Bringing the Bay Home: Blueprint, Pennsylvania Farms, and Restoration during COVID-19

20 Milestones Hero PA

Planting protective forest buffers around streams help farmers control pollution from erosion, manure, and fertilizers. State lawmakers need to establish a dedicated, stable, state agricultural cost-share program to help farmers invest in these and other conservation practices.

Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

Our weekly roundup of engaging, educational, and inspirational Bay content to enjoy at home during the age of COVID-19.

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!



Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


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