Montgomery Parks and Maryland Purple Line Restore Fish Passage at Long Branch

Montgomery Parks has successfully restored fish passage in the Long Branch underpass stream, allowing fish to swim there for the first time in 50 years. The project, completed last month in partnership with the Maryland Transit Administration, features a newly installed fish ladder and raised stream bed, enhancing habitat stability for species such as the Eastern blacknose dace and creek chub. This initiative is part of the Maryland Purple Line’s environmental impact mitigation efforts and aligns with Montgomery Parks' strategy to restore urban waterways. Officials highlight the project's significance for improving local biodiversity and water quality, particularly concerning the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Long Branch serves as a vital tributary to Sligo Creek, demonstrating the project’s positive impact on the broader Anacostia Watershed.

Ray Biggs II, senior project director for the MTA Purple Line, stated that the project reflects the community's commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations. The Maryland Purple Line light rail project is currently over 76 percent complete, with service expected to begin in winter 2027. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of integrating ecological restoration within urban development projects.