What Can I Do?
 Plant a Tree for Earth Day!
In celebration of Earth Day, April 22, all Marylanders are encouraged to plant and register a tree! Trees protect air and water quality, reduce energy costs, increase property value, and beautify neighborhoods and highways. So grab your shovel, pick your tree, and help contribute to a Smart Green and Growing Maryland today! And don't forget, the $25 native tree coupons are still valid.
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Bay Fact
Ospreys nest close to water because they eat fish. Ospreys usually mate for life. More than 2,000 breeding pairs nest in the Chesapeake Bay area. Learn more...
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
 | | Governor O'Malley at an April 2013 bill signing. |
The 2013 legislative session has been hailed as one of the most productive sessions in recent history. By working together, the Maryland General Assembly passed important legislation to create jobs and opportunities, while protecting the Chesapeake Bay. The Wind Energy Act of 2013 combines innovation and job creation by incentivizing the construction of a 200 mega-watt wind farm off Maryland's coast, creating high-paying green jobs. It will also help reduce nitrogen pollution generated by coal burning plants. We are investing in the State's Watershed Implementation Plan to continue sewage treatment plant upgrades and are devoting $31.5 million in FY14 to help farmers, cities and counties reduce pollution from non-point sources ---- our largest commitment yet to the Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 will aid in reducing pollution runoff from our State highways and bridges into local waterways. Continued progress and successes like these pieces of legislation would not be possible without collaboration and relentless interaction with our partners. Thank you for your commitment to the Chesapeake Bay. Sincerely,
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Eyes on the Bay Water Quality Website
The Eyes on the Bay Current Conditions page lets you compare recent observations to long-term data. This feature is especially useful for putting conditions like spring water temperatures into context to understand why crabbing or fishing might be slower than usual. Of course, the latest information is always available online at eyesonthebay.net.
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BayStat Update
At its March meeting the BayStat team reviewed the Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund activity report. Over the past four fiscal years (2009-2013), Maryland has provided $126 million and leveraged an additional $90 million of federal, other State, and local funds to accelerate Bay restoration, focusing resources on cost-effective non-point source pollution control projects. To date, funded projects will ultimately prevent an estimated 4.6 million pounds of nitrogen, 636,000 pounds of phosphorus and 270,000 tons of sediment from entering the Bay.
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Your Government at Work
 Oyster Population is ImprovingThe Bay's oyster population and reproduction increased for the second consecutive year, according to Maryland's 2012 Fall Oyster Survey. Diseases, which decimated the oyster population in 2002, remained far below their long-term averages. Details...
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 Fighting Stormwater Pollution Because stormwater runoff from rain and melting snow carries pollution into our waterways that can contaminate stream and groundwater, pollution control measures are needed in urban and suburban areas to protect our streams, rivers and reservoirs ---- the source of our drinking water ---- and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more from this fact sheet about how the Watershed Protection and Restoration Program will help our most populated jurisdictions address this issue. |
 April is Environmental Education Month Governor Martin O'Malley has proclaimed April Environmental Education Month in Maryland. "Our State is a national pioneer in the environmental literacy movement, and our State's educators are continually working to lead the charge ─ teaching, inspiring and nurturing the stewards of tomorrow," he said. More info... |
 Natural Resources Police Celebrate Milestone
To celebrate 145 years of protecting Maryland's natural resources, NRP is showcasing its historic oyster cannon through late April at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Visitor Center. The cannon was used in the Chesapeake Bay's Oyster Wars of the late 1860s, and is one of the oldest relics preserved from NRP's earliest days of protecting State lands and waterways. Learn more...
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 Federal Agencies Outline Bay Cleanup Progress
The federal agencies leading the watershed-wide effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay have released a progress report highlighting the work that was completed last year. The agencies also released their action plan for 2013. More details...
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 April is Invasives Awareness Month
April is Invasive Plant, Pest and Disease Awareness Month, a time when the Maryland Department of Agriculture urges residents to help stop the threat that invasive plants, pests and diseases pose to our agricultural and natural resources. Details and action tips...
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 Volunteer Angler Survey Sports New Look
The new and improved Volunteer Angler Survey is more user-friendly, gathers additional information and offers incentives to participants. Survey results help fisheries managers make harvest, stocking, conservation and restoration decisions. Learn more... |
 MPT Celebrates 25 Years of Outdoors Maryland
Outdoors Maryland, the Emmy award-winning nature and recreation series, celebrated its 25th anniversary last month. The television program continues its outstanding work in capturing the State's breathtaking beauty and vibrant ecosystems, and sharing the stories of the people who explore and protect them. More details...
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