Eyes on the Bay...Your guide to Bay Health

March 2013 

BayStat - click here!

What Can I Do?  

Snakehead fish
Never dump bait or aquarium species into a storm drain or a body of water. Non-natives introduced that way can become invasive and damage populations of native species. More info... 

Bay Fact  

Spider Crab 

The well-known blue crab is not the only crab in the Bay. The common spider crab is a long-legged crustacean that covers itself in algae and small debris as a defense against predators. It is present in the brackish and salty waters of the lower Chesapeake, from Washington, D.C., to the Bay's mouth. Learn more... 

Follow Eyes on the Bay on Twitter 

Follow @eyesonthebay on Twitter.  

More news

 

Quick Links

From the desk of...

Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
Governor O'Malley testifies on wind energy.
Governor O'Malley testifies on wind energy.
Although we usually think of Chesapeake Bay pollution as stemming primarily from polluted runoff and toxic waste, around one-third of the nitrogen that harms Bay and its rivers comes from the air. A significant amount of this nitrogen is generated by coal-fired plants burning harmful fossil fuels- including those in neighboring states from which we import electricity.  Only by developing and using more renewable energy sources, can we significantly decrease this type of pollution.

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 is a win for Maryland. Its passage last night positions our State for greater job creation and opportunity, while moving us forward toward securing a more sustainable energy future.

Thank you to our coalition of business, legislative and environmental leaders who advocated for creating a pathway for offshore wind in Maryland.  

As we near the end of the 2013 Session, please remember that your continued partnership does make a difference to protect and restore our natural world.

Sincerely,

Governor Martin O'Malley's signature

Eyes on the Bay Water Quality Website  
Spring is right around the corner which means continuous water quality monitors will be deployed around Maryland within the next month. Visit eyesonthebay.net often to view the most recent additions.
BayStat Update
At its February meeting the BayStat team made final plans for the March 4 Stormwater Symposium to explore cost-efficient stormwater management projects with local jurisdictions. The team continued to review progress toward achieving Maryland's 2012-2013 Bay restoration milestones and to discuss the next milestone goals to be set for 2014-2015.
Your Government at Work     
Stormwater grants available. Stream Restoration Challenge to Award More Grants
Local governments, school systems, and non-governmental organizations are invited to apply for grants to carry out projects to 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 by 2015. Applications are due by May 30, 2013. Learn more...
Cover crops. Cover Crop Acreage Exceeds Goal by 17 Percent
Maryland farmers planted more than 414,000 acres of cover crops last fall to control soil erosion, reduce nutrient runoff and protect water quality in streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. The 2012 cover crop planting exceeds Maryland's 2013 Milestone commitment by 17 percent. More details...

Shoreline licensing Licensing for Shoreline Waterfowl Hunting Sites Now Open
Waterfront property owners can now apply for waterfowl blind and shoreline licenses to either preserve hunting rights for themselves or prevent others from hunting at the location. Property owners or those with permission from the landowner can submit applications until close of business June 1, 2013. More info... 
Clean Marina logo
DNR Certifies 124th Clean Marina
The most recent Clean Marina certified by the Department of Natural Resources is the Stoney Creek Bridge Marina in Baltimore County. The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. Marinas and boatyards of any size can participate. Learn more... 
Master Gardener program. Winter Planning Tips for Backyard Gardeners
Winter is a good time to plan for spring lawn and garden projects. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has assembled tips from farmers that can help homeowners and home gardeners plan improvements that will contribute to a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay. See the tips... 
Contact Info

Important: Please add baystat@dnr.state.md.us to your address book to make sure we don't get caught in your spam filter.

For comments and suggestions regarding this newsletter, please send an email to baystat@dnr.state.md.us