Lower Potomac River (POTMH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment POTMH increased to 703.92 ha, 66% more than in 2000 (422.97 ha). This segment accounted for 4% of the SAV in the Middle Bay Zone and 2.2% of the Bay total. The Tier I goal (400.13 ha) has been met for this segment each year since 1996.

SAV increases occurred on both shores of the Potomac River. On the northern shore, new SAV beds were mapped and SAV expanded in Popes Creek (Map 058); off Waverly Point and at the mouth of Picowaxen Creek (Map 067); on both shores of St. Clements Bay, and to the east of Huggins Point (Maps 069, 078); in McKay Cove (Map 079); and off Straits Point (Map 079). In the Wicomico River, new SAV beds were mapped and SAV expanded in Allens Fresh Run and off Newport Marsh (Map 058). On the western shore of the St. Marys River, SAV expanded from Windmill Point to Russell Point, including in St. George Creek and Price Cove (Maps 080, 089). On the eastern shore of the St. Marys River, SAV expansion was noted from Chancellor Point to Smith Creek (Maps 080, 089).

On the southern shore of the Potomac River, SAV expansion was noted below Mathias Point (Map 057) and in Upper Machodoc Creek (Map 066). In addition, new SAV beds were mapped in Upper Machodoc Creek (Map 066); to the west of Lynch Point, in Northwest Yeocomico River, in South Yeocomico River, and in Cornish Creek (Map 088).

SAV declined slightly on the northern shore of the Potomac River off Cocksey and McReynolds points and below McReynolds Point in the Wicomico River (Maps 058, 067); at the mouth of Cooper Creek in the St. Marys River (Map 080); and in Smith Creek and Calvert Bay (Map 089). On the southern shore of POTMH, slight SAV declines were noted in the middle portion of Upper Machodoc Creek (Map 066) and in Goldman Creek (Map 067).