After last year's volatile election cycle, it's tempting to dismiss any call to the polls this season.
But the Virginia gubernatorial election is only days away. And this election is critical.
At our Clean Water Forum featuring both candidates back in September, Mr. Ralph Northam and Mr. Ed Gillespie agreed wholeheartedly on one thing—clean water is essential. It's critical Virginia's next governor continues leading Virginia towards clean water by reducing polluted runoff, restoring iconic fisheries, and building resilient communities.
The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, the federal/state clean-up plan to save the Bay, is working. Oysters are rebounding. A new abundance of underwater grasses create critical habitat for juvenile fish and crabs. And in some locations you can once again see the bottom in five feet of water.
But federal support for the Blueprint is at risk. With federal leadership wavering, we need leadership at the local and state level more than ever.
This Week in the Watershed: Polluted Runoff Rage, Oyster Craze, and an Outrageous Park Raise
- A group of Maryland middle schoolers helped restore the Bay's native oyster population, building 18 oyster reef balls. (Baltimore Sun—MD)
- Recycling oyster shells is critical for oyster restoration efforts. (WJZ—MD)
- The dramatic increase of fee entries into national parks is causing an uproar across the country, including Virginia's Shenandoah Park. (WVTF—VA)
- The location for two new oyster sanctuaries in Maryland remain undecided. (Capital Gazette—MD)
- Great news in Norfolk, as a new kayak launch and fishing pier increases access to the Lafayette River. (WTKR—VA)
- The implementation of a new sewer service in Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore is a delicate balance between improving stormwater controls while not encouraging overdevelopment. (Star Democrat—MD)
- Lack of enforcement and punishment for those violating Maryland's stormwater laws is drawing the ire of many clean water advocates. (Bay Journal)
- A coalition of environmental groups, including CBF, are urging the Virginia State Water Control Board to deny the construction of a controversial natural gas pipeline. (Richmond Times-Dispatch—VA)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
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.
November 13
- Baltimore, MD: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is gathering to review public comments and take a final vote on the future of the menhaden fishery. Join whale watchers, charter boat captains, bait fisherman, sport fisherman, scientists, bird enthusiasts, students, conversation advocates, and Bay lovers for this historic vote. Arrive early and join us in the "Bunker Room" for lunch, gear demos, giveaways, and more! Need a ride? We have you covered. We have two free buses, one in Virginia, and one on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Click here for more information.
