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USA Maryland Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge


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Nearby Parks:
 Elk Neck State Park
 Elk Neck State Forest
 Susquehanna State Park
 Palmer State Park
 Gunpowder State Park
 Fair Hill State Natural Resources Management Area
 Walter S Carpenter State Park


National Park Contact Information:
Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge Area Accommodations
Adopt-A-Park Contacts:
Yogi's Helper: volunteer positions open
Nature Programs: volunteer positions open
Photography: volunteer positions open
National Park Overview:
Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge is a small island less than 1.5 acres in size located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River in Harford County, Maryland. It is a satellite Refuge managed by Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. In the 1920's, the island was used as a fish hatchery to produce such species as shad.

In the early 1940's, 13,363 acres of water in the Upper Chesapeake Bay were closed by Presidential Proclamations to the hunting of migratory waterfowl. These water areas were designated as the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge. At the time of its establishment, the water areas known as the Susquehanna flats were covered with wild celery, pond weeds, redhead grass and other desirable waterfowl foods. Peak waterfowl population numbers included over 500,000 canvasback and redhead ducks and over 200,000 American wigeon. These rich areas of aquatic growth began declining in the 1960's due to changes in the water quality and quantity.

Development above the Conowingo Dam caused more rapid drainage and greater water flow through the dam. Currents in the upper Chesapeake Bay deposited heavy loads of silt in the Susquehanna flats area. What remained of the suitable waterfowl vegetation was destroyed when Hurricane Agnes moved through in 1972. Today, only a few thousand geese may be found around the refuge during the winter months.

Because of the dramatic decrease in waterfowl numbers and vegetation in the area, the Presidential Proclamations were lifted on September 1, 1978 and the waters were returned to the State of Maryland. Battery Island remains a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
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Area Accommodations
Brampton Inn - Chestertown, MD
1860 National Register Plantation House sitting on 35 parklike acres. 12 spacious guestrooms, wood-burning fireplaces, all w/private baths most w/whirlpools. Full breakfast included in rate.
Price Range: $195 - $435
Web Site: http://www.bramptoninn.com
B&Bs / Inns
Elk Forge B&B Inn, Retreat and Day Spa - Located on five wooded acres, this historical colonial Manor House is your perfect romantic getaway. Elk Forge offers in-house spa services as well as access to a large selection of area activities.
Brampton Inn - 1860 Plantation House listed on National Register of Historic Places sitting on 35 parklike acres. 10 spacious guestrooms, wood burning fireplaces, all w/private baths most w/whirlpools. Full breakfas
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Related Links:
Area Campgrounds
Holloway Beach
419 Charlestown Plz
Charlestown, MD
(410) 287-8510


Sandy Cove Ministry Conf Ctr
60 Sandy Cove Rd
North East, MD
(410) 287-5433


Area Fishing Related Businesses
Herb's Tackle Shop
203 S Main St
North East, MD
(410) 287-5490


Ann's Sporting Goods
2519 Shuresville Rd
Darlington, MD
(410) 457-5182


USA Maryland Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge
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