Forestry Workgroup

Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer 2022 Leadership Workshop

The Chesapeake Bay Program convened the 2022 Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer Leadership Workshop at the request of the Management Board’s Outcome Attainability Team. The objectives of the workshop were to 1) discuss state RFB Action Strategies for increasing the rate of forest buffer restoration and 2) develop recommendations for specific roles for the Partnership in advancing buffer goals.

To view the Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer 2022 Leadership Workshop page use this link.

To view Webinar 1: Technical assistance, outreach and social science for Riparian Forest Buffers use this link.

To view Webinar 2: Policy and funding/financing for Riparian Forest Buffers use this link.

• RFB Workshop Summary 5 12 22 (pdf - 193.511 KB)
• Riparian Forest Buffer Program Promising Ideas by Jurisdiction (pdf - 174.106 KB)
• Ches Bay CREP RFB Report final (pdf - 699.298 KB)
• DE Riparian Buffer Action Strategy 2022 (pdf - 331.067 KB)
• Marylands Riparian Buffer Action Strategy 2022 (pdf - 6.948 MB)
• NY Riparian Buffer Action Strategy 2022 (pdf - 1.225 MB)
• Pennsylvania Riparian Buffer Action Strategy 2022 (pdf - 245.304 KB)
• WV Riparian Buffer Action Strategy 2022 (pdf - 3.277 MB)

Phase 7 Model Development

Currently in development, the Phase 7 Modeling Tools will be used by the partnership to inform decisions related to nutrient and sediment reduction goals outlined in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Evolving plans and related documents can be found on this site:

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/modeling/phase_7_model_development

Chesapeake Forest Restoration Strategy

The Forestry Workgroup revised and updated the original Chesapeake Forest Restoration Strategy in 2020. The Strategy lays out broad priorities and actions that will guide forestry partnership efforts in the years ahead and was the basis for a Shared Stewardship agreement signed in October 2020 by all of the watershed’s seven state foresters and the Chief of the US Forest Service.

• Cst91 chesapeake forest restoration strategy web 508 final (pdf - 3.685 MB)
• Signed chesapeake bay shared stewardship (pdf - 586.537 KB)

Natural Filters Restoration Program: Concept For the Chesapeake

Watch the recorded webinar on this proposed program, and view the presentation below.

• Natural filters program concept (pdf - 2.513 MB)

Buffers in the Farm Bill: What does CLEAR 30 mean for the Bay?

Webinar on CLEAR 30 with experts Terry Noto and Mike Linisinbigler. A new provision in the 2018 Farm Bill, CLEAR 30 is now open and the Chesapeake is a pilot region. Expiring buffers can be enrolled in CLEAR 30 – it is a 30 year contract and maintenance is paid for. Watch the recording here.