Washington D.C. (61 square miles; 158 km2). With respect to projected growth, the Mattawoman Creek Watershed Management Plan authored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers notes that [t]hese intense development practices would have severe repercussions on the biological community and would decrease the habitat quality within the estuary. Natural resources The quality of Mattawoman’s living resources are acknowledged by Charles County government, while the juxtaposition of high quality and high vulnerability to development are recognized by state and federal agencies. For example, the Mattawoman Creek Watershed Management Plan states: The Mattawoman Creek represents an important natural resource, with a diverse network of forests, tributaries, and wetlands, providing tremendous fish and wildlife habitat. The ecological integrity of the Mattawoman is at risk from current and future development pressures within the watershed. The juxtaposition of value and vulnerability has caused the creek and its watershed to become a focal point for regional and local conservation organizations that work to restore the Chesapeake Bay in the face of growing urbanization, which studies find contribute to the decline of the Bay. Highway crossing proposals Proposals for two four-lane highways that would cross the fluvial stream, and the expected attendant development, generated debate. The first, the Western Waldorf Bypass, is one of three alternatives being considered by state and federal agencies for the U.S. 301 Waldorf-Area Transportation Improvements Project. This highway would have divided lengthwise about one-half of the Mattawoman watershed. The second, for which controversial wetlands permit applications were submitted, was a proposed extension of Charles County’s Cross County Connector, which would have crossed the width of the watershed. In 2012 the Army Corps of Engineers denied the wetlands permit application, ending the proposal. Variant names According to the Geographic Names Information System, Mattawoman Creek has also been known by the following names. Mataughquamend Matawoman Creeke Matawomen Creeke Mattawomans Creek Mattawomen Creek Pangayo Saint Thomas Creeke Zachia Swamp See also List of Maryland rivers References External links Mattawoman Creek Watershed Stream data USGS 01658000 Mattawoman Creek Near Pomonkey, MD Rivers of Maryland Rivers of Charles County, Maryland Rivers of Prince George's County, Maryland Tributaries of the Potomac River