PROPOSED FISH REFUGE AREAS

Largemouth bass graphicIn 2001, fish refuge areas were established in Gumtree Cove in Burgess Creek and north of Linton Point in Chicamuxen Creek from March 1 to June 15. These refuges were established so that fisheries biologists could assess the impacts of boating and fishing on largemouth bass spawning by comparing these areas to other spawning areas which remain open during this period. Biologists would like another opportunity to conduct the study since the areas were poorly marked and fishing was observed in the fish refuges. As a result, a public hearing will be held on a proposal to reestablish those fish refuge areas annually from March 1 to June 15. Both areas will be clearly marked by buoys. The closure will apply to all fishing and boating. The only boat access in this area will be by permit to individuals using canoes or kayaks to access the Chicamuxen Wildlife Management Area campsite on Chicamuxen Creek. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Cedarville Visitors Center at 7:00 p.m. Cedarville Visitors Center is located in Cedarville State Forest at the end of Panhandle Rd. For directions, call 301-888-2423. Comments will be taken at the public meeting, may be emailed to searly@dnr.state.md.us, or may be mailed to Steve Early, Restoration and Enhancement Division Director, 580 Taylor Ave. B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401. Comments must be received by Jan. 13, 2003. Click here to view the press release.

Map showing Gumtree Cove. Created by Paul Genevese

Gumtree Cove, at the mouth of Burgess Creek north of Blossom Point Proving Grounds off the Potomac River in Charles County. The fish refuge would encompasse the area southeast of a line, running from a point at or near the shore defined by
Lat. 038 Degrees 27'12.7"N.
Long. 077 Degrees 06'7.9"W
then running approximately 204 degrees True to a point at or near the shore defined by
Lat. 038 Degrees 26'61.2"N
Long. 077 Degrees 06'19.8"W.

Map showing Linton Point. Created by Paul Genevese

Chicamuxen Creek, north of Linton Point off the Potomac River in Charles County. The fish refuge would encompasse the area northeast of a line running from a point at or near the shore defined by
Lat. 038 Degrees 32'30.7"N
Long. 077 Degrees 13'59.0"W
then running approximately 184 Degrees True to a point at or near the shore defined by
Lat. 038 Degrees 32'13.7"N
Long. 077 Degrees 14'00.7"W

*This page was *