20. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

Introduction

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area is a 5 acre (3 acres forested, 2 acres scrub-shrub, 1 acre emergent) wetland converted from agricultural land. This site is located within the Washington Metropolitan Area - Potomac River Montgomery County (02-14-02-02) watershed.

Construction

The Maryland Department of the Environment, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Eastern Shore Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D) & Montgomery County Soil Conservation District constructed and planted this wetland in early 1997. Hydrology is maintained through a water control structure.


During construction	Post-construction 1997

Status

This site has developed into an moderate-quality wetland. It is not clear if the entire site is wetland, with some of the site likely being too dry and some being too wet. Additionally, some portions are dominated by cattail. For these reasons, when MDE scored this site in 2009 using the newly developed Mitigation Site Scoring Method, the site received the low score of 77/100. The site provides the wetland functions of water quality improvement, wildlife habitat, and recreational value.

This site is located on public land, however access may be restricted since it is part of the Wildlife Management Area. Please contact McKee Beshers WMA prior to visiting the site. Click this link to view an aerial photo and location information.

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