
Competitive bidding for the project will occur spring 2010. The Hoyes Run enhancements are funded through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP), which funds non-traditional, community-based transportation-related projects. The Governor determines which projects qualify for funding based on need and potential benefit to the public. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration oversees the federal program, which has awarded more than $185 million for 232 projects in Maryland since the TEP program began in 1991. Garrett County will also be contributing to the project.
Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Maryland’s Smart, Green & Growing initiative was created to strengthen the state’s leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspiring action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future. The initiative brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
# # #