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WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION REGULATIONSDescription:Governing Use of Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett (Rocky Gorge) Watersheds (Regional Source of Water Supply for the Suburban Maryland Area) These regulations are adopted by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission for the purpose of preventing pollution and securing the sanitary protection of the water of Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett Reservoirs, and their tributaries, on the Patuxent River. The water from these reservoirs is used as a source of water supply for the Washington Suburban Sanitary District. These regulations also provide for the protection of the Commission’s property surrounding the reservoirs against damage from vandalism, erosion and fire, while permitting the limited use of the reservoirs for fishing and recreational boating and of their shores for picnicking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. The Commission recognizes the recreational value of the reservoirs and land to the public and will permit their use therefore to such extent as the Commission deems consistent with the purpose for which the reservoirs were created and the land acquired -- that of providing and protecting a public water supply. The Commission owns all the land bordering on the reservoirs and has planted several hundred thousand evergreen and locust trees for the protection of this land against soil erosion. These trees, some of which are still small, must be protected from destruction. THESE REGULATIONS COVER ALL PROPERTY, INCLUDING
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| Season | $ 60.00 |
| One-Day | $ 5.00 |
| Boat Mooring | $ 75.00 |
Watershed Use Permits can be purchased at the Brighton Dam Information Center, located at 2 Brighton Dam Road, Brookville, Maryland 20833, 7am - 8pm from March 1 to December 15, including weekends; 7am – 4:30 pm from Dec. 16 to Feb 28; the Cashier’s Office, located at 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707, 7:30am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. The Brighton Dam Information Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Richard G. Hocevar Building - located at 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707. Permits may be obtained in the Cashier’s Office (Room 1072, Lobby Level). Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
Every Watershed Use Permit shall be subject to the condition that it will be revoked by the Commission whenever the holder thereof has been found violating any of these regulations or the State laws regarding watershed use. The Commission may refuse any such person the privilege of any further use of watershed property. No permit fee refund will be made on revoked permits.
NOTE: The WEARING of a life preserver/vest is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED (especially for sailors prior to May 1st) due to the cold water temperatures, high wind potential and resultant hypothermia potential. All persons in boats must have a wearable vest type Coast Guard approved life preserver at all times.
Every person who has reached his/her 16th birthday must possess and carry a WSSC Watershed Use Permit while boating, fishing, hunting or horseback riding. NO PERSON UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE will be permitted on the reservoirs in a boat unless accompanied by a person who is at least 16 years old and holds a valid WSSC Watershed Use Permit. Persons who are 65 years of age or older, disabled or handicapped are exempt from this fee. These people must show documentation of their age or disability. In addition, those fishing or hunting must also possess and carry the appropriate State permits and licenses. (Refer to the appropriate sections for more details.) The WSSC Watershed Use Permit must be signed to be valid and it is non-transferable, and non-refundable.
Boating on the WSSC reservoirs is limited to the period from March 1 through December 15, daily from sunrise to one half hour past sunset. The use of boats, propelled only by oars, paddles, or sails will be permitted. Boats driven by electrically-operated motors (battery powered) will be permitted, provided such craft are also equipped with suitable oars or paddles and are properly registered with the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources. A Watershed Use Permit is required for boating activities by every person on board, unless exempt by age or disability. The State of Maryland also requires a Whistle/Airhorn, Wearable Personal Floatation Devices, Fire Extinguishers, and Navigational Lights if operating a boat after sunset.
Holders of Watershed Use Permits issued by the Commission may put a boat on the reservoir for a one-day outing. Such craft will not be registered by the Commission and shall not be left unattended on the reservoirs or on Commission property. Boats used for one-day outings shall be launched and removed only at designated launching points. Launching points are located at: Triadelphia, Greenbridge, Scott’s Cove and Supplee Lane.
Only boats which are of safe design and are in sound condition will be permitted on the reservoirs. All boats deemed unsafe by the Commission shall be removed from the reservoirs and disposed of by the Commission as hereinafter provided. Those boats failing to meet the specifications described below shall not be used and will be removed from the reservoirs as directed by the Commission.
The Commission will not be responsible for damage to, loss of, or any unauthorized use of any privately-owned boat kept on the reservoirs whether or not it is being held by the Commission for violations of these Regulations.
All boats must be buoyant if submerged and shall float in the event they should be swamped. Surfboards, windsurfers, rafts, houseboats, mattresses, unseaworthy watercraft, any craft which lead to frequent body contact with the reservoirs or any craft sold as a "toy" rather that a "boat" will not be permitted on the WSSC reservoirs. In no case will craft less than 8 feet in length...and inflatable craft less than 9 feet in length be allowed. All inflatables must have 3 separate air chambers. Novelty type watercraft of an unconventional design must have specific approval by the Commission before being placed on the reservoirs. No float fishing tubes are allowed.
No bodily contact with the water can be allowed and boaters should not allow passengers to trail arms, hands, legs, or feet in the water. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE ARE WATER SUPPLY RESERVOIRS FOR THE SUBURBAN MARYLAND AREA.
The number of persons occupying a boat shall not exceed the MANUFACTURER’S RATED CAPACITY. If the craft does not have a permanently attached plate or label stating its capacity, it is required that the load not exceed the limits given in the tables below. Boat owners are also urged to consider weather and operating conditions when determining the load of persons and equipment for their boats. Anyone exceeding the rated load capacity of his/her vessel may, in accordance with Maryland State Law, be charged with reckless or negligent operation in addition to having his/her Watershed Use Permit revoked.
Persons boating strictly for pleasure should extend all courtesy and consideration to fishermen. Do not approach too closely to fishermen, make loud noises or otherwise create any annoyance. The entire surface of both reservoirs is available to permit holding boaters except those areas beyond lines marked with safety buoys.
WARNING: Please help prevent the spread of noxious aquatic plants. Always check your boat, motor and trailer, and remove all plant material from them before moving to another body of water or entering Commission waters - TO HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS.
BOAT MOORING *
(March 1 through December 15)
Issuance of WSSC Watershed Use Permits and assignments of boat mooring stakes will commence at Brighton Dam at 7:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday in February each year. Boats may not be placed on the reservoirs prior to this date. BOATS SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THE RESERVOIRS BY DECEMBER 15.
Persons wishing to moor their boat on the reservoirs at designated areas must purchase a MOORING PERMIT in addition to the Season WATERSHED USE PERMIT. Every boat kept at the mooring areas shall be registered with the Commission and will be assigned a number (at the Brighton Dam Information Center only). The Registration sticker issued will be placed on the stern of the boat (this is a must) and will be recorded for identification purposes. The registered owner may tie up one boat to a specific numbered mooring stake, such stake to be assigned upon request. The WSSC registration number on the boat will correspond to the stake number. Mooring stakes will be assigned as availability allows starting on the fourth Saturday in February.
Boats placed on the reservoirs ahead of the above mentioned period, boats placed on reservoirs without a permit, boats not removed from the reservoirs on or before the December 15 close of the season, and boats otherwise in violation of these regulations will be removed by the Commission and held for payment of a penalty and removal fee.
Boats will be held FOR A PERIOD NOT LONGER THAN ONE YEAR. At the end of the year, the boat shall be considered the property of the Commission and shall be disposed of in such a manner as the Commission determines (generally, through sealed bids at public auction).
ALL BOATS KEPT AT THE DESIGNATED MOORING AREAS SHALL BE SECURELY LOCKED AT ALL TIMES, EXCEPT WHEN IN USE. ANY BOAT OR CANOE FOUND NOT SO LOCKED MAY BE TAKEN UP BY THE COMMISSION AND THE OWNER MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE ABOVE NOTED FEES. Every boat owner, holder of a valid Watershed Use Permit, shall agree that if he/she utilizes a stake or operates his/her craft on the reservoir, he/she does so at his/her own and sole risk and that the WSSC is not responsible for fire, theft, damage to or loss of such craft or any article left therein, and that only permission to tie up the craft is granted by the Commission and no bailment is created. The acceptance of the Watershed Use Permit upon the foregoing terms and conditions shall be expressly acknowledged by signature on the Watershed Use Permit and the boat owner shall release the WSSC from any and all claims and demands for loss or injury.
The owner of a boat assigned to a mooring stake may allow other persons to use his/her boat as the owner wishes, provided the owner makes no charge for this use and the person to whom the boat is loaned has attained his/her 16th birthday, possesses a valid WSSC Watershed Use Permit and otherwise abides by the regulations.
The Brighton Dam Visitors'/Information Center is the only location where mooring stake assignments are made and registered.
A limited number of mooring spaces are available at each location. They will be assigned only until they are all taken. The available mooring areas are: (1) Triadelphia, (2) Greenbridge, and (3) Scott's Cove.
Fishing will be permitted from boats and from the shores of the reservoirs at such places as are designated by the Commission for this purpose, only from March 1 through December 15, daily between sunrise and ½ hour past sunset. All fishing is prohibited at any other time. Otherwise, fishing season, species, minimum size and creel limits shall comply with the fishing laws of the State of Maryland. Fishing location maps are available at the Information Center at Brighton Dam and from all vendors.
Every person who has reached his/her 16th birthday and desires to fish in the reservoirs, must secure a Maryland Angler's License as provided by State law (available at most Maryland sporting goods stores). In addition, the fees listed in these WSSC Regulations will be charged by the Commission to every person who has reached his/her 16th birthday, for a WSSC Watershed Use Permit, unless exempt. Passengers riding a boat, but not fishing..., UNLESS EXEMPT BY AGE (65 YEARS OR OLDER) OR DISABILITY, ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A WSSC WATERSHED USE PERMIT, IF THEY HAVE REACHED THEIR 16TH BIRTHDAY.
WSSC enforces ALL Department of Natural Resources regulations. The creel limits and minimum sizes of fish shall be the same as those specified in the State of Maryland Fishing Regulations. Carp, however, may be taken with bow and arrow. NO NETS, HANDLINES OR OTHER DEVICES OF ANY KIND WILL BE ALLOWED. Fishing through the ice is prohibited.
No fishing or No boating is permitted below Brighton Dam or in its immediate vicinity or between the Dam and buoy marker or No Trespassing signs, about a half-mile above the dam. The boundary is marked by floating buoys.
No other activities are permitted on days that managed deer hunts are conducted. Hunt dates for each reservoir will be posted.
(NOTE: FISHING IS PERMITTED IN THE PATUXENT RIVER, ADJACENT TO THE BRIGHTON DAM PICNIC AREA BELOW THE DAM, WITHOUT A WSSC WATERSHED USE PERMIT.)
Fishing from the SHORES of the Triadelphia Reservoir will be permitted only at the following designated places, all of which are accessible over existing roads without crossing restricted areas:
No fishing or boating will be permitted from the Duckett Dam or its immediate vicinity or between the dam and a point marked by signs and buoys.
Fishing from the SHORES of T. Howard Duckett Reservoir will be permitted only at the following designated places:
The Commission reserves the right to further limit or to eliminate entirely all fishing and boating if such limitations are necessary for the protection of the reservoirs and watershed areas.
Hunting will be permitted on Commission property in such areas as are set aside and designated by the Commission for this purpose. Hunting will be permitted according to the hours designated in the Maryland State Hunting Regulations, currently one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Hunting season, species, bag limit and manner of hunting shall comply with the game laws of the State of Maryland, except as described in the following paragraphs. The hunting areas are designated as controlled areas and the Commission reserves the right to further regulate, or eliminate entirely, all hunting.
Every person must possess a hunting permit and licenses required by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as set forth in the Maryland Hunter's Guide, along with a WSSC Watershed Use Permit. The Scouting of hunting areas, also requires a permit.
Waterfowl, turkey, small game and fox hunting are not permitted. Hunting with dogs and chasing fox are prohibited. Otherwise, the game laws of the State of Maryland regarding species, bag limit and possession limit apply in every respect.
The use of firearms of any caliber and traps are prohibited. The use of bow and arrow is permitted as set forth in the game laws of the State of Maryland.
Hunting is prohibited between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Night hunting of raccoon and opossum is therefore prohibited.
Hunters must obtain permission from private landowners to access their property to retrieve any animal wounded on WSSC public hunting land.
Hunting on Commission property will be permitted only in the following designated areas, all of which are accessible from existing roads.
HUNT WITH CAUTION, SO AS NOT TO STRAY FROM THIS AREA ONTO PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY. DO NOT SHOOT WITHIN 150 YARDS OF OCCUPIED DWELLINGS.
Designated hunting areas will be shown on separate hand-out maps. These will be available at the WSSC Brighton Dam Watershed Information Center.
Minors under sixteen (16) years of age may hunt without a WSSC Watershed Use Permit provided they are accompanied by a valid permit holder.
The Commission property lines are bounded in most areas with barbed wire fences and blue marker paint on trees. This fence line is posted at intervals with "No Hunting Beyond This Point" signs. Bow hunting from a boat is restricted to the taking of carp fish only. NO small game or deer hunting will be permitted from any type boat.
Picnicking will be permitted on the Commission’s property at those areas set aside and designated for this purpose. Picnickers shall remain within these areas and are particularly warned to keep away from steep banks, rocky promontories or other places where there is a possibility of persons falling into the water with resultant risk of injury or drowning.
Charcoal fireplaces, tables, trash receptacles and sanitary facilities are provided for the convenience of picnickers. These facilities are available for public use WITHOUT CHARGE. It is expected that they will not be willfully damaged or destroyed. No reservations will be accepted for picnicking.
Picnic areas will be open from SUNRISE to SUNSET and no persons will be allowed on the Commission's picnic area property after dark. Charcoal fires only will be permitted. Before leaving, picnic area users must see that their fires are completely extinguished.
Do not pollute the reservoirs, their tributaries or shores. Commit no nuisance. Use the sanitary facilities provided by the Commission.
Keep the picnic grounds clean. Before leaving, collect all paper and trash and deposit it in the dumpster provided for this purpose. Preferably, take your trash home with you to be disposed of in a household refuse container.
Pets will be allowed on leash only. No pets will be allowed in the Brighton Azalea Gardens on or off leash.
The Brighton Dam Picnic Area is closed on weekends during the azalea season (April - May) and on other specific dates. For information, please call the Brighton Dam/ Visitors Information Center at 301-774-9124.
NOTE: On windy days, please be aware of the potential for falling tree limbs in wooded areas.
Horseback riding will be permitted on such sections of the WSSC watershed property as may be designated by the Commission for this purpose. Riding will be permitted only between sunrise and sunset. Every person 16 years of age or older (except those who are 65 years of age or older, disabled or handicapped) desiring to ride horseback over the trails maintained by the Commission must possess a valid Watershed Use Permit.
Every Watershed Use Permit is issued subject to the condition that it may be revoked by the Commission whenever the holder thereof has been found violating any of these regulations and the Commission may refuse any such person the privilege of any further riding on the bridle trails. No refund will be made on the revoked Watershed Use Permits.
A Watershed Use Permit is valid only when used by the person to whom it was issued.
All trails are clearly marked either by a painted symbol/blaze or by stenciled signs. Trails are located in marked areas of the wooded terrain and also along short portions of the fire access roads. These trails are maintained by the Commission for the use of persons holding a valid WSSC riding (Watershed Use) permit.
Entrance through Commission fencing to the bridle paths shall be through authorized private openings and openings marked "Bridle Trail Entrance - Riding by Paid Permit Only." Only these authorized entrances may be used for access to the trails.
Riding will be permitted:
On the Prince George’s/ Montgomery County side of the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir from the electric transmission line at Brooklyn Bridge Road to Tucker Lane. Access points are located at:
Riders are urged to report any vandalism or erosion, whenever it is encountered on the property, to a Watershed Patrol Officer, or by calling the Brighton Dam Visitors’ Information Center at 301-774-9124.
THE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO FURTHER LIMIT OR TO ELIMINATE ENTIRELY ALL HORSEBACK RIDING IF SUCH LIMITATIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RESERVOIR(S) AND WATERSHED PROPERTY.
In granting the privileges of access to, or use of, the reservoirs or any other property of the Commission for any purpose whatever, the Commission does not warrant that its property is suitable for the purposes for which the privilege or permit is granted, or that it is safe for any specific purpose, whether or not a permit is issued pursuant to these regulations, and whether or not a permit fee has been received, notwithstanding the fact that a particular portion of the Commission’s property may be specified in the permit. The Commission will not be responsible for any damage, injury or death resulting from an accident on any of its property, or from drowning in the water of either of its reservoirs, notwithstanding the fact that negligence of any employee of the Commission may contribute to such an accident or drowning. By accepting the permit, or by using the privilege granted, the permittee thereby agrees to use the property in the condition in which he/she finds it, and agrees to assume all responsibility for his/her own safety and the safety of any minors who accompany him/her; and he/she thereby releases the Commission from all claims and causes of action whatsoever arising out of the issuance of the permit, or arising out of access to and use of the Commission’s property, whether or not such claim or cause of action arises by virtue of the negligence of the Commission of any of its agents or employees. The permit fees mentioned in the regulations are not charges for use of the property of the Commission, but are applied as partial reimbursement to the Commission for its expenses in maintaining facilities and regulating the use of its property for the benefit of the permittees and for the protection of the Commission’s water supply.
Any person found violating any of the laws of the State of Maryland or WSSC civil regulations on Commission property or found violating any of these regulations shall be subject to receipt of a citation or to arrest and punishment under the Annotated Code of Maryland (WSSC Article 29). In addition, further use of Commission property by such persons may be prohibited. Watershed Use Permits may be confiscated (at the scene of an acute violation) by a Watershed Patrol Officer for a period of not less than 30 days nor greater than 60 days. Written Appeals are reviewed through the WSSC’s Customer Relations Group.
Persons visiting the WSSC watershed may have information to report (poaching, outbreak of fire, vandalism, etc.) or questions to ask watershed management personnel that are not answered in this booklet. The following numbers may be of help in providing this contact:
Brighton Dam 301-774-9124
If no answer, call WSSC Security Services 301-206-8888
The WSSC’s Annual Sport Fishing Contest will be continued. Please contact the Brighton Dam Office for details, 301-774-9124.
Awards to be presented to anglers who catch the largest and second largest fish (by weight) in each of the following categories, listed below.
Minimum Weight of Fish to be Eligible for Competition:
A special award will be given to the person who weighs in the most carp (by weight) during the season.
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