|
What Can I Do?
Reduce Air Pollution Use electric or manual lawn mowers and yard tools instead of gas-powered machines that can pollute our air.
|
|
Bay Fact
Ospreys are a top predator in the Chesapeake Bay, and they help scientists study the effects of toxics on our ecosystem. Learn more.
|
|
|
From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland 
As the 2014 chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council for my third and final term, I had the honor of hosting Bay Program partners in Annapolis for the landmark signing of a new Chesapeake Watershed Agreement on June 16. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray were among the program partners who joined me in committing to a new set of goals that will advance restoration and protection of the Bay, its tributaries and surrounding lands.
The new Agreement is the most inclusive, collaborative, goal-oriented Agreement the Chesapeake Bay Watershed has ever seen. It not only addresses our continuing water quality and land use challenges, it also confronts critical emerging issues, including environmental literacy, toxic contaminants and climate change. Perhaps most importantly, it builds upon the strength of our diverse citizenry --- including our youngest stewards --- calling to action the nearly 18 million people that call our watershed home.
Together with the citizens of this great watershed --- farmers, students, conservationists, business and community leaders, and faith-based organizations --- we are taking the steps needed to turn our words to deeds, to convert this new Agreement to an improved Chesapeake Bay. And I believe we are in the best position yet to move the Chesapeake Bay to a tipping point --- the point where the tide of restoration will finally have been turned.
|
|
Eyes on the Bay Website Results from DNR's early June water quality sampling showed that hypoxic (low dissolved oxygen) volumes in Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake Bay were slightly larger than average. Crabs, fish, oysters and other aquatic creatures all need oxygen to survive. By measuring the volume and duration of hypoxia, scientists and resource managers can determine possible impacts to Bay life. Visit DNR's Eyes on the Bay monitoring site for complete details. BayStat Update
The BayStat team met with Governor O'Malley's office on May 27 to discuss a number of critical items, including the Chesapeake Bay Report Card, the progress of the Phosphorus Management Tool, updates to the new BayStat website and the importance of social media utilization. The team was also briefed on the success of multiple environmental literacy initiatives, such as Explore & Restore Your SchoolShed, across the State and actions needed to keep the momentum going. |
Explore and Restore Workshops Available
 Teachers: grab your boots and join us for a free, one-day professional development workshop in August or October. The workshops emphasize outdoor learning to meet new Environmental Literacy, STEM and Next Generation Science Standards, while incorporating social studies and other disciplines. Additional resources will be provided for indoor classroom preparation. Register by June 30.
|
Your Government at Work
 Maryland Hosts Chesapeake Executive Council Meeting
Governor Martin O'Malley, 2014 chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council, hosted Bay Program partners on June 16 in Annapolis for the landmark signing of a new Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Program partners committed to a new set of goals that will advance restoration and protection of the Bay, its tributaries and the surrounding lands. Read more.
|
 Chesapeake Bay Health Remains Stable
Despite a year of above average rainfall and record heat, the overall health of Chesapeake Bay held steady in 2013, according to scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Overall, the Chesapeake scored a C, nearly the same score as the previous year, which was up from a D+ and C- in previous years. Variations in the health of waterways on either side of the Bay indicate that effective stormwater runoff strategies --- such as forest buffers, cover crops and upgraded wastewater treatment facilities --- are making a difference. Read more. |
Funding Granted to Improve Maryland Water Quality
The Board of Public Works approved $28 million in funding for projects that will reduce pollution, protect the environment and enhance Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Funding will be used to upgrade two large wastewater treatment plants in Baltimore and Wicomico County, and a sewer system in Alleghany County. Read more. |
 Get Your Copy of the Bay Game
Attention kids and parents: the Maryland Bay Game Explore & Restore is now available at libraries, State Parks and visitor centers statewide! For the 17th year, DNR's popular activity booklet is back with educational games, activities and challenges for kids to learn about and connect with the natural world around them. The 2014-2015 edition focuses on how the health of our streams and the health of the Chesapeake are interconnected. Read more.
|
 36 Water Access Sites Open
The Chesapeake Bay Program and its partners launched 36 new public access sites throughout last year along rivers and streams, bringing the total number of access sites in the watershed to 1,208. In fact, more sites were opened in 2013 than in previously tracked years as states work to meet the public's consistently high demand for ways to get out on the water. Across the watershed, new trails, beaches and boat ramps will allow people to walk, play, swim, fish and launch their paddleboats, sailboats and powerboats. Read more. |
 Chesapeake Watershed Chosen for Conservation GrantThe Chesapeake Bay Watershed is one of eight regions now eligible for an historic new conservation program authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. The Regional Conservation Partnership Program, approved in the Bill, will benefit areas all across the nation. "This historic conservation program will leverage existing strong partnerships within our watershed to fund innovative projects that address conservation needs and improve water quality," said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. Read more. |
 $10,000 Diamond Jim on the Loose
The hunt is on! The Diamond Jim component of the 2014 Maryland Fishing Challenge kicked off earlier this month when DNR biologists and members of the Maryland Youth Fishing Club caught, tagged and released the first round of striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay. One of these tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim, worth $10,000 to the angler who catches it before midnight on June 30, 2014. The other tagged "imposter" rockfish are worth at least $500 each if caught and registered before midnight on Labor Day, September 1, 2014. Read more.
|
 DNR Certifies New Clean MarinasNorman Creek in Middle River and Hidden Harbour in Deale are the latest facilities to be added to the growing list of Maryland Clean Marinas. The businesses earned the certifications for their work to prevent pollution and meet regulations for more sustainable operations. There are now 156 Maryland Clean Marina certified facilities statewide, all of which have voluntarily adopted significant portions of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and passed a rigorous site inspection. Read more. |
 Keep Maryland Beautiful
The Maryland Environmental Trust awarded a total of $9,000 to 21 community groups and schools across the State to restore streamside habitats, create community gardens and educate citizens about the environment as part of the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Environmental literacy is a critical component of Bay restoration, educating citizens about environmental issues and arming them with information to take action. Read more.
|
 Fishing Trip Facts NeededRecreational anglers are asked to participate directly in fisheries management through the Maryland Volunteer Angler Survey by submitting data from their fishing trips. DNR relies on this information to manage many species, including striped bass, summer flounder, bluefish, yellow perch, blue crab, smallmouth bass, shad and more. Read more. |
 Green Registry Leadership Awards Announced
Department of the Environment Secretary Robert M. Summers joined members of the Maryland Green Registry and Bethesda Green to present the fifth annual leadership awards and announce membership results. Winners were chosen based on their commitment to continuous improvement and environmental results achieved over the past year. Members report $79 million in savings through environmental practices. Read more.
|
|
|
