Perhaps unattainable in other systems. That’s how Maryland fisheries biologists describe the conditions of Mattawoman Creek. This 30-mile-long coastal plain tributary flows into the tidal Potomac River. We are 20 miles downstream of Washington D.C. at the creek’s mouth.
Mattawoman Creek appears on Capt. John Smith’s 1608 map. It was called Mataughquamend then. This Algonquian name translates to “where one goes pleasantly”. Today, the EPA lists Mattawoman Creek as impaired. This is due to excess nutrients and sediment. But it has escaped much degradation from urbanization.
The Mattawoman Creek watershed spans 94 square miles. Three-fourths are in Charles County. The rest is in Prince George’s County. Mattawoman drains Indian Head, Bryans Road, and most of Waldorf. The watershed is still over 50% forested.
Assessments find Mattawoman estuary to be the most productive. It is the most productive of sampled tributaries for migratory fish. Alewife, blueback herring, and American shad are abundant here. Semi-anadromous white and yellow perch also thrive. Largemouth bass is a resident gamefish in the tidal freshwater.
The estuary supports extensive freshwater tidal marshes. These are partially protected as Maryland Wildlands. They are also Natural Environment Areas. Palustrine wetlands are in the broad stream valley. A site with the greatest species richness of amphibians and reptiles in Maryland is here.
The creek is a nursery for fish migrating to the Chesapeake Bay. It is home to wood ducks and black ducks. Nesting bald eagles also live here. You can also find wild and rare Native Lotus. The creek houses four species of freshwater mussels and 54 species of fish.
Mattawoman Creek Natural Area includes over 1300 acres. Some describe the estuarine portions as a model for a fully restored Chesapeake Bay. The intact forests are prime habitat for Forest Interior Dwelling Species. These include the northern parula.
Anadromous fish migrate upstream into freshwater rivers to spawn. A decrease in spawning sites has been documented here. Development activity in the watershed is reducing water quality. Forest clearing and stormwater runoff raise stream water temperature. This leads to erosion and pollution. Local citizens are assisting with stream monitoring. They are educating the public. They partner with organizations to protect the watershed.
Proposals for highways to cross the stream generated debate. One was the Western Waldorf Bypass. Another was an extension of Charles County’s Cross County Connector. In 2012, the Army Corps of Engineers denied the wetlands permit application for the connector.
Mattawoman Creek has also been known by other names. These include Mataughquamend and Pangayo. It has also been called Saint Thomas Creeke. The creek is an important natural resource. It has a diverse network of forests and wetlands. The ecological integrity of Mattawoman is at risk. This is due to current and future development pressures. Mattawoman Creek is among the nation’s most precious wildlife sites.