On September 13, 2006 the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Geological Survey entered into a joint funding agreement that will provide over $300,000 to examine water quality and water quantity issues within the Little Blackwater River watershed. The Maryland Department of the Environment provided $233,250 and the U.S. Geological Survey provided $75,000 in matching funds for total project funding of $308,250. These two organizations will work together cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to characterize the hydrology and water quality of the Little Blackwater River watershed prior to development.

The Little Blackwater River in Dorchester County Maryland, discharges into the Blackwater River and Blackwater National Refuge. The Little Blackwater River watershed drains approximately 27,748 acres which are presently used primarily for agriculture. In 2005 land use in the watershed consisted of approximately 26,472 acres of croplands, woodlands, and tidal wetlands and 1,276 acres of residential, commercial, and light industrial lands. Recent plans to develop land along the Little Blackwater River and throughout the watershed have increased interest among federal, state, private organizations and the public regarding the potential environmental impacts of the proposed developments.

Dorchester County has the most hydric soils of any county within Maryland. Historically, flooding has occurred when wind and rain events combine and water is pushed up into the Little Blackwater River watershed from the south or southeast. Agricultural lands absorb approximately 16 times more stormwater run-off than developed areas.

The city of Cambridge and Dorchester County approved plans to develop lands within the watershed to include approximately 6,400 new homes. In addition, approvals have been granted at the local level to develop a golf course, hotel, conference center, and retail stores immediately adjacent to the Little Blackwater River. The run-off from these developments and the increase in impervious surfaces have heightened recent environmental concerns.

The work being conducted by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Geological Survey will characterize ground-water and surface-water flow conditions and water quality in the Little Blackwater River watershed. Recent geologic mapping by U. S. Geological Survey geologists suggests that there are local sedimentary complexities that may affect the hydrology and ecosystem processes of the tidal marshes in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The combined efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research partners will provide critical information on the hydrology and water quality of the Blackwater watershed.