Chesapeake Bay News

Over 45 schooners are expected to race in the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay, starting just south of the Bay Bridge near Annapolis, Md., on Oct. 14, 2010, sailing through the night, and docking in Portsmouth, Va., on Oct. 15 for the 21st annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

Depending on winds and conditions on the Bay, the race can take from 12 to 15 hours. The event’s mission, with the motto “Racing to Save the Bay,” is to promote public awareness of the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime heritage and to encourage the preservation and improvement of the Chesapeake’s natural resources.

The first Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race was founded in 1990 by the late Captain Lane Briggs, as a personal challenge between his Tugantine, Norfolk Rebel, and the Pride of Baltimore II. It was his contagious commitment to the maritime heritage of the Bay and his love of schooner-rigged sailboats that energized the growth and success of the event.  Since Briggs’ death in 2005, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race has been held in his memory.

“This is a great adventurous event because it perpetuates Captain Lane’s dream of bringing attention to the Chesapeake Bay’s history, tradition, and the need for its preservation,” said Al Roper, president of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Roper said the event breeds better Bay stewards through its educational component. Hundreds of local school students at both the starting and ending points of the race have the opportunity to go on board some of the schooners while they’re docked to learn knot-tying, sail-hoisting, and the teamwork it takes to crew a boat. “You take a kid and put him on a boat and it changes his life” said Roper.

Through the years, the race has raised more than $140,000 for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) environmental educational programs.

Dubbed a world class racing event by sailing enthusiasts, the Race is organized by volunteers representing four boat clubs: Fells Point Yacht Club in Baltimore, Portsmouth Boat Club, Towne Point Yacht Club in Norfolk, and Broad Bay Sailing Association in Virginia Beach.  Each year, more than 100 committed volunteers donate their time, energy, and financial support.

Although the race begins October 14, the public can enjoy related festivities throughout the race week. For more information, contact Virginia@schoonerrace.org or Maryland@schoonerrace.org.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

BALTIMORE, MD

October 10, 1:00 p.m.:  Dinghy Race fundraiser in Fells Point to benefit the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

October 12, 6:30 p.m.:  Schooners & Crooners free concert on Broadway Pier

October 13, 9:00 a.m – noon: Education program at Broadway Pier; area students get hands-on experience aboard select schooners

October 13, noon:  All schooners docked in Fells Point, some open for tours

October 13, 5:00 p.m.:  Parade of Sail through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Fells Point

NEAR CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE, ANNAPOLIS, MD

October 14, 1:30 p.m.: Photo opportunities abound as race begins with as schooner-rigged vessels in full sail, embarking on their fast-paced adventure down the Chesapeake.

October

FINISH LINE HAMPTON ROADS, VA

October 15:  East-West line at the Thimble Shoal light off Hampton’s coast for classes A and AA.  Others finish at Windmill Point.  All dock in downtown Portsmouth.

PORTSMOUTH, VA

October 16, 9:00 a.m.- ?noon: Bay related educational opportunities; open house tours of racing schooners; variety of related activities and exhibits during Schooner Days, Old Towne Portsmouth.

source: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

In conjunction with National Seafood Month, Maryland officials have declared October “Maryland Seafood Month.”

“Seafood is one of Maryland’s greatest family traditions and part of our identity. Generations of hard-working watermen make their living from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and people come from far and wide to enjoy the delicious finfish and shellfish they catch,” said Governor O’Malley. “Purchasing Maryland seafood also stimulates the local economy by supporting local watermen, aqua farmers, processors, and countless others involved with the Maryland seafood industry. Maryland Seafood Month’ is as much a tribute to Maryland’s seafood ‘family’ as it is a celebration of our greatest natural resource.”

Maryland’s blue crabs are at their largest in the fall, after having grown all summer. They also have not shed their shell since late September, which makes them very full and heavy. An abundant supply of large crabs is available at seafood markets at very reasonable prices. The large supply has lowered the price dramatically and consumers should take advantage of prices of the very large crabs now and enjoy hot and spicy Maryland blue crabs on a crisp autumn weekend. Hold a half-time crab feast or tailgate party. Just line your serving area with plastic then cover with newspapers for easy clean-up. Or serve chilled steamed Maryland blue crabs.

Seafood quality and safety has been, and continues to be, another Maryland tradition. Our seafood is monitored by several state agencies, local health departments and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These agencies conduct regular product and plant inspections and water tests ensuring that Maryland seafood is wholesome. In addition, Maryland crab meat undergoes a voluntary quality control and sanitation inspection. Maryland is the only state that has this extra level of inspection for crab meat. Such rigorous standards are another reason that Maryland crab meat is superior to all other crab meat in the world!

Maryland seafood is more than delicious. An excellent source of high quality protein, seafood is easily digested, generally low in fat, sodium and calories and high in important vitamins and minerals. In addition, seafood contains Omega-3 fatty acids, believed to be effective in lowering cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

“Eating Maryland seafood is a delicious part of a healthy diet,” says Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Maryland blue crabs are at their largest in the fall, after having grown all summer. October also signals the harvest of savory, plump oysters. Our world-famous state fish, striped bass, known locally as rockfish, is also a tasty and popular fall dish.”

When purchasing fish, look for signs of freshness and quality: bright, clear eyes, scales that adhere tightly to the skin, skin that springs back when lightly pressed, bright pink or red gills and a mild sea breeze scent. Crabs and oysters should be purchased live. Crabs should be lively and you should discard any dead crabs before cooking. Oysters purchased in the shell should have tightly-closed shells or should close when touched. Both types of shellfish should be cooked the same day as purchased. Always rinse finfish and shellfish with cold water before cooking. Cooked seafood, as with all cooked food, should not come into contact with or be stored in the same container as raw food. This is to protect from cross-contamination of bacteria that is normally found on raw food products. As with beef, poultry and pork, proper cooking kills bacteria in seafood. Careful clean up of preparation area and utensils is always important with all raw food products.

For tailgating or harvest gatherings, try these easy to transport Maryland crab recipes.

SOUTHWESTERN-STYLE CRAB WRAPS

1/3 cup slightly softened cream cheese
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons mild or medium-hot picante sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions or chives
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
16 ounces picked-over backfin crabmeat
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup very well drained bottled roasted sweet pepper or pimiento, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar or jack cheese
4 large (11 inch or similar) flour tortillas
About 8 large lettuce leaves

In a large bowl stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, picante sauce, green onion, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended. Lightly fold in crab meat. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Dividing the mixture equally, spread it evenly over surface of tortillas. Pat roasted peppers dry with paper towels. Dividing equally, sprinkle them, along with the cheese, evenly over crab mixture. Pat lettuce leaves completely dry on paper towels. Lay lettuce leaves on tortillas, patching and tearing as necessary, to completely cover filling. Press down leaves to compact mixture as much as possible. Fold up one side of tortilla about 1 inch to form a bottom and hold filling.

Then, working from one perpendicular side, roll up tortilla neatly. If desired, cut crosswise across of the tortilla to trim off excess dough and to expose the roll-up filling. Tightly roll up wrap in wax paper, twist the paper ends to prevent unrolling. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Wraps can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated until serving time. Remove from the refrigerator to warm up slightly before serving. Remove paper from around wraps just before serving. Make 4 burrito-size wraps.

Steamed Blue Crabs

½ Cup Seafood Seasoning
½ Cup Salt
3 Cups White Vinegar
3 Cups Beer (or water)
3 Dozen Live (and lively) Maryland Blue Crabs

Mix seasoning, vinegar and beer (or water) well. Put one-half crabs in very large pot with rack and TIGHT fitting lid. **Pour one-half of seasoning mixture over top. Add rest of crabs and remaining liquid. Steam, covered, until crabs turn bright red in color, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Make about 6 to 12 servings, depending upon size of crabs and other foods served.

** If two pots are used, layer crabs and measure seasoning mixture accordingly.

source: Maryland Department of Agriculture

On September 19, 2009 approximately $70,000 in prizes and merchandise were presented to lucky anglers at the 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge closing ceremony. Approximately 2,000 people, including sponsors, anglers and their guests attended the sixth annual closing ceremony held at Sandy Point State Park.

More than 1,900 anglers from as far away as California qualified to participate in the grand prize drawing. As an added youth component, children participating in various fishing rodeos across the State qualified for a unique category for the chance to win guided fishing trips.

Walking away with the grand prize was 13 year-old Garret Boylan of Finksburg, Md. Boylan caught a white perch, nearly 15 inches long, in the Liberty reservoir in Baltimore County on June 10, which qualified him for the boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats.

“I’m speechless,” said Maurice Boylan, the winner’s father. “It was a shot in the dark. We drove an hour and a half (to attend the finale), and now my little boy won a boat!”

Additional winners included James Vogel III of Conowingo, Md., Howard James of Georgetown, Del. and Paul Gilbert of Unionville, Pa. who won thousands of dollars in prizes from Bill’s Outdoor Center. Kurt Hofschild of Pasadena, Md. won an all expenses paid fishing trip to the Island of Tobago provided by the World Fishing Network.

In addition, during this year’s contest, five lucky anglers also caught specially tagged rockfish.  Devin Singer, of Bethesda, Md.; Billy Beale of Jarrettsville, Md.; Leo James Jr. of Annapolis, Md.; and Tristen Blake of Federalsburg, Md received checks for $500 each for their catches, which were confirmed as Diamond Jim imposters. Bill Heisterhagan of Easton , Md. who caught the only possible Diamond Jim tagged striped bass in the challenge learned at the event that he too had caught a $500 Diamond Jim imposter.

Lucky young anglers from across the State were awarded guided fishing trips:

* Michale Nutter of LaPlata, Md. and Tyler Bishell of Earleville, Md. will receive a trip from the Mid-Atlantic Council of Trout Unlimited.

* Taylor Mae Edwards of Essex, Md. and Ben Shiner of Nittingham, Md. will receive a trip from the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association.

* Adam Szarko of Catonsville, Md. will receive a trip from the Maryland Charter Boat Association

* Austin Bible of Cumberland, Md.; Bradley McDowell of Rising Sun, Md.; Jacob Gambrill of Whitemarsh, Md.; and Cody Wheeler of Bel Air, Md. will receive trips from Bass Federation Nation.

* Cheyenne Sawyer of Greensboro, Md. and Bryan Brochu of Rising Sun, Md. will receive a trip from the Legislative Sportsman’s Foundation.

* John Duarte of Baltimore, Md. and Micaela Rogers of Elkton, Md. will receive a trip from the Coastal Conservation Association.

* Omar Peay of Silver Spring, Md. and Austin Shires of New Cumberland, Pa. will receive a trip from Bill’s Outdoor Center.

* Jason Mukendi of Landover Hills, Md. will receive a trip from Captain Richie Gaines

* Nadirah Offord of Baltimore, Md. will receive a trip from Skip Zinck.

* Eryk Vincent of Stevensville, Md. will receive a trip from Captain Tom Hughes.

* Timmy Patschorke of Ballwin, Mo. will receive a trip from Captain Mike Benjamin.

* Nayel Camper of Salisbury, Md. will receive a trip from Captain Monty Hawkins.

Created to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire natural resources stewardship, the 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge started June 1 and ran through Labor Day, September 6, 2010.

At the finale, The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation presented Natural Resources Police (NRP) with a $5,000 check, the proceeds from the sale of Maryland’s first lifetime hunting license.

Three batches of nearly 200 specially tagged striped bass (one genuine Diamond Jim and 199 imposters) were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries this summer. Diamond Jim’s value increased each month: $10,000 if caught in June, $20,000 if caught in July and $25,000 if caught in August, and nearly 599 Diamond Jim imposters are worth $500 each for the duration of the contest.

Through the citation component, more than 60 species of fish, including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland waters off the Atlantic Coast, were eligible for the grand prizes.

“Catch a fish” is one of the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, issued by Governor Martin O’Malley in April 2009. The Bill is part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, an initiative to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

source: MD DNR

Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City, Maryland will host a Smith Island Fall Striped Bass Migration Seminar on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00 pm.

Captain Walt will share tips and techniques for catching striped bass during the annual fall migration as they move south past Smith Island head toward their wintering grounds in the Ocean.

He’ll also talk about how they feed aggressively as they “fatten up” on their way to the Atlantic. Captain Walt will discuss rods, reels, line and lures that have proven successful over his years of fishing the area during the annual migration.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information see: www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org

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.

A special guest has been invited to the annual Potomac River Ramble, July 8-11. On the second night of this year’s canoe and kayak camping trip, the 18th century Cherokee Indian “Mankiller” Ostenaco (played by actor  Doug Wood) will appear in the firelight, his head painted warrior red, to tell the story of how he led 130 men into war to protect British settlers against the fury of the French.

The Potomac River Ramble, sponsored by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and led by River & Trail Outfitters, is an annual, multi-day canoe and kayak trip featuring riverside camping, catered meals, restoration projects, history talks, nature walks and environmental education.

Biologists, historians, geologists and other experts will meet the group of paddlers along the way for hands-on instruction and discussion. Organizers hope participants will become intimately connected with the “nation’s river” by camping alongside it as they paddle the three-day course.

This year’s event begins Thursday evening, July 8 and ends Sunday afternoon, July 11. Experienced guides and other experts will lead paddlers from Town Creek Park, W.Va. through the gorges and rolling hills of the Potomac River’s Paw Paw Bends, ending at Little Orleans.

No paddling experience is necessary, and you do not have to register for the entire trip. The cost is $55 per day and includes meals, camping fees, guides, shuttle and educational programming. If you do not have a boat, rentals are available; prices include delivery and pickup.

For more information please visit:  http://www.potomacriver.org/cms/

You may also contact Jennifer Willoughby with the ICPRB at 301-984-1908 ext. 109 or JWilloughby@icprb.org; or Lee Baihly with River & Trail Outfitters at 301-988-5712 or lee@rivertrail.com.

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin has been working to enhance and protect the Potomac River and its tributaries through regional and interstate partnerships since 1940. River and Trail Outfitters has been guiding trips since 1972, annually outfitting more than 30,000 people on various rivers in the Potomac watershed.

The 27th annual Championship on the Chesapeake, the country’s largest rockfish tournament, concluded on May 4th with 580 boats and approximately 4,000 anglers participating in this year’s event.  The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA), the largest sport fishing group in the state hosted this event.

For three days, starting on April 30, anglers from all over the East Coast put their skills to the test as they experienced world class fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and competed for some significant cash prizes and the title of Champion.

This year’s champion in the amateur division is Kevin Howell of Edgewater, Maryland. Howell weighed in a 52.55 pound rockfish at the Rod N’ Reel docks in Chesapeake Beach just after noon on Friday. Howell said he caught it just south of the CR buoy in 55 feet of water using a 9 inch white shad off his planer board.  Howell’s catch secured him first place in the overall tournament and first in three of the additional skill levels bringing his total earnings to $21,750.

Second place went to Steve Smith of Hanover, PA who weighed in a 41.9 pound fish at Chesapeake Beach.  Smith said he caught his fish near buoy 78 using a tandem rig with 9 inch shad. Smith is the big money winner this year as he entered all of the additional skill levels and will be taking home $63,022.

Third went to Jeff Schmitt of Baltimore as he weighed in a 40.05 pound rockfish at Calvert Marina in Solomons, Maryland on Friday, the first day of the tournament.  Because Schmitt entered additional skill levels he will be walking away with over $12,000.

Additionally James Lutz also of Baltimore will be taking home a considerable amount of money for his 39 pound fish.  Lutz entered in several of the skill levels and for that he will cash in for $21,750.

Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) said they have increased the prizes in the Kid’s division as well as the Catch and Release division.  The top fifteen kids will receive fishing gear and merchandise as well as certificates congratulating them on their catch.

“If we don’t get our youth involved in fishing and the outdoors our sport will be in serious trouble and fishing tournaments provide that opportunity to get kids involved”, Smith said.

New to this year’s tournament was the use of text messaging as a way to update tournament anglers on who is winning and what they need to bring in to have a chance.  This new feature is something new to the sport and another example of responsible fishing tournament management.

“Texting is a great opportunity to communicate with our tournament anglers and let them know what they need to have a chance at winning”, Smith said.

The Catch and Release division was popular this year as anglers turned in their catch logs for a chance at some new fishing gear.  The winner Sam Fisher Jr, who has won this portion of the tournament before, will receive $800 in fishing gear and merchandise from local tackle shops.  Second through fifth place will also receive fishing gear for their efforts.

Recreational fishing and tournaments in specific generate huge amounts of money for local economies here in Maryland.  That was evident by the thousands of people in Chesapeake Beach and Solomons Island this weekend for the tournament not to mention the thousands that took to the water from all over Maryland to participate in this event.  Having spoken with Solomons Pier owners Philip and Jeanie Stone, they couldn’t be happier and look forward to the next MSSA tournament that comes to town.  Solomons Pier was the venue for one of the five Captains Meetings that were held prior to the tournament.

Professional and Charter Boat Division

This year’s Champion in the Professional and Charter Boat division went to our own Captain Ed O’Brien.  Captain O’Brien runs a charter boat, Semper Fidelis III, out of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.  Captain O’Brien weighed in a 35 pound rockfish taking home nearly $10,000.

Second place went to Captain James Gray who brought in a 34.6 pound fish earning him over $10,000 as he entered several skill levels.  Third place went to Captain White who entered a 32.7 pound rockfish.  But this year’s big winner went to Captain Sweitzer who secured fifth place overall and placed in several of the skill levels. Fortunately he entered the $500 skill level which paid out $9,000.  In total Captain Sweitzer took home $12,972.

All awards and cash will be given out at the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 13 at the Columbian Center in Severna Park starting at 7:00 PM.  All tournament anglers are invited as there is still prizes to be given out as “last chance awards” and door prizes.  The big winners will receive checks and the Champion will receive the coveted Championship on the Chesapeake trophy.

For more information and a complete list of tournament results please visit www.mssa.net.

David Turnbaugh’s painting entitled “Marsh Dweller” is the winner of the 2010-2011 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. The winning painting shows a Hooded Merganser walking through a marsh setting and will be featured on the 2010-2011 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp.

The entries were judged before a large crowd on Saturday, March 27 at the 21st Patuxent Wildlife Art Show held at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md.

“It was selected out of 28 entries from 14 Maryland artists,” said Bob Beyer, Associate Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service. “The contest is the fourth oldest in the country and is restricted to Maryland residents only.”

Mr. Turnbaugh has been a competing artist in Maryland’s duck stamp competition since the mid-1980s and is the only six-time winner in the history of Maryland’s prestigious Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Mr. Turnbaugh’s other artwork can be viewed and a print of this year’s winning entry can be ordered at his website http://www.marylandrealist.com or by calling 410-665-1903.

The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest showcases the talents of Maryland’s gifted artists. Migratory game bird hunters are required to purchase these $9.00 stamps and the proceeds are used to fund migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on the state’s public lands. More than $4.5 million in stamp sales have been spent on migratory game projects since the inception of the stamps in 1974.

source: DNR press release

Rupert Rossetti of Garrett County was honored with the prestigious 2008 Bernie Fowler Award at Maryland’s 13th Annual Tributary Team meeting on Saturday, March 6 at the Maryland Department of the Environment in Baltimore.

The so-called “White Sneaker Award” is named for the former State Senator who initiated the annual Patuxent River wade-ins more than 25 years ago to test water turbidity and bring attention to declining water quality. The award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions of a tributary team member to Bay health and habitat.

“Rupert Rossetti’s work is a shining example for Marylanders,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. ”As we work towards restoring the Bay and our 2-year milestones, the work of our tributary teams is more vital than ever. Rupert and all our tributary team members’ dedication inspire others to get involved, while working towards a greener, more sustainable future.”

“It was a retraining opportunity in his early retirement from DuPont that got Rupert turned onto the field of water quality work — he took a GIS class from the University of Delaware that keyed him into a lot of this water quality stuff,” said his wife, Cynthia Rossetti.

Established in 1995, Maryland’s Tributary Teams are made up of more than 350 volunteer members comprised of citizens, business leaders, farmers and government officials, charged with helping implement pollution prevention measures in the State’s 10 major tributary basins. The ongoing work of the teams is a model for citizen involvement and action.

Under the Smart, Green & Growing initiative launched last year, the O’Malley-Brown Administration is working to involve every Marylander in reducing the State’s carbon footprint, preserving our most valuable resource, lands, and restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Rossetti recently led a work plan development exercise to reduce pollution. He inspired 15 fellow tributary team members to take the lead in the various team work plan projects. He also remains involved in other local issues such as the county comprehensive plan review, local water quality monitoring, and a stormwater management ordinance review. He has been a presenter at local and regional water quality monitoring and restoration seminars.

The teams also presented 10 Tributary Teams Watershed Hero Awards on Saturday, to team members who made exceptional contributions in 2009:

* Clarence (Doc) Kuntz, Choptank Tributary Team
* Keota Silaphone, Lower Eastern Shore Tributary Team
* Bob Boxwell, Lower Potomac Tributary Team
* Amy Clements, Lower Western Shore Tributary Team
* Kate Fritz, Middle Potomac Tributary Team
* Bill Stack, Patapsco/Back Tributary Team
* David Brownlee, Patuxent River Commission
* Joe Blizzard, Upper Eastern Shore Tributary Team
* Dave Biser, Upper Potomac Tributary Team
* Rupert Rossetti, Upper Western Shore Tributary Team

source: MD DNR press release

TEAM DNR Volunteer Training
March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free
Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

Maryland DNR is seeking interested adults to become TEAM DNR volunteers. 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 programs on the following topics: Chesapeake Bay watershed, streams, oyster reefs, horseshoe crabs, and Chesapeake Bay watermen. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided. For information, call 410-260-8828.