“People” are a measure of water quality. Here’s why.
Learn what outdoor recreation on and around the Potomac means for the river’s overall health
Just before the heat, humidity, and wildfire smoke of summer landed on our doorsteps, we shared the 2023 Potomac River Report Card. We scored the river’s overall health a “B” grade.
What’s behind that grade? Well, a ton of great SCIENCE, that’s what. We looked at 20+ ecosystem indicators in five categories: Pollution, Fish, Land, Habitat, and People.
Today, we’re going to unpack the People findings aka outdoor recreation trends.
Our community’s interaction with the Potomac is important to track because a river that is abused can’t be used. When river and outdoor recreation increases, it’s an important sign that people are feeling and trusting that waterways are safe to touch.
Encouragingly, outdoor recreation is trending positively in the Potomac region, but there's room for improvement.
Here is the breakdown:
A total of six access points were added in the Potomac region in 2020 alone, a dramatic increase from just one in 2019.
There was an increase in river access, which shows that the Potomac River’s health is improving. This also demonstrates the importance of the Potomac to the well-being of our community.
During the pandemic, people flocked outdoors for a safe place to unwind and find adventure. Some took up new hobbies too. In fact, fishing licenses quadrupled from 2,000 to 9,400.
Recreational and subsistence fishing along the Potomac River has been enjoyed by people along the river for thousands of years. Different Indigenous cultures found nourishment in the river’s abundant fish populations developing efficient methods to capture fish.
States within the Potomac River Region (West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and DC) had an average of 56% of state residents participating in an outdoor activity in 2020.
More outdoor activities led to more local tax revenue to the Potomac River watershed totaling $1.2 billion in 2020. The same year 191,723 jobs were supported throughout the region.
Building stronger community connection with nature can drive more public support for resources that protect, restore, and conserve the outdoors.
Photo by potomac conservancy
These are major strides for the Potomac River—but, we still can’t ALL swim in the Potomac River or eat its fish.
The Potomac River should be safe and accessible for everyone to swim. Not just when it is nice weather or in certain parts of the river. It should be the entire river, 365 days a year.
Our region is home to 5 million residents who rely on the Potomac River for drinking water. We all deserve to have clean and safe drinking water.
Our community builds a strong and long-lasting relationship with the Potomac by enjoying outdoor recreational activities like paddling on the river or biking along it.
Ready to make a difference for your hometown river? Sign up for a litter cleanup event in August or this fall! 🍂
The good news is you can still enjoy time on the Potomac. Join Potomac Conservancy for a paddle this summer at the Keybridge Boathouse for 2 hours of kayaking or standup paddleboarding. You will have a great view of the river and the nature surrounding it!