Press Center
Learn about the Bay Program's latest progress in our science and restoration efforts. Members of the media are invited to contact the Chesapeake Bay Program communications office with questions and requests for interviews or information.

Recent Releases
May 17, 2022
Innovative Technology continues to advance Chesapeake Bay restoration
The Chesapeake Bay Program, in collaboration with the Chesapeake Conservancy, U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Vermont, is pleased to announce the release of the Very High-Resolution Land Use/Land Cover and Change Data. These data update the 2013-14 High-Resolution Land Cover and Land Use Data Project, provide new land use and land cover data captured in 2017-18 and include a new data product that describes the changes in land use and land cover throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency entered into a six-year cooperative agreement with the Chesapeake Conservancy to produce land use, land cover and land change data for the watershed. This effort was intended to build upon the release of the initial one-meter data products in 2016 and 2017 that were the first and largest high-resolution land use/land cover datasets ever developed for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. When these products were released in 2016 and 2017, they provided more precise information showing small tracts of woods and individual trees in urban areas.
The new 2017-18 dataset includes a more detailed land use/land cover classification with enhanced technical and scientific information that was not previously available for the 2013-14 data products. Experts have now updated the 2013-14 datasets with this new information and are releasing a brand-new 2017-18 product. The new 2017-18 and revised 2013-14 datasets contain 54 land use/land cover classes that are grouped into a general 18 class schema. This new release includes 38 more land use/land cover classes than the original 2013-14 data product.
These data cover 99,000 square miles–an area comprising 206 counties that intersect or are adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They will inform Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load planning efforts that will help watershed jurisdictions make progress toward meeting their pollutant reduction goals. In addition, the 1-meter data support the goals and outcomes of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement by helping partners of the Chesapeake Bay Program improve their ability to measure and focus environmental, community and economic benefits, such as determining improvements in air quality, reducing flooding risks, energy savings, carbon sequestration, advancements in environmental justice and enhancements in stormwater management.
To complement these updated and new datasets, change data are being offered for the very first time. This is the first such product to map change at this large scale. The change data will inform powerful insights about how our watershed is transforming. It will help guide actions and decisions to make progress toward meeting land management goals, including monitoring changes in tree canopy, determining how much carbon is stored in forests, and mapping wildlife habitat, ecologically sensitive lands and areas where environmental restoration can provide the most benefit. Additionally, these data can track how lands transition into being developed or used for agricultural production, as well as other changes that impact water quality and the environment as a whole.
The Very High-Resolution Land Use/Land Cover change data are currently limited to a 4–5-year span, as these novel data have only been developed for two time periods at this point (2013-14 and 2017-18) for each county in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Because one-by-one meter data has not been produced using imagery prior to 2013, moderate 30-by-30 meter resolution data, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, are used to assess land use/land cover prior to that time. These data will continue to be important in understanding long-term trends in human activities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
This is the largest amount of open data at this scale that has ever been made available and it’s free for anyone to use. The 2017-18 land cover and land use data, as well as the change data can be accessed at https://www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/conservation-innovation-center/high-resolution-data/lulc-data-project-2022/. A webinar explaining how to access and use the data is available will be held on Tuesday, May 24 from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Please visit this link to register for the webinar. The next iteration of land use/land cover and change data is expected in 2024, representing the 2021-22 timeframe.
April 28, 2022
Chesapeake Bay Program federal agencies announce actions to combat climate change
Federal partners of the regional Chesapeake Bay Program unveiled an initial round of actions today that each plan to take to counter climate change impacts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The actions respond to Directive 21-1 Collective Action for Climate Change (Directive) approved and signed by the Chesapeake Executive Council in October 2021. The Chesapeake Executive Council establishes the policy direction for the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and is made up of the governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, the mayor of the District of Columbia, the chair of the tri-state, legislative Chesapeake Bay Commission and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the federal government.
Federal agencies partners of the Chesapeake Bay Program include the EPA, the Department of Interior (National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Agriculture.
Included among each agency’s actions are efforts to reduce flooding in communities, increase habitat resiliency with stream-side vegetation and shorelines protected by natural materials, and strengthen science and research to help target climate adaptation efforts.
The actions also highlight a commitment from each federal department and agency to advance environmental justice and commit to ongoing partnerships with tribes and underserved communities, to help build their climate adaptive capacity.
The actions are focused on the four major goals of the Directive: to address the threats of climate change in all aspects of the partnership’s work; prioritize communities, working lands (forests, ranches and farms) and most vulnerable habitats; apply the best scientific, modeling, monitoring and planning capabilities; and connect restoration outcomes with emerging opportunities.
A snapshot of some of the commitments include:
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct pilot studies in Cambridge, Maryland and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as well as in two tribal communities to prioritize natural resources, wildlife habitats and public infrastructure needs in underserved communities at risk due to climate change. These pilot studies are part of the partnership’s Targeted Outreach for Green Infrastructure project.
- The EPA will enhance their understanding through research as to how best management practices respond to the increased intensity, frequency and duration of storms caused by climate change. The agency will also target actions to support local government implementation of climate-adapted practices and build resilience against storms and stormwater using a recently completed web-based tool designed to estimate future precipitation for every county in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- The National Park Service (NPS) will conduct climate vulnerability assessments of all coastal park sites in the Chesapeake Bay region to generate recommendations for climate resiliency. The NPS has also started a dialogue with members of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom about the impacts that sites face from climate change.
- The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will assess the potential effects of climate and land changes on freshwater streams and fish populations, as well as the vulnerability of coastal areas, to help agencies plan adaption activities.
The specific commitments for each federal agency can be found on the Chesapeake Bay Program’s website at https://www.chesapeakebay.net/documents/Climate_Directive_4.26.22.pdf.
April 21, 2022
Chesapeake Behavior Change focuses on increasing environmental stewardship
The Chesapeake Bay Program, a regional partnership overseeing the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding watershed, announces the launch of Chesapeake Behavior Change, an online tool designed to assist organizations and individuals in promoting environmentally friendly stewardship behaviors.
“The partnership is thrilled to launch a groundbreaking social science tool designed to help local partners and communities develop strategies to inspire their residents toward voluntary stewardship actions,” said Michelle Price-Fay, acting director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office. “The tool builds on pioneering efforts to incorporate the principals and science of behavior change to design, build and implement actions to protect our natural resources, local waters and the Chesapeake Bay.”
Chesapeake Behavior Change integrates the data and findings from the groundbreaking Stewardship Index, first published in 2017, into a platform that is easily accessible for organizations and individuals interested in using the data to build their own behavior change campaigns.
“In short, environmental problems are social problems,” said Kacey Wetzel, vice-president of programs for outreach and education at the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “We know our lands and waters will not be restored without the millions of residents in the watershed choosing to take civic action and adopt environmentally responsible practices in their everyday lives. Social science research has shown time and time again that people often need more than information to act. Regionally, thousands of community-based organizations, local governments and nonprofit groups seek to aid residents in taking environmentally responsible actions. Chesapeake Behavior Change is a tool rooted in social science that is designed not just to educate, but aid practitioners in designing participatory programming that centers people in their work.”
The Stewardship Index is the first comprehensive survey of stewardship actions and attitudes in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It reveals what actions residents across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are taking to protect clean water and restore environmental health, as well as how much of the region has volunteered or spoken out on behalf of the environment. Additionally, it forecasts future stewardship by measuring the willingness of watershed residents to engage in actions and measures attitudes that motivate environmentally responsible behaviors. A refresh of this survey and updated data is planned for late 2022.
Chesapeake Behavior Change features the following:
- About the Survey: Learn all about the Stewardship Index—how it was conducted, what it asked and the criteria used to select behaviors.
- Survey Trends: Explore the survey trends uncovered through the Stewardship Index.
- Survey Data: Review the survey results to help inform behavior change campaigns.
- Behavior Change: Learn more about behavior change, why it is important and how to plan and implement a public outreach campaign. This section of the website also includes helpful links and worksheets.
- Campaigns: View a database of completed behavior change campaigns to learn what has been successful, to connect with others and upload your own.
Behavior change is rooted in social science principles (e.g., behavioral economics, psychology), informed by insights into the attitudes and priorities of key audiences, and is focused on increasing the adoption of environmentally friendly behaviors, rather than simply raising awareness.
"Given the immediacy and gravity of the environmental challenges we face, we need to prioritize and freely share opportunities for catalytic change,” said Ashley Traut, co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Stewardship Workgroup and senior advisor for the Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition. “Chesapeake Behavior Change is a perfect example of what is needed: a user-friendly, endlessly filterable, one-stop shop to learn about watershed residents' knowledge and motivations, with detailed descriptions of the campaigns that have inspired significant adoption of new stewardship behaviors. This is a game changer for anyone looking to really move the needle forward for community-level action."
Chesapeake Behavior Change was developed in coordination with the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Stewardship Workgroup, Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy, Chesapeake Bay Trust, GreenFin Studios and OpinionWorks, LLC.
To access a webinar on how to use the website, please visit the Chesapeake Bay Program’s YouTube site to view, Inspire Local Stewardship with “Chesapeake Behavior Change”.
February 09, 2022
Chesapeake Bay Program Office Funding Helps Watershed Non-Profits Weather Pandemic
The Chesapeake Bay Program, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, is pleased to announce the completion of all projects funded under the “Equity and Environmental Education in the time of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to Support Environmental Education Providers” grant program.
In fall 2020, non-profit organizations experienced in providing environmental education throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed were invited to apply for emergency funding to help offset the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this grant program came from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office and was administrated by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. In total, the nine recipients received $159,400 for use toward the implementation of their programs by the end of 2021.
"These funds supported the environmental education community during a challenging and uncertain time," said Shannon Sprague, environmental literacy and partnerships manager for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chesapeake Bay Office and co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Program Education Workgroup. "As opportunities to work with students in-person changed, our partners showed tremendous creativity and innovation to ensure that students in our region were still able to safely participate in engaging environmental education. Many of the products and innovations developed with this funding will continue to enhance our work after we return to pre-pandemic operations."
Grant recipients included:
- Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park received $20,000 to support the adaption and implementation of the Box of Rain and School in Nature programs.
- Blue Sky Fund used $20,000 to support the adaptation and implementation of the Explorers program for third, fourth and fifth graders at Richmond Public Schools.
- Boxerwood Education Association received $19,990 to support the NEST program for students in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
- ECO City Farms used $20,000 to support the transition of education offerings to a virtual format and provide at-home COVID testing kits to 3,000 Prince George’s County, Maryland students.
- Friends of Peirce Mill received $7,200 to support an online program for third graders in the District of Columbia that included live lessons and a virtual field trip.
- Friends of the National Arboretum used $19,985 to support the distribution of Grow-at-Home kits for 2,000 students and six safely-distanced Arboretum Family Days at the U.S. National Arboretum for high-needs school communities.
- Living Classroom Foundation received $19,998 to support the adaptation and implementation of a virtual School Leadership in Urban Runoff Reduction Project (SLURRP) program for fourth and fifth graders in South Baltimore, Maryland.
- Stroud Water Research Center used $14,442 to support the adaptation and implementation of virtual environmental education programs and created a Pennsylvania Watershed Literacy and Resources website.
- Ward Foundation received $17,785 to enable the Ward Museum to continue serving regional children and teachers through new socially-distant, virtual and hybrid programs.
The Annapolis Maritime Museum was one of these lucky recipients. Sarah Krizek, volunteer coordinator, thankfully noted that they were able to obtain their childcare license and offer a “School in Nature” opportunity for working families, which was sorely needed. She added, “children were offered a structured work environment to conduct their classes and an abundance of outdoor activities and adventures to counter all the screen time.”
“The Trust is proud to partner with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to distribute resources for these projects that engage students and make a difference in our schools, communities and environment,” said Dr. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “We know that meaningful environmental education lays the foundation for future restoration and protection of our local natural resources. These innovative programs have been essential to furthering that education for students during the pandemic.”
About the Chesapeake Bay Program
The Chesapeake Bay Program (www.chesapeakebay.net) is a regional partnership that has coordinated and conducted the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since its formation in 1983. Partners include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal government; the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tristate legislative body; and advisory groups of residents, scientists and local government officials.
About the Chesapeake Bay Trust
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) is a nonprofit, grant-making organization established by the Maryland General Assembly dedicated to improving the natural resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake region through environmental education, community engagement and local watershed education. The Trust’s grantees engage hundreds of thousands of individuals annually in projects that have a measurable impact on the waterways and other natural resources of the region. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Treasure the Chesapeake license plate; donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form; donations made by hunters, fishers and boaters in the Maryland online natural resource licensing system; donations from individuals and corporations; and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state and local governments. The Trust has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator for over two decades: On average, 90% of the Trust’s expenditures are directed to its restoration and education programs.
December 14, 2021
EPA Administrator takes helm of Chesapeake Executive Council
As 2021 draws to a close, members of the Chesapeake Executive Council gathered today in Richmond, Virginia to review the many successes of the Chesapeake Bay Program over the past year, while providing transparency about the challenges that lie ahead.
Established 38 years ago, the Chesapeake Executive Council is responsible for guiding the policy agenda and conservation and restoration goals for the Chesapeake Bay Program, a regional watershed partnership. Members include the governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, the mayor of the District of Columbia, the chair of the tri-state legislative Chesapeake Bay Commission and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the federal government.
At the meeting, Vernice Miller-Travis, executive vice-president of environment and sustainability with The Metropolitan Group, provided details on one of the partnership’s major accomplishments of the past year—the release of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Implementation Plan Strategy. This Implementation Plan is the direct result of the historic Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice signed by the Executive Council at their August 2020 meeting. Immediately following the August 2020 meeting, an Action Team was formed to draft the Implementation Plan.
Ms. Miller-Travis helped pen Restoration from the Inside Out: A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Strategy for the Chesapeake Bay Program, which guided the development of the Implementation Plan. Following a formal public comment period in September, the Implementation Plan was finalized and is ready to be broadly implemented across the partnership. It outlines the tasks, actions, roles and resources that are critical to advancing DEIJ and addressing environmental justice within all areas of the Chesapeake Bay Program. It aims to increase racial and ethnic diversity among partnership staff and leadership, while providing the tools to help all partners continually assess progress toward their DEIJ goals, and help them develop into leaders that understand, respect and embrace cultural diversity.
"Just as the Directive has committed us to address diversity, equity, inclusion and justice across the partnership, members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission will continue to look for opportunities to address DEIJ in our laws and budgets,” said Chesapeake Bay Commission Chair David Bulova. “If we work to lift our most vulnerable communities, we can achieve clean water and air, abundant fish and wildlife, while providing the access needed to enjoy them. "
Providing leadership on not only the advancement of DEIJ, but also climate change, will be Governor Ralph Northam’s legacy for this partnership. He closed out his year of chairing the Executive Council by symbolically handing the reins to EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
"It has been an honor to serve as the Chair of the Executive Council, a partnership that plays a vital role in building the coalition necessary to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay," said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam." We have built a strong foundation to protect all people and the economies vital to the Bay, especially those who have been historically underrepresented and under-resourced."
Members and designees of the Executive Council also heard from Michelle Price-Fay, acting director of EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office. In her remarks, she noted a recent assessment completed by the partnership in assessing the attainability of each outcome in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. As 2025 looms near, Chesapeake Bay Program partners are taking an honest and critical look at whether the 31 outcomes of the Watershed Agreement are on track to meet their targets. This assessment is driving conversations across the partnership as to what outcomes should be prioritized and how challenges will be met. These outcome attainability templates provide the foundation for the partnership’s Bay Barometer: An Annual Report on the State of the Program and the Health of the Bay.
In June 2014, the Executive Council signed the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, with the vision of fostering an environmentally and economically sustainable watershed with clean water, abundant life, conserved lands and access to the water, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a diversity of engaged citizens and stakeholders.
“EPA is honored to lead the partnership as we act together to close the gap in our restoration goals, build resilience to climate change and ensure that the benefits of our efforts are shared by all,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “With major infusions of federal funding coming soon, and with a greater resolve, we will work with our partners to help pick up the pace of progress and realize our collective commitments to a clean Bay and watershed.”
Media Advisories
December 08, 2021
December 2021 Chesapeake Executive Council Meeting
On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Chesapeake Executive Council will hold a public meeting and press event where they will hear an update on the activities that have taken place since the signing of the historic diversity, equity, inclusion and justice directive in 2020. Additionally, the council will review the partnership’s progress toward achieving each outcome in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement by 2025, and each member or designee will provide remarks. More detailed information can be found on the December 2021 Executive Council meeting website.
The Chesapeake Executive Council was established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983 to set goals and provide guidance for the Chesapeake Bay Program. The council meets on at least an annual basis.
Who
- The Honorable Ralph S. Northam, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia (Executive Council Chair)
- The Honorable David Bulova, Chair, Chesapeake Bay Commission
- The Honorable Janet McCabe, Deputy Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
- The Honorable Shawn Garvin, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, State of Delaware
- The Honorable Ben Grumbles, Secretary, Department of the Environment, State of Maryland
- The Honorable Basil Seggos, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation, State of New York
- The Honorable Russell Redding, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- The Honorable Tommy Wells, Director, Department of Energy and Environment, District of Columbia
- The Honorable Scott Mandirola, Assistant Secretary of External Affairs and Chief Science Officer, Department of Environmental Protection, State of West Virginia
When
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. EST
Where
In-Person:
East Reading Room—Patrick Henry Building
1111 E Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Virtually:
To access the public meeting and press conference virtually, please register using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p6s5M4aOSXmQluzT6ZCNeA
Password: EC2021
(Meeting room will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting)
Media are invited to participate in-person or virtually. Please note that everyone attending the meeting in-person will need to wear a mask at all times. Please RSVP to Rachel Felver at rfelver@chesapeakebay.net by December 13.
September 17, 2021
2021 Chesapeake Executive Council Meeting
On Friday, October 1, 2021, the Chesapeake Executive Council will hold a public meeting and press event during which the council will announce the adoption of a climate change directive for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Additionally, members of the Executive Council will have the opportunity to give remarks about how climate change is impacting their region and what measures they are taking to address it. Prior to the meeting, council members will be joined by Pamela Northam, First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and subject matter experts from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia for an environmental education experience on the Lynnhaven River. More detailed information will be forthcoming on the 2021 Executive Council meeting website.
The Chesapeake Executive Council was established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983 to set goals and provide guidance for the Chesapeake Bay Program. The council meets on at least an annual basis.
Who
The following individuals will participate in the Public Meeting and Press Conference:
- The Honorable Ralph S. Northam, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia (Executive Council Chair)
- The Honorable Larry J. Hogan, Jr., Governor, State of Maryland
- The Honorable David Bulova, Chair, Chesapeake Bay Commission
- The Honorable Diana Esher, Acting Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
The following individuals will attend the Public Meeting and Press Conference on behalf of their council principals:
- The Honorable Russell Redding, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- The Honorable Tommy Wells, Director, Department of Energy and Environment, District of Columbia
- The Honorable Scott Mandirola, Assistant Secretary of External Affairs and Chief Science Office, Department of Environmental Protection, State of West Virginia
- Jim Tierney, Deputy Commissioner for Water Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, State of New York (invited)
- Terry Deputy, Director, Division of Watershed Stewardship, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, State of Delaware
When
Friday, October 1, 2021 from 12:30 p.m.--1:00 p.m. ET
Where
Media are invited to participate in-person or virtually. Please note that everyone attending the meeting in-person will need to wear a mask at all times and be fully vaccinated. You must register in advance if you plan on attending in-person. Please RSVP to Rachel Felver at rfelver@chesapeakebay.net by September 29.
Brock Environmental Center—meeting to be held on outside deck
- 3663 Marlin Bay Drive
- Virginia Beach, VA 23455
The public and media are encouraged to attend virtually—please register using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FlMk0PqgTYmnqUToIU0dlQ
- Password: EC2021
- (Meeting room will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting)
February 17, 2021
Chesapeake Bay Program Overview: Who We Are, What We Do and How We Can Help You
Members of the media and other interested parties are invited to join Chesapeake Bay Program staff on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. EST to learn more about this regional partnership. This virtual webinar is free and open to all.
Since 1983, the Chesapeake Bay Program has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Our many partners include federal, state and local governments, non-profit organizations and academic institutions. We are the premier source for data, information and expertise across the watershed.
This webinar will offer an overview of the partnership and how we work together, discuss what we can offer to you regarding data, access to experts and content (including photos and videos) and make sure you are aware of the other resources we maintain, such as websites to help restore wetlands and tree canopy, and plant forest buffers, among others. Please bring your questions for us and let us know what other resources would be helpful to you that we can consider providing!
When: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. EST
Where: Virtual—please register by 10:00 a.m. EST on February 24, 2021. To access the webinar, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81285573261 or call (301) 715-8592; code: 81285573261#
RSVP by February 24, 2021
Rachel Felver,
Chesapeake Bay Program Communications Director
(410) 387-1914
rfelver@chesapeakebay.net
September 09, 2020
Citizens Advisory Committee to Host Environmental Quality and Public Health Webinar
On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Citizens Advisory Committee will host “Bridging the Gaps Between Environmental Quality and Public Health”, a live webinar that seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the connections between the two fields. This virtual session is free and open to all.
This expert panel will aid professionals and stakeholders in both fields by helping them to discover the opportunities that exist to bridge gaps and inform efforts for positive change. The webinar will explore questions related to policy, health care, environmental justice, food security, climate change and climate justice.
The Citizens Advisory Committee is a group of residents throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who are appointed by their respective governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C., to advise the Chesapeake Executive Council on all aspects of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort.
Who
- Julie Lawson, vice-chair, Citizens Advisory Committee and director, Mayor’s Office of the Clean City, District of Columbia. (moderator)
- Surili Patel, director, Center for Climate Change, Health and Equity, American Public Health Association (moderator)
- Doug Farquhar, director of government affairs, National Environmental Health Association
- Adrienne Hollis, senior climate justice and health scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists
- Liz Perera, climate policy director, Sierra Club
- Dr. Sacoby Wilson, associate professor, University of Maryland
- Nsedu Obott Witherspoon, executive director, Children’s Environmental Health Network
When
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
Where
Virtual—please register by 12:00 p.m. ET on September 16, 2020 at www.allianceforthebay.org/webinar. Once you register, you will be emailed instructions on how to access the webinar.
Media RSVP by September 14, 2020
- Rachel Felver,
- Chesapeake Bay Program Communications Director
- (410) 387-1914
- rfelver@chesapeakebay.net
August 12, 2020
2020 Executive Council Meeting
On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, the Chesapeake Executive Council will hold a public meeting and press event during which they will set goals and provide guidance for the Chesapeake Bay Program. The council, established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983, meets on an annual basis.
During the meeting, the council will announce the adoption of a diversity, equity, inclusion and justice statement for the Chesapeake Bay Program and hear remarks from Dr. Janice Underwood, chief diversity, equity, inclusion and justice officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, members of the Executive Council will have the opportunity to give remarks about how Bay restoration can be used to address challenges they are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More detailed information can be found on the 2020 Executive Council meeting website.
Who
- The Honorable Larry J. Hogan, Jr., Governor, State of Maryland (Executive Council Chair)
- The Honorable Ralph S. Northam, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
- The Honorable Gene Yaw, Chair, Chesapeake Bay Commission
- The Honorable Douglas Benevento, Associate Deputy Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
- The Honorable Austin Caperton, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, State of West Virginia
- The Honorable Shawn Garvin, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, State of Delaware
- The Honorable Patrick McDonnell, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- The Honorable Basil Seggos, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation, State of New York
- The Honorable Tommy Wells, Director, Department of Energy and Environment, District of Columbia
When
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. ET
Where
Virtual:
- via the web: www.meetingtomorrow.com/webcast/2020executivecouncil
- via phone: dial into any of these numbers: (312) 626-6799, (646) 558-8656, or (301) 715-8592, (669) 900-9128, or (253) 215-8782, or (346) 248-7799 and enter in meeting ID: 896 5455 3511
(meeting room will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting)
Media RSVP by August 14, 2020
- Rachel Felver
- Chesapeake Bay Program Communications Director
- (410) 387-1914
- rfelver@chesapeakebay.net
August 26, 2019
2019 Chesapeake Executive Council Meeting
On Thursday, September 5, 2019, the Chesapeake Executive Council will hold a public meeting and press event during which they will set goals and provide guidance for the Chesapeake Bay Program. The council, established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983, meets on an annual basis.
During the meeting, the council will acknowledge the recent completion of their Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans and recommit to meeting the goals set forth under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay, as well as their local waterways. Each member of the Executive Council will have the opportunity to give remarks and hear updates from citizen, local government and scientific and technical representatives.
For more detailed information as it becomes available, visit the 2019 Executive Council meeting webpage.
WHO:
- The Honorable Larry J. Hogan, Jr., Governor, State of Maryland (Executive Council Chair)
- The Honorable Ralph S. Northam, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
- The Honorable Tawanna Gaines, Chair, Chesapeake Bay Commission
- The Honorable Andrew Wheeler, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- The Honorable Austin Caperton, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, State of West Virginia
- The Honorable Shawn M. Garvin, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, State of Delaware
- The Honorable Patrick McDonnell, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- The Honorable Jim Tierney, Deputy Commissioner for Water Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, State of New York
- The Honorable Rashad Young, City Administrator, District of Columbia
- The Honorable Richard Fordyce, Administrator, Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture
WHERE:
- Meeting & Press Event: Oxon Hill Manor
- Address: 6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
WHEN:
- Thursday, September 5, 2019
- Public Poster and Video Session: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
- Public Meeting and Press Conference: 12:35 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
DETAILS:
- All are welcome to attend the public meeting.
PLEASE RSVP BY 8/30/19: Rachel Felver, rfelver@chesapeakebay.net or (410) 267-5740
March 28, 2019
Annual report continues to show improvements in Bay health
The Chesapeake Bay Program will release its annual, science-based snapshot of the nation’s largest estuary, the Bay Barometer: Health and Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (2017 – 2018) on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions regarding the most recent scientific data on the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including its rivers, fisheries and habitats.
Press release will be available by 10:00 a.m. ET on April 2.
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/presscenter
WHO:
- Dana Aunkst, Director, Chesapeake Bay Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Jennifer Dopkowski, Acting Coordinator, Climate Resiliency Workgroup, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
- Brooke Landry, Chair, SAV Workgroup, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Peter Tango, Coordinator, Scientific, Technical Assessment and Reporting Workgroup, U.S. Geological Survey
WHEN:
- Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
- Call (202) 991-0477; Code: 903-7008
MEDIA RSVP:
Rachel Felver, Director of Communications, Chesapeake Bay Program
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
(410) 267-5740, rfelver@chesapeakebay.net
July 30, 2018
2018 Chesapeake Executive Council Meeting
On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, the Chesapeake Executive Council will hold a public meeting and press event during which they will set goals and provide guidance for the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. The council, established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983, meets on an annual basis.
During this meeting, the council is expected to sign a directive in support of agricultural technical assistance and conservation practice implementation. Each member of the Executive Council will have the opportunity to give remarks and hear about the importance of the partnership from citizen, local government and scientific and technical representatives.
For more detailed information as it becomes available, visit the 2018 Executive Council meeting webpage.
WHO:
The Honorable Larry J. Hogan, Jr., Governor, State of Maryland (Executive Council Chair)
The Honorable Ralph S. Northam, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
The Honorable John C. Carney, Jr., Governor, State of Delaware
The Honorable Frank Wagner, Chairman, Chesapeake Bay Commission
The Honorable Andrew Wheeler, Acting Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Honorable Kevin Donahue, Deputy Mayor, District of Columbia
The Honorable Patrick McDonnell, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Honorable Austin Caperton, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, State of West Virginia
The Honorable Jamie Clover Adams, Chief of Staff, Farm Production and Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture
WHERE: Meeting & Press Event: Douglass – Myers Maritime Park
Address for GPS: 1417 Thames Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
WHEN: Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Public Poster Session: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
Public Meeting and Press Conference: 12:35 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
DETAILS: The Douglass – Myers Maritime Park is open to the public during this event. All are welcome to attend.
PLEASE RSVP BY 8/6/18: Rachel Felver, rfelver@chesapeakebay.net or (410) 267-5740
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership that has coordinated and conducted the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay for 30 years, since its formation thirty years ago in 1983. Partners include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal government; the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission,a tri-state legislative body; and advisory groups of citizens, scientists and local government officials.
January 02, 2018
Chesapeake Bay Program releases Bay Barometer; resilience noted throughout watershed
The Chesapeake Bay Program will release its annual, science-based snapshot of the nation’s largest estuary, the Bay Barometer: Health and Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (2016 – 2017) on Thursday, January 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions regarding the most recent scientific data on the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including its rivers, fisheries and habitats.
Press release will be available by 9:00 a.m. ET on January 4
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/presscenter
WHO: Ben Grumbles, Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment (invited)
Jim Edward, Acting Director, Chesapeake Bay Program
Kate Fritz, Executive Director, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Al Todd, former Chair, Chesapeake Bay Program Stewardship Workgroup
WHEN: Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. ET
WHERE: Annapolis Maritime Museum
723 2nd Street
Annapolis, MD 21403
MEDIA RSVP: Rachel Felver, Chesapeake Bay Program Director of Communications
(410) 267-5740
January 30, 2017
Bay Barometer Media Call
The Chesapeake Bay Program will release its annual, science-based snapshot of the nation’s largest estuary, the Bay Barometer: Health and Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (2015 – 16) on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer any questions regarding the most recent scientific data on the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including its rivers, fisheries and habitats.
The leaders of the Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science will provide statements on the progress toward restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
Press release will be available by 9:00 a.m. ET on February 1
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/presscenter
WHO: Nick DiPasquale, Director, Chesapeake Bay Program
William C. Baker, President, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Dr. Don Boesch, President, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
WHEN: Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. ET
WHERE: Conference call. Dial: 866-299-3188 Enter Code: 4102675731
MEDIA RSVP: Rachel Felver, Chesapeake Bay Program Director of Communications, (410) 267-5740, rfelver@chesapeakebay.net
Media Resources
Background Information: Overview of Chesapeake Bay Program | Chesapeake Bay Facts & Figures | Backgrounders and Fact Sheets | Glossary of Terms
Photos: Images from around the Bay watershed, including crabs, oysters, forest buffers, wetlands and more.
Logos: Bay Program Logo (.tif, .png, .eps, .svg)
RSS: Feed of recent press releases.