SCE Forum 2012 Chesapeake Bay Program

Comments for All Chesapeake Bay Program

Chesapeake Bay Program

JJPA East Hardy HS

3/26/2012

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a federal and state organization promoting good POV:

watershed management practices throughout the tri-state area, including West Virginia,

Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. They provide insightful information in the

areas of watershed protection, pollution control, and cleaning up the bay. It is made of

state and federal officials environmentalist and private citizens concerned about the bay.

Programs like Stream Cleaner, are organized to clean the existing streams and potentially

prevent further pollution.

The Bay's problems affect us at the Chesapeake Bay Program because if someone has

a problem they call us and we need to be able to help them. We are basically here to help

other people. The problems also affect us because when the waters get too polluted then

animals die off we are in charge of finding solutions to ensure that not all of one species

dies.

Possible solutions will affect us positively because that would mean our efforts to clean

the bay have succeeded. All of the time and money we have gone though has finally shown

progress and effectiveness.

There are many different types of solutions. One solution is installing a buffer, this will

provide valuable habitat for endangered wildlife and nature cold water fish. Stream

cleaning helps reduce the flow of nutrients and sediment down the river, also known of

Potomac Tributary Strategy. Another solution is (BMPS) Best Management Practices to

reduce pollution by installing buffers, forested buffers, sediment ponds, nutrient

management plans, and cover crops.

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From: The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS Ask

3/27/2012

Good idea about adding buffers!!! Buffers will really help reduce the amount of

nutrient pollution entering the bay. What type of buffers do you suggest adding??

From: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS Ask

3/29/2012

The soultion offered entitled BMPS which inculdes installing buffers, forested

buffers,sediemt ponds, nutrient magament plans and cover crops sounds like a truly

wonderful and progressive idea. How are you going to obtain the land in order to install

the buffers?

Response JJPA - CBP_Fed - EHHS

To: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS

4/11/2012

There are a lot of volunteer organizations that assist the CBF in programs like

summer intership programs and adult leadership positions. These organizations

make it possible for the CBF to accomplish all that they do. Educational programs

are also offered through these organizations as well as the CBF.

From: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS Ask

3/29/2012

Its nice that you talked about the CBF organization helping people, but you did not talk

about any volunteer services, which is a big service that the CBF provides to make the

public aware of pollution issues. I think that your POV would provide more info about

the CBF if you put that it has some volunteer services and educational programs.

Response JJPA - CBP_Fed - EHHS

To: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS

4/11/2012

We could obtain land from local farmers through NRCS projects. There are

programs out there to help pay for fencing around property that is so many feet

from the stream and they also plant trees and grass near the streams and rives

as buffers. So there is ways of obtaining land to install buffers.

From: wvrebels - farmer - EHHS Ask

4/11/2012

What exactly is the buffers? how well will it help the rivers and how much would it

take to install the buffers?

Response JJPA - CBP_Fed - EHHS

To: wvrebels - farmer - EHHS

4/16/2012

River Buffers are used to prevent sediments and other pollutants from entering

the watershed. For around 12,245 acres of buffer strips it is an annualized cost

of $1.3 million.

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Chesapeake Bay Program

The Bubble Troopers East Hardy HS

3/26/2012

We are the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), a regional partnership that leads and directs POV:

Chesapeake Bay restoration, and protection. It is a unique regional partnership that brings

together leaders and experts from a vast range of agencies and organization.

There are several issues that we have noticed that has been occurring in the Bay.

Fertilizer, manure, sediment, chemicals, and storm water: these can be absorbed into the

ground, released into the water, or released into the air. These can cause major problems,

destroying the animal life and ecosystem. Because of this pollution, certain species of fish

such as shad and menhaden, are slowly be killed. Invasive species, like plants and animals,

are introduced into the area which causes negative affects in the area. As you can see,

this affects the surrounding ecosystems, animals, and also humans. This creates a chain

reaction that affects almost everything that is associated with the Chesapeake Bay.

As a federal program, we suggest that people should do all they can to stop the pollution.

Farmers could use less fertilizer by testing the soil or use grass clippings as a source of

nitrogen if necessary. This should also be used to maintain your septic system. Another tip

would be conserving water; even though most people use this as a solution to global

warming, it can also be used by saving several gallons of water, which help protect the bay.

Finally, people can keep things clean by taking care of their trash. Cutting off plastic rings

and making sure the trash reaches a safe destination really helps out the environment.

Tourists can fish responsibly, stay away from bay grasses, and not to litter into the bay.

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From: The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS Ask

3/27/2012

We really enjoyed reading your tips on everyday activities that can be performed to

reduce pollution entering the bay. Do you have any tips that we can use at school? :)

Response The Bubble Troopers - CBP_Fed - EHHS

To: The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

4/11/2012

That's a good question. If a school is located near a source of water, don't

throw any trash in it. You can also start a recycling program (if a school doesn't

have it), then you know you are doing good for the environment. You can also

start an environmental club, where you can have a recycling program and increase

others' knowledge about the issue. Make sure that the school has decent piping,

since the leaking can not only be absorbed into the ground, but cause damage to

the building. If it is possible, a compost can be started so you do not waste food

so it can be used as a safe fertilizer. Use less chemicals when cleaning, for

example, use Dawn Dish Detergent when cleaning dishes for either lunch (ask the

cafeteria manager) or if you are in a cooking class. If you can talk with your

science teacher, there is a trip by The Mountain Institute (TMI) located near

Spruce Knob, WV. There students have the opportunity to test the water,

observe other creatures in the water, and experience wildlife.

From: Hicks - farmer - EHHS Ask

4/16/2012

If you can't afford fence, then how would you even have enough money to feed your

cows.

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Chesapeake Bay Program

The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY Mount de Sales

3/26/2012

REVISED:

As representatives of the Chesapeake Bay Program, we feel that there needs to be more effort put forth in order to save the Bay and its inhabitants. The problems that we face make us aware of what needs to be done to not only help the Bay, but also the others that depend on the Bay for jobs, food etc. We are important because we are giving suggestions and offering alternatives to other stakeholders such as watermen, fishermen and homeowners etc. to reform their possibly harmful practices. We can provide the knowledge that we know of the Bay’s health. The Bay in general is not as bad off as many people would think. However, if there is no more reform in the future, the Bay may never recover.

One way we are trying to promote the health of the Bay is through the use of the "Bay Diet." The "Bay Diet" is a long-term plan to restore the Bay's wellbeing for future generations. This proposal plans to reduce nutrient pollution and sedimentation from agriculture, property, runoff, etc. More than 18.7 billion pounds of sediment are believed to enter the Bay each year. One project that we will focus on is planting forest buffers which will stabilize stream banks from erosion, absorb pollution, and provide a habitat for animals. The Bay Program partners buy land so that they can preserve habitats and filter pollution before it reaches the Bay. They are also establishing watershed management practices, which include: protection of forests and wetlands, improve water quality, and have local support. Another plan that we are currently working on is rebuilding oyster reefs which would increase the oyster and fish population. We are joining forces with other local and federal organizations so that we can fund the activities in this program.

We believe that if the Bay is not saved then the consequences will be detrimental. We could lose numerous industries, sources of food, natural resources, and recreation. We are trying to create solutions in order to restore the Bay’s health. Through developing solutions ourselves and making others aware of what they can do to help the Bay we will be able to focus on other areas that need attention. People take the Bay for granted and don't realize that they have an impact on the Bay and its surrounding environment.

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From: JACT - homeowner - EHHS Ask

3/27/2012

How would helping the oyster population help the bay and how would it benifit the

human population?

Should we lose the bay what could be done to replace or cope with the environmental

loss?

Response The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

To: JACT - homeowner - EHHS

3/28/2012

Well, the oyster populuation helps to filter the water for all of the other living

organisms in the bay. If the oyster population was to die out many animals would

lose their food source, homes and many people would lose their jobs.

From: alligator pancakes - Waterman - EHHS Ask

3/27/2012

In your POV statement we see you talking about doing many things in the future and

doing a few things in the present. Tis good, but...we want more action! Tell us how you

intend to do all of these things. We must know. How will you raise the money. We are

the alligator pancakes. We have spoken.

Response The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

To: alligator pancakes - Waterman - EHHS

3/28/2012

Well, we suggested the idea of planting grass or tree buffers to prevent runoff.

Here are some ways YOU can help the bay right now: throw away your trash,

reduce emissions, start a Save the Bay Club or conserve water.

From: The Recreational ROCKfish \m/ - recreation - MdS Ask

3/27/2012

Hi.

How can we get people to care about the clean up of the bay and know that what they

do, makes an impact?

Signed - The Recreational ROCKfish \m/

Response The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

To: The Recreational ROCKfish \m/ - recreation - MdS

3/28/2012

Good question! You can start clubs, make flyers, educate your friends and

families and most importantly...... stay in school... educate yourself

From: The Mean Green Governing Machine - local_gov - MdS Ask

3/27/2012

You talk about planting trees/greenery around streams to prevent nutrient runoff.

However, waterfront land is usually residential. How do you intend to convince land

owners to implement your plan without making it a law?

Response The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

To: The Mean Green Governing Machine - local_gov - MdS

3/28/2012

This is a good question and a serious problem we face. We could educate the

homeowners on the impact the bay has on their lives. One idea is that we can have

incentives for the homeowners that follow the guidelines. Thanks for your

question. Peace. ;)

From: Down by the Bay - CB_Ecosystem - MdS Ask

3/27/2012

"The Bay Diet" sounds like a really good idea! Is it already enforced or is it a new

idea?

Response The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

To: Down by the Bay - CB_Ecosystem - MdS

3/28/2012

The "Bay Diet" isn't a law. It's an environmentally friendly practice to help save

the Bay that we developed.

From: Recreation Rabbits - recreation - MdS Ask

3/29/2012

I think this POV gives alot of personal insight. I think the proposal plan that you are

giving is very well thought out and it gives people the oppurtunity to see what the bay

really is like outside of it's beauty.

From: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS Ask

3/29/2012

You provide insightful information on how the CBP plans to improve the Bay's

watershed, but I do not think you provide information of what WE as volunteers could

do to help improve the Bay's overall quality. I think your article would be stronger with

that information.

Response The Chesapeake Bay PARTAYYYYY - CBP_Fed - MdS

To: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS

4/2/2012

Thank you for your comments, they were very insightful. WE did not add what

volunteers could do assist the bay because our organization is not solely based on

volunteers. But here are some tips anyway, you can plant trees as buffers or

pick up trash. ;) A

From: Saving Nemo... and others! - CBP_Fed - MdS Ask

3/29/2012

The "Bay Diet" plan you mentioned in your paper to remove polluntants in the Bay

sounds wonderful. Beacuse the Cheasapeake Bay Program partners by land so they can

preserve habitats, do you believe it is best that federal funding for the Cheaspeake

Bay Program be voluntary or involuntary?

From: The Bubble Troopers - CBP_Fed - EHHS Ask

4/11/2012

You all present good information. Is there anything that tourists can do to help the

environment? Some tourists are from different areas, and they may not realize the

dangers of the pollution in the Cheasapeake Bay. :)

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Chesapeake Bay Program

Saving Nemo... and others!

Mount de Sales

3/27/2012

REVISED

Speaking for the Save the Bay Program, our goal is to try to help preserve the Bay’s ecosystem and restore its health so that all organisms, including humans, may recognize our Bay as a “national treasure”. We encourage people to explore the Chesapeake Bay in order to gain an understanding and appreciation for why the bay is essential not only for our lives but for the ecosystem. We work with several non-profit organizations to help restore the Bay’s health. Through donations, operating funds, and capital campaigns, we are financially able to work towards our goals. We also receive federal and state grants and funding. These grants and funding are instrumental to the Chesapeake Bay Program effectiveness.

The Bay’s condition is polluted, and it is our responsibility to help restore health so that people may be able to enjoy recreational activities, like fishing, crabbing, and clamming. We also want to improve the water quality so it can be a cleaner source for drinking water. We organize student programs so the youth may learn about the Bay’s health and we also set up volunteer programs so all can contribute in various ways to cleaning the Bay. By putting money towards education, the general public, school administrators, teachers, and students learn how they can help improve the Bay’s ecosystem at their own homes, it will end up saving us money. We urge and work with the federal and state governments to receive grants and funding for volunteer work. With the help of federal government funding cleaning up non point pollution is possible. Volunteering develops a conscious community, which will support the CBF and help convince elected officials to pass Bay friendly laws and ordinances. We also remind local and federal governments, as well as developers and everyday citizens, that the Chesapeake Bay and its fishing industry hold tremendous commercial, cultural and historic value.

If we are able stop a significant amount of pollutants from entering in our wastewater, we will not need to put as much money towards filtering water before it enters the watershed. Even thought we have significant goals to reach in reducing the amount of agricultural pollutants in the Bay, the agricultural community will remain viable and economically. Their products will be healthier due to the amount of pollution that will be reduced from contaminating their product. If the Bay’s ecosystem is cleaner and less polluted, than we are doing our jobs to restore its health.

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From: Recreation Rabbits - recreation - MdS Ask

3/29/2012

I like that the first statement just basically says what the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

represents. After reading this, I feel like it is my duty to explore the watershed and

see the things that it has to offer and things that are causing certain problems within

it.

From: The Bubble Troopers - CBP_Fed - EHHS Ask

4/11/2012

You all have very good points in your discussion. Is there any other organizations that

you all try to persuade toward? :)

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Chesapeake Bay Program

Lumpy Bumpkins Boats

Musselman HS 4/4/2012

Our business is located in a marina on the Chesapeake Bay. The quality of the water

determines the sales of boats. The sales of our products is not just for sailing, but also to POV:

fish and keep tourism active and lively in the area. We can do our part by keeping boating

emissions clean and by reducing littering on our lakes. If our job is taken care of then the

community can operate better as a whole.

The quality of our water depends on how we take care of it. We can keep it clean by

improving our boats. The less material we use and the hotter gas we manage can contribute.

The time people spend on the water can be controlled to keep the amount of pollution to a

minimum. If we do everything we can to keep it clean then we can improve our standard of

living.

We count this pollution by keeping a maintenance crew on staff to keep the boats tuned up.

This should both make the boats more efficient, why cutting down on emissions, helping

pressure the bay why keeping business alike downed boats are bad for business. It is

beneficial to our company, to maintain and preserve a clean and safe bay. By doing this we

help our customers and the local wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay.

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From: The Bubble Troopers - CBP_Fed - EHHS Ask

4/11/2012

You all present a very good POV that a lot wouldn't take into consideration. How could

you keep people from polluting/littering in the Bay? :)

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