According to a study by Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the oxygen-starved ‘dead zones’ of the Bay have been shrinking. The encouraging news may point to the effectiveness of regional reductions in nutrient pollution.
In other news:
- On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, biologists and trappers are working hard to fully eradicate the invasive Nutria species. Brought up from South America to boost the fur trapping industry, these large rodents can have devastating impacts on wetlands.
- According to MD state biologists, early spring rain is to blame for the die-off of oysters in the upper Bay. It was previously thought that the floods from Irene and Lee have caused this mortality.
- The Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council voted to reduce the harvest of menhaden by 37 percent. The new limits on the small, oily fish will be effective in 2013.
- The Charles County Connector, a controversial highway, was denied a permit for construction. The Maryland Department of the Environment cited lack of information regarding waterway crossings, including the Mattawoman Creek.
- Farmers in Pennsylvania will have a new tool in reducing pollution. The new Manure Management Plan Guidance will help bring all farms in the Keystone state into compliance with resource protection laws.
- Sediment behind the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River, the Bay’s largest tributary, could cause harm for the Bay if the dam’s sediment storage capacity is reached.
- As Maryland moves toward oyster aquaculture as the future of the oyster fishery, some in Virginia are concerned over having enough baby oysters, or spat, for all oyster farming operations in both states.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for the Bay
November 12
- Hop on your bike for a Cyclist for the Bay ride in Baltimore, MD. Explore the Gwynn’s Falls forest and see just how wild Baltimore can get when you bike and hit the trail.
- Help plant trees in Harrisonburg, VA with CBF! Volunteers will plant trees along a stream on a Rockingham County farm to reduce pollution and provide habitat.
November 14 – Clean Water Week
- Clean Water Week starts off in Easton at the Avalon Theatre with a public forum titled “Clean Water is Coming!” Join the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club to discuss what the Eastern Shore is doing to stop water pollution. This event is free and starts at 6 pm.
November 15 – Clean Water Week
- Check out what clean water means to students through their artistic renderings in the Wagner Witter Gallery. Hand-made posters from Talbot County students will be on display starting at 6 pm.
November 16 – Clean Water Week
- Come to the Avalon Theatre for a free concert starting at 8 pm performed exclusively for Clean Water Week. Musicians such as Kentavius Jones and Ryan Wilson who are just as passionate about clean water as they are about music will show off their skills with jazz, funk, soul, and rock.
November 17 – Clean Water Week
- Join the Maryland League of Conservation Voters for a Legislative Preview of environmental issues expected in the Maryland General Assembly starting in January. The event will take place at the Historical Society of Talbot County Auditorium, starting at 6 pm.
November 18 – Clean Water Week
- Clean Water Week will end with the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival at the Avalon Theatre. Join the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy for an evening of festivities, food and drink, and a two hour film entitled “The Needed Time – Maryland’s Midshore Rivers.” The event will start at 6 pm with a cost of $25 at the door.
November 19
- Help plant trees along a stream on a farm in Rockingham County. This is a great chance to get dirty and have fun, all while saving the Bay.
- Learn how to install a beautiful and functional rain garden in your home. The workshop will provide background information, tools, and tips. It will take place at in Forest Hill Park in Richmond, VA.
- Join the Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment as they work to clean up streets and stencil storm drains in several Arlington neighborhoods. Please register for this event.
—Adam Wickline
If you have an upcoming Bay-related restoration event and you need volunteers, please let us know: awickline@cbf.org. Do you enjoy working with fellow Bay Lovers to help save the Chesapeake? Become a CBF Volunteer to receive notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
(Photo at top by NASA)
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Posted by: John | 11/10/2011 at 04:21 PM