What Can I Do?
 Buying a Christmas Tree? Buy Local! Christmas tree farms stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide wildlife habitat. While growing, Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen, unlike artificial trees which are often petroleum-based, imported from overseas and do not biodegrade, eventually ending up in landfills forever. To find a Christmas tree farm near you, visit Maryland's Best. Learn more... |
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Bay Fact
The Chesapeake region is home to at least 29 species of waterfowl. Nearly one million waterfowl winter on the Bay --- approximately one-third of the Atlantic coast's migratory population. The birds stop to feed and rest on the Bay during their annual migration along the Atlantic Flyway. |
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
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This month, I had the distinct honor of being elected chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council again, during what will be my last year as Governor of the great State of Maryland. We've made significant progress in restoring the Chesapeake Bay since I first had this privilege back in 2007. In addition, we've enjoyed strong federal leadership from President Obama and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In Maryland, we have made reductions from all pollution sources and we created BayStat to hold ourselves accountable for our restoration activities. Although we have achieved many milestones, we still have a long way to go.
Our Bay jurisdictions are hard at work on a new Chesapeake Bay Agreement to provide a long-term blueprint for restoration. My first order of business will be to get the new agreement signed, sealed and delivered to the 18 million residents who call this magnificent watershed home.
We only have one planet. We need to do our best for future generations to continue improving water quality in our watershed. There is no either/or choice between our prosperity and our environment --- we cannot create either a future where there are more jobs, or a future where there is a healthy environment --- we must do both. We will Reclaim the Bay.
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Eyes on the Bay Water Quality Website
DNR recently released new information on the rivers of the Bay: Tributary Water Quality & Habitat Assessments. To see detailed reports on the health of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay rivers, please click here.
BayStat Update
At its most recent meeting, the BayStat team planned for the December 12 Executive Council Meeting and discussed next steps for finalizing the new Bay Agreement. |
Explore and Restore your SchoolShed Updates
 Eyes on the Bay is now your source for regular updates on Maryland's exciting new Explore and Restore your SchoolShed effort. Through "Explore and Restore," students across the State are taking action to care for Maryland's streams, as a key part of Bay restoration. Approximately 110 teachers representing schools in 22 counties are participating in this year's kickoff. Encourage the teachers, students and interested citizens in your life to sign-up for this newsletter. More information can be found here. |
Your Government at Work
Partnership with CSX Brings Fossilized Shells to Maryland
Governor O'Malley was joined by more than 100 partners and stakeholders at the Port of Baltimore on December 13 for a first-hand look at approximately 2,750 tons of fossilized oyster shell en route to Harris Creek in the Chesapeake Bay. The barge load was the first shipment of material from a Florida quarry that will be used to rebuild habitat in two Maryland oyster sanctuaries, made possible through an exciting new partnership with CSX. Over the next nine months, CSX will transport 112,500 tons of the fossilized shell by train, at cost, to complete planned reef restoration in Harris Creek and make major progress on similar efforts in the Little Choptank. Read more... |
 USDA Resource Conservation Report Credits Farming Practices
The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service released a new report showing a record number of voluntary conservation practices adopted by Chesapeake Bay farmers since 2006. The effort has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of nitrogen, sediment and phosphorus chemicals leaving cultivated croplands. "This report underscores what we have known in Maryland for quite some time: our farmers are strong environmental stewards who continue to lead in enhancing the way nutrients are used on their farms," said Governor O'Malley. Read more... |
 Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $128 million in funding to upgrade Baltimore City's Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant and upgrade septic systems statewide. Grants and loans will reduce pollution, while also improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Read more... |
 Maryland Offers Grants for Coastal Hazard Preparedness
The State is offering CoastSmart Communities grants to help local governments improve their ability to respond to coastal threats such as storm surge, flooding and sea level rise. To further assist communities in this effort, DNR has launched the CoastSmart Communities Scorecard, a new tool through which governments can evaluate their hazard preparedness based on current efforts. Read more... |
New Map of Potomac River Improves 
Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystems
Where a stream ends is clear, but where it begins can be more difficult to discern. Researchers from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have developed a new method to solve this problem, resulting in a new map of the Potomac River stream network that significantly improves the information needed for assessing the impact of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems. Read more... |
 NRP Radar Network Continues to Thwart Oyster Poachers
Using its newest enforcement tool, Maryland Natural Resources Police are detecting and arresting an increasing number of potential poachers who are encroaching on State oyster sanctuaries. "When the Governor initiated his oyster recovery plan, enforcement was a huge component to assure the public that its investment would be protected," Col. George F. Johnson IV, NRP superintendent said. "MLEIN is helping us keep our promise to everyone who loves the Chesapeake Bay and its bounty and believes in its future. With continued use and enhancements, MLEIN's reach will grow. Poachers will learn that there is nowhere to hide." Read more... |
 Interior Secretary Jewell Announces Milestone for Commercial Wind Energy Development
As part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan to create American jobs, develop domestic clean energy sources and cut carbon pollution, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Tommy P. Beaudreau recently joined Maryland Governor O'Malley to announce the proposed notice of sale for nearly 80,000 acres offshore Maryland for commercial wind energy leasing. Read more... |
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