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What Can I Do?
Use Less Fertilizer
If you think your lawn needs fertilizer, test the soil to learn how much to apply. Lawn fertilizer contains nitrogen, and too much fertilizer can hurt your lawn and the Bay. Be careful not to apply before a big rain, and keep fertilizer away from paved areas and waterways. Start adopting these Bay-friendly practices now - they will be required in 2013. More info...
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Bay Fact
The first channel dredging to make Baltimore Harbor accessible to more ships was in the 1830s. Since then, projects have deepened anchorages, channels and turning basins to provide access to larger ships. Originally 17 feet deep, the main channel into the harbor now measures 50 feet deep. More details...
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
 | | Highest Juvenile Blue Crab Population on Record in Maryland! |
We received excellent news from the annual winter crab dredge survey. The overall population of blue crabs is at its highest level in 19 years, and the juvenile crab population is at the highest level on record. These new numbers tell us that our conservation measures are working to achieve our primary management goal: to maintain a healthy abundance of spawning age adults. When there are more crabs in the Bay, we can create and retain jobs, support our watermen and the seafood industry and improve the wellbeing of the Bay.
More good news for the Bay is that the General Assembly passed three important measures this year that address key elements of our Bay restoration strategy and will greatly improve our ability to meet nutrient reduction limits by 2025.
Increased funding for the Bay Restoration Fund will allow us to complete nutrient-removal technology upgrades at our major wastewater treatment plants. Creation of stormwater utilities in our largest counties will speed up retrofitting stormwater management technologies in urban areas. The Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 will help decrease the number of new septic systems - systems that would otherwise increase nitrogen pollution by up to 31% over the next 25 years.
We appreciate the leadership and support of our legislators in taking the difficult but necessary actions to protect and restore the Bay, and we thank you for your continued support of our efforts to make the Bay thrive once again.
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Eyes on the Bay
 Bottom dissolved oxygen readings in the Bay and downriver portions of tributaries were below historic averages for April. This was in part due to record high surface water temperatures that create thermal gradients from top to bottom, which inhibit mixing of oxygen into deeper waters. Low dissolved oxygen can stress or kill fish and shellfish, and greatly reduce their available habitats. As always, DNR is monitoring your waterways and the latest information is online at www.eyesonthebay.net. |
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BayStat Update
At its April meeting, the BayStat team reviewed the status and progress of all of our Best Management Practices that are part of the Bay restoration effort. Regular review and oversight of every agency's work is critical to ensure that we are making progress and can identify any shortfalls while there is still time to correct them.
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Your Government at Work
 Governor O'Malley Signs Bay Legislation
On May 2 Governor O'Malley signed into law three measures that advance key elements of Maryland's Bay restoration strategy. The measures will increase wastewater treatment plant upgrades, speed up urban stormwater retrofits, and decrease the number of new polluting septic systems. Watch the video...
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 This Year's Crab Survey Results: Outstanding!
According to the recently completed annual winter dredge crab survey, the overall population of blue crabs is at its highest level since 1993. The juvenile crab population is nearly triple what it was last year, and is at the highest level on record. Full details are available here.
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 Catch a Snakehead, You May Win a Prize
Anyone who removes at least one invasive, non-native snakehead from the Chesapeake Bay's watershed has the chance to win prizes worth up to $200 in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) second annual snakehead contest. Prizes will be awarded in a random drawing on November 30, 2012. How to Enter... |
 DNR Reminds Citizens to Report Abandoned Boats and Debris Abandoned boats and debris in state waterways can pose a hazard to navigation and to the environment. As part of its commitment to clean, safe and enjoyable recreational boating on Maryland waterways, the Department of Natural Resources assists public agencies in the removal of abandoned boats and debris from state waters. To report an abandoned boat call 410-260-8888; to report floating debris call 1-877-224-7229 and select Option 3. More info... |
 Home and Garden Answers Available Online
The Home and Garden Center, maintained by the University of Maryland Extension, has answers to all sorts of questions related to home and garden, including lawn care, weeds, planting dates, diseases and pests, fruit trees, house plants, invasive species, fertilizer and wildlife. The site also features more than 200 downloadable documents and videos. Check it out... |
Land Preservation Helps the Bay
Saving Land - Saving the Chesapeake will be the topic of a conference to be held May 15 in Columbia, MD. Hosted by the Maryland Environmental Trust, the event will feature sessions on a wide range of topics of interest to landowners and conservationists. Advance registration is required by May 11. More details...
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 New Interactive Tool Measures Citizen Impact on the Environment
Gauge how you stack up when it comes to sustainable living with the Maryland Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) Citizen Calculator. The interactive tool uses factors from individuals' economic, environmental and social activities to compute how their lifestyle affects the environment. This instrument is a more personalized adaptation of the Policy Maker Calculator that was released in January.
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