(ANNAPOLIS, MD) —The Chesapeake Bay Program announced today that in 2017 Bay grasses covered almost 105,000 acres, a new record. Following the announcement, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Director of Science and Agricultural Policy Beth McGee issued this statement.
“Hitting yet another record in Bay grass acreage is a further indication that the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is working. Pollution is going down, the dead zone is getting smaller, and oysters are making a recovery. This progress is extraordinary.
“But the recovery is fragile and proposed rollbacks to federal environmental protection regulations threaten future progress. Blueprint partners, especially EPA, must stay the course. In fact, seeing these improvements should inspire the jurisdictions and local residents to accelerate efforts to reduce pollution and restore this national treasure.”
