Management Strategies and Work Plans

After the signing of the Watershed Agreement, our Goal Implementation Teams crafted strategies describing the steps necessary to achieve the Agreement’s Vision.

These management strategies offer insight into the Bay Program partners’ proposals for reaching each outcome by 2025, as well as how we will monitor, assess and report progress toward abundant life, clean waters, engaged communities, conserved lands and climate change resilience.

The strategies provide broad, overarching direction and are further supported by two-year work plans summarizing the specific commitments, short-term actions and resources required for success.

To stay informed as management strategies and work plans progress:

Abundant Life Photo

Abundant Life

Poor water quality and harvest pressure challenge the health of species across the region, while our increasing need for land and resources has fragmented and degraded the habitats they depend on. Supporting sustainable fish and shellfish populations and restoring habitat for native and migratory species will support a strong economy and a balanced ecosystem.

Clean Water Photo

Clean Water

Excess nutrients, sediment and toxic contaminants degrade our waterways, harm fish and wildlife and pose risks to human health. Reducing these pollutants is critical to creating safe, healthy waters for animals and people alike.

Climate Change Photo

Climate Change

Storms, floods and sea level rise will have big impacts across the watershed. Monitoring, assessing and adapting to these changing environmental conditions will help our living resources, habitats, public infrastructure and communities withstand the adverse effects of climate change.

Conserved Lands Photo

Conserved Lands

Changes in land use and development can impair water quality, degrade habitats and alter culturally significant landscapes. Conserving lands with ecological, historical and community value is integral to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and vibrant culture.

Engaged Communities Photo

Engaged Communities

The long-term success of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort depends on the work of individuals and communities living throughout the watershed. Connecting with current environmental stewards and encouraging future local leaders helps build the network that will keep our work moving forward.

Letters:

Below are feedback letters received by the Chesapeake Bay Program Office during the input period for our draft work plans:

Letter from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Education)

Letter from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (WIPs, Toxic Contaminants, Healthy Watersheds)

Letter from Derick Jordan, Watershed Resident

Letter from Dwayne Ford, Watershed Resident

Letter from Gift Oboite, Watershed Resident

Letter from Joseph Madison, Watershed Resident

Comments from the Maryland Blue Crab Design Team

Letter from Nataki K., Watershed Resident

Letter from Ruth Tyson, Watershed Resident

Letter from Sameshea Evans, Watershed Resident

Letter from Shannon Sprague, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office

Letter from the Sierra Club (Maryland Chapter)

Letter from (Maryland) State Water Quality Advisory Committee

Letter from Tom Devilbiss, Carroll County Land & Resource Management

Letter from Trout Unlimited

Letter from Virginia No Child Left Inside Coalition


Below are feedback letters received by the Chesapeake Bay Program Office during the input period for our draft management strategies:

Letter from Board of Carroll County Commissioners

Letter from Carroll County Land Use, Planning & Development Department

Letter from Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Letters from the Choose Clean Water Coalition

Letter from Citizens Advisory Committee

Letter from Clean Chesapeake Coalition

Letter from Hampton Roads Sanitation District

Letters from Izaak Walton League of America

Letter from Local Governments Advisory Committee

Letter from Maryland Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, Inc.

Letter from Maryland Blue Crab Design Team

Comment cards from Maryland Blue Crab Design Team members and stakeholders

Letter from Maryland Oystermen Association

Letter from Maryland Sierra Club

Letter from Maryland stakeholders

Letter from Maryland State Water Quality Advisory Committee

Letter from Maryland Watermen's Association

Letter from Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments - Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Committee

Letter from Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protections

Letter from National Parks Conservation Association

Letter from Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water - Stormwater Workgroup

Letter from Richard W. Allen, Director of Equal Opportunity & ADA Coordinator, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Letter from Sierra Club members

Letter from Victor Ukpolo, Maryland resident

Letter from Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, Inc.