FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about your Membership?
Here are some common questions asked by our members along with the answers and, in many cases, links to further information on the topic. As always, if you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us at member@cbf.org and we'll get a response to you as quickly as possible.
How is the Bay doing?
Although the rate of decline has slowed recently, the Bay is still in critical condition. In our 2008 State of the Bay report, CBF rated the Bay a 28 out of 100, indicating that the Bay is at a little over one-quarter of its fullest potential. Compared to historic levels, we have lost 88 percent of the oysters, 80 percent of the Bay's underwater grasses, 58 percent of the wetlands, and 46 percent of the forested buffers lining our streams and tributaries. Without these natural resources, the Bay cannot recover. CBF is working to protect and restore our national treasure.
What is the biggest problem facing the Bay?
Nitrogen pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff and sewage treatments plants, is the Bay's #1 problem. This overload of pollution seriously impairs the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and streams that feed it.
I have a local Bay-related issue going on in my community. Can CBF help?
CBF is concerned about local issues — because it's on the local level that most positive changes can and should occur. For obvious reasons, we cannot get involved in every local issue directly, so the approach we have taken is to provide training on a variety of issues to assist citizens in getting their voices heard. The training programs are a part of our Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) program. For more information, or to get involved in your area, e-mail Heather Tuckfield: htuckfield@cbf.org.
How can I get involved in CBF?
How do I know when my membership expires?
Your membership in CBF is valid for one year from your initial membership contribution or membership renewal. We will send you a renewal notice one month before your membership expires to make renewing your support as easy as possible. Or, you can contact the Membership Department at member@cbf.org or 410/268-8816 and we'll be happy to let you know the status of your membership.
Someone came to my house last night to ask me to support CBF. Is this legitimate?
CBF does have canvassing operations (door-to-door solicitors) in Maryland and Virginia. If you live in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC, a CBF staffer may call on you. Our representatives clearly identify themselves and wear Chesapeake Bay Foundation shirts. If you have any questions or concerns about CBF canvassers, please contact the Membership Department at member@cbf.org.
I received a phone call last night from someone claiming to represent CBF. Does CBF contact its members by phone?
CBF conducts membership renewal programs by phone two times per year. These calls let our members know that their memberships have expired or are about to expire and give them a quick, convenient method of renewing their support.
Occasionally, we will also call members with special appeals for important programs such as oyster reef restoration or habitat protection programs. We also call our members when their help is urgently needed to pass laws and regulations that protect the Bay. For these advocacy calls, we may ask that members call or write their state or federal representatives.
In most cases, our members are eager to learn about the challenges facing the Bay and what they can do to help. However, if you prefer not to receive telephone calls from CBF, just notify the Membership Department at member@cbf.org and we'll code your record "no call." And, of course, if you have any questions or concerns about a CBF caller, please let us know.
I've heard a lot about CBF's oyster gardening programs. How can I get involved?
CBF's oyster restoration program has a variety of efforts Baywide to help restore and replenish dangerously low oyster populations. Citizens who live on the water can become oyster gardeners,actually growing oysters off of their docks with "spat" and training provided by CBF. Or you can volunteer to make shellbags or help us transplant adult oysters onto reefs and bars throughout the Bay. For more information on CBF's oyster restoration efforts, click here or contact Stephanie Reynolds at sreynolds@cbf.org.
Does CBF get the money for the Chesapeake Bay license plates in Maryland and Virginia? How about the money I gave on my state income tax form last year?
Both the license plate programs and the income tax check-off programs are fundraising efforts for The Chesapeake Bay Trust (in Maryland) and the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund (in Virginia), nonprofit grant making organizations created to promote public awareness and participation in the restoration and protection of the Bay and its tributaries. CBF is not affiliated with the Chesapeake Bay Trust or the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, although we have applied for and received funds from both organizations for various restoration and educational programs.
I'm a member of CBF and I've noticed that I'm receiving more mail from other nonprofit organizations. How can I stop the mail?
CBF does, on occasion, trade our mail list with other carefully screened nonprofit organizations. If you would prefer that CBF not share your name, simply send your name, address, and member ID number to member@cbf.org and our Member Relations staff will amend your member record.
If you continue to receive unwanted mail, you may also write to the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and let them know that you want your name removed from all mail lists. The DMA must receive the request from you in writing, and please keep in mind that the service is performed quarterly, so it may take up to three or four months for your request to be activated. You may send your request to:
Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
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