Watershed Regulations

Key Highlights

Permit Requirements

• Use Permit: A WSSC Water Use Permit is required for individuals aged 16 and older for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, boating and hunting.
• Picnic Permit: Required for group use (1 adult per group)
• Mooring Permit: Needed to store boats on site.
• Special Permits: For events, adjacent landowners, or commercial stables.
• Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid permit.
• Separate permits are required for picnicking, horseback riding, mooring and organized activities.

Where to Buy Watershed Use Permits

• Buy permits online
• Buy permits at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center
  2 Brighton Dam Road, Brookville, Maryland 20833
  7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (March 15-Nov. 30, including weekends)
  7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Dec. 1-March 14)
  The Brighton Dam Visitor Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
• WSSC Water Support Center
  14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707
  7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
• WSSC Water also has a free Watershed Use Permit app for smart phones and tablets.

Boat Mooring, BioBrick Pavilion, Azalea Garden, Boat Removal and Storage fees must be paid for at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center. 

Applications for a Boarding Stable Entrance Permit and Adjacent Landowner Entrance Permits, please contact (301) 206-4FUN (4386), select option 2 and leave message as directed.

Designated Areas Only

Activities (fishing, horseback riding, etc.) are limited to marked zones. Maps are at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center.

Season & Hours of Operation

• Open season for many activities: March 15-November 30
• Daily hours: Sunrise to sunset (weather and conditions permitting)
• Check daily status: (301) 206-4FUN

Not allowed

• Gas engines (except for official emergency or maintenance craft)
• Ice fishing, ice skating, camping, swimming, float tubes, smoking, or hunting of small game or waterfowl
• No fishing or boating near Brighton Dam or T. Howard Ducket Dam 
• Hunting with firearms (except managed hunts)
• Off-trail access or muddy trail use
• Alcoholic beverages and smoking

Use at your own risk: WSSC Water is not liable for injury, damage or loss. Permit use=acceptance of this risk.

Boating Rules (Quick Summary)

• Only boats powered by oars, paddles, sails or electric motors (when meeting registration / regulation requirements) are allowed.
• Boats must meet safety and buoyancy requirements.
• Winter mooring (December 1 - March 14) requires additional fees and permits.

Fishing Guidelines

• Maryland Angler's License required for anyone 16+.
• Fishing allowed from designated shoreline areas and boats.
• State fishing laws apply; check for current creel limits and species rules.

Contact for Trail Status and Info

• Call (301) 206-4FUN (4386) to check daily trail conditions or other updates.
• Trail maps available at Brighton Dam Visitor's Center.

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