What Can I Do?
As new electronics and toys received over the holidays often require fresh ones, consider switching to rechargeable batteries. Also, remember to properly dispose of used batteries to prevent mercury and other toxics from leaking into ground water or being released into the air. Click here for more information.
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Bay Fact
Skipjacks are reported to be the last workboats under sail in the United States. Fleets of skipjacks used to ply the Bay in winter while dredging oysters. The number of skipjacks in the Bay has declined from a peak of about 2,000 to just a few today. The skipjack was declared the Maryland State Boat in 1985. Learn more...
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
 | | Governor O'Malley at the Disaster Relief Press Event at Somerset Disaster Recovery Center in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. |
As storms such as Hurricane Sandy have shown us, it is vital that we take steps to create a ready and resilient Maryland that is able to adapt to rising sea levels and unpredictable weather. As we study and plan for storms and climate change, we must remain committed to preparing and safeguarding our citizens, our infrastructure and our natural resources. To support these efforts, we recently issued a Climate Change and Coast Smart Construction Executive Order that will ensure all new and renovated State structures and other infrastructure improvements are planned and built to avoid or minimize future flood damage. The Executive Order requires all State agencies to consider the risk of coastal flooding and sea level rise when designing capital projects. The Maryland Department of General Services will take steps to update its architecture and engineering guidelines to require new and rebuilt State structures to be elevated two or more feet above the 100-year base flood level. And, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will work with the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, local governments and other partners to develop additional "Coast Smart" guidelines. In order to tackle the challenges at hand and protect Maryland's future, these actions are crucial. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely,
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Eyes on the Bay Water Quality Website
Nutrient and sediment loadings to the Chesapeake Bay from the Susquehanna River and its system of dams have recently been widely covered in the news. The Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment group ---- a multi-agency effort tasked with assessing these loadings and creating strategies to protect water quality and aquatic life ---- is a terrific source for more information. Meeting agendas, presentations and technical documents are available at mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/lsrwa/index.cfm. Of course, the latest information is always available online at eyesonthebay.net.
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BayStat Update
At its December meeting the BayStat team discussed ideas for legislation that could be considered by the General Assembly this spring to improve protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
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Your Government at Work
 Marylanders Have Planted More Than 100,000 TreesGovernor Martin O'Malley announced that citizens have exceeded the statewide, three-year 100,000 goal by planting and registering more than 101,000 trees through the Marylanders Plant Trees Program. More info...
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 Bay States Agree on Forest Restoration Strategy
The U.S. Forest Service and the state foresters of all the Bay states have signed the Chesapeake Forest Restoration Strategy, an historic new plan to increase tree cover and improve water quality throughout the watershed. The strategy includes wildlife and fisheries habitat, mine lands, agroforestry, urban and community forestry, and contaminated lands. Read more...
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 Federal Agencies Release Annual Chesapeake Bay Action Plan
The Federal Leadership Committee for the Chesapeake Bay issued its Fiscal Year 2013 Action Plan in December, outlining plans to continue progress toward protecting and restoring the beloved estuary. Working with state partners, the group ---- which includes senior officials from the US Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Interior, Transportation, Homeland Security and the EPA ---- aims to restore clean water, recover habitat, sustain fish and wildlife, conserve land and increase public access throughout the watershed. More info... |
 Governor O'Malley Announces Stream Challenge Winners
Governor O'Malley has announced the first round of 29 winners in the Stream Restoration Challenge. The winning projects will improve Chesapeake Bay water quality and create service learning and environmental literacy activities for students. The goal is to establish 1,000 acres of forested stream buffers in Maryland by 2015. Details...
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 Color Maryland Green Deadline Extended
Calling all young poets, photographers, artists and producers! Students in grades K-12 still have time to submit their works of art for the chance to win great prizes! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has extended its 2013 Color Maryland Green contest through March 1. Read more...
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