Catoctin Land Trust is pleased to announce that the Roops Branch Stream and Floodplain Restoration Project has been selected for funding through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund program for 2027.
Our project was one of 25 ecological restoration projects selected statewide as part of Governor Wes Moore’s recent announcement of $31.5 million in funding to improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat, and strengthen climate resilience across Maryland. Together, these projects encompass 188 sites and are expected to significantly reduce nutrient and sediment pollution entering local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Located in the Double Pipe Creek stream near Union Bridge, Maryland, this project will restore approximately 7,069 linear feet of stream while reconnecting historic floodplains and restoring 10 acres of wetlands. The project is expected to generate significant water quality benefits, including annual reductions of more than 3,930 pounds of nitrogen, 805 pounds of phosphorus, and 718 tons of sediment.
The restoration will do more than improve water quality. By reconnecting streams to their floodplains and restoring wetlands, the project will help reduce downstream flooding, improve wildlife habitat, enhance carbon sequestration, strengthen climate resilience, and create opportunities for ecological research. The project will also improve conditions for the Monocacy River watershed and support broader Chesapeake Bay restoration goals.
In collaboration and with support from Ecotone, we will help ensure the long-term success of the restoration while creating opportunities for volunteer engagement, public education, and scientific research. This project serves as a cornerstone restoration effort within the Double Pipe Creek and as work progresses, Catoctin Land Trust looks forward to sharing updates and opportunities for community involvement.
For more information or questions about this project, contact our team at info@catoctinlandtrust.org or find the full press release and complete list and location of funded projects here.