Saving the Estuary!
The Joint Management Team sponsors Estuary Cleaning at various times during the year. Watch for notices and participate.
Decades of abuse from human activity have resulted in the loss of critical wildlife habitat and have affected the overall condition of the estuary.
The runoff from agricultural activity occurring in fields adjacent to the estuary combined with leeching of nutrients from storm drains, septic fields and aging municipal sewage systems in the area are all contributing to an overabundance of nutrients within the water system. This heavy nutrient load may contribute to algal blooms in the area.
Enormous amounts of garbage indiscriminately thrown into and around the estuary have compromised the integrity of wildlife habitat and decreased the aesthetic value of the area for humans.
Many shoreline trees and shrubs have been replaced by fields and manicured lawns. Infilling of the estuary for commercial, residential and road development has destroyed or irrevocably altered much of the shoreline habitat around the estuary and contributed to siltation of the water column.
Many people are unaware of their impact on the environment and, hence, do not see their responsibility towards conserving this ecosystem.
This unique estuarine habitat has historically been the site of much ecological disturbance. Yet, with commitment from residents, community leaders, municipal governments and conservation organizations, the Shearstown Estuary is capable of retaining its integrity as a critical type of ecosystem.
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