National Recognition -- the Potomac is a charter addition to the American Heritage
Rivers Program.
Water Supply: The Potomac River provides drinking water to nearly four million people.
Ecological Significance: The Potomac River Gorge (form Great Falls to Georgetown)
has been identified by the international organization, The Nature Conservancy, as a one of
the nation's most ecologically important areas.
Health and Exercise: The C&O Canal tow path is one of America's most popular
recreation, biking and exercise trails. It helps tens of thousands of people live healthier
lives.
Scenic Wonder: The Great Falls of the Potomac comprise the second largest waterfall
in the East -- second only to Niagara Falls.
History: The history of Washington, DC begins with the Potomac River. The birth and
growth of a nation was, in a very real sense, nurtured by the Potomac.
Warm Water Fishery: Penrod Guides identifies the Tidal Potomac as the "finest tidal
Large Mouth Bass fishery in the world." The Small Mouth Bass fishery farther upstream is
equally renowned.
Cold Water Fishery: The upper Potomac has the highest quality fisheries in the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Threatened Species Recovery: The sea-going American Shad and the Potomac
Short-nosed Sturgeon are striving to make a come-back in the River.
