Explore our State of the Blueprint report, released this week, to see the progress, or lack thereof, that Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have made on their commitments to reduce pollution in accordance with the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint—and what’s still needed. Then, learn about efforts to help the states achieve their goals, including plans to create the agricultural cost-share program Pennsylvania farmers need; county-level actions to protect Maryland forests; projects reducing polluted runoff in Virginia cities; and, of course, on-the-ground restoration work that’s continuing despite COVID-19.
State of the Blueprint
The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is our last, best chance to save the Bay. Its success is critical to our region’s health, economy, outdoor heritage, and quality of life. But are efforts to reduce pollution on track to meet the Blueprint’s 2025 deadline? Our State of the Blueprint report assesses how Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia are doing.
Helping Pennsylvania Farmers
Farmers in the Keystone State are willing to invest their time, land, and effort to restore and protect rivers and streams, but they cannot pay for it all themselves. State Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) has announced plans to introduce legislation to create the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP)—it’s the agricultural cost-share program Pennsylvania sorely needs.
Saving Forests, County by County
County-level efforts to conserve and plant more trees are helping Maryland meet pollution-reduction goals for the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint’s 2025 deadline. In the past year, Anne Arundel, Howard, and Frederick County have all increased forest protections. CBF is encouraging other Maryland counties to evaluate their forest protection measures and strengthen them.
Slowing the Flow
The Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) is helping cities and counties across Virginia complete innovative projects that slow the flow of polluted runoff that fouls rivers, streams, and the Bay. Read about real-life projects and see one in action in this video produced by the Choose Clean Water Coalition, featuring CBF’s Ann Jurczyk.
Video: Restoration, Onward!
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things about our personal and professional lives, but CBF staff are still pushing forward with Bay restoration efforts across the watershed safely and responsibly. See some of our favorite clips of this summer’s work to keep up the good fight, from oyster restoration to Bay-friendly agriculture.
What You Can Do
- Happy Shark Week! Did you know the Bay is an important nursery for sand sharks? Read up on these important predators.
- August is National Make-A-Will Month! Use our free will writing tool and create your will today.
- Sign up for our weekly Save the Bay e-newsletter—a weekly roundup of uplifting Bay stories, inspirational videos, helpful teaching resources, and much more.
- Help us continue to bring the Bay and its rivers to you at home each week. Donate today!
