Harris Creek, a tributary of the Choptank River, will be the site for the first large-scale, tributary-based oyster restoration project in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Harris creek was chosen by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Army Corps Baltimore District, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) because of its high likelihood to succeed. The same team is developing a scientific “blueprint” to guide restoration in the creek.
The project will include the planting of oysters on nearly 100 acres in 2012, with a long term goal of restoring 300-600 acres. The Army Corps is also scheduled to plant 20 acres of new shell and stone substrate to enhance the river bottom to support the new oyster reefs.
If current funding levels continue, the restoration project should take between 2-5 years to complete. Funds for these restoration activities are provided primarily by DNR, the Army Corps and NOAA.
source: MD DNR
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