|
In addition to its great wealth of historic resources, the Upper Eastern Shore is rich in natural and recreational
resources. These include waterways of international, national, and regional significance; lands under national, state, and local jurisdictions; and private lands open to the public. There is no place in
the entire region that is more than a thirty-minute drive from an important natural or recreational area.
The physiology of the bay is complex and fascinating. All rivers of the Upper Eastern Shore flow west to empty
into this flooded valley of the Susquehanna River: the Chester, the Choptank, the Miles, the Sassafras, and the Wye. Each river has its own significance.
The Chester River
has been identified by the National Park Service and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a Category 1 river, meaning that it contains natural resources of ãgreater than state significance.ä
The river is the prime wintering grounds for Canada geese on the East Coast with an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 birds flocking to the river annually. Seven bald eagle nesting territories have been located
along the river. The Maryland Rivers Study identified the Chester River for potential designation as a Maryland Scenic and Wild River.
The Choptank River
another Category 1 river, is the longest of the Eastern Shore rivers. The river contains one of the most important wintering areas for migratory waterfowl in Maryland, and it has one of the largest spawning areas for striped bass in the state.
The Miles River
harbored large shipping and shipbuilding industries for two hundred years at St. Michaels. Today, this river is one of the prime recreational boating areas of the Eastern Shore.
The Sassafras River
corridor contains bald eagle nest territories. It is also a major wintering area for Canada geese and black ducks. This river is classified as a Category 3 river because of its ecological value.
The Wye River
is a candidate for designation as a National Wild and Scenic River. The river has hosted numerous Native American groups throughout prehistory. Twenty-nine prehistoric archeological sites have been uncovered along its banks. Like the Sassafras River, the Wye River is a Category 3 river.
There are five main categories of federal- and state-protected lands on the Upper Eastern Shore:
- National Wildlife Refuges, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, contain ecologically sensitive
areas or natural habitats of endangered species. There is one on Eastern Neck Island.
- Natural Resource Management Areas
(NRMA), managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are used to explore and employ various resource management practices to learn the best stewardship protocols. There are three on the Upper Eastern Shore.
- Wildlife Management Areas
(WMA) are acquired and managed by the DNR to control species through hunting. There are two on the Upper Eastern Shore.
- State parks, owned and managed by the DNR, provide recreational and educational opportunities while
protecting critical habitats. There are four on the Upper Eastern Shore.
- State forests
are managed by the DNR to study forest ecology and forest management practices. The Seth Demonstration Forest is an example.
Separate sections describe places in each county that have received designation and protection by state and federal
agencies. Information has also been provided here on important, privately-held areas, local parks, and places for public access to the water:
|
