Forests for the Bay Part I 2000
- Published:
- January 1, 2000
- Originator:
- environmental Law Institute; Chesapeake Bay Program; Chesapeake Bay Commission
Forests are vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Policy markers and the public are now recognizing the role the Bay's forests play in helping to maintain water quality, air quality, watershed health and resilience, living resources, economic productivity, and the region's quality of life. The Chesapeake Bay Agreement signed in June 2000 commits Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and federal agencie to take actions that will "promote the expansion and connection of contiguous forests" in the Bay watershed. This study recommends the adoption of forest landscape policy goals to implement this commitment. It also recommends a variety of specific improvements and additions to existing tax, acquisition, forest management, land use, and urban forest programs that would improve the forests for the benefit of the public, landowners, and the environment.