Howard County Bird Club

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has granted to all current Maryland Ornithological Society members limited additional access for the sole purpose of observing birds on land adjacent to Triadelphia Reservoir and T. Howard Duckett Reservoir from March 15, 2024 thru November 30, 2024 (when the reservoirs close for the winter). To access these areas, You must carry both a valid WSSC permit and a copy of the included letter when birding.

Important restrictions apply (read included letter for details):

• As a safety precaution, it is recommended that all bird observers wear a safety orange vest or orange hat. The access roads and trails to and from bird watching sites must not be used if they are wet or muddy.
• A copy of the included letter will be carried by each member and another copy displayed on the dashboard of their vehicle. At no time will any vehicle block access to or through any gate.

Keep Track of information about WSSC trails: Download the WSSC app to get that as well information about different recreational pursuits: For Apple. For Android.

Deer hunting is allowed on WSSC Water property in designated areas from 1/2 hour before Sunrise to Sunset. Consult the WSSC website for more information. Permitted areas are closed during active hunting times.

Consult the Pig Tail and Big Branch site guides for WSSC properties for more information about site features.

See WSSC Watershed Regulations for detailed information. Every person who has reached his/her 16th birthday must possess and carry a WSSC Use Permit”) while bird watching.

Seasonal and Single Day Use Permits are available online at www.WSSCwater.com or in person at Brighton Dam Visitor Center, 2 Brighton Dam Road, Brookeville, MD. A one day permit is $5 and a year permit is $70 for all under 65 years. Age 65 and up still need a permit but it is free upon registration. Minors under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age who holds a valid Use Permit. A Use Permit is only valid when used by the person to whom it is issued, and must be carried at all times when bird watching on WSSC Water property. Bird watching is allowed only at designated areas on WSSC Water property except for Maryland Ornithological Society members carrying the enclosed letter.

Different letters are used for the Christmas Count and seasonal counts (Midwinter, May, and Fall) and are individually sent to participants by count coordinators.