Chesapeake Bay News

On February 8, 2011, the Chesapeake Bay Trust released the results of a statewide poll that surveyed more than 1,000 Marylanders on their attitudes about Chesapeake Bay restoration and other environmental issues.  In total, more than 90 percent of respondents stated that “water pollution in rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay” is their top environmental concern.

While most Marylanders believe that the health of the Bay and local waters is not yet improving, they remain strikingly optimistic about the prospects for the future, with 85 percent saying that “the [water pollution] problem can be fixed.”  The study also shows that Marylanders are willing to step up efforts – in their personal lives and by government – to ensure the Bay’s recovery.

“The Trust commissioned this study as part of our ongoing effort to support Marylanders’ everyday commitment to environmental stewardship.  Even in the face of continuing economic difficulties, Marylanders care deeply about a healthy Bay and a clean environment,” said Allen Hance, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust.  “More importantly, this commitment is backed up by high levels of individual stewardship and civic involvement and robust support for strengthened public policies to protect the environment.”

Marylanders are highly engaged in the civic life of their communities, with large numbers supporting or becoming actively involved in organizations working to solve local problems.  More than three quarters (78%) contribute money to causes they believe in, with 38 percent saying they have done so frequently over the last year.  Almost three quarters (63%) volunteer for a charitable organization in their community and 58 percent report that they’ve worked with others in their local community to solve a problem or make it a better place.

“The Chesapeake Bay Trust makes grants to organizations and schools to engage volunteers and community members in efforts to create local solutions to local problems, especially those related to water pollution.  We have always known that Marylanders are civic-minded and service-oriented,” said Hance, “but this survey reveals levels of participation higher than national averages and allows us to identify new opportunities to support community-based stewardship.”

When it comes to public policymaking, Marylanders place a high priority on protection of the natural environment.  55 percent of Marylanders place their concern for the natural environment “above average” or “at the top” of their priority list, with only 13 percent ranking their concern as “below average” or “at the bottom.”  With respect to water pollution and the health of the Bay, nearly three-quarters of Marylanders (71%) believe that government regulation is necessary to deal with the problem.  Only 22 percent think the problem can be fixed with incentives and voluntary actions alone.

When asked about a new federal and state regulatory plan for Bay clean-up, 73 percent voiced support for the concept of a pollution diet “that will require local governments in Maryland and other Bay states to reduce pollutants coming from homes, businesses, and farms within their jurisdictions.”  Nearly the same number (71%) would support a stormwater fee to address the problem of polluted runoff, provided the policy was enacted equitably across the state, returned revenue to local communities, and created jobs.  A strong majority (80%) would support “strengthened regulations on the formulation and application of lawn and garden fertilizers in order to prevent support runoff from reaching local waters and the Chesapeake Bay,” with only 15 percent opposed.

In their individual lives, Marylanders demonstrate their strong commitment to environmental stewardship in a number of ways, ranging from recycling to purchasing green products to reducing lawn fertilizer and pesticide use.  The vast majority (89%) report that they recycle and the same number (89%) are attempting to reduce energy usage.  Similar numbers of Marylanders say they pick up litter (87%) and 39 percent care enough that they talk to others about littering.  Nearly half (47%) indicate that they are actively reducing their use of lawn fertilizers and pesticides.

“This research shows that Marylanders’ concern for the Chesapeake Bay and the natural environment doesn’t slip, even in times of budget deficits and persistent economic challenges.  For Marylanders, it’s not an ‘either-or’ between the economy and the environment,” said Steve Raabe, Founder and President of OpinionWorks, the firm that conducted the survey.  “They want to see tangible progress toward a healthy Bay and are willing to pay for restoration and to support regulatory changes designed to achieve this goal.”

source: Cheseapeake Bay Trust

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking interested adults to become TEAM (Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland) volunteers. Volunteers will educate students about the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s environment through interactive activities in classrooms Statewide.

“Since its inception in 1998, TEAM DNR volunteers have reached over 40,000 elementary and middle school students in Maryland,” said Amy Henry, Conservation Education Specialist at DNR. “Influencing our children to respect and care for the one world we were given will help preserve our natural environment for generations to come.”

Volunteers should have an outgoing personality and a strong desire to protect the Chesapeake Bay. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Currently, TEAM offers schools-free classroom program on the following topics:

* Chesapeake Bay Watershed
* Streams
* Oyster Reefs
* Horseshoe Crabs
* Chesapeake Watermen.

Upcoming Workshops:
February 4 and 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lobby Conference Room, Tawes Building, Annapolis
(Located at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, 21401)
March 11, 10 a.m. TO 3 p.m., Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary, Lothian
(Located at 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, 20711)

Participants are asked to bring their own lunch; beverages and snacks will be provided by the TEAM program.

To register for this training, contact Amy Henry at 410.260.8828 or ahenry@dnr.state.md.us. For more information about TEAM DNR, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/teamdnr

source: MD DNR

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting three Clean Marina Roundtable workshops for marina and boatyard operators.

The roundtables will discuss Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. Free copies of the Clean Marina Guidebook, award checklists and educational materials for boaters and staff will be provided. Participants will network with local Clean Marina managers and program staff to learn how they can meet award criteria.

“Although attending a workshop isn’t required to become a Clean Marina, it’s the best way for marina operators to learn about the program in a short amount of time,” said Donna Morrow, DNR’s Clean Marina Administrator. “By networking with other marina operators, participants will hear about practical ways to become a Clean Marina. Maryland’s waterways need everyone doing their part and the Clean Marina program is a tangible way for marinas to help.”

Dates and Locations:

January 11, Spring Cove Marina, Solomons
January 13, Port Annapolis Marina, Annapolis
January 20, Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort, Georgetown

All roundtables will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and there is no charge to attend. Weather permitting, a tour of the host facility will follow the roundtable discussion. In addition to helping reduce pollution and protect our waterways, Clean Marinas often enjoy discounted insurance rates, reduced clean up costs and improved relations within their community. All marine facilities are encourage to participate and seek the award.

Marine facilities of any size are encouraged to pursue the Maryland Clean Marina Award. To qualify, a facility must meet all permitting requirements and adopt a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook.

DNR staff and mentors offer assistance and site visits to marinas pursuing the award. They are re-certified every three years. To date, 143 facilities (roughly 23 percent of Maryland marinas) have achieved the designation.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marina managers may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes. Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

source: MD DNR

A new contest sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Trust will reward Marylanders for showing their love for the Chesapeake Bay.

The “Hooray for the Bay” contest kicked off on July 15, and is designed to engage and educate Marylanders about the impact buying Bay Plates has on the Chesapeake Bay. The contest features 100 Bay Plate Factoids placed strategically at parks, schools and community centers around the state.

To enter, participants can email a picture of one of the factoids to contest@baytrust.org, along with a short description of why they love the Bay. Additionally, participants can visit www.bayplate.org and complete the entry form, or they can text “BAYPLATE” to 24587 to enter.

The Chesapeake Bay Trust will award 100 Bay Plate prizes to the first 100 eligible entries received by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The grand prize winner will be chosen by a panel of judges who will select the best “Why I Love the Bay” message. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, relevancy, and amusement factor. Complete contest details can be found at www.bayplate.org.

Research conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and The Cyphers Agency showed that while 76 percent of Marylanders easily recognize the plates, which feature a heron and a Maryland blue crab, most do not know that 90 percent of the revenues derived from the $20 license plate supports Bay restoration and education programs.

“The majority of Marylanders rank keeping the Bay clean and healthy as their top environmental priority for the State,” says Allen Hance, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “What many don’t realize is that buying a Bay Plate is a simple, affordable way to help achieve this goal.”

Last year, revenues from Bay Plate sales helped:
•    Restore 65 acres of wetland, oyster reef, and streamside buffers
•    Award 401 grants to schools and organizations from every county in Maryland
•    Remove 429 tons of trash by engaging more than 30,000 volunteers across the State
•    Install 6,752 linear feet of living shorelines
•    Educate nearly 90,000 students on environmental issues concerning the Bay
•    Plant more than 220,000 native plants and trees

The research also showed that many Marylanders also incorrectly believe that the plates can only be purchased when renewing vehicle registration. Bay Plates can be purchased at any time of the year at www.bayplate.org.

The contest runs until September 15, 2010, and winners of the contest will be announced in October 2010.

The Marylanders Plant Trees Program offers instant savings when you purchase a new tree from a participating nursery. The state program from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers a $25 coupon to purchase any native tree that costs more than $50. There is no limit on how many coupons you use and you can download it from the Marylanders Plant Trees web site.

When you register your new tree at www.trees.maryland.gov you join fellow Marylanders who have already planted and registered over 40,000 trees. Check out other tools on the website where you can calculate the environmental and economic benefits of your new trees and learn how to plant and care for them.  Be sure to use the interactive maps and charts to see how you are part of a larger community planting trees throughout the state.

Residents that are not able to plant at tree in their own yard can give the gift of trees with Tree-Mendous Maryland.  See: www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/Treemendous

PLANT and BE COUNTED is a call to all Marylanders and businesses to plant and register trees. The goal is 50,000 trees a year. It’s something every Marylander can do to create a smarter, greener future for our families for generations to come.

The following list includes benefits of planting trees:

Conserve energy (Up to 50%) and save money
Purify the air
Soak up polluted rainwater runoff and protect our waterways
Create wildlife habitat
Increase home value by as much 30%
Replace snow damaged trees

For more information visit www.trees.maryland.gov
or contact: Scott Hymes 410-260-8746

The State of Maryland is now accepting proposals for the 2012 fiscal year, for projects to curb polluted runoff and move the State toward its 2-year milestones. The deadline is 5:00 p.m., May 28, 2010. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold two workshops in March, to cover specific information on what will be in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Request for Proposal (RFP), what has changed from the first round, what a great proposal should include and an overview of technical resources available.

“This approach differs significantly from our traditional way of doing business related to Bay restoration,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “For the past 25 years, we’ve spread money and projects around the state with limited success. This new approach recognizes that we do not have the resources to do everything, everywhere, and instead targets the Trust Fund dollars in areas and ways that the science tells us will have the greatest results.”

The local government and non-governmental organizations (NGO) applying must pitch projects located in the most effective areas to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Coastal Bays and focus on local water quality.

As a part of Maryland’s plan to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, the first 2-year milestone consists of a suite of 27 actions to reduce harmful runoff by 3.75 million pounds of nitrogen and 193,000 pounds of phosphorus. Governor O’Malley announced the 2-year milestones last May to accelerate Maryland’s on the ground efforts to reach its current nutrient reduction goals by a newly established end date of 2020. The Governor made the announcement at the 26th meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council, the multi-jurisdictional partnership that coordinates regional Bay restoration programming.

Through this competitive RFP, applicants may apply for funding for projects that improve water quality by reducing nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sediment pollution and that help to achieve the 2-Year Milestone.  Expected annual funding amounts range from $1 million to $5 million annually per proposal.  Multi-year proposals up to three years are welcomed.  These grants provide an opportunity for locally driven initiatives to improve water quality close to home and the Bay.

The workshops will be held on March 19 at the 4-H Center in College Park, and on March 23 at the Wye Research Center in Queenstown.  Both workshops start at 10 a.m. and run to 12 p.m.  Registration is open and a webinar registration is available for those who cannot attend in person.

For more information regarding the trust fund, Workshops and/or a copy of the RFP, please visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/ccp/funding/trust_fund.asp, or contact Jennifer Raulin at 410.260.8745

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, in cooperation with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, is hosting three informational roundtable meetings to introduce the program to marina, boatyard and yacht club operators. Participants will network with local Clean Marina operators and talk with Clean Marina Initiative staff. Participants will learn how other marinas and boatyards have solved environmental challenges, what the advantages of Clean Marina certification are, and how best to start the process.

The initiative will hold roundtables from 10a.m. to 12 p.m. at these locations:
# February 9 – Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace
# February 11 – Oxford Community Center
# February 17 – Port Annapolis Marina

Free program materials (Clean Marina Guidebooks, templates) will be provided along with refreshments. A tour of the host facility (or one located nearby) will follow the roundtable discussion, weather permitting, to illustrate certain best management practices recommended by the Clean Marina Program.

Staff from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will also be on hand to discuss the next edition of the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas. MDE is interested in learning more about current boatyard procedures to craft the new Permit and welcomes input from boatyard operators.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative was created in 1998 in response to §6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990. The goal of the program remains to reduce non-point source pollution from marine facilities through the voluntary adoption of best management practices.

Facilities that adopt a significant portion of the recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and which comply with all applicable environmental regulations, are eligible for the Clean Marina Award. To earn the award, facilities must pass a site visit from DNR staff and the manager of another Clean Marina. Certifications are good for three years, at which time facilities must be re-certified.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marinas may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes.

Space is limited and there is minimum needed of at least six marinas registered in advance. Roundtables may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather.

Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Ms. Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded Salisbury a $100,000 state Waterway Improvement Fund Grant to remove sunken barges and debris from the Wicomico River in Salisbury in an effort to help clean up the waterway and remove submerged obstacles to local boaters.

“Salisbury welcomes this generous grant from the State of Maryland in removing abandoned barges from the North Prong of the Wicomico River,” said Mayor James Ireton, Jr. “These barges pose threats to navigation on the river as well as potential sources of pollution in the river. Having dedicated our community to the health of this waterway, which will contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, we stand ready to work with Governor Martin O’Malley, DNR and the Department of the Environment in this important undertaking.”

An underwater survey was recently completed by the City of Salisbury Fire Department’s Marine Division at the North Prong of the Wicomico River. During the survey, two submerged barges were found, one of which is about 150 feet long. In addition, other debris was detected including a possible submerged vehicle in the same area.

The City of Salisbury is currently in the process of completing the legal requirements and preparing a request for proposals for a contractor to remove the barges and debris from the river.

“The City of Salisbury is very excited about moving ahead with this project. Removing these barges and debris will both help to improve water quality in the area as well as eliminate hazards for the boating public,” said DNR Boating Services Director Bob Gaudette. “Once the contract is awarded, it is anticipated the project will take approximately two months to complete.”

DNR has a longstanding program to remove abandoned boats and debris that are hazardous to the environment and/or general boating public from state waterways. The program is financed by the Department’s Waterway Improvement Fund, the revenues of which come from the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid whenever a boat is titled in Maryland. Grants are provided to local governments who are delegated the authority by DNR to removal abandoned vessels from state waters.

Further information regarding DNR’s abandoned boat and debris removal program can be found at http://dnr.maryland.gov/mydnr/askanexpert/abandoned_boats.asp.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking interested adults to become TEAM (Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland) volunteers. “Our volunteers’ mission is to educate students about the Chesapeake Bay and other Maryland environmental issues,” said TEAM DNR Coordinator Amy Henry.

Since its inception in 1998, TEAM DNR volunteers have delivered 1,000 classroom programs to more than 30,000 students in Maryland.

Volunteers should have an out-going personality and a strong desire to protect the Chesapeake Bay. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Currently, TEAM offers schools free classroom programs on the following topics:

• Chesapeake Bay Watershed
• Streams
• Oyster Reefs
• Horseshoe Crabs
• Chesapeake Watermen

The next workshop will be held as follows:

• Friday, February 19, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 26, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All workshops will be held in the lobby conference room of the Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland.

Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

To register for a workshop, contact Amy Henry at 410.260.8828 or ahenry@dnr.state.md.us. For more information about TEAM DNR, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/teamdnr.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Clean Marina Program certified Hartge Yacht Harbor as the state’s 116th Clean Marina. Maryland now boasts 141 certified facilities.

Hartge Yacht Harbor is a new business started in April on the site formerly occupied by the Hartge Yacht Yard. It has two marine railways dating back to the early 1900s, a haul out slip, a 50-ton travel lift, a state of the art paint building, 270 slips, and a sewage pump-out. Marina staff and on-site contractors offer a wide variety of boat and engine repairs.

“I was happy to hear from the new management when they took over operations,” said DNR’s Clean Marina Program Coordinator Donna Morrow. “Their commitment to comply with all the regulations and then taking extra strides to protect the environment—all while starting a new business—is to be commended. They demonstrated a can do attitude throughout the process and are now a great example of practical solutions to environmental challenges.”

To qualify for the Clean Marina award, office assistant Judy Hollerbach and staff throughout the yard made a number of improvements. The staff was trained on all aspects of waste management and pollution prevention and legally required safety and stormwater plans were completed.

The dockmaster, Buddy Raley, ensured that all waste collected for recycling is handled properly. The yard recycles used oil, oil filters, batteries, and antifreeze. Waste gasoline, solvents or old paints are handled by a licensed waste hauler for proper disposal as well.

“I learned so much by going through the Clean Marina process,” said Hollerbach. “As a new business we had to start from scratch on all the paperwork, but the guidance we got from Clean Marina staff really helped make sense of it all. The guys in the yard never failed to come through with great solutions to the challenges that we came across and we are very proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Marina manager Nancy Bray believes that protecting our environment is paramount to being a successful marine business. “We all should share in this responsibility” said Bray.

source: DNR press release