An armored fish gets more protection...
The Atlantic sturgeon, which migrates through the Chesapeake and up some of its rivers to spawn, was just designated as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Though it was illegal to catch this ancient species before this declaration, the new designation will afford sturgeon further protection from other threats such as by-catch.
In other Bay news…
- Maryland lawmakers pledge to support the increase of the Bay Restoration Fund during this year’s General Assembly. At the Environmental Summit last week, several delegates and senators talked about the importance of this money and how it will be used for clean water projects such as sewage treatment upgrades and contaminated run-off controls. These efforts will support Maryland’s plan to restore the Chesapeake in connection to the new federal pollution limits.
- The Department of Agriculture recently changed the growing zones for gardeners in the Chesapeake region, accounting for the warming trend in the past 25 years in the region.
- The Southern Environmental Law Center listed the Chesapeake Bay as one of the most endangered natural systems in the United States’ southeast.
- On February 1, 140 students from Anne Arundel County, MD took to the halls of the state legislature to lobby in support of bills that have an impact on students across the state. One of those bills is the increase of the Bay Restoration Fund.
- The Harrisburg Authority, the group that oversees wastewater treatment plant in Pennsylvania’s capital, has redesigned its new upgrade so that it will cost half of the original estimates while reducing the same amount of pollution. The upgrades are needed to meet ammonia and nitrogen discharge limits set by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for the Bay
February 4 – Virginia
- Attend one of the four Grasses for the Masses workshops happening in Virginia. Learn how you can grow underwater grasses in your home and later plant them in the Bay to help restore a vital Chesapeake habitat. Locations include Richmond, Gloucester, Manassas, and Glen Allen.
- Join a crew of dedicated citizens as they work to clean the streets of Richmond to help save the Bay. Your rewards are good feelings in your heart and a free cup of coffee from the Lamplighter Café (please bring your own coffee cup). RSVP with Jess Barton.
February 6 – Virginia Beach
- Take part in the Grasses for the Masses workshop in Virginia Beach. Learn how you can grow underwater grasses in your home and later plant them in the Bay to help restore a vital Chesapeake habitat.
February 9 – Burke, Virginia
- Take part in the Grasses for the Masses workshop in Burke. Learn how you can grow underwater grasses in your home and later plant them in the Bay to help restore a vital Chesapeake habitat.
February 11 – Arlington, VA and Marriottsville, MD
- Take part in the Grasses for the Masses workshop in Arlington. Learn how you can grow underwater grasses in your home and later plant them in the Bay to help restore a vital Chesapeake habitat.
- Come staff a table at the Marriottsville Environmental Fest to help spread our Save the Bay message!
—Adam Wickline
Photo: © Sandra Zoellner
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.
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