Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Healthy Lawns and Clean Water Initiative

Description

This Memorandum of Understanding between the Chesapeake Executive Council, headwater state jurisdictions and members of the lawn care product manufacturing industry commits the lawn care product manufacturing industry to achieve a 50% reduction in pounds of phosphorus applied in lawn care products in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It also commits the signatories to: (1) Convene a technical group to develop a Stewardship Program to reduce nitrogen nutrient losses from lawns. (2) Initiate a similar dialogue to recommend possible changes regarding pesticide use. (3) Develop consumer messaging and education about best application and management practices for lawn care products. (4) Use the reduction in phosphorus application resulting from this Memorandum of Understanding, in combination with proposed Tributary Strategy stormwater and urban nutrient management programs and other actions, to achieve nutrient reductions from developed lands. (5) Continue to work together to promote public-private cooperation and partnerships to further address Chesapeake Bay water quality and living resource goals. (6) Use the strong public-private partnership established through this joint initiative as a model for additional cooperative efforts with other business and industry sectors.