Stream Restoration Project Includes 300+ Trees Planted In HoCo

Ellicott City MD

22 October, 2021

4:13 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Ground has been broken on 1,100 linear feet of stream restoration near Fels Lane in Ellicott City. In addition to improving water quality, the stream restoration project boasts large tree plantings. On the Fels Lane project, 24 trees will need to be removed but more than 300 trees will be planted. For every tree that is removed, 12 will be planted in its place. All stream restoration projects require at least twice as many trees to be planted for every tree that needs to be removed. Stream restoration efforts also help to reduce the number of impervious surfaces in Howard County, leading to less runoff and better stormwater management. "For many of our residents, these small creeks and streams pass through or near their property, and with increasingly harsh rainstorms, invasive plants and time, the stream banks begin to erode and deteriorate," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. "As these streams are reconstructed the beneficial impact is multifaceted – natural structures, native plants and new trees prevent erosion, which improves water quality and aids long-term stability. Trees are some of the most effective tools we have when it comes to sustainability – which is why each of our stream restoration projects requires at least twice as many trees to be planted for every tree that needs to be removed. In fact, since taking office we've helped plant more than 52,000 trees in Howard County." There are currently more than 20 stream restoration projects in design or under construction in Howard County. Since 2018, 11 projects have been completed, including:- A 5,000+ foot stream restoration in the Font Hill neighborhood- A 2,450-foot tributary restoration near Dorsey Run in Jessup- A 2,000-foot stream restoration off Gray Rock Drive in Ellicott City- A 1,350-foot stream restoration near Cherrytree Farm in Laurel "In all of the work we do to protect the environment, there is rarely if ever one project that can be the solution," Office of Community Sustainability Director Josh Feldmark said. "Rather it is always a combination of projects working together. So, while this project is far from the only one needed to protect the Hudson watershed it is a critical keystone project. This project is fixing a crumbling stream bank and leaving the entire area in significantly better ecological condition than it is currently with the planting of 300 trees on site."