Fully half of Virginia is drained by Chesapeake Bay rivers, and two-thirds of the state's population lives within the Bay watershed. From the farm fields of the Shenandoah Valley to the pinewoods of the Eastern Shore, for most Virginians the Bay is as close as the nearest creek or stream.

RALLY FOR CLEAN WATER 2009:
Take a Day to Save the Bay!

Rally for Clean Water | Issues
Supporting Groups | Past Success

 

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Hundreds of advocates for clean water converged on Richmond's Capitol Square Monday, January 26, 2009, to let state lawmakers know the time is now for clean rivers and a healthy Chesapeake Bay.

"Clean water now!" chanted the throng of citizens as they braved snow flurries and cold temperatures for CBF's Rally for Clean Water.

The rally drew hundreds of clean water advocates from across Virginia, including busloads of citizens from Hampton Roads and the Northern Neck. Participants, clad in blue scarves or coats, demonstrated their support for bills in the Virginia General Assembly that reduce pollution in streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Many rally-goers arrived early for breakfast, a welcome from CBF Virginia Executive Director Ann Jennings, and briefings by CBF President Will Baker and State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington.

All then walked the few blocks to Capitol Square and assembled at the square's historic Bell Tower to mingle with state lawmakers as they stopped by CBF's "Taste of the Chesapeake" tent to sample hot oyster stew. The stew, made from native Chesapeake Bay oysters grown in clean-water areas of the Bay by Rappahannock River Oysters, a Virginia aquaculture company, was a hit with lawmakers.

CBF President Will Baker and Vice President Roy Hoagland then warmed up the crowd for Governor Tim Kaine, who addressed the crowd about his efforts to protect Virginia's rivers and streams and to promote clean water legislation in the General Assembly:

  • Pending bills will ensure critical state support for farm conservation programs that help farmers reduce polluted runoff.
  • Farm runoff is one of the largest sources of harmful nitrogen and phosphorus pollution plaguing Virginia rivers and the Bay.
  • Cost-share programs that provide funding assistance to farmers are considered the most cost-effective tools for reducing runoff pollution and can provide an economic stimulus for Virginia's farm and seafood economies.

Following the Capitol Square rally, participants gathered for lunch, briefings, and other clean water advocacy activities back at Centenary United Methodist Church. Citizens wrote letters to lawmakers, videotaped messages to legislators, and penned postcards to the Environmental Protection Agency to urge greater federal support for Chesapeake Bay cleanup.