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6-22-2007

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CO-SPONSORING SECOND ANNUAL SOUTH BRANCH WATERSHED AWARENESS DAY

More than 70 people interested in preserving the health of the South Branch of the Potomac River turned out for the second annual South Branch Watershed Awareness Day Saturday, June 2. The event was held to increase public awareness of the importance of the South Branch as a water resource for West Virginia and the state’s neighbors downstream.

“The South Branch is a historic and important waterway,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “It provides a water source for our nation’s capital and it feeds the Chesapeake Bay. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has been very active in working to protect waterways throughout the state for future generations, and I think this trip will highlight some of the positive things that are being done at this time.”

Organizer Matt Monroe said the day was largely about having a nice time enjoying the recreational aspects of the river. “But it’s hard to truly appreciated and care for something if you’ve never seen it. This is what this day is about – becoming familiar with this river and building public awareness about the issues surrounding it,” Monroe said.

Participants enjoyed near-ideal conditions during the trip, and were thrilled by numerous sightings of Bald Eagles that have taken up residence in “The Trough” section of the river in the last 15 years.

Co-sponsors included the WVDA, Chesapeake Bay Program, West Virginia Conservation Agency, Potomac Valley Conservation District, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection, South Branch Watershed Association of Hampshire County, Cacapon Institute, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Conservation Fund – Freshwater Institute, The Trough General Store, Main Street Grille and Baker Run Watershed Association.

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The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

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