Back in the early 1990’s was when I first learned that there is a strong  correlation  between the percent of impervious surface a watershed has and the ability for trout to live/exist in streams. I believe it was the work of Dr Bob Bachman who after serving as a biologist served as the Sectary of the Department of Natural Resources of Maryland. Recently a revised  version of that study was released suggesting the percentage of impervious service is much less then once thought. Researchers led by Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist Scott Stranko found that brook trout have literally disappeared from some Baltimore County watersheds in which impervious surfaces  cover less than 4 percent of the land.It was once thought that the number was 10%.  So now we have been planning and allowing development using a wrong piece of data. It makes me wonder what the number is as it coordinates to having a healthy Chesapeake Bay and even healthy oceans. I find it also a good lesson as it relates to the management of many species, like striped bass.  Something to think about….

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