At the foundation of all the work to save the Bay is one fundamental element—science. Verified, objective data is absolutely critical in both identifying threats to the health of our waterways and assessing their improvement. Simply put, trying to save the Bay without science is like losing our compass—take away the science and we are flying blind.
Achieving clean water in the Bay depends not only on sound science, but also a strong federal partnership. The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, the historic federal/state clean-up plan, depends on a strong U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In particular, EPA scientists play a crucial role in working with states to improve water quality. So, we were alarmed when we heard the news that the EPA forbade three of its scientists from speaking at a forum in Rhode Island this week about climate change and the possible impacts it could have on the health of the Narragansett Bay.
Climate change is arguably the greatest environmental threat of our time. And rather than an ambiguous future threat, we are already experiencing impacts from climate change in the Chesapeake, Narragansett, and around the world. These impacts will harm the communities and economies that depend on clean water and make finishing the job of saving the Bays all that much harder.
Silencing science, on climate change or any other issue, is unacceptable. Scientists' work is critical to understanding our natural resources, including the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams, and how we can restore them. We need our compass now more than ever.
This Week in the Watershed: Silencing Science, Dissolving Dead Zone, and an Oily Harbor
- The health of the James River is improving, but there is more work needed, according to the recently released "State of the James" report by the James River Association. (Daily Press—VA)
- Recently released data found that dissolved oxygen conditions in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay mainstem were much better than average this summer. (MD Department of Natural Resources)
- CBF President Will Baker and Former EPA Administrator William Ruckelshaus write on the need for a strong EPA to save the Chesapeake Bay. (Baltimore Sun—MD)
- An oily sheen appeared on the waters of Baltimore's Inner Harbor due to an oil spill near Jones Falls. (Baltimore Sun—MD)
- A community in eastern Baltimore County is coming together to plant rain gardens in efforts to reduce the polluted runoff following to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. (Bay Journal)
- A recent study found that location is likely the most important factor when identifying where to invest in stream restoration. (Bay Journal)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
October 28
- Frederick County, MD: Come help CBF plant more than 1,000 trees and shrubs along Israel Creek on a beef cattle farm in Frederick County. Approximately 5,000 feet of stream banks will be planted resulting is five acres of new riparian buffer. Israel Creek is in the Monocacy River watershed, which flows to the Potomac River then to the Chesapeake Bay. Click here to register!
- Culpeper, VA: Join us for a Clean Water Breakfast watershed updates from CBF and the Piedmont Environmental Council. Learn the water quality challenges the next administration will need to tackle and our asks of the next Governor. Click here to register!
October 30
- Fredericksburg, VA: Join us for a Clean Water Breakfast watershed updates from CBF and Friends of the Rappahannock's Kathy Harrigan. Learn the water quality challenges the next administration will need to tackle and our asks of the next Governor. Click here to register!
November 4
- Frederick County, MD: Come help CBF plant more than 800 trees on a beautiful, diversified farm that grows organic vegetables, 100-percent grass fed beef, pastured pork, and pastured poultry. After the planting, stick around to get a farm tour to see sustainable agriculture in practice and learn more about it firsthand. Click here to register!
November 7
- Virginia: The Gubernatorial election takes place. Take a moment to tell Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates that clean water is a priority for you—and you want to see evidence that it’s their priority, too.
