October 4, 2013 (BALTIMORE, MD)
—Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx
today announced that on or about Monday, October 7, 2013, contract
workers will begin restoration work on the southern base of the Druid
Lake earthen dam. This work will involve the removal of many so-called
“volunteer” shrubs and trees, i.e. vegetation which has self-seeded on
the base of the dam.

 

Because
of the fact that the dam is constructed of clay and other soils, its
stability depends upon that earth remaining stable. Tree roots reach
well into the soil and loosen it, thus creating the possibility of
leakage and even dam failure. This is the reason why such vegetation is
not permitted under federal and state statutes. The removal of these
trees and shrubs is also mandated by the Maryland Department of the
Environment (MDE).

 

The
specific location where the tree removal will take place is along the
southern boundary of the dam between the Jones Falls Expressway and its
off-ramp. There are approximately 450 trees which will be cut over a
three week period. Three-quarters of these are very small invasive
saplings.

 

Once
the trees are removed their roots will be ground so that an appropriate
stabilizing turf covering can be restored. This work will be performed
by Forest Valley Tree & Turf and is a joint project of the Baltimore
City Departments of Public Works, Transportation and Recreation and
Parks.

 

Public
Works Director Alfred H. Foxx stated: “Although these ‘volunteer’ trees
were self-planting, and never should have been allowed to grow on the
dam, DPW will compensate for this necessary clearance by funding the
planting of 167 street trees throughout Baltimore. As a result of this
work our dam will be secure, we will be in compliance with state and
federal laws and we will increase the green canopy in our
neighborhoods.”  

 

Druid
Lake dates back 150 years when the Baltimore City Council appropriated
funds to build this drinking water reservoir. The lake was created by
the construction of an earthen dam 119 feet high and 750 feet long. At
the time of its completion it was the largest such dam in the country.
It still is a marvel of engineering as evidenced by its designation as a
National Historic Civil Engineering landmark.