Watershed Management
A watershed is the land area where all rain, melting snow, and runoff drain downhill to the same place such as a stream, river, lake, or reservoir.
No matter where you live, work, or recreate, you are always in a watershed. Water flowing off rooftops, roads, yards, farms, and forests all moves through the watershed before reaching local streams and eventually larger rivers.
What happens on the land directly affects the quality of the water downstream.
Garrett County has two major watersheds – the Youghiogheny River and the North Branch Potomac River watersheds.
Explore the watershed map
Why Watersheds Matter to Residents and Visitors
Understanding watersheds helps people see how individual actions can affect:
Drinking water quality
Property values
Flooding and erosion risks
Fishing, boating, and swimming
Long-term lake and stream health
For visitors, watersheds shape the outdoor experiences Garrett County is known for such as clean lakes, trout streams, scenic rivers, and public lands. Protecting watersheds helps ensure these resources remain healthy and enjoyable for everyone.
