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What Can I Do?
Dispose of leaves the Bay-friendly way. They shouldn't end up in the landfill or the burn pile. Instead, consider mulching, composting or curbside collection.
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Bay Fact
An estimated 2.7 million tons of sediment are believed to enter the Chesapeake Bay each year. Too much sediment can cloud the waters of the Bay and its tributaries, harming underwater grasses, fish and shellfish. Watch this video to learn more.
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
Dear Friend,
Nearly 20 percent of the nutrient pollution that enters Maryland's waterways and reservoirs originates as urban and suburban stormwater run-off. Managing and preventing that run-off is crucial to our shared restoration goals and the overall health of our State and all of its residents.
Over the next several weeks, Maryland Department of the Environment staff will highlight stormwater remediation efforts of governments, communities and residents across Maryland as part of their Stormwater Innovations Roadshow. At each of the campaign's four stops, presenters will not only celebrate accomplishment, but offer insight as well. We will be given the opportunity to look to the successes of others as we attempt further management and prevention.
Collaboration and innovation were also at the forefront of the recent 4th annual Smart, Green & Growing Clean Water Innovations Trade Show. The event was designed as a forum - bringing together stakeholders that represent business, development and government so that, collectively, we can better identify water quality problems and, ultimately, create solutions that will benefit all Marylanders.
The value of clean water to our health and quality of life cannot be overstated. Our administration is proud of the many steps Marylander's have taken to improve water quality and, in doing so, ensuring a bright future for ourselves and the generations to come.
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Explore and Restore Program in Action
 Autumn's beautiful colors are beginning to fade and leaves are piling up in drifts all over the state. Foliage and twigs falling from trees along river banks provide most of the nutrients that form the important base of the food chain in streams for aquatic insects and other wildlife. See what types of leaves your stream insects prefer by doing a fun investigation. Want more ways to learn? Visit us at Explore and Restore your Schoolshed.
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Your Government at Work
 Conowingo Dam Study Released for Public Comment
The Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment report indicates that the reservoir behind the Conowingo Dam is trapping smaller amounts of sediment and has essentially reached its limit to trap in the long term. While researchers explored strategies for managing sediment at the dam, the team found that reducing pollution loads upstream of the dam would pose a more effective solution to the "full reservoir" problem. Interested parties may submit comments on the report through January 9, 2015.
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Striped Bass Survey Reveals Healthy 2014 Reproduction
The Department of Natural Resources has announced the 2014 juvenile index - a measure of striped bass spawning success in Chesapeake Bay - is at 11.0, nearly equal the 61-year average of 11.7. These results point to a healthy level of reproduction for Maryland's state fish.
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Funding Approved for Clean Water Projects
The Board of Public Works has approved more than $173 million in funding to renovate wastewater treatment plants, improve sewer infrastructure, and stabilize streams in Baltimore City, Carroll and Prince George's counties.
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 Rising Population, Development Threaten Health of Potomac River
With the population growing exponentially and lack of development in surrounding areas, the Potomac River is still at risk, according to the Potomac Conservancy's eighth annual State of the Nation Rivers report. Noting that the region faces forest loss, polluted rivers and streams and an aging water infrastructure, the report offers a range of "smart planning opportunities" to meet the needs of a growing population without further harming local waters.
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 Assessment Explores Impact of Land Development on Bay
Researchers from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science surveyed three rivers in the Chesapeake Bay region to examine how variations in land use and development impact its health, finding that water quality and aquatic animal health could help gauge the overall well-being of coastal regions.
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 MDA Extends Deadline for Manure Application
The Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for the fall application of organic waste on dairy farms and other livestock operations now through December 6. Poultry farmers are not subject to the extension.
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 Governor O'Malley Names Chesapeake Bay Ambassador
In recognition of her work in land conservation, Jodi R. O'Day was named Chesapeake Bay Ambassador by Governor Martin O'Malley. As the vice president and regional counsel of the Conservation Fund, O'Day has dedicated three decades to ensure the advancement of Maryland's land conservation programs and environmental conservation.
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