Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Baltimore County residents file legal challenge against Middle River Depot developers

MIDDLE RIVER, MD—The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and several Baltimore County residents have filed a lawsuit against the developers of a 53-acre property in Middle River, alleging violations of sediment and erosion control rules. The lawsuit, filed on March 20 in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County against Eastern Boulevard LLC and TKG III Middle River LLC, seeks to halt construction […]

Lawmakers, advocates rally for Chesapeake Bay cleanup

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland lawmakers enjoyed fresh, local oysters on Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis on March 18 as Chesapeake Bay advocates and oyster growers demonstrated the importance of funding for oyster restoration and Chesapeake Bay cleanup. Dozens of lawmakers and Moore administration members relished raw and roasted oysters farmed by Maryland aquaculture businesses across the state, including Dorchester and St. Mary’s Counties. […]

Maryland DNR 2024 Fall Oyster Survey records solid reproduction for fifth consecutive year

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the preliminary results of its 2024 Fall Oyster Survey indicate that the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster populations are in good condition. The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a key indicator of reproductive success and potential population growth, was above the 39-year median for the fifth consecutive year. This positive trend follows a […]

Chesapeake Bay region lawmakers reintroduce bill to boost conservation practices

BALTIMORE, MD—A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers from the Chesapeake Bay region reintroduced legislation this week to support farmers adopting conservation practices that will improve water quality in the Bay and its tributaries. The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act proposes five changes to the next Farm Bill to encourage farmers to implement voluntary conservation practices. The Chesapeake Bay Task Force Co-chairs […]

Maryland launches pilot program for watershed restoration

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced five watershed projects that will be part of the state’s Whole Watershed Act pilot program. The five-year program will implement restoration projects in the 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. […]

Maryland Department of Environment announces $47 million in Clean Water Commerce Act funding for Chesapeake Bay health, economy

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland has announced $47 million in funding for 15 projects aimed at reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) says the projects will use a “pay-for-success” model, incentivizing farmers and landowners to implement pollution-reducing practices. The projects will receive funding based on their ability to demonstrate cost-effective clean water solutions. These projects include shoreline […]

Board of Public Works approves $1.7 million for land conservation in Baltimore, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, and Queen Anne’s counties

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works this week approved more than $1.7 million in grants to help local governments and land trusts buy land and conservation easements to protect natural resources and create parks. The money was from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space Local and Rural Legacy programs. Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, […]