Calling all North Fork Rivanna River Watershed Residents:
The North Fork Rivanna River watershed includes all of the land area that drains to the river and its tributaries when it rains. Monitoring of aquatic insects that live on the stream bottom has shown that something is bugging the bugs in the North Fork Rivanna River and several of its tributaries! These aquatic insects act as a barometer of stream health, warning us of potential pollutants that may be entering our waterways. Results of a stream health study initiated by The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) in October of 2018 indicate that too much soil is making its way into these streams when it rains, smothering habitat for aquatic life. Excess phosphorous is also negatively affecting the bugs in Blue and Stanardsville Runs. The stream health study completed by VDEQ and partners identifies sources of these pollutants in the watersheds along with reductions needed to restore aquatic life in the streams.
If you are interested in learning more about the issues facing the North Fork Rivanna River and what local landowners can do to help, please join us!
For more information, contact:
Nesha McRae, VDEQ
(540) 574-7850
nesha.mcrae@deq.virginia.gov