Water is our most precious resource. And at WSSC, water matters. We created the Lucky Duckett Geotrail to highlight the beauty of the water and surrounding area near the T. Howard Duckett Dam and Rocky Gorge Reservoir. By following the Lucky Duckett Geotrail you will see, first‑hand, the many opportunities available for enjoying the recreational areas, trails, woods, wetlands and water around the area. Along the way, we will teach you a little about the importance of protecting the land around our primary drinking water source, the Patuxent River, as well as help you with ideas on how to conserve water and protect your home from water damage and high water bills.
The Lucky Duckett Geotrail launched August 8, 2015 with 6 caches within the T. Howard Duckett Dam/Rocky Gorge Reservoir watershed recreation areas and trail system.
Participating in the Lucky Duckett Geotrail is fun and we hope that many people join in. However, it is not a requirement for logging your find on this cache once you find the container.
This cache is only available during daylight hours. Please no night caching! Geocaches will be found on the trails and recreation areas, NOT within the facilities. Do not enter any restricted WSSC areas!
About this Cache
This cache can be accessed by parking at the Brown’s Bridge Recreation Area (N39° 8.709 W76° 57.904).
Winter’s lower temperatures increase the chances of water main breaks in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties by about 60 percent compared to warmer months. A 10-degree change in the air or water temperature can dramatically increase stress on a pipe. Since the drop in water temperature lags behind air temperature changes, water main breaks may occur one to two days after a cold spell.
WSSC is prepared to handle weather-related emergencies with a “24/7” rapid response center that handles emergency calls and quickly dispatches crews who use the latest technology to pinpoint the exact locations of water main breaks. For water or sewer emergencies, please call 1-800-828-6439 or (301) 206-4002.
In order to protect your home during winter months, remove outside hose bibs, do not turn off your heat, and, even while at work, do not turn heat below 55 degrees F. If you plan to be away from your home for longer than 2-weeks please seek specialized help to prepare your pipes. A little planning can make sure you have water, no matter the season. For more information, visit: www.wsscwater.com/winterize
About the Watershed
The WSSC watershed is approximately 5,600 acres, which includes the two Patuxent reservoirs, Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett. These reservoirs hold approximately 11 billion gallons of water combined and serve as a water supply source for more than 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The reservoirs also provide numerous recreation opportunities in a scenic environment just minutes outside of the Capital Beltway.
Recreational activities permitted in designated areas include: shore fishing, boat fishing from approved craft, boating from rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats, picnicking, horseback trail riding and hunting. Daily or seasonal permits are required. See https://www.wsscwater.com/watershed for more details.
Enjoy your visit and help us keep the reservoirs and watershed property clean and safe for everyone. Use trash receptacles and obey the rules that have been established to protect you, pristine water supply sources and environmental treasures.
Feel free to tweet pictures of your geocaching experiences to @wsscwaternews. Just make sure not to give away the cache hiding place!
Thanks to Maryland Geocaching Society members for assisting with this project!