Wicomico Scenic River Commission

ORIGINS AND MISSION

The Wicomico River is one of nine rivers in Maryland that have been designated as Scenic and Wild Rivers. In order to receive such recognition, a river and its related adjacent land must possess outstanding scenic, geologic, ecologic, historic, recreational, agricultural, fish, wildlife, cultural or other similar resources.

The Wicomico River Local Advisory Board was formed in 1988 in response to the legislative mandates  of the Maryland Scenic and Wild Rivers Act. It is through the Board's efforts that feasible goals, policies and strategies for the management of the Wicomico River and Zekiah Swamp are formulated. To this end the Board has adopted, and continues to develop, the Wicomico River Study and Management Plan. The goals of this management plan are to:

• Protect and maintain the outstanding natural and cultural resources of the Wicomico River and Zekiah Swamp and their tributaries
• Maintain and enhance water quality
• maintain and conserve existing agricultural lands in their current condition
• Encourage the continued economic and appropriate recreational use of the watershed and adjacent lands consistent with the other goals of this plan
• Protect private property rights while allowing for continued public use and enjoyment of the Wicomico River and Zekiah Swamp
• Develop multi-jurisdictional cooperation and coordination with respect to the management and protection of the Wicomico River and Zekiah Swamp
• Provide a reference of resource information about the watershed for local, state, and federal government agencies, elected officials and the citizens of Charles and St. Mary's Counties
• Increase public awareness about the Wicomico River, Zekiah Swamp and their related sources

MEETINGS

The group meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30p.m. at the Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home, Charlotte Hall, MD.  They generally do not meet in December.

CONTACT