September 2019 Volume 29 Number 6 Scientists fear steep loss of Bay grasses lies ahead ≈ Preliminary findings suggest some of the Chesapeake’s underwater grass beds were hurt by heavy rains, heat BY KARL BLANKENSHIP Portions of the Chesapeake Bay’s underwater grass meadows appear to be headed for steep declines this year, a delayed response to the torrential rains that poured vast amounts of water-fouling sediments and nutrients into the estuary during 2018. Initial reviews of this year’s aerial survey show significant losses of under- water grass beds in parts of the Mid Bay, where the bulk of the Chesapeake’s underwater grass beds are located. At the same time, preliminary reviews of the aerial images show that portions of the Upper Bay survived last year’s deluge of muddy water surprisingly well, with Throngs of volunteers plant trees along a stream in Lancaster County, PA. If the fanfare and involvement doesn’t also grass beds even expanding in some areas. include maintenance beyond the initial planting days, the project could ultimately fail. (Allyson Wells) “It’s going to be a mixed story, as it always is,” said Bob Orth, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science researcher who has been overseeing the aerial survey Cruel world awaits neglected streamside buffers since its inception in 1984. ≈ Without maintenance, site, an essential practice to combat Another tube had fallen to an The full analysis of this year’s survey, tree plantings fall victim to problems with invasive plants. No awkward angle, which will likely which is still under way, won’t be avail- herbicide had been sprayed around cause the tree, if it survives, to be able until early next year. But the broad rodents, invasive species – the plastic tubes that shelter the trees, misshapen. Some pieces of netting, picture is starting to emerge as Orth and even outgrown tubes once equally important to allow sunlight initially placed on top of the tubes to others pore over the hundreds of aerial meant to protect them to reach under the tubes and prevent keep out birds, had not been removed images gathered thus far. BY AD CRabLE the growth of low greenery that and the trees inside were entangled Underwater grasses are one of the The “green” plan for the new attracts tree-girdling rodents. and corkscrewing downward. Bay’s most critical habitats, providing shopping center carved from a Japanese hops, a highly invasive Davis said the scene is too often food for waterfowl, juvenile blue crabs historic farm in Lancaster County, climbing vine that can grow 35 the norm after streamside buffers and many types of fish. Because they PA, looked impressive on paper and feet in a single growing season, are planted with much fanfare. And require clear water to survive, they are in the newspaper: hundreds of native was already climbing one of the it’s happening as buffers are being a closely watched indicator of the Bay’s trees and shrubs would be planted tubes, bent on destruction. Invasive hailed as an affordable, effective way health. along a stream to benefit water qual- canary grass had started growing to help Bay states meet their lagging Grass beds had been steadily expand- ity and wildlife. inside another tube, outcompeting goals to reduce nutrient pollution. ing in recent years. They covered 104,843 But on a hot summer day only a the young pin oak there. “This one Davis claims to have seen “hun- acres in 2017, which was the largest few months after the vegetation had doesn’t have much of a chance,” dreds” of riparian buffer failures amount observed since Bay cleanup been embedded into the ground, muttered Davis, who manages a tree- throughout the years when landown- efforts began in the mid 1980s. Ryan Davis walked among the plant- planting and forest health initiative ers or other project partners didn’t Last year, scientists say the Bay ings and shook his head in disgust. for the nonprofit Alliance for the grasses may have surpassed that level No mowing had taken place on the Chesapeake Bay. Buffers continues on page 20 SAV continues on page 23 Bay Journal September 2019 2 • is published by Bay Journal Media to inform Editor’s Note BAY JOURNAL the public about ecological, scientific, historic and cultural issues and events related to the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay Journal, 2019 survey is your chance to tell us what you think circulation 35,000, is published monthly except in midsummer and midwinter. It is distributed free of charge. Bundles are available One of information. for distribution. Material may be reproduced, with permission the most For instance, we were surprised and attribution. 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