FOSC Supports Removal of Fish Blockage in Sligo Creek
Imagine healthy herring, alewife and other salt water/fresh water fish swimming in Sligo Creek! Known as migratory or anadromous fish, they were historically present in much of Sligo and the rest of the Anacostia watershed. But pollution, erosion, and physical barriers have severely affected the numbers of these fish, now rarely seen in Sligo.
Phong Trieu of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Anacostia program discussed the prospect for the return of migratory fish such as blueback herring to Sligo Creek in his presentation to FOSC on July 22. A final habitat restoration feasibility study by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) is underway in partnership with PG County. If implemented, the measures proposed would remove an existing fish blockage in lower Sligo Creek and one in Northwest Branch, as well as significantly restore stream habitat in selected areas. (See Site 9 – Sligo Creek and Site 13 – NW Branch.) With these measures, the preliminary study projects that 80+% of the fishes’ historic range would be restored. Further ACE project feasibility findings are available in English and Spanish on the ACE website.
FOSC President Mike Smith has sent a letter of support for the fish barrier removal in lower Sligo Creek and in Northwest Branch. (View it on the Letters and Testimony page of the Advocacy tab.) Your own letter of support would be helpful.
We understand that a preliminary feasibility study is underway in Montgomery County. The specific scope of the feasibility study is not yet posted on the ACE website.
