In an exciting step for Maryland water quality, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the five watershed projects that’ll be implemented as part of the Whole Watershed Act. This is a five-year pilot program that will restore targeted rivers and streams of various geographies, levels of impairment, and uses. The selected projects include: Antietam Creek in Washington County, the Baltimore Harbor, Newport Bay in Worcester County, the Severn River near Annapolis, and the Upper Choptank River on the Eastern Shore.
The Whole Watershed Act, which passed in the 2024 General Assembly, will implement innovative, science-based approaches to waterway restoration. The program is a direct response to the 2023 Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR) report—an evaluation of water quality progress for the Chesapeake Bay—which recommended targeting restoration in key watersheds to accelerate water quality, habitat, and living resource benefits, particularly in shallow water areas like creeks and streams.
Project proposals had to demonstrate strong community and local government support, and had to address non-point source pollution. Concepts range from planting trees on farms, to protecting shorelines from erosion, and restoring underwater grasses and oyster beds. Selected watersheds will benefit from technical assistance, funding, and a coordinated permitting process that will help implement the projects over the five-year pilot program.
However, funding for this program is currently at risk as legislators work to address the state’s $3 billion budget deficit. The Department of Legislative Services recommended a sweeping, four-year cut to environmental programs, which could effectively halt implementation of the Act and other Chesapeake Bay restoration projects.
Allison Colden, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Executive Director, issued the following statement:
“This announcement is an exciting step toward fully restoring these five watersheds, which will have incredible water quality benefits for Marylanders and the Chesapeake Bay. Accelerating the pace of restoration in a data-driven way that achieves multiple outcomes – from climate mitigation, improved air and water quality, to vibrant fisheries – is key to Maryland achieving its Bay restoration, climate, and economic goals.
“However, these exciting plans are somewhat tempered by looming recommendations to cut funding for environmental programs that would fund implementation of the Whole Watershed Act. We urge the Maryland General Assembly to resist environmental budget cuts so that the Whole Watershed Act’s strategic, science-driven solutions can be implemented, and the resulting water quality benefits can be enjoyed by all.”
