After months of meetings, letters, phone calls, and emails, it looked like we were going to take a step, albeit it a small one, towards strengthening Maryland's outdated Forest Conservation Act. Until the legislation disappeared. In a troubling move, two identical forest study bills in the General Assembly disappeared on the final day of session. As amended, the bills still had the support of the conservation community and opponents had withdrawn their opposition.
As we have discussed at length, protecting forests and other natural areas is one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce pollution reaching the Bay. Forests provide food and shelter for wildlife, increase property values, and provide cleaner air and cooler summer temperatures. They also reduce polluted runoff and help alleviate flooding through stabilizing the soil.
All these reasons and more are why we're fighting to protect Maryland's most valuable forests. Despite our disappointment that the General Assembly failed to strengthen the Forest Conservation Act, we will not cease in our efforts. Now we need you, our members, more than ever. It is only with your support that we will demand and hold our legislators accountable for protecting our forests.
Listen to the podcast below to get the complete inside scoop on Maryland's 2018 General Assembly.
This Week in the Watershed: Green Streets, Sad Forests, and Climate Change
- The development on Virginia's Fones Cliffs received a second violation notice from illegally clearing more than 13 acres of forest. (Richmond Times Dispatch–VA) BONUS: CBF Statement
- Bay states are writing plans on how climate change will impact their work to clean up the Bay. (Bay Journal)
- Results for environmental measures from Maryland's General Assembly is a mixed bag with a friendly budget but a disregarded Forest Conservation Act. (Baltimore Sun–MD)
- Two thumbs up to this editorial arguing federal funding for Bay restoration efforts should continue. (Virginian Pilot–VA)
- A Maryland community turned its streets green and is now literally experiencing the fruit of their labor. (Bay Journal)
- CBF volunteers planted 35 trees in Hopewell, VA, improving local water quality and beautifying the community. (Progress Index–VA)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
April 15
- Richmond, VA: Help plant trees that will beautify the landscape, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce pollution. All volunteers can take home a native tree seedling to plant in their garden. Click here to register!
April 19
- Hopewell, VA: Join us for a lunch and learn featuring Carol Heiser, Habitat Education Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. In her program, Habitat at Home© for Pollinators and Other Wildlife, you'll learn how to use native plants in your landscape to support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and many others. Expand your knowledge as a steward of the environment. As a bonus, Hopewell residents will have a chance to enroll for a free rain barrel. Click here to register!
April 21
- Washington County, MD: Join us Earth Day weekend and help us plant more than 1,000 trees and shrubs along Little Antietam Creek. Click here to register!
- Trappe, MD: Help CBF make the Choptank River cleaner and safer for the whole community during this river cleanup event. All supplies will be provided. Families and groups are welcome to attend. Click here to register!
- Annapolis, MD: Calling all anglers! Join us for the 17th Annual Boatyard Bar & Grill Opening Day Rockfish Tournament. Part of proceeds benefit CBF. Click here to learn more and register!
April 28
- Baltimore County, MD: Come help CBF plant more than 700 trees along Compass Run in the Prettyboy Reservoir watershed. This stream system supports brook trout, a fish species that is rapidly losing its' habitat due to climate change. Click here to register!
May 16
- Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for a boat trip on the Lynnhaven River. Examine what is living in this diverse and dynamic part of the Chesapeake Bay and learn about the recovery of the oyster population in the Lynnhaven. Click here to learn more and register!
- Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Click here to register!
May 19
- Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Click here to register!
May 30
- Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Click here to register!
June 2
- Throughout Virginia: Join us for the 30th annual Clean the Bay Day! One of the largest volunteer efforts in Virginia, roughly 6,000 volunteers remove more than 100,000 pounds of harmful debris from Virginia's waterways and shorelines. With sites all across the Commonwealth, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Click here to learn more and register!
- Annapolis, MD: Join us out on the water for a morning of fishing, learning, and fun! Spend the morning aboard the Marguerite in search of whatever is biting! Our experienced crew will provide all the knowledge and equipment necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! Click here to register!
- Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Click here to register!
- Columbia, PA: High school students from across the Keystone State team up in pairs of two and put their canoeing skills to the test against other high school teams. This year's event will be part of the Riverlands Trail Festival and Lancaster Water Week. In addition to the canoeing competition, there will be educational exhibits, live music, and an awards ceremony. Click here to register!
