Lower Great Seneca Creek Watershed Management Categories

Watershed conditions in Great Seneca Creek generally improve in a downstream direction, as land use densities decrease and the area within County and State parkland increases substantially. Baseline stream monitoring results will be used to update preliminary assessments and re-evaluate watershed management approaches as necessary in the 2000 CSPS update.

The Potomac Subregion Master Plan Study is currently underway which will include an examination of land use and stream condition relationships in the subwatersheds in that planning area. Watershed management approaches will be updated in the CSPS as necessary to respond to land use recommendations.

Watershed Protection Areas

The lower portion of Long Draught and the mainstem of Great Seneca below this point, including all the tributaries except Dawsonville tributary are designated Watershed Protection Areas with a regular level of protection. The stream conditions in these areas are good, and substantial portions of the stream valley are protected within parkland. As land uses within the watershed change from higher to lower densities, impacts from imperviousness decrease. A regular level of protection is expected to continue to protect these streams and maintain the good stream conditions, including the application of existing standard environmental guidelines, including stream buffer requirements, and stormwater and sediment control regulations. Much of the developed area in these lower reaches is either low density on large lot areas or was constructed relatively recently and employs stream valley protection measures and stormwater management controls.

• Continued application of current environmental guidelines and regulations and other regular protection tools.
• Further evaluate relationships between land use and stream conditions through the Potomac Subregion Master Plan Study.
  

Agricultural Watershed Management Area

The Dawsonville tributary contains land uses of an agricultural character, and the use of best management practices, particularly expanded riparian buffers, would improve conditions in this subwatershed.

• Pursue educational efforts to improve best management practices and stewardship among private landowners.
  

Watershed Restoration Areas

The Upper Long Draught subwatershed contains high imperviousness in the upper reaches which has contributed to habitat degradation in the streams, resulting fair stream conditions. There are a number of older communities that developed without stormwater controls. Portions of the northern reaches are controlled by a regional stormwater management facility, but areas above the structure are affected by uncontrolled runoff.

• The City of Gaithersburg has conducted a detailed habitat assessment of areas within its boundaries and is in the process of identifying potential projects to address problem areas.

Lower Great Seneca Stream Condition, Habitat Conditions, and Management Category Designation

Maps
Land Cover	Impervious Area	Stream Condition	Management Categories

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