Rocky Gorge Reservoir Explained

Rocky Gorge Reservoir
Location:Burtonsville, Maryland Laurel, Maryland
Coords:39.1247°N -76.9061°W
Type:reservoir
Inflow:Patuxent River
Outflow:Patuxent River
Catchment:132mi2
Basin Countries:United States
Area:773acres
Depth:74feet
Volume:5500000000abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Elevation:81m (266feet)<
Pushpin Map:Maryland#USA
Pushpin Map Alt:Location of Rocky Gorge Reservoir in Maryland, US
Other Name:T. Howard Duckett Reservoir

Rocky Gorge Reservoir is located on the Patuxent River in Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties in Maryland, between Laurel and Burtonsville. The reservoir was created in 1952 by the construction of the T. Howard Duckett Dam on the Patuxent.[1] The dam is visible from Interstate 95 near milemarker 34. Because of its close association with a dam by the name, the reservoir is sometimes called the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir. It has a surface area of 773acres.[2] The reservoir is maintained as a drinking water source by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).

WSSC provides recreational facilities to the public on portions of the Rocky Gorge property, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and hunting.[3] Local fish species include pike and largemouth bass.

Namesake

T. Howard Duckett drafted the law officially establishing the WSSC as a permanent bicounty agency.[4] Following lobbying by E. Brooke Lee, the law was passed, effective May 1, 1918.[4] Duckett was named one of the three first official commissioners.[4]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Laurel, MD. "The WSSC -- A Thumbnail History." June 2007.
  2. Maryland Department of the Environment. Baltimore, MD."Total Maximum Daily Loads of Phosphorus and Sediments for Triadelphia Reservoir (Brighton Dam) and Total Maximum Daily Loads of Phosphorus for Rocky Gorge Reservoir, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties, Maryland." Final. June 2008. p. 4.
  3. News: Top 5 Things to Do at the Rocky Gorge Reservoir The Wayside Inn. February 9, 2016. The Wayside Inn. July 13, 2017. en-US.
  4. Brigham, Arthur. "The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission". The Montgomery County Story. Montgomery County Historical Society. 21. 3. August 1978.