This watershed was named after Native Americans which can still be found throughout the Chickahominy Watershed. The word Chickahominy means "course pounded corn people" (VA DEQ, n.d.). This tribe of Native Americans are also credited with the capture of CPT John Smith. After his capture CPT Smith was turned over to Chief Powhatan, whose daughter then begged for his life to be spared (VA DEQ, n.d.). The rest is history, with the survival of the early settlers depending on this lasting relationship.
The Chickahominy Watershed is facing many of the same problems as other watersheds. Growth of urban areas are spreading into the previously rural areas, such as Mechanicsville, in Hanover County. The urbanization of areas such as this is causing an increase in pollutants from runoff. Urbanization and the population is also causing an additional strain by an increase in water usage.
The watershed winds through extensive wetlands that includes cypress swamps before turning into the Chickahominy Lake (VA DEQ, n.d.). Chickahominy Lake is a man made lake impounded by Walker's Dam in order to provide drinking water to the Newport News population.
Once the water flows from the upper one-third area it then relaxes as it makes it way through the bottom two-thirds where there is less development. The surrounding areas of the lower two-thirds that is predominantly covered in forest.
As the water leaves Walker's Dam the river becomes tidal (VA, DEQ, n.d.) as it flows through thousands of acres of marsh before joining the James River.
VA DEQ. (n.d.). Chickahominy River Watershed-1. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://www.deq.virginia.gov/Portals/0/DEQ/ConnectWithDEQ/EnvironmentalInformation/VirginiaNaturally/k12ed/FactSheets.pdf
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(n.d.). Retrieved from https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/pdp/zui_viewer.pl?id=13063 (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bi...
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This watershed was named after Native Americans which can still be found throughout the Chickahominy Watershed. The word Chickahominy means ...
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Risk to Watershed 1. Population Growth: although there are many areas of Va that have seen a decrease in growth much of the Chickahomin... -
This is what it looks like when the Providence Forge Gage is showing 12' 6". Photos from ( 180 dramatic weath...
Hi Calvin,
ReplyDeleteGreat info on some of the challenges and threats of the Chickahominy. I live not too far from the river in Central Virginia, and I agree, urbanization, development, sprawl, whatever you want to call it, is happening at such a rapid rate that impacts the watershed quality of this natural resource.
-Monica Wilson
DeleteMonica,
DeleteI think that this is one the major problems that almost all watersheds are now facing, sprawl and neglect.
Hi Calvin, long time no talk... Question: when you researched the Native Americans who historically lived in this watershed, did you come across any information about their ability to use the watershed to pursue their traditional ways of life? I'm starting a PhD in Northern British Columbia next year (Climate Change impacts on indigenous communities), so I'd love to hear how tribes in more inhabitated areas are dealing with these challenges. Thanks, Chris
DeleteChris,
DeleteIt is really hard to find and unbiased resources regarding the Native Americans. Most documents I can find are written from the settlers point of view. I did come across a few resources that may or not benefit you. The one from the Bay Journal is written about Keith Wynn, a descendant of the original Native Americans that inhabited the area. According to Mr. Wynn this particular area is pretty much the same as it was 400 years ago. Then again I am certain his view is only from this small sliver of landscape. I am enclosing a couple other articles, the one will actually give you the name of the tribal leadership that may be able to give better insight. Good luck with your PhD. From working with you on other assignments I am certain you will do great.
Oh yeah the links.
Deletehttp://www.chickahominytribe.org/default.html
https://chickahominyindians.weebly.com/
https://www.bayjournal.com/article/chickahominy_immerses_visitors_in_400yearold_landscapes