Local Potomac River streams are benefiting from your advocacy, with the leadership of Catoctin Land Trust
/Thanks to advocates who spoke up last year, one of our tributaries is getting a facelift
Creek running through Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland
You probably see this issue a lot when it rains – the excess water flows quickly into nearby streams carrying plastic litter, oils, and sediment... yuck. If you’re worried about how that affects our Potomac River, you’re not alone!
David Lillard, the Executive Director of Catoctin Land Trust, sees it too, and his team is working to combat it through the Whole Watershed Act funds. The organization’s work will benefit not only Antietam Creek in Washington County but also the entire Potomac River region.
“Storm runoff is a huge issue, and I think it’s really been over the last decade or so that everyone in the Bay watershed is recognizing that’s where we need to start putting some energy and resources.”
What’s the Whole Watershed Act?
This bill was introduced and passed during Maryland’s 2024 General Assembly. The goal of this act is to improve and restore severely degraded ecosystems in the state of Maryland.
The Whole Watershed Act establishes a pilot program to improve five polluted streams across the state through coordinated, comprehensive investments and conservation efforts. The bill builds off a successful partnership model in Pennsylvania designed to rapidly delist waterways included on the EPA's impaired waters list.
In March of 2025, five watersheds across the state were selected for funding. One of those watersheds is right here in the Potomac River region – Antietam Creek.
“Going back to what we know works, which is looking at the small watersheds and the tributaries that lead into them and then focusing on those and seeing long-term results”
Using the funds to lead the way for a healthier Potomac River region
Catoctin Land Trust coordinates the Heart of Maryland Collaborative, a network of more than 20 organizations and agencies. Partners of the Collaborative are spearheading phenomenal projects, utilizing funding from the Whole Watershed Act to accelerate the pace of their water quality improvement plans.
“The Whole Watershed Act and the funding is an opportunity to look at small tributaries. I truly believe if you’re gonna do big things, you have to think small, and that's the smallest of the watersheds.” - David Lillard
Their organization has three main projects they’re going to use for the funding for:
1. Urban watershed restoration
In Hagerstown, MD, the Catoctin Land Trust is planning to renovate a local bridge to enhance flood mitigation. Lillard explained that the town faces intense flooding issues even after just a brief 30-minute rain. Historically, the town has been able to implement quick band-aid fixes, but it needs a lasting solution. With the Whole Watershed Act, they will leverage the money to complete a long-term fix for the community.
2. Outdoor access for the community
One of the critical pieces of Washington County’s tourism is outdoor recreation. That’s one of the reasons it is vital to improve trails and parks for residents and visitors to enjoy! Catoctin Land Trust is excited to collaborate with Washington County, which is planning a new recreation trail along Antietam Creek for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
3. Agricultural best practices
Washington and Frederick County, MD, heavily rely on the agricultural sector for their economic prosperity. Because of the prevalence in the counties, agricultural runoff continues to be a major problem. That’s why the Catoctin Land Trust is using funds from the Whole Watershed Act to implement proven agricultural best practices, which have been successful throughout the Bay watershed, such as planting more riparian buffers.
Looking forward to a Potomac Strong future
With increased funding, we know the work of Catoctin Land Trust and its partners will significantly improve our local tributaries and the Potomac River region. This funding is proof that advocacy, like yours, helps get resources to organizations that will make a tangible difference for clean water.
