december 2002 the chesapeake bay: how is it doing?
TRANSCRIPT
December 2002
The Chesapeake Bay:How is it Doing?The Chesapeake Bay:
How is it Doing?
Why Are We Here?
Photo of Bay scene
(webpage electronic photo image, Ann Lackey, CBPO;
35 mm slide, CBPO)
The Chesapeake Bay is a beautiful place. By protecting the Bay, we are more likely to preserve our economy and the
health of the living things that call the Bay home.
CBP 12/04/02
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Maryland
Delaware
New York
District of Columbia
Virginia
West Virginia
Pennsylvania
The Bay is Economically Important
Photo of harvest scene
(webpage electronic photo image, Kate Naughten, CBPO;
35 mm slide, CBPO)
The Bay is important for many reasons.It helps to support the region's economy as a major source of
seafood and a major hub for shipping and commerce.
The Bay is Important for Recreation and Tourism
photo of recreational use scene
(webpage electronic photo image, EPA;
35 mm slide, Steve Delaney, for EPA)
It offers a wide variety of recreational opportunitiesfor residents and visitors.
The Bay Provides Important Habitat for Wildlife
photo of habitat scene with wildlife
(webpage electronic photo image, EPA;
35 mm slide, USFWS)
It provides a huge natural habitat for wildlife.
Where Does the Bay Start?
photo of person near creek or culvert in residential area
(photo, CBPO)
Where does the Bay start?If you are one of the 15 million people who live in the
watershed, then the Bay starts in your backyard!
CBP 12/04/02
Threats to the Bay and Rivers
NUTRIENTS
SEDIMENTS
TOXIC CHEMICALS
HABITAT LOSS
OVERFISHING
CBP 12/04/02
Nutrients
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
and
Are the nutrients causingproblems in the Bay.
What Are the Effects of Excess Nutrients?
photo of underwater Bay grasses
(photo, CBPO)
What are the effects of excess nutrients?Bay grasses die.
Bay creatures are affected by low oxygen levels
photo of dead fish
(webpage electronic photo image, EPA;
35 mm slide, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
What are the effects of excess nutrients?Low oxygen levels in Bay waters.
CBP 12/04/02
Status and Trendsin Phosphorus Concentrationsin the Bay and its Tidal Rivers
GoodFairPoor
Status(1998-2000)
Trend(1985-2000)
Decreasing(Good)Increasing(Bad)Segments withunchanged trendshave no symbol
NotAvailable
Choptank
Chester
Elizabeth
James
Appomattox
Patuxent
South Branch ElizabethWest Branch Elizabeth
Wicomico
East Branch Elizabeth
Lower Mainstem Bay
Upper Mainstem Bay
Patapsco
Bush
SouthRhodeWest
Severn
BackMiddle
Magothy
York
Nanticoke
Eastern Bay
FishingBay
Little Choptank
Big Annemessex
Tangier Sound
MattawomanCreek
Elk
Middle Mainstem BayManokin
Potomac
CBP 12/04/02
Status and Trendsin Nitrogen
Concentrationsin the Bay andits Tidal Rivers
GoodFairPoor
Status(1998- 2000)
Trend(1985-2000)
Decreasing(Good)Increasing(Bad) Not
AvailableSegments withunchanged trendshave no symbol
Nanticoke
Choptank
Chester
Back
Potomac
Elizabeth
James
Appomattox
ChickahominyYork
Mattaponi
Pamunkey
Rappahannock
Patuxent
South Branch ElizabethWest Branch Elizabeth
Patapsco
Sassafrass
ElkC&D Canal
Magothy
East Branch Elizabeth
Wicomico
Lower Mainstem Bay
CorrotomanPiankatank
Mobjack Bay
Pocomoke
Potomac
PiscatawayCreek
MattawomanCreek
CBP 12/04/02
Sources of Pollutants to the Bay
Nonpoint Sources
•Run-off from farmland•Run-off from lawns and paved areas
Point Sources
•Industry•Wastewater Treatment Plants
Cows in Streams
photo of farm animals
(photo, CBPO)
Stormwater and groundwater carry nutrients into rivers and the Bay from a variety of nonpoint sources.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
photo of wastewater treatment plant
(photo, CBPO)
Point sources are the second largest contributors of nutrient pollution to the rivers and the Bay.
Fossil Fuel Power Plant
photo of fossil fuel power plant
(photo, CBPO)
A significant amount of nitrogen pollution is created when we generate electricity and drive cars. Generating electric power
by burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releases nitrogen, in the form of nitrogen oxide gas, into the air.
Automobile Exhaust
photo of car tail pipe
(photo, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
Nitrogen, again in the form of nitrogen oxide gases, comes out of car tail pipes and gets into the air.
Septic Systems
photo of residence in rural development
(photo, Kate Naughten, CBPO)
Another source of nitrogen is septic systems.Many homes in the watershed use underground septic
systems for treatment of wastewater and sewage.
CBP 12/04/02
The Bay and its rivers are doing better, but we still have a way to go.
CBP 12/04/02
Monitoring data from major rivers entering tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay show that phosphorus concentrations are decreasing in portions of the Susquehanna River, in the Patuxent, Rappahannock and James rivers and the Mattaponi (a tributary to the York).
The Potomac River and Pamunkey (a tributary to the York) show increasing trends.
The Appomattox (a tributary to the James) and the rest of the Susquehanna show no trends.
1980s – 2001
Decreasing
No significant trend
Increasing
Phosphorus Levels Declining in Some of the Non-tidal Portions of the Rivers
CBP 12/04/02
1980s – 2001
Decreasing
No significant trend
Increasing
Monitoring data from major rivers entering tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay show that nitrogen concentrations are decreasing in the Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, Mattaponi (a tributary to the York), and James rivers.
The Pamunkey (a tributary to the York) shows an increasing trend.
The remaining riversshow no trends.
Nitrogen Levels Declining in Some of the Non-tidal Portions of the Rivers
CBP 12/04/02
Monitoring data from major rivers entering tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay show that sediment concentrations are decreasing in portions of the Susquehanna River and in the Patuxent and Potomac rivers.
The Pamunkey (a tributary to the York) and Appomattox (a tributary to the James) show an increasing trend.
The remaining rivers and the rest of the Susquehanna show no trends. 1980s – 2001
Decreasing
No significant trend
Increasing
Sediment Levels Declining in Some of the Non-tidal Portions of the Rivers
CBP 12/04/02
Bay Grasses Have Increased Since 1984
Bay grass beds are vital habitat for fish and crabs.
Improved water quality will promote Bay grass growth.
*Note – Hatched area of bar includes estimated additional acreage.
0
20
40
60
80
100
78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 9920
0020
01
Bay
Gra
sses
in 1
,000
Acr
es
Potential Habitat (600,000 acres)
*
No surveys1979-83
114
600
Interim Goal (114,000 acres)
CBP 12/04/02
Striped Bass Are Back!
Striped bass have responded to a moratorium followed by harvest restrictions, stocking efforts and improved habitat conditions.
The stock was declared restored in January 1995!0
10
20
30
40
50
60
7019
8219
8319
8419
8519
8619
8719
8819
8919
9019
9119
9219
9319
9419
9519
9619
9719
9819
9920
0020
01
SS
B (
fem
ales
ag
es 4
+yrs
, mill
ion
s o
f lb
s)
Fishing moratoria:MD & DE: 1985-1990
VA: 1989-1990
Baywide Female Spawning Stock Biomass
CBP 12/04/02
Bald Eagle Populations on the Rebound!
Actions to control chemical contaminants have led to improved conditions in the Bay.
Bald eagles are no longer endangered due to the ban on the pesticide DDT and subsequent habitat improvements.0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
77 81 85 89 93 97 2001
Bal
d E
agle
Po
pu
lati
on
Co
un
t
Active Nests
Young
Sources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Pennsylvania Game Commission and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
CBP 12/04/02
Bay Waters are Generally Safefor Fishing and Swimming
photo courtesy of
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
CBP 12/04/02
The Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership
Governor of MD
EPA Administrator
Governor of VA Governor of PA
Executive Council
Mayor of DC
Chair of Chesapeake
Bay Commission
CBP 12/04/02
Bay Cleanup Has Citizen Involvement
CHESAPEAKEBAY PROGRAM
Scientific and Technical Advisory
Committee
Citizen Advisory Committee
representing the interests of: Business, Industry,
Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries, Local Governments,
Developers, etc.
CHESAPEAKE
BAY
CLEANUP
ALLIANCE FOR THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY
CHESAPEAKEBAY
FOUNDATION
WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS
LAND TRUSTS
CONSERVATION GROUPS
Phosphate Detergent Ban
photo of detergent boxes
(photo, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
After signing the 1983 Bay Agreement , Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia instituted
phosphate detergent bans.
CBP 12/04/02
Goal:40% Reduction in Nutrient Pollutionby the Year 2000
Best Management Practices
photo of sediment control buffer strip
(photo, CBPO)
As partners in the restoration effort, many farmers are using a variety of techniques, called "best management practices", to
reduce nutrients and sediment coming from farms into the Bay and its rivers.
CBP 12/04/02
Farmers Using Nutrient ManagementApply Less Nutrients
Between 1985 and 2000, more than 2.2 million acres of farmland were placed under nutrient management plans.
Acres Under Nutrient Management
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 992000
Milli
ons
of A
cres
Year 2000 Goal: 3.2 million acres
Sediment Control and Stormwater Management
photo of sediment control fencing used on a construction site
(photo, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
The use of sediment control fencing around building and road construction sites has been very successful in reducing
nutrient and sediment loads from nonpoint sources.
CBP 12/04/02
Nutrient Pollution Declining,but We Still Need to Do More
Maintaining reduced nutrient loads will be a challenge due to expected population growth in the region.
New goals will be established soon for additional reductions of nutrients, as well as sediment, to be achieved by 2010.
Total Nutrient Loads Delivered to the Bay from MD, PA, VA, DC
Phosphorus Nitrogen
Source: Chesapeake Bay Program Phase 4.3 Watershed Model.Data include total nutrient loads delivered to the Bay, from point and nonpoint sources, from Chesapeake Bay Agreement jurisdictions : MD, PA, VA and DC.
0
5
10
15
20
25
1985 20000
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
1985 2000
Nitr
ogen
Loa
ds (
milli
ons
of lb
s/yr
)GoalGoal
Restoration and Protection of Habitat and Living Resources
photo of riparian forest
(webpage electronic photo image, USFS
35 mm slide, Al Todd, CBPO)
Since 1987, the Bay Program has committed to "provide for the restoration and protection of living resources, their habitats,
and ecological relationships".
Fish Migration Blockages
Photo of fish migration blockage
(webpage electronic photo image, Kate Naughten, CBPO;
35 mm slide, CBPO)
More than 1,000 miles of fish spawning habitat on Chesapeake Bay tributaries are currently blocked by dams, culverts and
other obstructions.
CBP 12/04/02
Progress Made Getting Migratory FishPast Dams and Other Blockages
The removal of stream blockages and construction of fish passages, between 1988 and 2001, reopened 33 new miles of historic spawning habitat to migratory fish, and an additional 7 miles to resident fish.
Total miles made available to migratory fish since 1988 is 849 with an additional 143 miles to resident fish.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
140089 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
2000
2001Cu
mu
lati
ve M
iles
of
Riv
er
Hab
itat
Op
en
ed
Opened, but not yet to Migratory Fish
Opened to Migratory Fish
1988 Goal (731 miles)
2003 Goal (1,357 miles)
CBP 12/04/02
Shad Are Starting to Make a Comeback...but have a long, long way to go
The increase since 1980 has been attributed to stocking efforts, a moratorium on shad fishing, and fish passage development on the Susquehanna River.
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
1.25
1.5
1.75
2
Sh
ad C
ou
nte
d a
t C
on
ow
ing
o F
ish
Lif
t (m
illio
ns
)
Susquehanna Estimated Carrying Capacity
CBP 12/04/02
Streamside Forests Being RestoredForests along streams and shoreline, also known as riparian forest buffers, protect water quality by filtering pollutants carried by stormwater and groundwater. They also provide habitat and food for many creatures that live in the Bay watershed.
In 1996, the Bay Program partners committed to conserving existing forests along all streams and shorelines and restoring riparian forests on 2,010 miles of stream and shoreline in the watershed by 2010.
0
300
600
900
1200
1500
1800
2100
2400
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Cu
mu
lati
ve M
iles
Res
tore
d
Year 2010 Goal:2,010 miles
2,283 miles restored 1996 through August 2002.Goal achieved eight years ahead of schedule!
Shad Are Starting to Make a Comeback...but have a long, long way to
Photo of forest buffer planting
(webpage electronic photo image, Don Maglienti, CBPO;
35mm slide, C. Hobbs, NRCS)
CBP 12/04/02
Toxics-Free Bay
CBP 12/04/02
Regions of Concern
The most severe chemical contamination problems in the Bay are generally limited to those areas located near urban centers close to the Bay: the Baltimore Harbor and the Anacostia and Elizabeth rivers.
The Bay Program is directing reduction and prevention actions toward these areas, known as "Regions of Concern".
Regions of Concern: Areas with known chemical contaminant-related impacts.
Baltimore Harbor
Anacostia River
Elizabeth River
CBP 12/04/02
Not characterized due tohistorically low levels ofchemical contaminants
Area with Insufficient orInconclusive Data
Area with Low Probabilityfor Adverse Effects
Area of Emphasis -area with potential foradverse effects
Region of Concern -area with probableadverse effects
LEGEND
York
Rappahannock
PotomacPatuxent
Baltimore Harbor/PatapscoChester
Choptank
Eastern Bay
Bush
South
Rhode
Elizabeth
SassafrassMiddle
James
Nanticoke
Manokin
Back
Mattaponi
Pocomoke
Tangier Sound
Susquehanna
Gunpowder
MagothySevern
Anacostia
Pamunkey
MobjackBay
Chickahominy
Big Annemessex
Wicomico
WyeMiles
Bohemia
ElkNortheast
Status of Chemical Contaminant Effects
on Living Resources in the Bay’s Tidal Rivers
Chesapeake Bay scientists and managers characterized the status of chemical contaminant effects on living resources in the Bay’s tidal rivers based on all available chemical contaminant data.
The result of this characterization, summarized in this map, will be used by Chesapeake Bay Program decision makers to target specific tidal rivers for monitoring and management efforts.
CBP 12/04/02
Industry Reduces Chemical Releases
Bay basin industries have achieved their voluntary goal of reducing releases and transfers of chemical contaminants 65% between 1988 and 2000.
Since the year 2000 goal has been achieved, the Chesapeake Bay Program has consulted with industry to set new targets.
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Mill
ions
of l
bs/y
r
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Year 2000Measurement of
Progress
CBP 12/04/02
We Still Have More Work to Do
Crabs
Photo of blue crabs
(webpage electronic photo image, Kate Naughten, CBPO;
35 mm slide, CBPO)
The Chesapeake Bay blue crab fisheries are valuable. They provide significant economic benefits for many people in the region.
They are also an important part of the region's heritage.
CBP 12/04/02
Blue Crabs Have Declined Since Early 1990s
Mature female abundance is well below the long term average and has declined since the early 1990s. The abundance in 2000 and 2001 is at or near historical lows.
Action needs to be taken to reduce fishing effort as a way to reduce fishing mortality.
Mature Female Blue Crabs
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
21
96
8
71
74
77
80
83
86
89
92
95
98
20
01
Sp
aw
nin
g F
em
ale
Ind
ex
Average
CBP 12/04/02
Oysters at Risk
Oyster harvests are approximately 4% of the harvest highs recorded in the 1950s.Declines are due to overharvest, disease, pollution and loss of oyster reef habitat.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
53 57 61 65 69 73 77 81 85 89 93 97 2001
Com
mer
cial
Lan
ding
s (m
illio
n lb
s)
Oysters and Aquatic Reef Construction
Photo of aquatic reef construction
(webpage electronic photo image, Tawna Mertz, CBPO
35mm slide, Linda Taylor, USFWS)
Bay Program partners are constructing underwater reefs to provide habitat for oysters and the other animals and plants
that rely on these reefs for their survival.
CBP 12/04/02
Forest Acreage Declining
Landcleared foragricultureand timber
EarlyColonies
Landabandonedafter CivilWar and
Depression
D
e
v
e
l
o
p
m
e
n
t
1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 20000
20
40
60
80
100
Per
cen
tag
e o
f W
ater
shed
Fo
rest
ed
Forests provide critical habitat and help prevent pollutants and sediment from reaching the Bay and rivers.
About 59% of the Bay basin is currently forested.
The forest that regrew from the 19th to the mid-20th centuries is steadily declining. Current losses represent permanent conversions.
Forest Conservation
photo of forest stewardship project
(photo, US Forest Service)
Many efforts to conserve existing forest have involved responsible management and stewardship.
Wetlands
Photo of forested wetland
(webpage electronic photo image, Tawna Mertz, CBPO
35mm slide, Nita Sylvester, CBPO)
Wetlands are vital habitats for many plants and animals. Wetlands directly benefit people by improving water quality, reducing flood and storm damages, minimizing erosion and supporting tourism and the hunting and fishing industries.
CBP 12/04/02
Wetland Loss Continues
In the 1980s we were still losingestuarine wetlands, like tidal marshes,but loss rates were significantly reduced.Loss rates were down from547 acres/year during the 1950s - 1970s,to 5 acres/year during the 1980s.
However, freshwater wetlands, like forested swamps, were lost at an increasing rate.Loss rates were up from2,373 acres/year during the 1950s - 1970s,to 2,807 acres/year during the 1980s.
Wetlands Protection
Photo of wetland
(webpage electronic photo image, Tawna Mertz, CBPO;
35 mm slide, CBPO)
Protecting our remaining wetlands is vital to restoringthe Bay ecosystem.
CBP 12/04/02
Patterns of Land Use and Consumption of Natural Resources Threaten Our Progress
Low density, single-use development, often called sprawl, tends to use "resource lands", such as forests, farms and wetlands.
This impacts the water quality of local waterways and the Bay, as well as the region's economy and heritage.
These development trends also have resulted in people driving farther to reach jobs and services, leading to increases in vehicle miles traveled.
CBP 12/04/02
State and local governmentsplay an important role inland use planning and
development in theChesapeake Bay region.
Stormwater Runoff
photo of stormwater running off street
(photo, CBPO)
As more and more of the watershed is developed, vegetated lands, such as forests, wetlands and farmland are converted to roads, parking lots, rooftops and other "impervious" surfaces.
CBP 12/04/02
River Flow into Chesapeake Bay
Normal Range
Wet Years
DryYears
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1937
1941
1945
1949
1953
1957
1961
1965
1969
1973
1977
1981
1985
1989
1993
1997
2001
Riv
er F
low
(b
illio
ns
of
gal
lon
s p
er d
ay)
1972Tropical StormAgnes
1941lowest flow on record
Since 1972, there have been many years with higher than average freshwater flow to the Bay.
Higher flows, depending on the time of year that they occur, can deliver increased amounts of sediment and nutrients to the Bay.
CBP 12/04/02
Status and Trendsin Water Clarity in the Bay andits Tidal Rivers
MeetsBorderlineFails
Bay Grass HabitatRequirement
Attainment Status(1999-2001)
Trend(1985-2001)
Decreasing(Bad)Increasing(Good)
Segments withunchanged trendshave no symbol
NotAvailable
Choptank
Chester
Potomac
Elizabeth
James
Appomattox
Rappahannock
Patuxent
Wicomico
PiankatankMobjack Bay
Middle Mainstem Bay
Lower Mainstem Bay
RhodeWest
Pocomoke
Middle
Northeast
Little Choptank
Nanticoke
FishingBay
Manokin
Tangier Sound
York
Pamunkey
Patapsco
Upper Mainstem Bay
South
Upper Chester
SassafrassBohemia
Mattaponi
Back
BushGunpowder
Chickahominy
Upper ChoptankMiddle Choptank
PiscatawayCreekMattawomanCreek
Corrotoman
CBP 12/04/02
Pfiesteria piscicidais a toxic dinoflagellate
that has been associated with fish lesions and fish killsin the coastal waters from
Delaware to North Carolina, including Chesapeake Bay.
Flagellated FormPhoto courtesy of the
Aquatic Botany Laboratory, North
Carolina State University
CBP 12/04/02
You Can Help
BayScape Your Yard
Photo of BayScaping
(webpage electronic photo image, Tawna Mertz, CBPO
35mm slide, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay)
There are several things you can do to reduce your input of nutrients to the rivers and Bay.
"BayScape" your yard by planting native vegetation that uses less fertilizer, pesticides and water.
Limit fertilizer use and apply at appropriate times
Photo of someone doing a soil test
(35mm slide, C. Hobbs, NRCS)
Use fertilizer wisely. Have your soil tested and ask for recommendations for the best time and amount of fertilizer to
apply for your particular landscaping needs. Never apply more than is needed.
Start a compost pile
Photo of compost pile
(webpage electronic photo image, Tawna Mertz, CBPO
35mm slide,Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay)
If you have room, start a compost pile in your backyard.By using a compost pile instead of a garbage disposal, you will
reduce your nutrient inputs to the watershed.
Maintain Your Septic System!
photo of septic tank pump-out truck
(35mm slide, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
If you have a septic system, be sure to have it pumped out every three to five years. This will allow your septic tank to
operate efficiently.
Use safer alternatives for cleaning and controlling pests
photo of "safer" pest control products
(35mm slide, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
There are several things you can do to reduce your input of toxics to the watershed.
Use safer alternatives for cleaning and controlling pests.
Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly!
photo of someone disposing of oil properly
photo, CBPO
Dispose of your unwanted household chemicals properly. DO NOT POUR THEM DOWN DRAINS!
CBP 12/04/02
Conserve Water, Conserve Energy, and
Drive Less!
CBP 12/04/02
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
Plant Trees and Reduce Soil Erosion!
Photo of tree planting project
(webpage electronic photo image, Don Maglienti, CBPO
35mm slide, Kathi Bangert, USFWS)
Plant trees and reduce soil erosion!Reducing erosion will not only reduce the amount of sediments
entering the streams, creeks, rivers and the Bay, but also the amount of nutrients and toxic chemicals entering the watershed.
Volunteer to Help Plant Beach and Marsh Grasses!
Photo of marsh or beach grass planting project
(webpage electronic photo image, Tawna Mertz, CBPO
35mm slide, Kate Naughten, CBPO)
Volunteer to help plant beach and marsh grasses. This will not only help reduce erosion, but also help reduce nutrient and toxic inputs to the watershed. Beach and marsh grasses also provide beneficial habitat for many creatures that live in the watershed.
Be a Sediment Buster!
photo of sediment control violation
photo, CBPO
Be a "sediment buster"!If you suspect violations of sediment control measures, report the
violation. Call your local Planning and Zoning Office.
Be a Responsible Boater!
photo of someone using a boat waste pump out facility
(35mm slide, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
Be a responsible boater! Pump out waste to onshore facilities. Don't pump bilges laden with chemicals and oil into the Bay or its
rivers. Use extreme caution when refueling or when using cleansers, paint, and antifouling compounds on your boat.
Dispose of trash properly.
Avoid disturbing shallow water areasand Bay grass beds
photo of "No Wake Zone" sign
(35mm slide, Kent Mountford, CBPO)
Observe posted speed limits and be responsible for your wake. This will help prevent erosion and habitat destruction.
Avoid disturbing shallow water areas and Bay grass beds.
CBP 12/04/02
Get Involved
CBP 12/04/02
WATERSHED
WATCHWe’re all in it together!
Become a citizen monitor
Photo of citizen monitoring activity
(webpage electronic photo image, Kate Naughten, CBPO
35 mm slide, CBPO)
Get involved by monitoring the water quality of a nearby stream, creek, river or Bayfront. You can also participate in
Bay grass monitoring programs.
CBP 12/04/02
Citizens Are Interested in Tracking Progress in Bay Clean-up
Wading into the Patuxent River at Broomes Island, MD, Bernie Fowler has seen improvements in water clarity since 1988. He says, "although this is not a scientific measure, it puts restoring the river on a human scale."
Bernie Fowler's Sneaker Index63
57
10 8
16 1618
28 28
4037
44.5
35.5
41.539.5
31
42.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
7019
50s
1960
s
88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 9920
00
2001
2002
Vis
ibili
ty (
inc
hes)
goal
Participate in clean up and restoration activities
Photo of group restoration or clean up project
(webpage electronic photo image, Don Maglienti, CBPO
35mm slide, Mason, USFWS)
Participate in clean up and restoration activities.
Chesapeake Bay Needs YOU!
general scenic photo of the Bay
(webpage electronic photo image, Kate Naughten, CBPO
35mm slide, Nita Sylvester, CBPO)
The Chesapeake Bay needs you!