(September 30, 2013) – As part of Maryland’s Reclaim the Bay Program, the State Highway Administration (SHA) is planting more than 55,000 trees in Carroll, Frederick and Howard counties.  The trees will act as natural filters to help reduce harmful nutrients that wash into waterways and ultimately into the Chesapeake Bay.

“Residents who live adjacent to SHA property may see crews planting or maintaining trees, which will become natural wooded areas,” said David Coyne, SHA District Engineer for Carroll, Frederick and Howard counties.  “Every acre of trees absorbs carbon dioxide equal to the amount emitted by a car driven 26,000 miles.”

The planting sites are strategic locations along highway interchanges and grassy areas that will not hinder visibility for travelers.

Each tree helps to slow water velocity from heavy rain, preventing stream bank and soil erosion.  Trees also absorb nutrients such as nitrogen that can enter the Chesapeake Bay and lead to “dead zones,” where plants and animals cannot live due to low oxygen levels. An added benefit from trees is the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide is used by trees in the photosynthesis process, producing beneficial oxygen. Healthy trees can absorb about 13 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, or approximately 2.6 tons per acre per year. 

SHA’s water quality projects are part of the national Clean Water Act that requires states to establish a list of impaired waters and develop projects to help reduce pollutants and nutrients from entering streams and tributaries.  Scientists calculate the maximum amount of pollution that a waterway can receive while still maintaining safe water quality in a measure called “Total Maximum Daily Load” (TMDL).  In addition to tree planting, SHA is installing bio-swales on roadway corridors that enable water to be filtered before being returned to the natural environment. 

The total cost for these tree plantings is approximately $2.2 million. The project should be completed by fall 2014. 

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