January-February 2020 Volume 29 Number 10

The Alex Hailey statue in MD threatens to sue EPA, Annapolis Harbor during a tidal flooding event. PA over lack of action as regional tensions rise ≈ Debate ensues over whether Bay cleanup goals are ‘aspirational’ or enforceable By Karl Blankenship The year 2010 closed with the unveiling of a new Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan lauded by states, federal officials and environmentalists as the rigor- ous, concrete and enforceable plan that would finally deliver on the promise of a clean and healthy Bay. Ten years later, a new decade has opened with the restoration effort unlikely to meet its deadline, the regional partnership mired in acrimony and threats of lawsuits — topped with questions about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s willingness and ability to enforce its own cleanup plan. “This has come to a boil now,” summed up Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, at a Senate hearing on Jan. 8. “This is a moment we need absolute clarity and an enforceable program to hit the targets in 2025.” Hours later, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he was directing state Attorney General Brian Frosh to initiate legal actions against Pennsylvania, citing the “obvious inadequacy” of its Bay cleanup plan, and against the EPA, which he said has “no intention” of forcing Maryland’s northern neighbor to do more. The Alex Haley statue installation at Annapolis City Dock experienced tidal flood- Environmental groups are considering their own A Sea Change ing during a nor’easter September 2010. Storms are expected to occur more often legal options. and with greater intensity as the climate changes. Read how the Bay states are And Van Hollen, joined by 19 other members of of Climate Action planning to cope with future climate challenges beginning on page 16. (Dave Harp) Congress, fired off a detailed letter to EPA Adminis- trator Andrew Wheeler demanding “immediate steps to demonstrate EPA’s commitment and accountabil- ity to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.” The boiling point came after the EPA released a VA data centers: computing the costs review at the end of December acknowledging that ≈ Is the environment paying the price for There, companies and agencies needing huge amounts Pennsylvania — the largest source of water-fouling boon to state’s economy? of data storage can achieve economies of scale and energy nutrients in the Bay — had submitted a plan that fell far efficiencies while tapping high-speed internet connections. short of its cleanup goal. Nonetheless, the EPA declined By Whitney Pipkin But big congregations of data centers, taken as a to take any of the actions it had repeatedly threatened to Take VA Route 267 west from the nation’s capital and whole, could also bring environmental consequences. impose to prod greater progress from the state. you’ll head straight into a different sort of traffic — of The most widely recognized issue is their massive Then, at a Jan. 3 meeting of the legislative Chesapeake the internet variety. About 70% of all online activity cumulative energy consumption. Private cloud companies Bay Commission, EPA Bay Program Director Dana flows through this pocket of Northern Virginia, home to such as Amazon tend to keep total energy consumption Aunkst described the region’s 2025 cleanup deadline as the world’s largest concentration of data centers. close to the vest. But a 2019 report by Greenpeace esti- “aspirational” and said that the Chesapeake Bay Total Across a Loudoun County landscape that was mated that electricity demand from existing Virginia data Maximum Daily Load is “not an enforceable document.” once farmland and forests, sprawling clusters of gray, centers and those under development is approaching 4.5 The environmental community widely saw flat-topped buildings quietly enable the technological gigawatts, or roughly the amount of power it would take Aunkst’s comments as stepping away from the EPA’s machinations — from bank transactions to YouTube nine, large (500-megawatt) coal power plants to produce. commitment to provide a backstop for Bay goals, even videos — that are central to modern life. If you have ever It’s a “substantial” energy demand, as Dominion as their frustration over Pennsylvania was mounting. wondered what “The Cloud” looks like, this is it. Local Energy put it in a 2019 application to build a pair of The Choose Clean Water Coalition, a network of officials call this “Data Center Alley,” or, as one book put new substations in Loudoun County. A typical data more than 200 organizations, said it was “stunned” by it, “the bull’s-eye of America’s internet.” center consumes “about the same amount of power the remarks. The Maryland League of Conservation It makes sense to bunch these data centers along established highways of fiber optic cables in the county. Centers continues on page 14 Cleanup continues on page 20 2 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

BAY JOURNAL is published by Bay Journal Media to inform Editor’s Note the public about ecological, scientific, historic and cultural issues and events related to the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay Journal, Climate change is not in the future – it is here now circulation 35,000, is published monthly except in midsummer and midwinter. It is distributed free of charge. Bundles are available There’s one thing Environmental Stewardship Award. for distribution. Material may be reproduced, with permission that’s fairly certain for The award recognizes a county and attribution. Publication is made possible by grants through the region’s long-term resident whose life and work represents the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay forecast. “The mid- the principles of good stewardship of the Program Office, the Campbell Foundation, the National Oceanic Atlantic is in store for Eastern Shore county’s unique and fragile and Atmospheric Administration’s Chesapeake Bay Office, the hotter, wetter wilder and resources. Sumner T. McKnight Foundation, the Rauch Foundation, the wackier weather,” Ben “With his eye for natural beauty and his Fair Play Foundation, the Shared Earth Foundation, the Virginia Grumbles, Maryland’s amazing technical skill as a photographer, Environmental Endowment, anonymous donors, and by reader environment secretary, Dave has enriched the lives of countless contributions. Views expressed in the Bay Journal do not summed up in a recent talk at a water people, including native Eastern Shoremen necessarily represent those of any funding agency or organization. monitoring conference. and visitors from all over the world,” said Climate change is no longer a future Fred Pomeroy, the organization’s president. For mailing list additions/changes, please use the form on this problem. It’s increasingly evident that the Dave has worked as the Bay Journal’s page or contact: Bay Journal, P.O. Box 222, Jacobus, PA 17407-0222 climate of the Chesapeake region has been photographer for a decade and more E-mail: [email protected] changing for decades: The Bay’s water is recently branched out into making BAY JOURNAL MEDIA getting warmer, water levels are rising, films, along with writer Tom Horton marshes are disappearing, intense storms and producer Sandy Cannon Brown. Bay Journal Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with are more frequent and severe — and the TheirBay Journal productions include a mission to further public education and awareness of issues pace of change is accelerating. Beautiful Swimmers Revisited, High Tide affecting the Chesapeake Bay and the mid-Atlantic environment Starting with this issue, we’re making in Dorchester, An Island Out of Time and by creating and distributing journalistic products. In addition climate change in the Bay region a greater the latest, Nassawango Legacy. To view to producing the Bay Journal, Bay Journal Media operates part of our coverage. It’s a topic many them, visit bayjournal.com/films. the Bay Journal News Service, which distributes Bay Journal readers, in our recent survey, asked us to Congratulations, Dave! articles and original op-eds about the Chesapeake Bay or regional give more attention. It’s also getting more environmental issues to more than 400 newspapers in the region, focus in the Bay restoration effort, as states You helped us make our match! reaching several million readers each month. begin to factor the impacts of climate into Thank you, Bay Journal readers, cleanup plans. for helping to make our end-of-year Karl Blankenship, Executive Director While the immediate outlook for fundraising a success. Andrew Nolan, CPA, Chief Financial Officer action at the federal level is poor, Grumbles We exceeded the $20,000 we needed to STAFF told conference participants not to be raise for the annual NewMatch campaign discouraged as states are stepping up sponsored by the Institute for Nonprofit Editor: Karl Blankenship ([email protected]) to the challenge. In this issue we look at News. And we were pleasantly surprised Managing Editor: Lara Lutz ([email protected]) climate plans from Maryland, Virginia and to learn that we were selected by the Rita Associate Editor/Projects: Timothy B. Wheeler ([email protected]) Pennsylvania. Coverage starts on page 16. Allen Foundation for an additional $4,000 CONTACT US Bay Journal News Service Editor: Tim Sayles ([email protected]) match for our work in science journalism. by mail: Copy/Design Editor: Kathleen A. Gaskell ([email protected]) Harp recognized for stewardship Your donations helped us finish 2019 The Bay Journal Staff Writer: Jeremy Cox ([email protected]) Bay Journal photographer and on a strong note, and we hope we will earn 619 Oakwood Drive Staff Writer: Ad Crable ([email protected]) Dorchester County resident Dave Harp your continued support in the New Year. Seven Valleys, PA Staff Writer: Whitney Pipkin ([email protected]) was recently honored by the Dorchester — Karl Blankenship 17360-9395 Photographer: Dave Harp ([email protected]) Citizens for Planned Growth with its 2020 ADVERTISING by phone: Marketing & Advertising Director: Jacqui Caine ([email protected]) 717-428-2819 Sign Up for the Bay Journal or Change your Address BOARD OF DIRECTORS TheBay Journal is distributed FREE by Bay Journal Media, Inc. If you would like to be added to its mailing list or need to change your present address, please fill out this form To inquire about Mary Barber, President advertising, contact Bill Eichbaum, Vice-President and mail it to Bay Journal, P.O. Box 222, Jacobus, PA 17407-0222. 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Clockwise from left: The rising sea level is creating “ghost forests” on Mary- land’s Eastern Shore. The Bay states are in the throes of making plans to grapple with climate change. See articles on page 16. (Dave Harp)

The Virginia Capital Trail is a scenic, historic and mostly flat route between Richmond and Jamestown, popular with cyclists and pedestrians alike. See article on page 22. (VA Department of Transportation)

Snow covers Penn- sylvania’s Loyalsock State Forest. An environmental group is suing the state’s WHAT’S INSIDE Department of Natural Resources to 12 Chesapeake cleanup effort gets a boost in federal funding • protect these forests for future genera- Bay States Plan for Future Climate The Bay Program will get $85 million, the most it has ever tions. See article on received page 8. (Ad Crable) Coverage begins on page 16 13 Virginia menhaden fishery threatened with moratorium • ≈ Political shift in VA has advocates hopeful for long-awaited Feds act after Omega Protein exceeds Bay harvest cap action Travel ≈ PA sets lofty goals, but does it have the political will to achieve them? 22 It’s a ‘capital’ trail between Richmond and Jamestown ≈ An early climate leader, MD now at odds over how to 24 Birds and birders alike still flocking to Cox Creek address worsening threats Columns

83 Steward’s Corner • Hindsight in 2020: To make sure next 10 News years count, include everyone 4 Smallmouth woes range from contaminants to more 39 On the Wing • For ring-billed gulls, color of feathers is often stress at spawning sites • Biologists are also looking at ‘so last year’ high flows that wash away eggs and bass fingerlings and competition from invasive species 40 Bay Naturalist • The canary in this ‘coal mine’ is the saltmarsh sparrow 6 Results of crab pot placement research too close to call it either way • Harvest in traps placed close together the same Puzzles & Events as those placed far apart 26 Chesapeake Challenge • Snow what? Really cool flake facts! 7 MD port officials give $500,000 to revive community waterfront • Funds to help restore Turner Station park with 26 Bay Buddies • Snow much fun! sediment dredged from Baltimore harbor 33 Bulletin Board • Volunteer Opportunities • Workshops • WE’RE JUST 8 Group sues PA for violating state’s Environmental Rights Events • Programs • Resources A CLICK AWAY Amendment • Suit says money from fracking leases should be used on state’s resources, not balancing its budget Forum Visit us online: bayjournal.com 10 MD to phase in restrictions for manure application Commentary • Letters • Perspectives Like us on FaceBook: without delay • Ag secretary: State will work with farmers, Chesapeake Bay Journal poultry industry to deal with problems foreseen by study 30 Chesapeake Born • Of bivalves & beavers: Let’s leave our or send us a Tweet: landscapes to these experts @ChesBayJournal 10 ‘A crappy business’: Manure broker speaks out on tighter MD rules • Delmarva hauler doubts enough regional farmers 31 36 years after first Bay Agreement, its restoration is still a will pay for excess litter under new environmental regs pipe dream 4 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 Smallmouth woes range from contaminants to more stress at spawning sites ≈ Biologists are also looking were stocked at high flows that wash away with smallmouth eggs and bass fingerlings and bass carried by trains on newly competition from invasive laid tracks along species the shoreline. By Ad Crable The rivers in Smallmouth bass, a leaping delight the Bay region for anglers, continue to be hounded were stocked just by mysterious disappearances, low before the Civil survival rates, gaudy open sores and War. Since then, flood-challenged spawning seasons in anglers have the Chesapeake Bay region. targeted small- At a recent summit, fisheries biolo- mouths for their gists, anglers and fishing guides from acrobatic leaps Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and when hooked. Pennsylvania came together to assess the They also make health of smallmouths and offer theories fine table fare, on the elusive search for causes. though most Specifically, reports were presented anglers today on the upper Potomac River in Maryland, tend to practice South Fork of the Shenandoah River in catch-and- Virginia, South Branch of the Potomac release. River in West Virginia and lower Here is a Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. summary of Smallmouths, along with their cousin, the state of largemouth bass, are the most popular smallmouth bass game fish in North America, even more on the various so than trout and striped bass. rivers: Though more studies are needed, ≈ Upper summit participants generally agreed Potomac River, that suppressed immune systems are Pennsylvania guide Joe Raymond holds a healthy adult smallmouth bass from the Susquehanna. (Ad Crable) MD: From harming smallmouth bass in a variety Cumberland of ways. Contaminants from two main increased fishing pressure from anglers nized the meeting. “In many respects, I in Western Maryland to Great Falls sources are compromising their ability using kayaks and other small watercraft just think the smallmouth bass popula- near Washington, DC, the upper to fend off disease: pharmaceuticals that can access more shallow areas. tion is sensitive to clean water. They’re Potomac flows for 80 miles, straddling running through sewage plants as well Anglers and bass guides were kind of the canary in the coal mine in the boundaries of Pennsylvania and as chemicals from pesticides, herbicides invited to the summit to share what the entire mid-Atlantic.” Virginia and West Virginia. and fertilizers running off the land. they have seen on the water in the Vicki Blazer, a fish ecologist with the The number of juvenile small- But those were far from the only various areas. For the most part, U.S. Geological Survey who has been mouths has been consistently low there concerns. There were common fears their observations meshed with what studying the demise of smallmouth bass the last 10 years, especially the last that high river flows in the spring scientists have recorded. in the Bay region longer than anyone three springs with high flows. could be the new norm, devastating Some had strong words. “We have else, said getting to the bottom of the “The problem is, we have good bass reproduction. Flooding and strong a major problem on the river. It’s abso- 15-year-old problem will not be easy. adults in the population but they are currents can wash away spawning lutely in decline,” said David Neuman, “There are a lot of things fish are not being replaced in the numbers that beds, eggs and fingerlings. a bass guide from York County, PA, being exposed to and they might we’d like to see,” said Michael Kashi- Other worries included invasive fish speaking of the Susquehanna. get sick from if they are immune- wagi a regional fisheries manager with such as flathead catfish and snakeheads “I think our rivers are being quietly suppressed,” Blazer said. “We want a the Maryland Department of Natural that eat and crowd out bass and forage polluted,” said Mark Frondorf, the smoking gun so we can say we want to Resources. “That’s a deciding factor.” fish, blue-green algae outbreaks and Shenandoah Riverkeeper who orga- do something about it or not do some- Kashiwagi agrees with studies thing about it and move on, but we need that find a toxic soup of chemicals to move past that and take a bigger look from medicines and agriculture are at what is going on in the environment.” depressing immune systems in bass, Like many other fish now swim- making them more susceptible to other These two ming in Bay waters, smallmouth stressors, such as viruses, bacterial healthy bass, also known as bronzebacks and diseases and parasites. Warmer water, small- smallies among other affectionate combined with low depths, can create mouth monikers, are not native to the region. conditions that increase these threats. bass were The member of the sunfish family was “In the last 30 years, the watershed caught and originally only found in upper and has increased by more than 1 million released middle parts of the Mississippi River people and that’s a huge factor also,” on the basin and in the Great Lakes-Saint he said, referring to added pollution Susque- Lawrence River system. and habitat problems. hanna But as logging, mining and indus- Nonnative flathead catfish are River in trial growth polluted rivers, native spreading throughout the river, likely Pennsyl- brook trout disappeared. Water tem- eating both bass fingerlings and prey vania. perature increased and smallmouths, fish that bass depend on, he said. (Ad which live in warmer water, became Crable) the game fish of choice. Many rivers Bass continues on page 5 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 5

Bass from page 4 Resources. “We have a super concentra- tion of 2– and 3-year-old fish. But when Bass guides who use the river now you have poor recruitment, fish 7–10 split trips with other bass rivers such inches are not there and people freak out.” as the Susquehanna and Shenandoah The river has seen a number of fish depending on river conditions and kills since the late 1990s and up to catch rates. 85% of bass disappear after reaching To boost the river’s flagging bass about 3 years of age. numbers, the state last spring caught Keplinger thinks the same factors about 30 adult bass by lightly shocking believed to be affecting the health of bass fish from a section of the river and in other rivers — nutrients and chemi- from willing anglers at a bass tourna- cals washing off the land — applies to ment for use in a hatchery. the South Branch of the Potomac. Unfortunately, the bass did not But he also is concerned that high like languid hatchery ponds and did river flows in the spawning period not reproduce. The agency ended up could become an annual problem. buying 2,000 juvenile bass from a “We’ve had four straight years with private hatchery in the Midwest to In the South Branch of the Potomac, up to 85% of bass disappear after reaching high water over the spawn,” he said. stock the upper Potomac. The experi- about 3 years of age. (Dave Harp) And six of the highest flows on ment will be tried again in 2020 using the river in the last 100 years have different hatcheries. 2000s set off a near-collapse of the famed “Abundance is down,” conceded occurred in the last decade. ≈ South Fork Shenandoah River, smallmouth fishery. A moratorium on Geoff Smith, the Fish and Boat Com- Keplinger would like to see studies VA: The South Fork of the Shenandoah keeping bass has been in effect for nine mission’s Susquehanna River biologist. to check, as he suspects, if blooms of has long been known to anglers for its years. Smith said the drop-off is wor- blue-green algae might be killing or high numbers of bass that could bend The problems with Susquehanna risome and that fish managers are stressing bass. He said such algae pro- rods many times an outing. But that smallmouths have been intensely studied scratching their heads over the cause. duce some of the same neurotoxins and was before a fish kill in 2004 turned and debated. The former executive He wonders if high flows at the end of endocrine-disrupting compounds found hundreds of bass belly up. There have director of the Pennsylvania Fish and the spring stressed fish. Sudden drops in pharmaceuticals and pesticides. been three other, less-destructive fish Boat Commission unsuccessfully battled in water temperatures, resulting from He also worries about increased kills since then. to get the state’s Department of Envi- heavy rain, can kill fish, and high fishing pressure on already stressed Highs and lows in the spawning ronmental Protection to declare the river water can stress adult females that bass from the emergence of fishing classes have not helped. To protect the impaired, which would have required the don’t eat when guarding nests. kayaks. The simple movement of most productive spawners, anglers are not state to address the problems. The decline contrasts with several kayaks through more shallow areas, allowed to keep bass 11–14 inches long. In June, DEP declared the lower and years of encouraging juvenile reproduc- unreachable by larger bass boats, The emerging pattern of high water middle portions of the river impaired tion. Spring surveys showed the highest scares fish from preferred habitat and during spawns is a major concern for for aquatic life, after finding low presence of juvenile bass in 15 years. possibly from spawning beds in the Brad Fink, a fisheries biologist with numbers of aquatic insects, along with “If the abundance is down [in adults], spring. the Virginia Department of Game high pH levels. The report did not list we’re in a different set of scenarios now,” “When I float the South Branch, I and Inland Fisheries. “We could have causes of the impairments, but noted Smith said. “Ten years ago, we weren’t displace fish. Kayaks can affect fish- to try to spawn fish in a hatchery if it that high pH levels are often tied to getting new fish. Recruitment is not ability,” he said. happens each year,” he said. algae growth from concentrations of our problem anymore.” But like his colleagues in other states, But he said he is hopeful that very nutrients that have run off the land. ≈ South Branch of the Potomac Keplinger is excited about last spring’s favorable conditions for reproduction Now, after several years of encour- River, WV: “On the South Branch, a lot spawn — the best on the river in 15 last spring should result in one of the aging bass numbers, fish surveys by the of people are frustrated,” said Brandon years. “The good thing is, with a couple best classes of juvenile bass in 22 state and angler observations again reveal Keplinger, a fisheries biologist with good young-of-the-year classes, the river years. And, he stressed the river still a sudden drop in the number of adult bass. the West Virginia Division of Natural can rebound really quickly,” he said. has fishable numbers. “I’d go float the river,” he said. Most of all, Fink would like to see more focus on agricultural practices that reduce the runoff of harmful chemicals as well as a statewide emphasis on improving waterways in general. “We know there’s stuff that’s affect- ing fish populations and just better water quality would fight that. And we need to clean it up for ourselves, too, not just the fish. I feel we’re not going backward anymore. [But] we need to work on getting it better, not just the status quo.” An angler ≈ Susquehanna River, PA: Once one casts for of the meccas for smallmouth fishing on smallmouth the East Coast, the Susquehanna River bass at has been beset by the most publicized and sunset on the alarming health problems for smallmouth Susquehanna bass, including die-offs, open sores and River in ugly black splotches. “Intersex” fish — Pennsyl- male fish found with female egg cells vania. growing in their testes — have appeared, (Dan too. Mysterious fish kills in the early Nephin) 6 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 Results of crab pot placement research too close to call it either way ≈ Harvest in traps placed close low dissolved oxygen conditions at one together the same as those of the pot locations. placed far apart Kyle So, they tried again from September Wood, an through November. They used eight By Jeremy Cox under- crab pots. Four were spaced a half-mile Kyle Wood hauled the metal cage graduate apart from one another, far enough to up from its resting place at the bottom student theoretically simulate harvesting crabs of the Patuxent River in Maryland. at the without interference from other pots. There was no telling how many blue College of To test the opposite scenario, the team crabs it held until the crab pot broke Southern lashed one pot to another, then repeated the surface. Wood shook the cage over Maryland, the process with the two remaining pots. a black plastic tray until the nine crabs dumps Those “paired” traps were lowered into inside finished tumbling out. crabs out the water in separate locations. He picked them up one by one with a of a pot They conducted the experiment in gloved hand and called out their gender that was the Patuxent River, a Chesapeake Bay to his two crewmates. Then, he used a placed in tributary, about three miles upstream metal ruler to measure them from one the Patux- from Maryland Route 4 bridge near the far tip of the shell to the other. ent River. town of Solomons. They didn’t have to Eight were big enough for keeping, He worked worry about commercial traps getting perhaps to be boiled and eaten over a with his in their way because the state prohibits paper tablecloth at a seafood joint in mentor, commercial fishermen from using crab Baltimore or beyond. But that was not Tom Ihde, pots in Bay tributaries. Using crab pots to be these crabs’ destiny. a fisheries for research purposes is allowed. Wood is an undergraduate student ecologist “It’s a near-perfect laboratory for at the College of Southern Maryland, at Morgan us,” Ihde said. but his work on this overcast Novem- State The study involved setting the pots ber morning was part of a study led by University, by boat nine times over the course of Morgan State University. Along with to try to the three months and checking them two veteran Chesapeake Bay research- determine about 24 hours later for crabs. Wood ers, he is hoping to inject some science what tossed any crabs they caught back into into what heretofore has been an art: distance the water after performing his check. determining how far apart crab pots between If the team’s research showed a should be placed from one another. crab pots difference between the two types of pot That is, if the crabs were willing would pro- settings, their reward would be getting to to give up their secrets. And that was vide the do more research. They planned to con- anything but assured. optimum duct a second phase, cataloging catches Crab pots are end-table-size traps harvest. at varying pot distances to determine with a funnel that allows the catch (Jeremy which yields the most crustaceans. to enter but not escape. They are the Cox) But the second phase wasn’t backbone of the Bay’s commercial needed. By early December, the results crabbing industry — some watermen article, though, were skeptical that waterman, called the study an “inter- were in. The watermen appeared to be fish several hundred at a time to make science can explain something as esting concept,” but he also doubted right. There was no difference between a living. inscrutable as the whims of blue crabs. that it would bear fruit. the paired pots and their far-apart Tom Ihde is a fisheries ecologist at When told about the Morgan State For his part, Kilinski keeps things cousins, according to Ihde’s initial Morgan State as well as Wood’s mentor study, Blair Baltus laughed heartily. simple on the water. If crabs are plenti- review of the data. and co-author on the study. He has long “Answer me one question: How much ful in an area, he makes sure his crab “They’re not the results we expected wondered if the pots compete for the grant money did they get to do this?” he pots are plentiful, too. or thought we’d see, but they’re results,” same crabs if they’re placed too close asked. “This is about the most entertain- “Normally, as a waterman, it kind Ihde said. “From a scientific perspec- to each other. But placing them too far ing story I’ve heard of in my whole life.” of takes care of itself,” he said. tive, though, that’s exactly what the apart could cause watermen to spend (Morgan State dipped into its own The crab pot study is a side project process is supposed to do.” needless time and diesel on the water. funds to cover the study, Ihde said. No of the venerable blue crab population Maybe blue crabs don’t care It isn’t merely an academic matter, grants were used.) survey conducted annually by Morgan whether traps are nestled tightly Ihde said. At the height of the Bay’s A lifelong crabber, the Baltimore State’s Patuxent Environmental and together or flung widely across the crab season in the summer and early County-based Baltus said it costs him Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL). Bay’s dusky floor. Because the study fall, the buoys marking the location $600 a day for bait, fuel and hired help, The research, begun in 1968 and was conducted in the fall, when crabs of crab pots are often so thick “you a figure that doesn’t include health supported in recent years by Dominion are migrating, the time of year may have to zigzag around to get your boat insurance, boat maintenance, gear and Energy Solutions, represents one of have affected the results, Ihde said, through,” he said. Solving the aquatic other costs. But a robust rise in crab the longest-running studies of marine adding that he might test the question mystery could save untold expenses in abundance — scientists estimate nearly populations in the world. again during a future summer. a region home to more than one-third 600 million crabs populated the Bay Wood graduated with an associate’s But there’s another positive outcome of the nation’s blue crab catch, he said. before last season began and the highest degree at the end of the fall semester from the just-completed study, he noted. “Every little bit matters on the total since 2012 — helped to keep his and plans to enroll in the fisheries and “To me, from the get-go, the real water,” said Ihde, who began studying business afloat. wildlife biology program at Frostburg product of the project was Kyle himself the Bay as a graduate student in 1997. “I can tell you three things” about State University in the fall. He snagged and what he got out of it,” Ihde said. “The profit margins are small. Every crabs, Baltus said. “They swim, they feed an internship at PEARL last summer. “He came in here with an interest little bit of fuel you can save by not every now and then and they taste good. In Wood, Ihde found a fellow trav- in science but no real experience. traveling as far, all of that is going to Other than that, everything else about eler with a curiosity about crab pots. Through his work with us over the last help the bottom line.” a Chesapeake blue crab is a hypothesis.” They tried their study in the summer, eight months now, he’s leaving this as Two watermen contacted for this Bill Kilinski, a Charles County but the results were fouled because of an experienced field biologist.” Bay Journal • January – February 2020 7 MD port officials give $500,000 to revive community waterfront ≈ Funds to help restore Turner ping channels to permits, according to the MPA. Station park with sediment create the wetlands, “Turner Station Conservation Teams dredged from Baltimore harbor build a berm along and our historic community are proud the waterfront and to partner with MPA on this innovative By Timothy B. Wheeler relandscape the project,” said Larry Bannerman, who A novel plan to refurbish an old park’s playground. represents the community on a port waterfront park near Baltimore with The port has an administration advisory committee. He sand and silt dredged from the harbor interest in sup- said he believes that the Fleming Park has received its first major infusion of porting the Turner makeover could serve as a blueprint for the cash needed to make it a reality. Station project similar uses for dredged material. Community leaders in Turner Station, because it has faced Completing the project will require a historically African American neighbor- challenges over the much more funding, with the precise hood in Dundalk southeast of the city, years in finding amount still to be determined as plan- cheered the announcement in late Novem- acceptable places ning progresses. But Nelson said she’s ber that the Maryland Port Administra- for depositing encouraged by the money received so tion would give $500,000 toward their the sand and silt far and by expressions of support from hoped-for revival of Fleming Park. dredged to maintain Baltimore County and state leaders, “We are just so excited about this,” deep shipping among others. said Gloria Nelson, president of the channels. To have “We have been working since 2017 Turner Station Conservation Teams. a community to get support,” Bannerman said, “and “This will get us started.” welcome it is a we are proud to say that our political The 16-acre park once drew resi- major step forward leaders, local businesses, community dents for crabbing, fishing and stroll- in shifting public leaders and others have given us full ing along a boardwalk overlooking perception of what support.” Bear Creek, a tributary of the Patapsco Larry Bannerman of Turner Station Conservation Teams walks used to be called Several private businesses and River. But the wooden walkway is along a shoreline in the summer of 2018 that the community “dredge spoil.” nonprofits also are working with the almost gone, and the waterfront is group hopes to see restored and revitalized. (Dave Harp) The MPA community to advance the project, walled off by thick stands of invasive funding will pay including the landscape architecture wetland plants. waterfowl and other wildlife. They’d for an environmental assessment of the firm Mahan Rykiel Associates, the For the last two years, Turner also like to rebuild the boardwalk to project, a necessary first step toward Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Station community leaders have been help bring people back to the water. getting regulatory approval to carry Nature Conservancy and Anchor QEA, seeking help to replace the park’s They’ve teamed up with the port out the plan. It will also help with an environmental and engineering overgrown, rocky shoreline with a administration on a plan that would engaging the community, refining consulting firm that specializes in marsh of native plants that would draw use dredged material from harbor ship- the project’s design and applying for shoreline and water resource projects. LEADING THE NATION WITH CLEAN WATER SOLUTIONS

The CWP assists local governments with: Watershed and TMDL Planning BMP Urban & Agricultural Crediting MS4 Permitting Water Monitoring DesignResearch Stream Restoration Green Jobs Training Program Join our CWPA network today and receive: Access to the online watershed library Webcasts & PDH’s Networking events Conference discounts Discounted services Join online at cwp.org or contact Karen Titus at [email protected] or 443-392-7836 Mention the Bay Journal and receive a complimentary gift. 8 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 Group sues PA for violating state’s Environmental Rights Amendment ≈ Suit says money from fracking the benefit of all people.” leases should be used on state’s This time around, in Pennsylvania resources, not balancing its budget Commonwealth Court, the group zeroes in on DCNR’s State Forest Plan, By Ad Crable adopted in 2016. Until then, the agency In 2017, Pennsylvania’s environmen- had managed oil and gas leases, timber tal laws were turned upside down when sales and recreational uses of state the state Supreme Court ruled that the forestlands with the paramount goal state, and possibly municipalities, were of maintaining the health of forests, trustees of public lands and required to according to the defense foundation. protect them for future generations. But the new plan gives equal foot- Seizing on that broad and still ing to the economic value of such uses unsettled mandate, the Pennsylvania and requires the agency to “balance” Environmental Defense Foundation is that value against ecosystem values, suing the state agency responsible for the lawsuit contends. 2.2 million acres of state forests, saying The lawsuit maintains that the it is violating its stewardship obligation agency, under the 2017 ruling, has an by leasing public forestland for the obligation to “conserve and maintain” hydraulic fracturing of natural gas. public natural resources for the benefit of To date, the state Department of the people. “To conserve and maintain Conservation and Natural Resources means you cannot deplete, diminish or has collected more than $1.1 billion Pennsylvania’s Tiadagthon State Forest. A lawsuit by an environmental group degrade those resources. The 2016 State in revenue from fracking leases on charges that the state is violating its constitution’s Environmental Rights Amend- Forest Plan does not reflect that you have 139,000 acres. By an act of the state ment by allowing hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in state forests. (Ad Crable) complied with those duties,” the defense legislature, the revenue has been used foundation said in a press release. to help the state meet its budget and to leading to the 2017 blockbuster ruling. have a right to clean air, pure water, Also, the suit charges that the fund the agency, despite protests from At that time, the court agreed with and to the preservation of the natural, forest guide lacks any plan to repair environmental groups. the defense foundation that money scenic, historic and esthetic values of the degradation and depletion of state Both uses of the money are in raised by DCNR through oil and gas the environment. Pennsylvania’s public forests from fracking. violation of the Supreme Court ruling leases and used on public natural natural resources are the common After leasing for state forests began and the 1971 Environmental Rights resources shouldn’t be diverted to the property of all the people, including in 2008, fracking has converted 1,770 Amendment to the state constitution, state’s general fund. generations yet to come. As trustee of acres of that public land to shale gas argues the defense foundation, the That 4–2 ruling reiterated the word- these resources, the Commonwealth nonprofit that initiated the lawsuit ing of the amendment: “The people shall conserve and maintain them for Lawsuit continues on page 9

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Number 2 Volume 27 Watermen oppose ADVERTISE with US! plans to protect historic shipwrecks April 2017 ≈ Fear of fishing restrictions down the road alarms those An invasive who ply waters near Mallows blue catfish, heeleR recently Bay, despite B. assurances. W imoThy caught in By T the Potomac The “ghost fleet” sunk in the mud River by of Mallows Bay never saw action in Richard World War I. But nearly a century later, Turner and the decaying wrecks of more than 100 his crew. wooden steamships built for that war They can and left to rot in the Potomac River have reach 100 triggered a new conflict. pounds and A proposal by the National Oceanic consume and Atmospheric Administration to vast create a new national marine sanctuary - amounts of around the skeletal remains of those crabs and vessels has riled commercial fishermen in menhaden. Maryland and Virginia. Despite assur Photo / ances to the contrary, they see the move Dave Harp as a potential threat to their livelihood. They have flocked to public meetings to oppose it, saying they fear it could restrict or block their access to waters where they’ve harvested a bounty of fish, crabs and oysters for years. Reach our audience of educated, “The word ‘sanctuary,’ makes us commercial fishery has taken off. shake,” John Dean, president of the St. But a new federal regulation could Mary’s County Watermen’s Association, disrupt what many see as one of the said at a public meeting earlier this month. most successful “eat the invasives” “Please leave this alone.” - have been eating their way through campaigns in the country. Under Now, a proposal that at one time had the Potomac River and the rest of legislation passed by Congress seemed to be sailing along with universal New catfish reg threatensthe Chesapeake Baywatermen’s for the last yearslivelihood, ago to protect Mississippi’s Bay support has run into a squall of opposi 28 on page Inspection requirement decade. They can grow to 5 feet long farmed catfish industry from foreign tion. Though small compared to the ≈ and weigh up to 100 pounds while imports, sales of any type of catfish, continues could derailffort both to control thriving gobbling up other commercially 12 including these wild-caught in the page SHIPWRECKS fishery, e valuable fish, such as menhaden and Chesapeake region, will be subjecton invasive species.oBell blue crabs. continues ona K Turner and a growing number of By R CATFISH conscientious, and loyal readers Richard Turner Jr. maneuvered his fishermen are turning the tables on these invasive predators. Spurred on Carolina Skiff around Gunston Cove by a burgeoning market and the lack in the Potomac River, then hoisted of any harvest limits, the blue catfish three decades to revive the Bay’s ecological health. a hoop net out of the water that he’d - “If this program is eliminated, there is a very left there hours ago. M ay 2017 real chance that the Bay will revert to a national Inside wriggled a 12-pound blue disgrace,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation - catfish. These mustachioed menaces President William Baker, “with deteriorating water Bay Program — which guides the overall state-fed quality, unhealthy fish and shellfish, and water-borne eral restoration effort — from $73 million to nothing diseases that pose a real threat to human health.” It also galvanized a bipartisan pushback from 14 Underwater grassesin the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The EPA’s overall on page orts. budget was targeted for a 31 percent reduction. elected officials throughout the continues region, as state offi Proposed Trumpff budgetThe Whiteeliminates House called also for sharp Chesapeake decreases cials and members Bay of Congress Program weighed in against lanKenship BUDGET aRl B in other agencies and departments that have Sharpup cuts in 8%; other initiatives &acreage K would also is ≈ contributed to the Bay restoration effort, but gave — in print and online! set back other B. W restorationheeleR e few details of how those might play out in specific TimoThy By highest in decades- programs or initiatives. Volume 27 The Trump administration would shut down the The administration is expected to release a more ≈ Scientists say some beds might be large 34-year-oldenough Chesapeaketo survive Baysevere Program weather restoration events. detailed spending plan in May. But the potential cuts partnership in its “America First” budget blueprint already alarmed those who’ve labored for more than Number 3 By K releasedarl in B March, while likely cuts to other initia tivesUnderwater wouldlanKenship further grasses, set oneback of efforts the most to restore closely the watchednation’s indicators largest estuary, of Chesapeake advocates Bay say. health, surged Theto the 53-page highest budget levels outline seen in would decades, slash federal accordingfunding to surveyfor the resultsEnvironmental for 2016. Protection Agency’s This is the second straight year that grasses have set a record since the survey began. Nearly 100,000 acres of the Bay’s bottom were covered by the underwater meadows, which provide habitat for juvenile fish and blue crabs, as well as food for waterfowl. That was an 8 percent increase over 2015, and more than twice what was in the Bay just four years ago. “It was an impressive year following on a previ ously impressive year and we are at numbers that we’ve not seen — ever,” said Bob Orth, an underwa- ter grass expert with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science who oversees the annual aerial survey. Like all green plants, submerged grasses need - sunlight to survive, and the clearer the water, the more sun they get. Because of the link to water clarity, the annual survey of Bay grasses — often Contact referred to by scientists as SAV, for submerged aquatic vegetation — is a closely watched indicator of the Chesapeake’s overall health. A thick stand of eel grass grows in the Honga River at the end of May in 2016. Photo / Dave Harp In their own right, grass beds are also a critical component of the Bay ecosystem. In addition to and crabs, they also pump oxygen into the water providing food for waterfowl and shelter for fish and trap sediments. Restoring underwater grass beds is one of the goals of the nutrient and sediment reductions aimed at cleaning up the Bay, as water clouded by sedi ment or nutrient-fueled algae blooms can be lethal Sea Grant, which sustainsto grass more beds. than marine 20,000back to 48,195jobs, acres bymay the one-two be punch cut of Hur ricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in late summer ≈ Trump budget would eliminate The Bay’s underwater grasses were knocked 2011, which sent a flood of nutrients and sediment program that has economic into the Bay. impact of $575 million. - But relatively dry conditions since then, which By reduced the flow of nutrients and sediments into the jacqui caine rona - growers earn money not only for the KoBell Once a month, Matt Parker and bivalves they grow, but also for the water Suzanne Bricker drive along Penny Lane they clean under the state’s nascent nutri through a Southern Maryland forest until ent trading program. G it dead-ends at the Chesapeake Bay. Then, R ASSES continues they pull on their waders, hop into a skiff At a University of Maryland lab, It might even encourage more Mary Parker and Bricker test their samples to landers to get into the oyster-growing to maneuver out to aquaculture cages - on page see how much nitrogen and phosphorus business. 26 where they grab samples of water, and the the oysters remove as they filter the oysters taking it in. “It’s really cool,” said Bricker, a water. If they can translate that into - Their results may eventually let oyster scientist with the National Oceanic and programs around the nation that help a dollar value, they might one day be Atmospheric Ocean Service. “And it’s the able to generate “credits” that can be translate science into sustainable coastal first time it’s ever been done (for nutrient economies. Parker works for Sea Grant, 540-903-9298; [email protected] sold to others who are having a tough trading).” time meeting their Bay-related nutrient promoting aquaculture and helping future reduction goals. But partnerships like Parker’s and oyster farmers write and implement their Bricker’s won’t be happening in the business plans. Chesapeake, or anywhere else, if the In a draft budget released in March, Trump administration’s proposed budget the Trump administration proposed is approved. The work is funded by Mary eliminating the entire $73 million Sea land Sea Grant — one of 33 Sea Grant Grant program, which operates at universities in all Coastal States, the Great Lakes, and Guam. - SEA GRANT continues on page 25 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 9

Lawsuit from page 8 allow use of Pennsylvania’s public natural resources and to apply the infrastructure, according to DCNR’s income however it chooses. Only pro- 2018 Shale Gas Monitoring Report. ceeds from the sale of public natural That includes the construction of 238 resources must be returned to the well pads and related structures, 200 public trust corpus,” said David Man- miles of new roads and 188 miles of delbaum, who teaches environmental pipeline corridors. As a result, numer- litigation at Temple Law School. ous blocks of unbroken forest have He said the ruling means that the become fragmented. Environmental Rights Amendment “We’re threatening that core forest “does not impose an obligation of with this continued oil and natural conservation on the Commonwealth. gas extraction, but we are not putting Public natural resources can be used. any of the money back in dealing The use merely has to be reasonable, with the degradation and diminution in light of the right of later generations that’s occurring,” said John Childe, also to use the same resources.” the defense foundation’s attorney, The defense foundation has speaking to a forum on Pennsylvania’s appealed the ruling to the state forests in Harrisburg in October. Supreme Court. Shortly after he became Pennsylva- Two years after the court’s 2017 nia’s Democratic governor in 2015, Tom ruling, many of the implications are Wolf issued an executive order placing Snow covers Loyalsock State Forest in Pennsylvania. The lawsuit maintains that the still unsettled, said Martin Siegel, an a moratorium on further oil and gas state’s DCNR, under the Environmental Rights Amendment, has an obligation to “con- environmental attorney in York. leases on state forests and state parks. serve and maintain” public natural resources for the benefit of the people.(Ad Crable) Other court rulings seem to have Even so, Republican legislators in the held that municipal officials aren’t state have introduced a bill to reopen efforts to protect state forests “have does not comment on legal matters. responsible for taking exceptional gas drilling in state forests. They say met a stonewall of opposition from The defense foundation suit against steps to ensure that public lands it’s needed to fund Wolf’s Restore the General Assembly, the governor, DCNR is just the latest in a flurry of in their midst are environmentally Pennsylvania initiative for flood preven- DCNR and Commonwealth Court,” he lawsuits meant to settle the details of the protected if the state already has tion and stream restoration. said. “The Supreme Court has made it Supreme Court’s broad initial ruling. safeguarding regulations, Siegel said. Childe said that continuing to allow clear that the people own the property An important decision emerged “But there are bigger unanswered funds from public lands to be diverted and the government has no other inter- in July in Commonwealth Court on questions right now,” he continued. “One for other uses could mean “the very est in public natural resources other the issue of whether oil and gas funds big question is, is the state adequately heart of our public natural resources than as a public trustee— and they could be diverted from the agency that funding environmental protection? Often, would be at the disposal of the General don’t know how to deal with that.” maintains state forests and parks. these rulings raise more questions than Assembly.” Asked for comment on the latest law- “The court appears to have decided they answer. These things will be perco- The defense foundation’s legal suit, a DCNR spokesman said the agency that the Commonwealth is free to lating through the system for decades.” Restoring the native balance

ernstseed.com [email protected] 800-873-3321 10 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 MD to phase in restrictions for manure application without delay ≈ Ag secretary: State will work with The vote came after the panel farmers have traditionally relied on as use will hurt them financially by farmers, poultry industry to deal received a report from Salisbury Univer- a low-cost fertilizer. In some places, forcing them to buy more expensive with problems foreseen by study sity’s Business Economic and Com- manure has been applied to fields so commercial fertilizer. munity Outreach Network (BEACON) often that phosphorus has built up in Even so, the panel voted 12 to 5, By Timothy B. Wheeler saying that the state lacks the funding, the soil and risks running off into local with two abstentions, to recommend Maryland is forging ahead with trucks and storage facilities likely waterways. There, phosphorus feeds against holding up the regulation for a restrictions on the use of animal manure needed to collect and haul away the algae blooms and worsens the fish- year. Environmentalists opposed the to fertilize farm fields, despite warnings animal manure that grain growers would stressing “dead zone” that forms in the delay, arguing that the restrictions are that there are likely to be problems. no longer be able to spread on fields. Chesapeake Bay. needed to improve water quality in the State Agriculture Secretary Joseph The Phosphorus Management Tool State officials have said there’s ample Bay and its rivers. They were joined Bartenfelder declared in late December regulation, adopted in 2015, restricts farm acreage elsewhere in Maryland — by representatives of major farming that he saw no need to delay phasing or bars outright the application of and even on the Upper Shore — where groups, who later issued a joint state- in a state regulation that restricts the phosphorus on fields where there’s a more manure could be safely applied to ment calling for stakeholders to work use of phosphorus-rich animal manure risk that it will wash out of the soil soils without high levels of phosphorus. together on an “action plan” to address to fertilize farm fields, despite a study and into nearby streams and drainage The state provides $1 million annually to the challenges the restrictions pose. finding the state is not prepared to ditches when it rains. The restrictions subsidize hauling about 250,000 tons of “When we succeed, we can make deal with the excess manure that is could affect a total of 228,000 acres on manure each year to farms where it can a case for freedom to operate in a expected to result. 1,600 farms statewide by the time they be safely spread. business climate where phosphorus In a letter to a departmental advisory are fully phased in Jan. 1, 2022. But the Salisbury University study runoff is being properly addressed committee, Bartenfelder said that his So far, about 65,000 acres on 350 predicts that with so many more fields and managed to benefit the environ- decision was based on the committee’s farms have been regulated. In the subject to potential restrictions, the state ment and protect water quality,” the recommendation. The 19-member com- coming year, however, nearly 123,000 would have to boost its manure transport joint statement said. It was signed by mittee — which includes representatives acres of farm fields are expected to be subsidy and provide financial incentives leaders of the Maryland Farm Bureau, of the poultry industry, farmers, munici- affected by the rule. Most are on the to expand the private truck fleet hauling Maryland Grain Producers Association palities and environmentalists — voted Eastern Shore, where poultry manure it. Memo Diriker, director of BEACON, and Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. Dec. 13 to recommend against a one-year is widely used to fertilize corn and projected that $10 million might be Bartenfelder said that state officials delay in the restrictions to be imposed soybeans. needed over the next three years. are consulting with all concerned to in the coming year on more than 1,300 Phosphorus is one of the nutrients Lower Shore growers also have said see that restrictions continue to be farms in the state. contained in animal manure, which that they fear restrictions on manure phased in smoothly. ‘A crappy business’: Manure broker speaks out on tighter MD rules ≈ Delmarva hauler doubts enough Soon, his phone started ringing with regional farmers will pay for excess neighboring farmers asking to have their litter under new environmental regs chicken houses cleaned — or “caked out,” as they call it. For a time, Ellis spread By Jeremy Cox the manure as fertilizer on his corn and Ray Ellis makes a living hauling soybean farm in Millsboro, DE. But it chicken poop — tons of it, often across didn’t take long until he was collecting state lines. more nutrients than his crops needed. So, He owns the largest manure transport he began selling it to other farmers for $4 company on the Delmarva Peninsula, a per ton. region with one of the highest concentra- Like it or not, he was in the business of tions of meat chickens in the country, transporting chicken poop. “It’s a crappy with a capacity for 150 million birds. business,” Ellis said. “Who wants to play In other words, if anyone stood to in chicken manure every day?” personally gain from a new regulation What began as a side gig slowly that would require more chicken farms to evolved into a full-time venture called ship manure somewhere else, Ellis would Ellis Farms, Inc. The agribusiness giant, be your guy. Perdue, opened a plant in the early 2000s An advisory committee gathered last in nearby Blades, DE, where it processed month to recommend whether Maryland’s chicken manure into fertilizer pellets. portion of the peninsula — and the rest With that, Ellis recalled, “People started of the state — should go forward with a asking, ‘Well how valuable is this manure measure that would do just that. The other I’m getting rid of?’” option was to delay it for a year. Perdue’s new operation translated into The 19-member group included farm- Ray Ellis, owner of the Delmarva Peninsula’s largest manure transport business, steady business for Ellis. Reflecting the ers, environmentalists and, yes, Ray Ellis. stands by as poultry manure is cleaned out of a chicken house. He warns it will be newfound demand, his price for a ton Twelve members voted to urge the state “piling up on farms” as a result of tightening state restrictions. (Dave Harp) of manure shot up to $10 within a year. to move ahead with the regulation. State Changes in farming drove his profits Agriculture Secretary Joseph Barten- his mother ran grocery stores. Agriculture litter — a mixture of bird droppings, higher. In many cases, new poultry opera- felder decided to follow the committee’s wasn’t part of his life until he met and feathers and bedding material. tions were constructed without any adjoin- recommendation. married a farmer’s daughter. But with a skid loader, which resem- ing cropland. With nowhere to spread their Ellis was one of the five who voted In those days — the late 1980s and bles a miniature bulldozer, the job could manure, they called on Ellis’s services to against it. Here is why: early ‘90s — it would take a crew of five be done by one worker in about an hour. keep their chicken houses clean. Ellis grew up in a small farming to seven workers about four hours to clean Ellis decided to buy one, making him one Farmers who wanted to fertilize their community called Willards on the lower out a chicken house between flocks. The of the few farmers in the region with such Eastern Shore. His father was a carpenter; floor becomes crusted over time with equipment at his disposal. Litter continues on page 11 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 11

Litter from page 10 Litter is in a difficult financial spot, he added. cleared out The industry will need to invest in 10–20 crops with manure began paying Ellis of a shed to trucks at a cost of $80,000-$120,000 per $18–$21 per ton to truck it to them. His be hauled unit, Diriker said. But new alternatives, business quickly expanded. He bought elsewhere. such as facilities that heat the manure to several tractor trailers and hired about 20 Ray Ellis says create electricity, could come online over employees. Then came new regulations his business the next several years, reducing the need in Maryland limiting how much manure has dwindled for it to be transported. farmers could apply to their fields. as fewer farm- “People like Ray bought this equip- Decades of heavy use had saturated ers are willing ment to take these things all the way up thousands of acres on the Eastern Shore to buy poultry to Pennsylvania and then there’s suddenly with phosphorus. Multiple studies showed manure. He no need to take them,” said Diriker, links between nutrients washing off the questions adding that the state may wish to consider region’s farms and algae blooms growing where the subsidizing the companies for such costs. in the Chesapeake Bay. When they die excess litter Diriker’s report also suggests subsidies off, those blooms rob the water of oxygen, will be taken. to cover higher transportation costs creating massive “dead zones” that kill (Dave Harp) because of an expectation that the manure any marine life that can’t escape. will have to be trucked still farther away Ellis’ phone was constantly ringing manure as far as Pennsylvania, where it Meanwhile, the state was moving to find willing buyers. with farmers looking to offload manure was used as fertilizer on mushroom farms. forward with the next phase of the tool’s For Ellis, the Salisbury report con- because they could no longer spread it as As his customers dwindled last year, implementation, expanding the phospho- firmed his fears about the next phase of freely on their own land. he asked the Maryland Department of rus restrictions from 65,000 acres on 350 the phosphorus regulation. But the biggest game changer was Agriculture for a list of potential recipients. farms to 228,000 acres on 1,600 farms. “If anybody should be voting for it, it yet to come. In 2015, Maryland adopted The state gave him 10 names, he said. A state-commissioned study released should be me because I’m going to get the Phosphorus Management Tool, But most would only receive shipments in in December concluded that the state paid for moving it,” he said. which restricts or bans the application of the spring during the planting season or lacks the funding and trucking infrastruc- Ultimately, he didn’t. The transporta- phosphorus on fields, depending on its they would take it but not pay for it. ture to handle the extra manure. tion industry isn’t ready to absorb the existing concentration in the soil and the “I’m the largest broker on Delmarva,” “There’s going to be a need for new new supply of manure, especially when likelihood it will pollute the Bay. Ellis said. “No one’s calling me” to buy equipment and new drivers to transport demand for the product is so low, he said. Regulators phased in the program, manure. The annual amount of manure this,” said Salisbury University economics He blames fellow industry members starting with the fields with the highest handled by his company has plummeted expert Memo Diriker, the study’s author. for bowing to political pressure to phosphorus concentrations. But it pushed from a peak of 250,000 tons to 100,000 “With that much more manure that’s going advance the regulation. The future, as he Ellis’ business to a tipping point. As more tons, he said. He blames part of that to have to leave The Shore, or at least that sees it, isn’t pretty and smells worse. farmers signed on to have their manure difference on the emergence of competi- high [phosphorus] value acreage where it “We’re going to have manure running trucked away, it strained the supply of tion from other trucking companies in cannot be spread, you’re going to have to out of the sheds and piling up on the those willing to use it on their fields. the market, but it’s mostly because of the transport it out of the region.” farms,” he said, “and that’s when you’re Just to find takers, Ellis began hauling tighter nutrient regulations, Ellis said. The scenario puts hauling companies going to have a nightmare.” Want a diversified investment Environmental Quality portfolio with a low carbon footprint? Resources Your Money, Your Values . 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Valliant Wealth Strategies is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through RJFS Advisors, Inc. 12 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 Chesapeake cleanup effort gets a boost in federal funding ≈ The Bay Program will get $85 million, the most it has ever received By Timothy B. Wheeler Federal funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts is in line for a boost in the big spending package passed in mid-December by Congress and signed by President Trump on Dec. 20. Increased Bay-related funding was included in a pair of appropriations bills totaling nearly $1.4 trillion that were agreed upon by delegations from the House and Senate to fund President most federal agencies through Sept. Trump 30, 2020, the end of this budget year. signed The U.S. Environmental Protection into law Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program, a pair of which guides the overall restoration appropria- work throughout the six-state watershed, tions bills will get $85 million, the most it has ever that include received. That’s a 16% increase over increased what the program received annually from funding Congress for the last five years. It’s also for Chesa- almost $78 million more than the Trump peake Bay White House had asked for this year. That restoration request would have resulted in a nearly efforts. 90% cut to the Bay Program budget. (Timothy B. “We fought hard for this investment, Wheeler) and I’m pleased that this effort succeeded, despite the administration’s continued saw its budget grow, and at least some have for ecosystem science and moni- Department of Agriculture’s Natural attempts to slash this funding,” said Sen. of that money could go to projects in toring work in the Bay watershed. Resources Conservation Service, which Chris Van Hollen, D-MD. the Bay. The Corps got $100 million, Finally, the National Park Service assists farmers and ranchers in reducing Kristin Reilly, director of the double the level in fiscal year 2019, for got a 50% increase for its Chesa- their environmental impacts, increased by Choose Clean Water Coalition, which environmental restoration and protec- peake Bay Gateways and Watertrails more than $10 million, to $829.6 million. represents more than 240 groups in tion, including $25 million for programs Network, a collection of more than ≈ The National Oceanic and Atmo- the Chesapeake watershed, called the with a comprehensive restoration plan. 170 sites around the region where the spheric Administration’s Sea Grant increased Bay Program funding “a Congress also set aside $5 million public can connect with the natural College Program saw a $7 million great victory for clean water.” in the Corps budget for oyster restora- and cultural heritage of the Bay. Joel increase from last year, to $87 million “As the 2025 deadline approaches to tion, with reef reconstruction in the Dunn, president and CEO of the for this budget year. The university- have all programs and practices in place Bay specifically recommended in the nonprofit Chesapeake Conservancy, based national network supports to restore water quality,” she said, “contin- conference said the scientists and other experts working ued investment by the federal govern- report. Reef $3 million to improve the conservation, manage- ment in the Bay Program will pay huge restoration “It really reflects appropria- ment and use of coastal resources. dividends not only for the environmental in Mary- tion marks Also, in a move that could presage benefits but also to communities and local land’s Tred the national significance the first even more federal dollars going to economies throughout the watershed.” Avon River of our world-class restoration work. time the Chesapeake restoration in the future, the A joint House-Senate report accom- has been program has Senate Environment and Public Works panying the spending package speci- largely on This new infusion of money received the Committee agreed on separate legisla- fies the ways in which much of EPA’s hold after full amount tion to authorize an increase in Bay enlarged Bay Program budget is to be federal will let us lead by example.” authorized Program funding to $92 million a year. spent. It directs the agency to distrib- funding ran — Ann Swanson by Congress. Committee member Van Hollen teamed ute two $9 million grant programs to out. Chesapeake Bay Commission Ann up with fellow member and Maryland states, local governments and nonprofit Finally, Swanson, senior senator, Democrat Ben Cardin, to groups — one for restoration efforts Corps execu- push to raise the spending ceiling. in small Bay tributary watersheds and funding more than doubled, from $8.1 tive director of the Chesapeake Bay The committee also passed two the other for “innovative” nutrient and million in fiscal year 2019 to $17.3 Commission, called all the spending other Bay-related measures sponsored sediment reduction projects. million this year, for expanding Poplar increases “pretty great news.” by the Maryland senators. One, called The report also stipulates that Island near Tilghman Island, MD. The “It really reflects the national sig- the Chesapeake WILD Act, would watershed states should get another $6 Corps is working with the Maryland nificance of our world-class restoration have the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- million for targeted pollution preven- Port Administration to rebuild the work,” Swanson said. “This new infusion vice award grants to underwrite Bay tion or cleanup in places where science disappearing island using material of money will let us lead by example.” conservation efforts. The other would indicates it will do the most good. dredged from Bay shipping lanes lead- Funding likewise increased for sev- reauthorize the Chesapeake Gateways Congress approved increased ing to Baltimore harbor. eral nationwide federal programs that and Watertrails program. spending on the Bay in other agency The U.S. Geological Survey also do some work in the Bay watershed. Those measures would require budgets as well. received a $2 million boost, bringing Among them: approval from the full Senate and from The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to $14.85 million the funding it’s to ≈ The operations budget of the U.S. the House to become law. Bay Journal • January – February 2020 13 Virginia menhaden fishery threatened with moratorium ≈ Feds act after Omega Protein declared that it would surpass adopting the mandated Bay harvest cap. exceeds Bay harvest cap the limit for the first time. It “Upholding the ASMFC’s noncompli- said it was forced to do so ance finding for Virginia was simply the By Timothy B. Wheeler by unsafe fishing conditions right thing to do,” said David Sikorski, Virginia faces a threatened shutdown along the Atlantic coast, but it executive director of Coastal Conserva- of its large commercial fishery for Atlan- also challenged the basis for tion Maryland, a sportfishing group. “We tic menhaden after federal officials found the Bay limit. applaud Secretary Ross for defending the state had allowed too many of the “This is the first time both the management system and the commercially and ecologically important that a moratorium has been forage base in the Chesapeake Bay.” fish to be taken from the Chesapeake Bay. placed on a fishery that is not Matthew J. Strickler, Virginia’s natural In a letter released Dec. 19, the head overfished and is healthy by resources secretary, thanked Ross and of the Commerce Department agency every measure,” the company Oliver for their decision, which he said that regulates federally managed said in a statement expressing would “protect the Chesapeake Bay and fisheries declared Virginia out of its disappointment with the the livelihoods of all those who depend on compliance with an interstate manage- federal decision. it, including the workers at Omega Protein. ment plan for menhaden. A scientific review in 2017 “We believe strongly that a science- As a result, a statewide catch morato- did find that the coastwide based approach that accounts for all rium will be imposed June 17 if Virginia menhaden stock is not over- fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay eco- does not by then adopt and enforce a fished, and the commission system is appropriate,” Strickler added, 2-year-old cap on Bay harvests of the fish, increased the allowable catch “and we look forward to working with wrote Chris Oliver, assistant administra- in coastal waters in response. the General Assembly to apply such an tor for fisheries with the National Oceanic But it reduced the Bay catch at approach to the menhaden fishery.” and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA the urging of conservationists The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a branch of the Commerce Department. and recreational anglers, who urged the Virginia General Assembly to The rare federal action comes after a Menhaden are harvested in a purse seine. A statewide urged caution because of the go beyond simply changing the harvest fishing fleet working for Omega Protein moratorium on catching the fish may be imposed June important ecological role the cap and transfer responsibility for manag- this year netted more menhaden from the 17 if Virginia does not by then adopt a 2-year-old cap fish play in the estuary. ing menhaden to the Virginia Marine Chesapeake than permitted by the Atlan- on Bay harvests, as set by the ASMFC. (Dave Harp) While there’s no study Resources Commission, which regulates tic States Marine Fisheries Commission. confirming menhaden are all other saltwater fisheries in the state. The fleet hauled in 67,000 metric tons, Worried that the company was taking too being depleted in the Bay, commission But if the Assembly fails to do either, more than 30% above the cap. many menhaden from the Chesapeake, the members say research has suggested links the moratorium would affect more than Conservation and recreational fish- commission, since 2006, has capped the between the abundance of menhaden in Omega. About 189 Virginia watermen ing groups applauded the move. So did Bay harvest for the benefit of other species. the Chesapeake and fish that feed on them. harvest menhaden every year to sell as Virginia officials, who said they were Omega has sparred for years with the The Atlantic States commission’s bait to catch other fish, according to the unable to persuade Omega to abide by commission over its coastwide menhaden technical advisers have been working marine resources commission. They the 51,000-metric ton annual limit on harvest limits. Tensions increased in on guidelines for managing menha- account for about 10% of all menhaden Bay menhaden harvests. November 2017 when the interstate body den’s ecological role as a forage fish caught in the state. “It’s unfortunate that Omega’s actions slashed the allowable catch in the Bay from for other species. When finished, that “It’s a pretty big fishery,” said J. C. earlier this year have tarnished the entire 87,216 metric tons to the level it is now — analysis is expected to lead to changes Hudgins of Mathews, who is president of commonwealth,” said Chris Moore, which is about what the Chesapeake catch in harvest rules, but for now commis- the Virginia Waterman’s Association. senior regional ecosystem scientist with has averaged the last several years. sion members say they must maintain Hundreds of watermen in Virginia the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Virginia has technically been out of the current limit as a precaution. and Maryland also use menhaden as About three-quarters of all the compliance for the last two years because The commission’s October vote bait to catch crabs, and they could be menhaden harvested along the East it failed to adopt the 51,000 metric ton finding Virginia out of compliance was hurt by a moratorium, as could fisher- Coast are caught by the fleet contracted cap. The state’s General Assembly sets subject to review by U.S. Commerce men in other East Coast states who buy to Omega. The Canada-based company fishing rules for menhaden, and Omega Secretary Wilbur Ross, who had to decide bait fish from Virginia. has a processing plant in Reedville, VA, successfully lobbied lawmakers not to whether to impose a moratorium and Omega, in its statement, said it would that “reduces” menhaden into animal lower the catch limit. The commission under what terms. NOAA’s Oliver, acting work with the Atlantic States Marine Fisher- feed and nutritional supplements. didn’t move against Virginia right away, on behalf of Ross, said the harvest ban ies Commission and Virginia to bring the The small oily fish are also a food though, because Omega had not exceeded wouldn’t take effect until June 17, to give fishery back into compliance and eventually source for other fish, including striped bass. the cap. But in September, the company Virginia time to come into compliance by establish ecosystem-based harvest rules. 14 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

Data centers line a section of the Loudoun County Parkway where new buildings are also under construction. The Northern Virginia county has the world’s largest concentration of data centers and continues to add the energy-intensive facilities. (Whitney Pipkin) Centers from page 1 nears its current zoning capacity for new projects and other counties vie for the as 7,500 residential households and economic boost this industry represents. requires a more reliable power source,” Access to fiberoptic cables and energy the application stated. By that metric, the transmission lines extends into parts of 100-plus data centers currently operating Fauquier and Culpeper counties, where in Loudoun County would be using more companies could find less expensive land electricity than 750,000 homes. in rural areas attractive. “Given the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels as rapidly as Why Northern Virginia? possible to combat the most extreme Northern Virginia’s economy has consequences of climate change, the long benefited from its proximity to source of electricity deployed by the local Washington, DC, and so has the data utility in these data center hotspots takes center industry. on global significance,” the Greenpeace The federal government funded report states. research that led to the internet’s precur- Virginia regulators also are looking sor, the U.S. Defense Department’s at the cumulative impact of the centers’ ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects natural gas– or diesel-powered backup Agency Network), in the 1960s. That generators, which run periodically to created the need for data storage near the ensure reliability when needed. Should nation’s capital as more branches of the they all fire up at once, in the case of an government began to share information energy emergency, their emissions would electronically. But — though the U.S. quickly pose air quality concerns in a government is still a major player in the region that has about seven times as many region’s data storage business — many people living in it than it did in 1980. would credit private companies with Concerns have also been voiced about christening Northern Virginia as the data centers’ big thirst for water to use in “Silicon Valley of the East,” as a 2011 cooling systems and about their consump- article in The Atlantic put it. tion of land for facilities and parking The internet pioneer America Online, areas. The conversion of open space and later known as AOL, moved its corporate wildlife habitat into hardened surfaces headquarters to Loudoun County in the contributes to polluted stormwater runoff 1990s, attracting talent to the region that in streams flowing to the Bay. would spin off to start other tech compa- In 2019, Loudoun County had 13.5 nies as the internet evolved. As Buddy million square feet of data centers in Rizer, executive director of Loudoun operation with another 4.5 million square County’s Department of Economic feet under development, according to the Development told a tech publication, county’s Department of Economic Devel- it wasn’t long before “everyone started opment. Another 10 million square feet of running their fiber out to AOL, because in data center space were reportedly in the those days, AOL was the internet and the pipeline. Their combined footprint from internet was AOL for most people.” these buildings would cover approxi- In the late ‘90s, internet providers put mately 640 acres, but that’s not including Loudoun County on the map by running the parking lots that accompany them. the infrastructure of a major East Coast The pace of data center growth in internet-access point, called MAE-East, Northern Virginia only seems to be through Vienna, Reston and Ashburn. accelerating, especially as Crystal City Soon, environmentalists began to prepares to welcome Amazon’s East worry about their impact. Coast headquarters and data centers con- 2001. The nonprofit group was at the time “Even that long ago, I was shocked by tinue to crop up in nearby Prince William Powered up, but how? tracking proposals of new natural gas their consumptive nature,” he said. Now, and other formerly rural counties. Dan Holmes, director of state policy for power plants. Holmes started to see permit Northern Virginia “represents the largest Data center construction is spreading the Piedmont Environmental Council, said applications for natural gas generators to other parts of Virginia, too, as Loudoun data centers came onto his radar around as backup power for data centers. Centers continues on page 15 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 15

Centers from page 14 asked the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to hub of new data center construction in rezone more than 100 acres the world. If you take the next four largest along Goose Creek so it could combined, we’re still larger than that.” build a 760,000-square-foot Industry and county officials point data center. The Piedmont out that data centers achieve huge energy Environmental Council argued efficiencies by co-locating along channels the project didn’t belong in of connectivity and energy transmission the county’s “transition zone” such as those in Northern Virginia. between its suburban east and Troy Murphy, director of policy for the rural west. They said it would Northern Virginia Technology Council, encroach on a rare state- wrote in an email to the Bay Journal that designated rocky, mossy area, “it is no secret that energy usage is a large one of 10 “Northern Piedmont factor of operating a data center.” But, he mafic barrens” worldwide, said, aggregating servers into large data and create additional hardened centers uses up to 84% less power than surfaces just upstream of an having servers located at each business intake for public drinking or agency. The more servers per square water. foot, for example, the fewer feet in need of But the project’s backers, cooling as they operate around the clock. on the other hand, said it would Murphy said the scale of these data bring an additional $22 million centers — most of them funded by in annual tax revenue to the internet behemoths that have made Gem Bingol, a Loudoun County field representative for the Piedmont Environmental Council, county that could be used for renewable energy pledges — has helped stands in front of one of the data centers near the Dulles Greenway. Bingol said the Digital education and infrastructure. to push the state to improve its energy Realty Data Center was one of the first in an area that now includes a metro stop under con- The data center’s futuristic portfolio. Amazon Web Services, Apple, struction and mixed-use residential units nearby. (Whitney Pipkin) design, they said, would use Facebook, Google and Microsoft have less than 1% of the water that a each announced a goal to eventually be Residents of mostly rural Spotsylva- time. Faha, whose department issues similarly-sized center might consume. powered 100% by renewable energy. nia County 60 miles south of DC waged air permits for the generators, said they In the end, the board narrowly “In 2013, renewable energy was an unsuccessful fight last year against a kick on periodically for 15– or 30-minute approved the project by a 5–4 vote. The hardly a factor in Virginia,” Murphy proposal to clear 3,500 acres of private periods to ensure they will work in an Piedmont council’s Holmes said the proj- wrote. “But by 2018, Dominion Energy woodlands for the state’s largest solar emergency. ect shows how hard it can be to get a local had more than 744 [megawatts] of solar project to date. The DEQ permits restrict when those government “to focus on environmental generation capacity operational or under While environmental groups consider tests can occur, avoiding hours when impacts when they’re having $22 million development — 78% of which is directly solar an improvement over coal– or commuter traffic isn’t also contributing to of revenue waived in front of their face.” attributable to partnerships with data gas-based power generation, they also air pollution, for example. Loudoun County currently offers sev- center companies.” want the state to weigh the cumulative “But even a minimum amount is an eral incentives to data centers considering Even so, data centers’ energy demands impact of such projects. If not constructed addition to what was there in the past,” locating in the pockets of land still avail- continue to grow with the global growth properly, so-called solar farms could Faha said. “If the grid were to go down able for such commercial development. in online activity. contribute additional stormwater runoff and we had a catastrophic emergency, The county offers tax exemptions to data “As everyone puts in a real-time digital to nearby streams and the Chesapeake these units are then allowed to run for centers that invest at least $150 million, monitor on their doorbell, that begins Bay. Such was the case with one project longer periods of time.” hire at least 50 employees and pay at least to overwhelm whatever efficiencies constructed during a rainy 2018 in Burning diesel or natural gas for 1.5 times the average local wage. The the [industry’s] achieving,” said Chris Virginia’s Essex County, where the newly power releases pollutants such as nitrogen county also fast-tracks such projects by Miller, executive director of the Piedmont turned land contributed muddy runoff to oxides, which combines with volatile providing a dedicated project manager for Environmental Council. the Rappahannock River. organic compounds to form ozone, which quicker development reviews. Even a 100% renewable energy Thomas Faha, director of the is a threat to human health. “We’ll get about a quarter of a billion portfolio can be problematic if the Department of Environmental Qual- That’s why the department wants to dollars in local tax revenue this year increased demand means that more of ity’s Northern Regional Office, said conduct additional air quality monitoring alone from the data center industry,” the state’s land must be devoted to energy both data centers and solar projects are in places like Loudoun County. There, Loudoun’s Buddy Rizer told GCN News production. subject to erosion and stormwater control he said, a confluence of data centers and in 2018. “Data centers are a really high A growing number of environmental regulations aimed at protecting local growing residential population make it return on investment for us. For every groups have concerns about how solar water quality. But the local government necessary to consider the cumulative $1 we spend on services for data centers, energy facilities are being sited, especially authority determines whether projects impact these generators could be having we get $9.50 back.” when photovoltaic panels cover land comply with the regulations. And often, on air quality. In comparison, it costs the county formerly farmed or forested. the county also stands to benefit from the Nitrogen oxides emitted into the air more to provide services to single-family “When you add in a solar array that’s tax-boon that accompanies a new data can also contribute nutrient pollution to homes than it gets back, and for every $1 big enough to provide clean energy for center project. the Bay when the pollutants fall back to it spends on commercial businesses, it Microsoft or Amazon, we’re talking Earth and wash into local waters. gets about $1.56 back, the article said. tens of thousands of acres of land just for Air concerns Faha estimated that the number of Given the amount of revenue these solar,” Miller said. “There’s a need for The DEQ is looking into another generators already permitted for data projects represent, Miller said he’d like to a larger look by the state as we pursue emerging concern related to data centers centers in Northern Virginia could run see the county and state hold data centers renewable energy, for offsetting data in Northern Virginia: air quality. A up to 3,000, and the total is growing. The to a higher standard for reducing their center construction that will have an report by the state Secretary of Natural vast majority, he said, are in Loudoun and environmental impacts, rather than only additional impact elsewhere.” Resources in 2019 listed air emissions Prince William counties. offering economic incentives. Maryland regulators denied permits from data centers’ backup generators as a “What we would argue,” he said, last year for two solar projects that would potential risk to air quality. Economic incentives “is that these are the [companies] best have cleared 400 acres of woodlands, Every data center has several genera- One data center approved in 2018 positioned in the current economy to citing concerns about water quality. tors that are intended to be used in an despite strong opposition serves as an recapture the costs of investing in the Similar concerns have yet to gain much emergency should the conventional example of environmentalists’ concerns. best stormwater controls on the right traction in Virginia. power grid go down for any period of In 2017, a Dallas, TX-based company pieces of land.” 16 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 A sea change in action: Bay states plan for future climate Political shift in VA has There’s little doubt that the Chesa- Obama era regulations and withdraw PA sets lofty goals, but peake region has been feeling the impact from the 2016 Paris Agreement to limit advocates hopeful for of climate change over the last century. greenhouse gas emissions. does it have the political The number of days with frost each As a result, action has largely shifted long-awaited action year has decreased by about 30, annual to the states, which recognize that will to achieve them? precipitation has increased by about By Ad Crable By Jeremy Cox climate will create greater challenges for 10%, and water levels have risen a foot everything from natural resources and Pennsylvania, which ranks fourth in Virginia, like many coastal states, or more. Tidal marshes, inundated by the quality of the environment to public the nation in its emissions of climate- has been battling climate change primar- rising water, have decreased dramati- health and water supplies. altering carbon dioxide, took a much ily on two fronts: reducing greenhouse cally. Bay water temperatures have risen “We are in a phase right now where bolder stance in addressing climate gas emissions and preparing coastal 1.5 degrees in just the last two decades. change in 2019, at least in words. These trends will have great implica- there are dark clouds and strong head- communities for rising seas. winds at the federal level, but states and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf The state’s formal response to climate tions for Chesapeake water quality and unveiled four separate actions aimed the habitats it supports in the coming universities and private sector leaders change can be traced to then-Gov. Tim can make real progress,” said Mary- at curbing climate change, each bolder decades, especially if greenhouse gas than the one before. Kaine’s executive order in December emissions are not reduced. land Department of the Environment 2007 that formed the Governor’s Com- Even as the region — and the Secretary Ben Grumbles at a recent Wolf started off in January 2019 by mission on Climate Change. nation — feels the heat, federal water monitoring conference. issuing an executive order that set the Since then, climate action on a state leadership on climate change under Here’s a look at the climate plans first statewide goal for greenhouse gas level has been on a rollercoaster. From the Trump administration has largely developed by Maryland, Virginia and reductions. The target is a 26% reduc- 2010 to 2014, the issue took a back seat vanished, as it attempts to roll back Pennsylvania. tion by 2025 and an 80% decrease by under Republican Gov. Bob McDon- 2050 from 2005 levels. nell’s administration. But two successive The primary means to achieve those Democratic administrations under Terry scalebacks: more energy-efficient govern- McAuliffe and Ralph Northam made ment buildings, switching a quarter of the some progress amid resistance from a government fleet of vehicles to electric Republican-controlled General Assembly. or hybrid models by 2025, and requiring The political dynamic shifted again that at least 40% of the energy used in the in November as Democrats regained state come from renewable sources, listed control of the General Assembly for the as natural gas, wind and solar. first time in more than two decades. Now, Wolf called climate change “the environmental activists hope that change most critical environmental threat translates into long-awaited action on facing the world.” their climate agenda. The state’s temperatures have In his 2007 order, Kaine, now a U.S. risen nearly 2 degrees since the early senator representing Virginia, urged his 1900s and nearly 4 degrees in winter, climate commission to find ways to cut according to state agencies. Officials the state’s greenhouse gas emissions 30% warn of sea level rise, hotter summer by 2025. Assuming the state took no temperatures, increased flooding, more action, officials estimated that total emis- extreme storms and more unhealthy sions would reach 230 million tons by that air over the next century if greenhouse year. The governor’s plan would reduce gases are not curtailed. Though emissions to 163 million tons per year. Pennsylvania is not an oceanfront Critics, including some commission state, there are concerns about how members, argued that the state’s target the tidal Delaware River will affect didn’t go far enough. In contrast, the the vast industrial complex along the most recent United Nations Intergov- river around Philadelphia, including ernmental Panel on Climate Change fears that runways at the Philadelphia had urged reductions of 25% by 2020 International Airport will flood. and 80% by 2050. But others worried Pennsylvania is a power plant that more-aggressive steps would raise and industry-heavy state, both main An aircraft carrier returns to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base on the Virginia continues on page 17 planet. Rising sea levels threaten operations at the base. (Dave Harp) Pennsylvania continues on page 18 An early climate leader, MD now at odds over how to address worsening threats By Timothy B. Wheeler With at least 3,200 miles of Bay and General Assembly passed a law calling that more action is needed, Maryland Atlantic Ocean shoreline, Maryland is for the state to reduce its climate-altering lawmakers upped the ante. They passed In the race to head off the worst particularly vulnerable to sea level rise greenhouse gas emissions 25% from new legislation calling for a 40% green- impacts of climate change, Maryland associated with climate change. High-tide 2006 levels by 2020. Officials say Mary- house gas reduction from 2006 levels by has been a leader among states in the flooding, even on sunny days, is occurring land is on track to achieve that by the 2030 — a goal exceeded at the time by Chesapeake Bay watershed — and in the with increasing frequency. On low-lying deadline next year, though some activists only two other states, California and New nation, for that matter. areas of the Eastern Shore, salty water aren’t so sure. York. And they urged starting to work But the Hogan administration and from the Bay is seeping inland below the Much of the progress to date has come toward an even more aggressive goal to climate activists are now at odds over ground and ruining farm fields. Near-shore from power plants and other industrial reduce emissions 80–95% by 2050. whether the state is doing enough, given woodlands are turning into ghost forests, energy generators switching from coal to In a demonstration of bipartisanship the lack of federal action and increas- as trees are poisoned by salty water natural gas, which when burned releases not seen at the national level, Gov. Larry ing urgency with which scientists say soaking the ground around their roots. about half as much climate-altering Hogan, a Republican, signed the bill, bolder actions are needed to avoid dire The state has long recognized carbon dioxide. consequences. the climate threat. A decade ago, the But in 2016, with scientists warning Maryland continues on page 19 17 Bay Journal ≈ Bay States Plan for Future Climate ≈ January-February 2020

Virginia from page 16 the state’s Republican-controlled legisla- Department of Transportation published really ahead of the state,” Phillips said. ture on climate issues. statewide bicycle and pedestrian plans. She has spent much of her first year energy costs beyond what residents Nine Northeast states have formed The agency also wrote a document to help on the job meeting local planners and and businesses could absorb. a cap-and-trade program for power guide localities toward more-efficient documenting the resources they need to The commission ultimately proposed plants. Northam made joining it a community designs. But transit ridership combat climate change in their communi- 76 million tons in cuts, which would signature campaign issue. State regula- dipped 8% statewide in 2017 and another ties. The most-cited challenges included a result in a slightly higher reduction than tors finalized a carbon-trading rule last 2% in 2018. lack of planning staff, funding shortfalls the 30% that Kaine had sought. April. But state Republicans blocked Scientists widely agree that coastal and conflicts with the state’s top-down Today, Virginia may be closing in the move, refusing to allocate funding Virginia is ground zero for sea level rise approach to governance. on that goal. In fact, it may have already for it in their budget this year. and other climate impacts. Virginia adheres to the Dillon Rule, happened. The source of the uncertainty Activists hopes that the new Demo- Sinking land, a weakening Gulf an 1800s legal doctrine that prohibits is a problem that has plagued the state’s cratic majority will nudge the proposal Stream and rising seas are expected to local governments from wielding climate change campaign from the outset: across the finish line. Northam has raise the level of the water surrounding any powers beyond those specifically lack of public support. announced plans to seek the go-ahead Hampton Roads 4.5 feet by the end of granted by the state. While multiple No comprehensive analysis of from lawmakers during this year’s the century. (Worldwide, the average legal analysts have sided with local emissions has been performed for years session. rise is forecast to be 3 feet, according to governments on their authority to tackle because of a lack of funding from state Virginia has twice made sweeping the United Nations’ Intergovernmental flooding problems, the issue remains far lawmakers, said Meryem Karad, policy climate action proposals: in 2008 under Panel on Climate Change.) That incom- from settled. A 2010 Virginia Supreme and communications adviser to Natural Kaine and 2015 under McAuliffe. The ing tide threatens thousands of residents Court ruling, for example, overturned Resources Secretary Matt Strickler. trouble has been sticking to them. as well as the largest naval base on the on Dillon Rule grounds a Hampton But state officials estimate the current The Virginia total is 160 million to 185 million tons per Institute of Marine Sci- year. Most of the cuts have come from ence and the Virginia electricity suppliers converting from coal Coastal Policy Clinic to natural gas to fire their plants, Karad at the William and said. The low end of that range surpasses Mary School of Law the emissions goal; on the high end, the published a review of state would still have a long way to go. the state’s progress The largest share of that multimillion- toward meeting the ton decrease, representing about one-third 2008 goals. The report of all emission reductions, was projected found that while certain to come from federally mandated actions, actions had been taken, such as increased fuel economy for the state had failed to vehicles and new efficiency standards on implement a “compre- certain appliances. hensive” program to But the state has found itself with address the recommen- less help from Washington, DC, than dations. expected. The long-awaited cap-and- The state’s energy- trade legislation was dead on arrival in conservation efforts Congress — and remains so. The system haven’t much impressed would have set an emissions cap. Compa- the American Council nies could then buy and sell allowances for an Energy-Efficient on the open market; those that reduce Economy. The energy emissions could sell excess allowances to watchdog ranked Vir- other emitters. ginia 29th in the nation, The Obama administration enacted a just behind Tennessee, Clean Power Plan, but the Trump admin- in 2019 in overall istration replaced it earlier this year with efficiency. Its total score an industry-friendly version that required of 15 points out of the A house is being raised in Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood, where repetitive flooding is common- no specific emission reductions. nonprofit’s scale of 50 place. (Dave Harp) Trump also backed out of the 2016 was just 5 points higher Paris Agreement on climate. In response, than its 2008 sum. planet, Naval Station Norfolk. decision to expand a conservation area under then-Gov. McAuliffe in 2017, The state also has lagged in renewable Alarmed, many coastal communi- to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia joined a group of states pledging energy development. In 2018, Virginia ties have begun taking action, from In 2015, the nonprofit advocacy to uphold the Paris accord, including its obtained just shy of 7% of its energy the Eastern Shore studying potential group Climate Central and its consul- goal of reducing emissions up to 28% from renewables, well below the national road-flooding impacts to Norfolk tant ICF International gave Virginia from 2005 levels by 2025. So far, 24 states average of 17%, according to the federal investing $112 million in an elaborate a C+ grade for its coastal-flooding and Puerto Rico have signed on to the Energy Information Administration. tide-defense system for a pair of low- efforts. Tts neighbor, Maryland, U.S. Climate Alliance’s targets. The Kaine commission had hoped lying neighborhoods. received an A–. “Working with a strong coalition to wring about 8% of the state’s For years, though, those efforts The report card cited Virginia’s of states through the Climate Alli- emissions reductions from transporta- unfolded largely in isolation from one lack of an updated climate change ance is important as Virginia develops tion system upgrades. It was more of another, with little state-level coordina- adaptation plan with detailed resilience comprehensive strategies to address the a plan to have a plan, though, calling tion. State lawmakers stepped in last policies and a timeline for getting impacts of climate change,” said Gov. on officials to set numerical goals for year, creating a cabinet-level position projects done. Northam. “We are focused on reducing initiatives such as improving com- dedicated to coastal adaptation and Phillips is working on completing a our carbon footprint in a way that grows munity designs as well as increasing protection. Northam appointed Ann “coastal master plan,” by the end of the our clean energy economy and creates public transit ridership, the amount of Phillips, a retired Navy rear admiral and spring, she said. But her efforts will be new business opportunities across the freight carried by rail and the number longtime advocate for climate action, to constrained, she added, because of her commonwealth.” of people who bicycle or walk to work. the position. office’s lack of a budget and staff. But Northam, like previous Demo- The state has made strides on some “Because the localities and the cities “I have to stay within my means,” cratic governors, faced opposition from of those recommendations. The Virginia have been doing so much already, they’re she said. 18 BAY JOURNAL ≈ Bay States Plan for Future Climate ≈ January-February 2020

Pennsylvania from page 16 on natural gas. One of the program’s five major sources of carbon dioxide. In addition, goals is to help flood- the state ranks second in the nation in prone communities the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas prepare for high water and fifth in dairy cows. Both sources by upgrading flood walls produce methane, an even more potent and levees, replacing but less prevalent greenhouse gas. high-hazard dams and Wolf backs controversial natural gas conducting stream- production, though, and some environ- restoration projects. mental groups and legislators criticized the In October, Wolf governor for not seeking better controls on took yet another emissions from natural gas extraction as anti-climate change part of his climate change package. executive action by But in mid-December, Wolf-backed ordering the state’s rules to cut methane emissions from gas environmental agency wells were approved by the state Environ- to join the Regional mental Quality Board by an 18–1 vote. Greenhouse Gas The governor’s first executive action Initiative, a coalition was followed up in April with a signifi- of nine mid-Atlantic cant update to the state’s Climate Action and Northeastern states Plan, which had been in existence for committed to plac- several years. At the same time, Wolf ing limits on carbon announced he was joining 23 other emissions from power governors in the U.S. Climate Alliance, plants with a cap-and- a bipartisan coalition of governors trade system. pledging to keep the commitments the Such a system would United States made in the Paris Agree- make it more expensive ment in 2016 to reduce greenhouse gas to produce and use emissions. President Donald Trump has Addressing climate change in Pennsylvania will place considerable reliance on public forests, like the power from fossil fuels. begun to withdraw the United States Michaux State Forest, shown here, to act as carbon sinks. (Dave Harp) Large power plants from the worldwide agreement. would have to pay for “With the federal government turning of vehicles driven to work containing only owns 2.2 million acres of forestlands carbon emissions beyond a cap set by its back on science and the environment, one person. More sustainable trans- and advises private owners of another 10 member states. The proceeds are to I am proud to join with states that are portation practices are called for, such 17 million acres, came up with its be allocated back to states to be used leading the way toward new climate solu- as installing electric-vehicle charging own “Climate Change Adaptation and for investing in energy efficiency and tions and taking concrete action to reduce stations and encouraging bike sharing. Mitigation Plan” in 2018. renewable energy. greenhouse gas emissions,” Wolf said. In the energy sector, the state Recognizing the importance of trees Expecting pushback from the Repub- “States like Pennsylvania must take calls for increasing the percentage of to capture carbon dioxide out of the air, lican-controlled legislature, Wolf used action to reduce greenhouse gas emis- electricity that utilities are required to the agency vowed to allow no net loss of an executive order, claiming authority sions and protect our communities, econ- generate from renewables. The list of forests in Pennsylvania. under the federal Clean Air Act. omies, infrastructures and environments desired renewables includes solar, wind, But the projected impacts of climate “Pennsylvania’s participation in from the risks of a warming planet.” low-impact hydro, geothermal, biomass, change will be considerable on forests. [the greenhouse gas initiative] has the Pennsylvania’s new Climate Action methane gas, coal-mine methane and Changes in weather will mean a loss potential to be the most meaningful Plan describes more than 100 actions fuel cell resources. of some tree species and the arrival of step in reducing climate pollution that aimed at state and local governments, Pointedly, the plan called for nuclear others, along with more tree-damaging the Commonwealth has ever taken, and businesses and citizens. It calls for power to remain at its current level. It’s insects and invasive plants. Wildfires not a moment too soon,” responded the changes that affect energy, transporta- not clear how that’s possible, given that and blowdowns from trees killed by Sierra Club. tion and agriculture. the Three Mile Island nuclear plant shut insects are expected to increase. But Republican legislators are It also contains dire warnings if down on Sept. 20 and the Beaver Valley State forest officials expect difficult trying to block the state’s participation action is not taken. nuclear plant plans to close in 2021 and costly land-management changes in the initiative. In November, two bills “The impacts of climate change are unless it receives a bailout by the state that will affect the use of state forests were introduced to require the legis- real and will continue to put Pennsylva- legislature. Unlike states such as Illinois and parks. With less snow, they may be lature to approve membership. The nians at risk from increased flooding, and New York, Pennsylvania legislators used less in winter for such activities as bills came from legislators in western higher temperatures and more,” the plan have balked at making $500 million snowmobiling. In summer, there may be Pennsylvania, the heart of the state’s stated. Farmers will have to deal with available annually to the state’s four overflows of visitors seeking refuge from coal-mining region. Wolf had sought increasing problems with pests, weeds remaining nuclear plants. heat, especially those parks with lakes membership by July 2020. and diseases, the report continued, and Changes to agriculture may also help and pools. Wolf’s climate change initiatives “public health will deteriorate because reduce carbon emissions. The plan wants Among the proposed changes in forest have generally brought acclaim from climate change will worsen air quality.” to see more methane gas recovered from management: less timbering to maintain environmental groups, many of whom Expect more frequent road washouts manure and used to produce electricity, the ability of forests to capture carbon; had scolded the governor previously and more power outages, the plan added. as well as more no-till farming and other focusing on tree species expected to for not doing enough on the issue. One chief strategy in the plan is to conservation practices. No-till farming do well in warmer, wetter conditions; “These are pretty significant steps,” update the state’s building codes to pro- allows the soil to soak up more water, planting more streamside buffers; and said Ezra Thrush of PennFuture. “But mote the construction of more energy- reducing runoff and reducing the carbon protecting key tracts of land so tree [the initiative] is not enough. We need to efficient buildings and make it easier for releases that occur when soil is disturbed. species fleeing too-warm conditions can also push for something that jump-starts the public to install solar-power systems. Addressing climate change in the move naturally along tree corridors. the renewable energy in the state.” In addition to rolling out more electric state will place considerable reliance on Wolf’s proposed four-year, $4.5 billion Late in the year, legislators intro- or hybrid vehicles in the public sector, the public forests to act as “carbon sinks.” “Restore PA” infrastructure initiative also duced bills to expand solar energy plan calls for converting public buses to In fact, the state Department of Con- touches on climate change. The program and to increase charging stations for electric motors and reducing the number servation and Natural Resources, which would be underwritten by a severance fee electric vehicles. 19 BAY JOURNAL ≈ Bay States Plan for Future Climate ≈ January-February 2020

Maryland from page 16 to make the even deeper cuts needed in the future. which had been passed by an over- The center also noted whelmingly Democratic legislature. that the Maryland plan But figuring out how to reach that counts on the Trump admin- 40% goal hasn’t gone smoothly. Law- istration failing in its moves makers directed the Maryland Depart- to weaken or eliminate more ment of the Environment to draft a than a dozen climate-related plan by the end of 2018 for reaching regulations, including those the target. The plan was to be finalized on coal-fired power plants by the end of 2019, after legislators and and vehicle fuel efficiency. the public had ample time to review MDE’s Grumbles and comment on it. countered that the center’s MDE missed the first deadline by analysis of Maryland’s plan more than nine months. It released a includes “several errors and 244-page draft in mid-October, and baseless assumptions … there are no plans to finalize it until We know we have a very well into 2020. good chance at blocking key “We are focused on getting the federal rollbacks in coor- most aggressive and achievable plan dination with other states possible, and it has taken some time. and ushering in technology But it’s worth it,” said MDE Secretary game changers on the clean Ben Grumbles. and renewable energy front The draft proposes to reduce the in the coming years.” state’s greenhouse gas emissions 44% This ghost forest near the Little Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is the result of sea level rise But Thomas D. Peterson, by 2030, surpassing the requirement and saltwater intrusion. (Dave Harp) the center’s president and in state law. It lists more than 100 CEO, warned that Maryland measures to do that, including a push would be fleshed out in legislation to be its six remaining coal plants, complained will surrender its leadership role among to get 100% of the state’s electricity introduced in early 2020. David Smedick of the Sierra Club. states in addressing climate change unless from “clean and renewable” energy In broad terms, though, the standard Grumbles said environmentalists its draft plan is revamped. Other states sources by 2040, which state officials would seek to expand the share of energy need to be more realistic. “Some in the already have set more ambitious goals, he say is one of the most ambitious goals supplied by solar projects beyond the environmental community want existing said, and spelled out more far-reaching in the nation. 14.5% goal set in 2019 by the legislature. nuclear or existing natural gas plants to strategies for achieving them. But critics say the plan is not only It would also provide credits or financial be shut down, and that’s not on the table Maryland is in somewhat better shape late, it’s wildly optimistic on one hand, incentives to other energy sources not for us right now,” he said. Rather than than most states, Peterson said, in prepar- relying on questionable assumptions and generally considered renewable or regulate facilities out of existence, he ing to deal with the impacts of climate unproven technologies, and insufficiently environmentally benign, including hydro- said, “we are looking at the marketplace change that are already happening. The ambitious on the other. Mike Tidwell, power, nuclear power and natural gas. to continue the drive for cleaner energy.” center helped prepare two reports, one in director of the Chesapeake Climate Environmentalists object to treating In the meantime, he said, the state needs 2008 on how to reduce the state’s vulner- Action Network, said the plan’s tardiness those as clean — particularly natural to continue relying on natural gas as a ability to sea level rise and coastal storms, and shortcomings “would seem to call gas, in large part because the hydraulic bridge fuel. and the other in 2011 on other threats to into question the governor’s seriousness in fracturing used to extract most of the fuel To offset the emissions from gas agriculture, water supply and even the truly tackling the climate crisis.” has led to groundwater contamination, plants, the plan does propose the develop- Bay restoration effort. The plan proposes a few new state methane emissions and other problems. ment of carbon capture and storage, in The state has created a CoastSmart regulatory actions, including restrictions Moved by those concerns, Maryland which carbon dioxide emissions would be program to help coastal communi- on emissions of hydrofluorocarbons, the lawmakers voted in 2017 to ban “frack- collected and pumped deep underground. ties tackle storm surge, flooding and climate-warming compounds used in ing,” as the technique is often called, and But critics scoff, pointing out that despite sea-level rise hazards. It offers funding air conditioning and refrigeration. Many Hogan signed the ban into law. decades of study and pilot projects, that to local governments for planning others are expansions or extensions Now, though, the plan calls for devel- technology has yet to prove feasible. and training. State agencies also have of existing federal or state efforts, or oping gas-fired cogeneration facilities, Critics consider other planks in the collaborated on efforts to safeguard participation in multi-state initiatives. which capture the heat generated while plan similarly far-fetched, such as its buildings and infrastructure from flood- One major new initiative is the Hogan producing electricity for use in warming reliance on a surge in electric vehicle ing, storms and other climate change administration’s proposal to accelerate homes and buildings. sales to curb transportation-related impacts. A plan ordered by the legisla- development of zero– and low-carbon Critics argue that promoting more carbon dioxide emissions. With the ture for dealing with saltwater intrusion sources of electricity, while expanding the gas use is the wrong approach, and they state offering tax breaks for electric released in December called for more definition of what those are. contend that the draft plan underplays vehicle purchases and installing more research and study, and in the meantime Hogan had vowed in May to develop the climate-warming effect of natural gas fast-charging stations, the plan projects offer financial and technical help to a Clean and Renewable Energy Standard, leaks from fracked wells, pipelines and that the number of these autos will soar farmers and other landowners likely to that he said would go beyond the goal set other sources. Methane or natural gas is from less than 20,000 on state roads in lose croplands and forests. by the Clean Energy Jobs Act just passed many times more potent a greenhouse gas early 2019 to 600,000 by 2030. The state’s original climate adaptation by the General Assembly. That law, which than carbon dioxide, at least in the short “It’s not a shift that we dislike … but plans were “very ambitious at the outset,” took effect without his signature, would term over the next couple decades, they it’s just not well-supported,” said Scott Peterson said, and they’ve guided the require 50 percent of electricity used in point out. Williamson, an analyst with the Center state’s efforts since. But more is known the state to come from renewable sources Instead of planning for more gas for Climate Strategies, which issued a now, both about climate impacts and by 2030. use, said David Costello, a former MDE scathing critique of Maryland’s draft plan about what to do about them. It’s past time The new standard Hogan promised official under Hogan’s predecessor, “you in December. The center, a nonprofit for the state to produce a new, compre- calls for getting 100 percent of the really need to ramp up solar, wind and think tank that helped Maryland with hensive plan. power used in Maryland from clean and [energy] storage.” earlier climate planning efforts, concluded “It’s really time for them if I might renewable sources by 2040. How that The administration’s plan also doesn’t the latest draft was unlikely to achieve the say so, to get back in the saddle,” he said. would happen is only briefly outlined spell out when or how the state would greenhouse gas reductions called for by “It’s not like nothing is going on, it’s just in the draft plan. Grumbles said it eliminate the dirtiest of its power sources: 2030 and didn’t put the state on a pathway somebody needs to put it together.” 20 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

Cleanup from page 1 already been upgraded with technology that Voters called it a “profoundly sad and reduces nutrient pollu- disappointing moment in Bay history,” tion. Forcing them to and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation do even more would be said it “should put fear in the hearts of all expensive and achieve who care about clean water.” little in the way of EPA Region III issued a follow-up additional reductions. statement insisting that it “remains “It would be inef- steadfast in its commitment to helping ficient use of those our partners implement the Chesapeake dollars to do that,” said Bay [cleanup plan] to ensure the Bay and Rich Batiuk, former local waters are protected and restored.” associate director But within days, Hogan was calling for science with the for legal action, and mounting concerns EPA Bay Program over the EPA’s commitment became a Office. “But it would hot topic at a U.S. Senate Environment be intended to prompt and Public Works Committee hearing. the state legislators to “We need all the states and the EPA set up a state cost- to step up and play their appropriate share program to help roles,” Maryland Environment Secre- their farmers achieve tary Ben Grumbles told Van Hollen at millions of pounds of the hearing. “Pennsylvania, in particu- nutrient reductions at a lar, has woefully fallen short … But the Water-polluting nutrients from farms originate in manure that has been applied to fields as fertilizer lower cost.” interstate umpire, the EPA [needs] to and from animals with direct access to streams. To meet cleanup goals, Maryland, Virginia and Indeed, an EPA have the courage to step up and use the Pennsylvania will need to ramp up ag conservation practices to unprecedented levels. (Dave Harp) analysis several years regulatory backstops that are available,” ago concluded that fur- he added. “It is not an aspirational role. sequences” — as EPA called them — EPA has been citing the state for lax ther upgrades to wastewater treatment It is an enforceable TMDL.” would spur states to create new programs, programs and inadequate progress since plants in Pennsylvania would cost $1.2 provide more funding or establish new 2011. While it has twice temporarily billion but yield only 2.7 million of the Years of backsliding regulations to rein in pollution. That was withheld grant funding, the agency has more than 30 million pounds of nitro- Though the problem has finally “come particularly important for agriculture, largely avoided using more forceful gen reductions needed by the state. to a boil,” it has been simmering for years. an area over which the EPA has limited consequences set forth in its TMDL But investing just $80 million in the Starting in 1983, the states and the regulatory oversight. accountability framework, in part out of most cost-effective pollution-control prac- EPA have been promising to deliver a Results have been mixed. Since 2010, concern that it could trigger a backlash. tices on farms would yield a reduction of healthy Chesapeake. But they missed the region has slashed discharges from “The problem with Pennsylvania 5.5 million pounds. Greater investments pollution reduction goals set for 2000, wastewater treatment plans, which have didn’t start with the new administration would accomplish even more. and then for 2010, by wide marks. enforceable permits. But, in all of the in Washington,” said former EPA Bay The hope is that the threat of Recognizing that their largely Bay states, pollution reductions from Program Director Nick DiPasquale. “It imposing additional costly regulatory voluntary efforts had failed, the agriculture — the largest source of has been long festering, and I have to measures would spur the legislature state-federal Bay Program partnership nutrients to the Bay — have been small. say that EPA is part of the problem.” to act by committing to fund more in 2007 established a new cleanup All states would need to ramp up their At the end of the Obama administra- economical farm practices. deadline of 2025. The states and EPA agricultural conservation programs to tion, the agency came close to ordering “You can start to ratchet down on began crafting a new, more enforce- unprecedented levels to reach their goals. tighter discharge limits on wastewater any point source,” said Jon Mueller, vice able cleanup plan: the Chesapeake Bay Nowhere is the problem worse treatment plants — a hugely expensive president for litigation with the Chesa- Total Maximum Daily Load, often than in Pennsylvania, where the vast proposition — but ultimately didn’t, peake Bay Foundation. “And one of the called the Bay’s “pollution diet.” majority of nutrients come from its DiPasquale said. “I personally have things that you find is when you start to The ultimate goal remained more than 30,000 farms. Annual pollu- thought for a long time that the only squeeze one source sector hard, there is unchanged: clearing the Bay’s murky tion reductions from agriculture there way to get Pennsylvania to comply with pushback, and the pushback may come water and eliminating its oxygen-starved would need to increase 67 times the the TMDL is to sue them,” he added. in the form of legislative change.” “dead zone.” The TMDL established the rate achieved in the last decade. Instead of increasing funding, the maximum amount of nutrients and sedi- In an updated cleanup plan released Enforcement opportunities state’s Republican-controlled legislature ment the Bay could receive from each last year, Pennsylvania identified actions Lawyers are examining a number of has been cut environmental programs state and major river and still achieve that would achieve only 75% of its 2025 options to spur greater action. over the years. those clean water goals. goal for reducing nitrogen, the primary The most likely action — whether The distribution of the state’s popula- The TMDL also included an nutrient polluting the Bay. Even with that pressed by the EPA or others — is to put tion complicates the problem even more. “accountability framework” in which shortfall, the plan identified an annual more pressure on regulated dischargers, Half of Pennsylvania drains into the Bay, states were to write plans showing how funding gap of more than $300 million. such as wastewater treatment plants, primarily through the Susquehanna River, they would meet those goals. To keep Years of budget tightening in the industries and stormwater systems. but that portion of the state does not efforts on track, states set interim two- state have left programs without the Like other TMDLs, the Bay plan contain anywhere near half of its popula- year cleanup goals, which are evaluated basic staffing to implement or oversee limits discharges by permit holders, tion. Philadelphia drains into Delaware by the EPA and reported to the public. Bay efforts — in fact, it hasn’t been which is where the EPA has the most Bay and Pittsburgh into the Ohio River. If states fell short, the agency could able to spend all of the federal grant direct regulatory authority. For pol- Crafting a solution for the Bay means take a variety of actions, such as forc- money it receives. lution sources without a permit, the finding a program that also wins political ing even greater — and more costly — Sen. Gene Yaw, the chair of the TMDL counts on states to come up support from other regions of the state. reductions from wastewater plants than state Senate Environmental Resources with plans and program that meet goals. As a result, of the three major Bay states had planned; regulating smaller and Energy Committee, told a reporter If that doesn’t happen, and down- states, Pennsylvania is the only one animal operations than normally cov- from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star stream clean water standards are not met, that lacks a significant cost-share ered by federal programs; withholding after a Jan. 8 Bay briefing that even the remedy under a TMDL is to further program to help fund conservation water grants; taking over state permit if the state had $300 million more, “I reduce discharges from regulated sources. practices on farms, even though it has programs; or other actions. don’t know that we’d have the where- Most of Pennsylvania’s larger In theory, the threat of those “con- withal to spend it.” wastewater treatment plants have Cleanup continues on page 21 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 21

Can the EPA enforce the Chesapeake Bay’s ‘pollution diet’? Is the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily not meeting their goals — the limits “might have to such as forcing further reductions from regulated Load and its cleanup deadline enforceable? The become more stringent than the requirements in the sources, are grounded in the EPA’s authority answer is complicated. TMDL,” Haire said. under the Clean Water Act. TMDLs are required for any “impaired” water- Likewise, rules governing TMDLs do not “The contingency actions were set up to get body — one that does not meet standards set by establish deadlines, they only state that goals people’s attention and to recognize that there is a state to ensure a waterbody is safe for people should be achieved in a “timely manner.” a limited set of actions that the agency can take and aquatic life. But courts have held that water quality stan- under the Clean Water Act,” said Rich Batiuk, A TMDL sets the maximum amount of a dards are to be met “reasonably promptly,” and retired associate director for science with the pollutant that the waterbody can receive and still the Bay cleanup could face a court-imposed dead- EPA Bay Program Office and a key architect of meet those standards. The Bay TMDL maximum line if the effort continues to fail, said Ridgeway the Bay TMDL. “If states want to control their “loads” are established for the pollutants nitro- Hall, an environmental attorney who has worked own destiny, we are saying great, but you need gen, phosphorus and sediment. on Bay issues and written about its TMDL. to hold up your end of the bargain or there is a The TMDL, often called the Bay’s “pollution While the Bay TMDL sets limits as all TMDLs price to be paid,” he said. diet,” allocates those loads among the states do, it has several unique aspects. It includes an The Bay TMDL is also unique because its and major rivers that drain into the Bay. It also “accountability framework,” developed by the goals were adopted into the 2014 Chesapeake establishes specific limits for entities with a EPA and the states in the Bay watershed that Bay Watershed Agreement signed by the EPA discharge permit. goes beyond what TMDLs traditionally require. and Bay states. But, in a strict sense, it is not the TMDL that The framework includes a 2025 cleanup dead- Section 117g of the Clean Water Act, which enforces those numbers for individual discharg- line that was agreed upon by the state-federal creates the state-federal Bay Program, includes ers. The permits do that job — but they must be Bay Program partnership in 2007. a requirement that the EPA administrator “shall consistent with the TMDL. The accountability framework also requires ensure that management plans are developed “TMDLs are not self-implementable,” said Mike states to write plans showing how they will meet and implementation is begun by signatories to Haire, who helped manage the U.S. Environmental cleanup goals, setting two-year milestones to the Chesapeake Bay agreement to achieve and Protection Agency’s TMDL program for years, and provide “reasonable assurance” that they will maintain … the nutrient goals of the Chesapeake now teaches environmental science at Towson meet their goals. Those milestones were sug- Bay agreement …” University. “But,” he added, “the bottom line is gested by the states. In terms of TMDL authority, “I think 117g presses you can’t write permits that aren’t consistent with The TMDL also outlines steps the EPA can EPA into a different place than other TMDLs in the TMDLs.” And if water quality standards are not take if states fall short of their goals for reducing other places,” said Jon Mueller, vice president for being met after those permit limits are in place — pollution, including unregulated discharges from litigation with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. possibly because unregulated sources of runoff are sources such as farms. Those “consequences,” — Karl Blankenship

Cleanup from page 20 Stormwater, time would be better spent convincing an increas- his Republican counterparts in Pennsyl- the largest agricultural sector. ing source of vania to support Gov. Wolf’s plan,” said “While Maryland and Virginia have flooding for many spokesman J. J. Abbott. done their fair share, Pennsylvania’s communities in And while environmental groups legislature has dropped the ball by the Bay region, generally supported Hogan’s threat of failing to enact legislation providing carries pollutants legal action, Waterkeepers Chesapeake annual funding or agricultural conser- into waterways. and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper vation measures,” said Ridgeway Hall, Reducing issued a statement blasting him for not an environmental attorney with a long pollution from doing enough. Specifically, they cited the history of working on Bay issues. stormwater state’s recent proposed settlement with If the EPA fails to act, states or orga- in developed Exelon Generation Co. over impacts nizations could take it upon themselves areas is often a caused by Conowingo Dam on the to oppose any new discharge permits — complicated and Susquehanna, the Bay’s main tributary or existing permits when they come up costly challenge. in Pennsylvania. for renewal every five years. (Dave Harp) Originally, the state had sought “You could do that across the board $172 million a year from the company in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania positive attention or negative attention. “We don’t need to be distracted by to reduce upstream nutrient and within [its part of] the Bay watershed,” “Litigation can be costly, time litigation right now,” she said. “We need sediment pollution, but its settlement Mueller said. “It’s not the ideal way to do consuming. It diverts resources and, to double down and pursue programs and secured only $19 million over 50 years. this,” he added. “The agency can do this perhaps most importantly, it gets funding that will deliver clean water. That “Why is Gov. Hogan willing to sue on its own and has said it would do.” people emotionally inflamed on both is what we need, and we need it now.” Pennsylvania and the EPA to force them sides and burns bridges that sometimes Further, she said, all of the states — to live up to their commitments — but Progress or pushback? take a long time, if ever, to rebuild.” not just Pennsylvania — need to come happy to let Exelon, a private utility, Some worry that could spark a But he and others also said legal up with more funding to meet their off the hook?” asked Betsy Nicholas, backlash and lead to widespread public action — or the threat of it — could agricultural goals. executive director of Waterkeepers opposition from sewer rate payers, prompt action by the state without A spokesman for Pennsylvania Gov. Chesapeake. especially because Pennsylvania having to go to court. Tom Wolf said the governor has been With growing tensions and a doesn’t touch the Chesapeake. Ann Swanson, executive director trying to secure more environmental looming 2025 deadline, some wonder Hall said that it’s best for the issue of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, funding, and a lawsuit would not help about the future of the 37-year-old Bay to be resolved through “diplomacy” an advisory panel consisting of state those efforts. Program partnership. rather than going to court. legislators from across the Bay region, “Instead of protracted litigation that “The partnership is known for “Sometimes you have to file a law- said movement to address Pennsyl- will take resources away from our efforts working through very difficult, very suit to get people’s attention,” he said. vania’s shortfalls has begun, albeit to improve water quality in the water- passionate and very challenging “But you had better be careful [that] you slowly, but could be harmed if lawsuits shed and undermine the partnership that moments,” Swanson said. “And we are understand whether it is going to get push people into corners. has helped make progress, Gov. Hogan’s in one of those moments right now.” 22 Bay Journal l Tr avel l January-February 2020

It’s a ‘capital’ trail between Richmond and Jamestown from the Richmond trailhead follows an old rail line, which qualifies the trail as a “rail-to-trail” route. All 51.7 miles of the multi-use trail are asphalt, and 10–12 feet wide, with plenty of two-way room for cyclists, parents with strollers, in-line skaters and runners. On a bright fall morning, I pedaled one section on an electric-assisted bike. I was nursing an injured knee that was probably not up to the day’s plan — about 14 miles east to Upper Shirley Plantation and back. Almost immediately, the mechanics of riding the bike took a backseat to the trail and scenery I was rolling through. The trail is separated from the roadway by a healthy buffer of grass or trees its entire length, giving cyclists freedom from the vigilance required when sharing the road with cars and trucks. While commuters, trucks and tourists whizzed by on one side, I was free to gaze across acres of soybeans and corn passing by at a pedaling-assisted speed averaging 10–12 mph. It’s this sense of safety — and the scenery — that has made the Capital Trail popular. Cat Anthony, executive director of the Capital Trail Foundation, said it appeals to everyone, from children just learning how to ride a bicycle to adults who are trying to log 100 miles or more in a day. “This past year we had over 900,000 riders,” she said, “and that includes many who might be curious about riding on a bike trail, but may feel intimidated by the prospect.” Cyclists stop to check a map on the Ephraim Seidman, a cyclist from Richmond, Along the trail there are at least 43 historic markers, Virginial Capital Trail in James with more in the making. And coasting to a stop on the City County. (Trevor Wrayton / can be found on the Virginal Capital Trail trail is a whole lot easier than trying to read these signs VA Department of Transportation) several times a week. He’s not there just for from behind the wheel of a car moving 55 mph. One Henrico County sign describes the 1799 “Pleas- fun and exercise. Seidman is one of more ants vs. Pleasants” lawsuit that affirmed the manumis- than 80 “trail ambassadors” coordinated by sion of more than 100 enslaved people once owned by the Quaker, John Pleasants. Many settled together to the Capital Trail Foundation. form the nearby Gravely Hill community. Story By Leslie Middleton The team of bicycle enthusiasts frequents the trail Another sign tells of early settler John Rolfe, who wearing bright orange vests, ready to answer questions, cultivated tobacco from seeds bred in Varina, Spain, help cyclists with minor mechanical problems or report now the name of a nearby town. Rolfe’s crop gave the safety issues to the foundation. Virginia Company of London confidence in the “New Seidman is ready with tools for a quick fix or words World” venture and ultimately gave rise to a U.S. econo- of encouragement for those — on bicycle or foot — who aren’t sure how far it is to the next public bathroom. “We can also offer points of interest to folks,” said Seidman, who often meets people heading out on the trail from Richmond’s Great Shiplock Park but aren’t sure what’s up ahead. No matter where one enters the trail, there is plenty up ahead. Following what some historians call America’s “oldest road,” the trail drips with history. The Capital Trail parallels most of Virginia Route 5, a two-lane scenic byway that traverses the Coastal Plain from Jamestown to Richmond. The trail is named for the first (Jamestown) and current (Richmond) capitals of Virginia. Though the Capital Trail does not extend to Williamsburg, it, too, was once a Virginia capital. Native Americans used this route along the north side of the James River before English colonists arrived, and settlers continued to use it as an alternative to travel and transport on the river. In the decades after the 1607 settlement of Jamestown, this “Great Road to the West” became a path of colonial expansion connecting large The Virginia Capital Trail crosses numerous wetlands tobacco — and then cotton — plantations along the river. and creeks that drain to the James River, giving riders Eventually, railroads supplanted the river as the most intimate glimpses of the river’s watershed. (Al Covey / economical means of transport. Today, the first mile VA Department of Transportation) 23 Bay Journal l Tr avel l January-February 2020

Capital Trail. hard-packed sandy road led toward Every year since the the James River between broad fields first “bike centennial” in dotted white with the remnants of 1976, thousands of rid- this year’s cotton crop. At Shirley, I ers depart from Astoria, stretched my legs above the river at OR, and ride more than the oldest working plantation in the 4,000 miles to finally country. arrive — weeks and On the way back, I was grateful sometimes even months for the e-bike’s electric assist mode, later — at the Capital yet watched the battery gauge with Trail heading toward some nervousness on the last few their destination in Wil- miles. I rolled into the parking lot liamsburg. just as the battery went dead, handed Trail ambassador over my rental bike, and grinned. Seidman, who has rid- I’d spent four wonderful hours on den these last miles with “the Cap.” My knee was doing just some of these racers, fine. It had been a really fun way to said that by the time the be outside, rolling through Virginia riders reach the Capitol history. Trail, its safety and ease are a huge relief. Visit these websites for maps, The trail’s proxim- suggested itineraries and ity to the river in the Coastal Plain assures resources along the Virginia a relatively flat ride. Capital Trail, including bike Riders breeze below the overhead tangle of highways on an extension of the Virginia There’s only a 160-foot rentals, restaurants, camp- Capital Trail just west of Great Shiplock Park in Richmond. The trail takes its name from elevation change over the grounds, parking, restrooms its route between Jamestown, the first state capital, and Richmond, the current capital. 52 miles between Rich- and historic attractions: mond and Jamestown, (VA Department of Transportation) according to a handy tool l virginiacapitaltrail.org on the foundation’s web- my dependent on the slave trade. cling experience and was pleased to l route5va.org I also passed a sign marking discover her ability to ride 30 miles a site that shows where the “major” the nearby site of the Malvern Hill day on the mostly flat Capital Trail. hills are located. manor house, built in the 1600s and And the sense of history was a But there are replete with historic happenings. surprise. “I’ve lived in Virginia for really only two: The Marquis de Lafayette camped 35 years, but I wasn’t really familiar one at mile mark- there in 1871, as did the Virginia with these James River plantations,” er 48 a couple of militia during the War of 1812. It was she said. They enjoyed the signage miles south of Richmond and also where Lee’s Confederate Army and could go online in the evening the other at mile forced McClelland’s Union troops to learn more about their day’s ride marker 7 on the through Virginia history. into retreat in 1862. It later became a bridge that rises federal headquarters. The endpoints of the trail are of 52 feet over the Though the remains of the Mal- course notable attractions, too. The Chickahominy vern homestead are not open to the site of historic Jamestown, which the River at its con- public, more than a dozen planta- English established as the colony’s fluence with the tion homes located within a mile or first seat of government in 1607, was James. Most cy- two of the trail open their gates for planted in the middle of a landscape clists stop here to house tours, strolling the grounds or occupied by the Powhatan people catch their breath overnight visitors. and neighboring native communi- and take in a view It was a perfect fit for Cindy ties. In 1699, the Virginia capital of both rivers. It’s Westley of Afton, VA, who was moved to Williamsburg. worth planning at looking for a ride she could do For almost 100 years, factions of least one trip that with her brother who was visiting Virginians argued for a different seat includes a climb from out of state. “I have a cousin of government. But it wasn’t until to the top of this in Williamsburg, and a brother who 1780 — when the colonists were in bridge. likes to cycle,” she said, so they spent the middle of their revolutionary For my e-bike two nights at the North Bend Planta- separation from England — that the experiment on tion — one after the first day’s ride capital was moved to Richmond, in the Capital Trail, from Richmond, and a second night part to be less vulnerable to British I pedaled non- after returning from cycling on to troops. stop to the Upper Williamsburg. While the signs and attractions Shirley Plantation Built in 1801 for Sarah Harrison, along the trail illuminate layers of and Vineyard, wife of the ninth president William Virginia history, the special black- which was a mile Henry Harrison, the house — now a and-white Route 76 sign at trail’s and half off the bed and breakfast — has been in the mile marker 36 highlights another trail itself, like family ever since. more modern route, well-known many of the his- The Virginia Capital Trail largely follows a scenic byway “It’s very possible to do the trail in to cyclists. Here, the Transatlantic toric plantations and is safely separated from road traffic, making the trail sections like this,” said Westley, who Bike Route 76, created to celebrate and sites along popular with pedestrians and cyclists of all skill levels. didn’t have much long-distance cy- the nation’s bicentennial, meets the the trail. The (Leslie Middleton) 24 Bay Journal l Tr avel l January-February 2020

Birds and birders alike still flocking to Cox Creek said he’s completed only two 100-plus-species checklists: one at Cox Creek and the other in Costa Rica. “Pretty much every habitat is here — except for a fresh- water stream,” he said. Public access to the site has been reduced recently be- cause of the flurry of construction activity taking place. A former copper refinery is being demolished to expand the receiving area for dredged material, and crews are work- ing to widen the dikes around the edge of the containment cell where the material is placed. Still, with a little planning, birders can find their way onto one of Carney’s popular guided tours, which are now the only way to visit the site. The next tour takes place on Sat., Jan. 25, and the best way to get on the list is to email him at [email protected]. The 3-mile walks take visitors around the perimeter of the watery containment cell that juts into the Patapsco River. A longer stop at a bump-out from a former road takes visitors partly across the cell, close to where birds tend to congregate. The four-hour tour also includes a guided walk through the Swan Creek wetland. On a recent morning, a raft of more than 1,200 ducks floated in the waters of the containment cell. Carney got out his scope to identify species in the group, which in- cluded mostly greater and lesser scaup and ruddy ducks. In January, when many of the shallow-water habitats in the area have frozen over, “we’ll have ducks by the thou- Tim Carney of the Maryland One of Maryland’s top birding sites is not as sands,” he said. Environmental Service searches for In the warmer months, similar numbers of shorebirds birds at Swan Creek, located near open to the public as it used to be — but no show up at the site, picking through the freshly turned the Cox Creek dredged material one told the birds. sediment looking for food. Sandpipers and plovers are placement site on the Patapsco River. a rare sight this far from the beaches of Delaware, and (Whitney Pipkin) From their vantage point, the Cox Creek dredged Baltimore area residents flock to the site’s guided tours to material placement site just southeast of Baltimore on the see them up close. Patapsco River offers about 100 acres of shallow, brackish “A lot of the walks we do focus on looking at all the waters with easy eating for wintering ducks. In the sum- little brown things that look the same, because there could mer, it functions as mud flats for shorebirds rarely seen be 30 different species in there,” he said. “For birders, this far from the beach. those are new birds for their list and a chance to see some- By Whitney Pipkin The 11-acre wetland along Swan Creek, just a stone’s thing they might not normally see around here.” throw away, provides habitat to orchard orioles and Vir- Carney uses a clicker to count birds in groups of 10s ginia rails. And from the backdrop of a protected forest, or 50s, hoping all the while that a local pair of peregrine eagles regularly swoop in for a feast. falcons doesn’t put them to flight when he’s in the middle None of them seem to mind the constant beep-beep- of a tally. Counting birds, especially in the wetland, gives boom of construction equipment preparing the site to receive more sediment dredged from Baltimore’s shipping channels. The Maryland Port Administration purchased the Cox Creek site from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1990s and opened it for the placement of dredged material in 2006. The process creates flats and shallow water areas that attract a variety of birds. Combined with the creation of the Swan Creek wetlands, the site has taken on a lively secondary role as a destination for birders and school groups. Ultimately, the site is industrial, said Tim Carney, senior environmental specialist at the Maryland Environ- mental Service. Carney is the official bird observer for Cox Creek and other dredge material sites in the state. “In so many decades, it could be an auto terminal,” he said. “But, for now, the birds love it because it’s easy foraging.” The birders love it, too. Together, Cox Creek and Swan An American golden plover pays a visit to the Cox Creek Creek have been ranked among the top Maryland sites on dredged material placement site in Baltimore. The variety ebird.org for the last three years, with about 280 species of birds observed there have made it one of the top birding spotted on the grounds. Carney, an avid birder himself, sites in Maryland. (Tim Carney) 25 Bay Journal l Tr avel l January-February 2020

Participants on a tour of the Cox Creek dredged material placement site in Maryland line up to photograph the birds they observe. The adjacent Swan Creek wetlands, right, also draw a wide variety of birds. (Photo left / Tim Carney, right / Maryland Port Administration) managers a sense of how the environ- beaver took down ment is changing or improving over their favorite tree. time. If a bird shows up one year and And a rare black breeds the next, that’s a good sign. rail was spotted The Swan Creek wetland was here several years created a couple of decades ago to ago, “before my time,” Carney said. Hart-Miller Island no longer receive subject to change, Carney said, but offset the impact of the Cox Creek Carney counts himself lucky to newly dredged sediment but are still the port “knows how important the facility on river’s shoreline. The port spend as much time as he does at well-known for the birds they attract. birding outreach is.” administration armored the dikes this and other dredged materials Masonville, in Baltimore, is still an Offering guided walks, even as at the containment facility to make sites in the state, where he monitors active placement site. It is also home activity ramps up at Cox Creek, is an them more stable after purchasing the bird populations and leads tours. to the Masonville Cove Environmen- olive branch to birders who have long property, which took up an additional Cox Creek is one of four sites that tal Education Center, a popular base enjoyed the site. 4 acres of river. The 11-acre wetland receives or has received dredged for nature walks. And, Carney said, it’s a fresh was created to mitigate the impact, material, creating new habitats The relationship between birders invitation to those who have not yet said Jessica Keicher, lead environ- in the process. Poplar Island and and these highly used sites is always visited. mental specialist for the Maryland Environmental Service. Plan ahead for visits to Maryland’s dredged material placement sites Carney said that the wetland creation began with the aggressive The Cox Creek dredged material site and Swan Creek wetland are located at 1000 Kembo Road in Curtis removal of the invasive phragmites Bay, MD. For information, visit Marylandports.com/greenport. For information or to register for Cox Creek plant and continues with ongoing birding tours (which are free and occur at least once a quarter), email [email protected]. The next tour maintenance and plant surveys. takes place Jan. 25. Guided tours will be scheduled at least quarterly throughout the year. Other sites “The birds that are here now probably wouldn’t be here if it were related to dredged material placement are also open to the public: a phrag jungle,” Carney said as he l Masonville Cove is the most accessible site, walked the path winding through the established over the last decade as an urban wetlands. wildlife refuge in Baltimore. The campus is Overhead, a late-migrating osprey flew toward the tree line carrying a open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through breakfast of fish. Nearby, a kingfisher Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Visi- eyed the still water below his perch tors must sign in at the education center on a post. The less obvious birds, upon arriving, but admission and parking are though, are the ones Carney is always free. Visit MasonvilleCove.org. straining to spot. In the fall, he can almost set his l Maryland’s Hart-Miller Island State Park in watch by spotting a Nelson’s spar- the Chesapeake Bay is accessible only by row in this portion of the wetland, a personal boat and open 8 a.m. to sunset, little orange-brown bird similar to a May to September, with options for camping. saltmarsh sparrow that gets regulars excited. Virginia rails overwinter in l Tours of Poplar Island, which was recon- the thick marsh cover here, Carney structed with clean dredge materials, said. Though they’re hard to spot, the must be scheduled in advance by contact- chickenlike marsh birds sometimes ing the tour coordinator. Email poplartours@ Ibis wander the shoreline at the Swan Creek wetlands. respond to a recorded call. menv.com. (Maryland Port Administration) Orange-and-black orchard orioles used to nest here every year, before a 26 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

Snow What? Really cool flake facts! Eye want you Snow was reported on So, what is a snowflake’s most familiar with are the with winds of at least 35 the ground of all 50 states true color? dendrite or star shapes.) mph and less than 0.25 to be safe! for the first time on Feb. A. Pale blue Which of these are not miles of visibility Visibility is one way 12, 2010. Here are other B. Pale lavender flake shapes? to measure a snow- puzzling points to ponder C. Pale gray A. Columns 9. How is snow helpful? fall’s intensity (the while shoveling your D. Colorless B. Needles A. It recharges streams, driveway or walkway. other is depth). Here 4. How many water C. Plates rivers and groundwater. Answers are on page 36. D. Spirals B. It washes pollutants is what the forecast molecules are in a typical means when it states 1. True or false? No out of the air. of being absorbed and snowflake? visibility: two snowflakes are 6. According to the C. It serves as a thermal revealing the flake’s true A. 18,000 ≈ Light: Visibility is exactly alike. B. 180, 000 National Snow & Ice insulator by conserving color, the light bounces Data Center, snow is a Earth’s heat and protecting greater than 1 kilome- off the flake’s faceted C. 180 million 2. True or false? All D. 180 billion mineral. Which of these crops and other plants ter or 0.6 miles snowflakes have six sides. surface in many direc- is not one of three criteria from subfreezing tempera- ≈ Moderate: tions, which prevents 5. Visit snowcrystals.com that snow had to meet to tures. Between 0.5–1.0 3. Snowflakes are not the true color from to see at least 35 types of be classified a mineral? D. All of the above of a kilometers or white. When light hits being revealed and snowflake shapes. (The A. Naturally occurring 0.3–0.6 of a mile a snowflake, instead makes it appear white. snowflake shapes we’re solid 10. When snow is fore- ≈ Heavy: Less than B. Cold to touch cast, your author worries if C. Inorganically formed she has enough chocolate 0.5 kilometers or 0.3 D. Definite chemical to ride out the storm. of a mile composition For others, a snowstorm Consider this and related situations are information when 7. How fast do snow- a much more serious heading out in your flakes typically fall? fear that prevents them car in a snowstorm. A. 1.1 miles per hour from even thinking about B. 2.1 miles per hour going outside or living an This quiz could C. 3.1 miles per hour ordinary life. Match these have asked you what D. 4.1 miles per hour phobias with their names. the medical name – Phobia – for snow blindness 8. Was that snowstorm cold is (photokeratitis). a blizzard, snowburst or severe weather events Instead, it will tell snow squall? Match each snow you to wear eye to its description: wind A. A strong-winded protection such as snowfall that doesn’t last – Phobia Name – sunglasses or goggles very long ancraophobia to help absorb the B. A storm where snow chionophobia high level of ultraviolet accumulates very quickly cryophobia radiation that reflects in a very short time lilapsophobia off snow and could A light snow the night before creates a perfect setting for a winter walk on Taylors C. A snowfall that lasts burn your eyes. Island in Maryland. (Dave Harp) three hours or longer — Kathleen A. Gaskell

There are plenty of winter outdoor activities in 3. G I N B A N G T O O G 7. K A S T I N G the Chesapeake watershed. 14— —6 11— 12— — — 25— — — — — —9 —8 10– 14– – — — Here are scrambled names Bay Buddies of ways to have fun outside 4. A K M E W O N S in the winter. Unscramble Snow Much Fun! 8. B L O W N S A L G I F T H the words and put them in — 10— 26– 17– 21— — —7 — the spaces. Some of the —21 — —7 — —5 —25 — — — — — —19 —15 letter spaces will have a number below them. Place F R O S T 9. C I E S H I G N I F these letters in the blanks with the matching number — —7 —1 —15 —21 at the end of the puzzle. When you are finished, the — — — — — — — — — — blanks will spell another fun pastime for when you 5. F L E I W I D L 18 24 9 16 come inside. Answers are on page 36. — — — —4 — — — —17 10. W O O S H N I N E G S

1. D S I N G L E D W A G C H I N T —9 — —7 — 21— 16— —6 —2 — — — — — — — — — — — 9 27 4 4 — 22— 14— 18— 16— — — — Inside activity: —1 —2 —3 —4 —5 —6 —7 —8 —9 2. S O R C S C Y N T O U R 6. P A N G P I T S L A P E M — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 18 1 6 21 9 18 12 13 15 1 15— —3 23— 23— — — — — —3 23— — 20— 21— 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

K I N G I S O R F P R U S Y 1—8 19— 20— 21— 22— 23— 24— 25— 26— 27— — — — — — — — — —9 26— — — — — 6 1 9 1 13 23 — Kathleen A. Gaskell Bay Journal • January – February 2020 27 Your generosity to the Bay Journal is heart-warming Dave Neumann Gerald Swope There’s no greater Baltimore, MD Middle River, MD sign of the Bay Journal’s Walter Pomeroy John Florio success than the compli- Mechanicsburg, PA Fairfax Station, VA ments and donations Dr. Richard Szarko Neal & Linda Halsey received from readers Manheim, PA Towson, MD like you. Your gifts to Ken Webb Victor & Deborah Kennedy the Bay Journal Fund Richmond, VA Port Republic, MD continue to make our Monica Brown Sari J. Kiraly & Pasadena, MD Rodney G. Tomlinson work possible, from cov- Annapolis, MD erage of the Bay restora- Grace Brush Baltimore, MD Chris Koval tion and the health of its Landenberg, PA rivers, to the impacts of Bill Bullock Marriottsville, MD Scott & Charlene Phillips climate change, toxics, Parkville, MD Chao-Jen Chung growth and invasive Elkton, MD Mr. & Mrs. John Segal Baltimore, MD species on the region’s Community Foundation ecosystem. Our staff for Southeast Michigan In memory Detroit, MI of Paul Joseph Slunt works every day to bring “The Finest Fisherman Ever” you the best reporting on Ted Delaplaine from Paul W. Slunt environmental issues in Crownsville, MD Severna Park, MD the Bay region. We are Ridgway Dunton Laurie Taylor-Mitchell grateful for your dona- Onancock, VA Towson, MD Joseph Francis David & Jean Toleman tions. Please continue to Wilmington, DE support our success! Knoxville, MD Richard Hinds Albert & Virginia Tucker Champion Washington, DC Lothian, MD Edward Allenby James King & Carrie Buswell Paul & Kimberly Valesky Charlottesville, VA A photographer captures the last rays of a setting winter sun on Hoopers Island in Port Tobacco, MD Owings, MD In memory Dorchester County, MD. (Dave Harp) Leo Knighton Mr. & Mrs. R. Charles Woods of Francesca Borrelli Johnson Bel Air, MD Springfield, VA Victoria & Emory Tate from Dr. & Mrs. Niel Borrelli Brooks Jackson Walter Fava Beth McGee Robin L. 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ontinued from 27 Helen Woods C Laurel, MD Barry & Amy Woolf Dr. Stephen Prince Fallston, MD Hyattsville, MD Vernon & Lucy Wright George & Barbara Reiger Cockeysville, MD Locustville, VA Diane Wright Kathy Roush Fort Howard, MD Bel Air, MD R. Jean Sonntag Supporter Lancaster, PA Lonnie Wood Charlottesville, VA Mitchell Wein Annapolis, MD Meredith Allison Annapolis, MD Charles & Ann Yonkers Wittman, MD Amica Companies Foundation Providence, RI Sponsor Stu & Mindy Ashton Lin Klein King George, VA Oxford, PA Kathleen Baldwin Andrew Loftus Annapolis, MD Annapolis, MD Denise Bauman Anne Olsen Waldorf, MD Wicomico Church, VA George W. Belt Alvin C. Schweizer II Stewartstown, PA Newport News, VA Bernard & Josephine Bodt Ethel Dutky & Alvia Wilson Churchville, MD Greenbelt, MD Dennis Bosley Joseph & Deborah Buppert Street, MD Marriottsville, MD Greg Bowen James & Mary Campbell Prince Frederick, MD Centreville, MD Bob Boxwell Rugh & Sylvia Henderson Lusby, MD Palmyra, PA As it is buried under waves of silent snow, does this whelk dream of quiet tides in warmer waters? (Dave Harp) Bill Burleigh David & Sherry Jeffery Fuquay Varina, NC St. Michaels, MD Claire Buchanan & Marjorie & Carl Friedrichs Patricia La Noue Elizabeth Sanders Nancy & Charles Cladel Julia Metcalf Stephen H. Klomparens Williamsburg, VA Baltimore, MD Hughesville, MD Hummelstown, PA Rockville, MD Rockville, MD Jerry & Julia Gaff Phillip LeBel Dru Schmidt-Perkins Joseph Curran Steve Patten Grover Bussey Lusby, MD Delmar, MD Baltimore, MD Elkridge, MD Severn, MD Annapolis, MD William Gallagher Roger Lehmann Harold Schoeffler Herman Daly Scott Smith J. Tyler Campbell Bethesda, MD Boyertown, PA Lafayette, LA Midlothian, VA Forty Fort, PA Chestertown, MD Thomas F. Geary Maurice P. Lynch David Sears Leslie Delagran David & Laura Strom Campbell/Brockman Washington, DC Williamsburg, VA Holtwood, PA Washington, DC West Orange, NJ Virginia Beach, VA Susan & Albert Goetze In memory Dan Sheehan Kristin Dennen Rudolph Zelger Charles & Barbara Carmichael Peru, VT of Albert R. Marani Washington, DC Leesburg, VA Carlisle, PA Hardyville, VA Charlie Grymes from Joyce M. Marani Baltimore, MD Maureen Sherer Eugene & Charlotte Dennis Trip Thomas Nick & Margaret Carter Sudley Springs, VA Annapolis, MD Philadelphia, PA Wallingford, PA Greensboro, MD Barbara & David Harp Conor Marshall Washington, DC Ken & Sue Shumaker Russell Dick Brooke Alexander Virginia Carter Cambridge, MD Warwick, MD Westminster, MD Kennie Mauche & Robert L. Brown Wakefield, RI Brooke Harwood Simon Sidamon-Eristoff Gail Domalakes Arlington, VA Chestertown, MD Lusby, MD Sam Chappell Washington, DC Bethlehem, PA Norman & Karen Meadow Margaret E. Algren McLean, VA Bob Hickmott Eric Silberhorn Patricia Dove & Harry A. Henshaw Washington, DC Cockeysville, MD Mary Christman Ellicott City, MD Huntingtown, MD Monkton, MD Woody Merkle Gainesville, FL Charlton Hook Hugh Simmons Thomas Fisher III Edward Allen Cambridge, MA Woodstock, MD Andrew Clark Phoenix, MD Chestertown, MD Galesville, MD Carol Hooper Steven Miller Washington, DC Russ Stevenson James P. Flannery Molly & Peirce Anderson Havre De Grace, MD Saint Augustine, FL Bowie, MD Neavitt, MD Douglas Clow, Jr. Severna Park, MD Odenton, MD Joseph Howard Nancy Neely Robert Graves Susan Armstrong Silver Spring, MD Worton, MD Marvin & Andrea Storey Laurel, MD State College, PA Saint Michaels, MD Mark Collins Uwe Georg Neumann Baltimore, MD Forrest & Sandra Hudspeth William Gross Bill Bailey Woodbine, MD Joppa, MD Amy Stowe Silver Spring, MD York, PA Easton, MD Ted Connell New Moon Press Severna Park, MD Izaak Walton League Edward Holland Doris Bailey Harford County Chapter Harrisburg, PA Joseph Strakna Columbia, MD Arlington, VA Lancaster, PA Wilson Coudon Bel Air, MD Andy Nichols Fort Washington, MD Tom & Lisa Sweeney Bertha Hollway Steve Bender Peter A. Jay Frederick, MD New Freedom, PA Tilghman, MD Jack Cover Churchville, MD West Chester, PA Richard & Carol Parrish Hardy Howell J. Frank Bernheisel Fallston, MD Ann Jennings Charlottesville, VA Glen Thomas Bridgewater, VA Frederick, MD Falls Church, VA Elisabeth R. Curtz & Mattaponi, VA Sandra Patmore Richard Coppola Lori Timan Newt Jackson Franklin Birdsall Jill Jonnes Taylors Island, MD Salisbury, MD White Stone, VA Silver Spring, MD Baltimore, MD Alexandria, VA Alan Pflugrad Ellen Harvey Kelly Frederick Blott Howard Danley Jeremy Karsh Columbia, MD Cathy R. Tipper Mount Airy, MD Monkton, MD Baltimore, MD Arlington, VA Deale, MD Ann Powers David & Linda Davidson Len Lazarick William & Ruth Posey Boicourt Bonnie May Kersta Annapolis, MD Bob & Patricia Unintowski Columbia, MD Trappe, MD York, PA Yorktown, VA Middletown, DE Patrick & Ann Ranck Ross Leisten Sidney Bragg Nick DiPasquale Edward F. Kilduff Quarryville, PA Jeffrey Wainscott Salisbury, MD Richmond, VA Chestertown, MD Royal Oak, MD Burgess, VA Barnett A. & Francine K. Rattner Sarah & Charles Lex Anne Brown Jane & Joseph Duffy Gail Kirch Charitable Giving Fund Marjorie & David Wellman Farnham, VA Saint Leonard, MD Potomac, MD Vestal, NY Annapolis, MD Washington, DC Diana. Mendes & Robert Brumbaugh Bruce & Mary Edwards Orrin Kline Roger & Kandy Rohrer Helen B. Whitehead Mark Bassett Coral Gables, FL Annapolis, MD Manassas, VA Strasburg, PA Richmond, VA Washington, DC Jenny Budge Kent & Ellen Ford Paul Kratchman David S. Ross Sigrid Wilkinson Hillsborough, CA Millboro, VA North Beach, MD Laurel, MD Athens, PA Continued on page 29 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 29

ontinued from 28 Douglas Small Edward Mazurowski C Elkton, MD Silver Spring, MD John Moore Ethel Smith Jeffrey Mikula Wicomico Church, VA Hanover, PA Sherwood, MD W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr. Jack Smith Kym & Russell Newlen Mount Holly, VA Bel Air, MD Jacksonville, FL Robert & Penelope Pestronk Ken Snellings Rudy Papesh Chevy Chase, MD Spotsylvania, VA Baltimore, MD Matthew Pope Howard Suehs Nancy Poarch Baltimore, MD Sparrows Point, MD Chesapeake, VA Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Scharpf Jack Thompson Marty Reefe Baltimore, MD Gordonsville, VA Libertytown, MD Arthur Smith & Betsy McCaul Catherine Turner Ann Rhodes Baltimore, MD University Park, MD Yorktown, VA Robert Stanhope Vincent Vaise Richard & Alta Richardson Sparks, MD Linthicum Height, MD North Chesterfield, VA Philip Stokes Julianna Vallecillo Karen & Mike Robitaille Charlottesville, VA Stevensville, MD Enola, PA William Thompson Susan J. Wolfe Dan Rossi Easton, MD Seaford, DE Kleinfeltersville, PA Harriett Tinker Mary Young Joanne Rudy New Freedom, PA Salisbury, MD Dauphin, PA Ellen Uzelac Anna Belle Baker Don Schweitzer Chestertown, MD Towson, MD Fruitland, MD Leo J. Vollmer John Alewynse David Seaman Kennedyville, MD Williamsburg, VA Chesapeake City, MD Larry E. Ware Sue Allen Paul & Donna Shogren Fort Washington, MD Columbia, MD Oakland, MD Charles R. Weber Peter Barnum Norma Swope Alexandria, VA Glen Arm, MD Williamsburg, VA Chris & Jim D. Wright Robert Boyer Jeff Trader Baltimore, MD York, PA Pocomoke City, MD Frances A. Borlie Brinton Culp David Webster Loretto, PA Lititz, PA Stevensville, MD John & Margaret Combs Abigail Dean Charles Wolpoff Rockville, MD Glen Allen, VA Kingsville, MD Ted & Doris McGwire Richard Erat Davis Wrinkle Cornwall, PA Owings Mills, MD Richmond, VA John Munroe A silent Warren & Cheryl Evans Claus Young Baltimore, MD sentinel Dunnsville, VA Greensboro, NC Carl Olson stands Irwin Fehlberg William Zeller Lusby, MD watch in Palmyra, VA Bel Air, MD John Owens the winter Charles Fletcher Laura Henderson Miami, FL snow. Sykesville, MD Severn, MD Terry P. Reck (Dave Adam & Margaret Geron Alec N. Baugus West Point, VA Dove, PA Harp) Ephrata, PA David Wiecking Robert & Doris F. Goldman L. Crane Bethesda, MD Waynesboro, PA Severna Park, MD Thomas Belvin William W. Bley Anne Burch Bruno & Dorothy M. Vasta Glen Allen, VA Wilmington, DE Richmond, VA Harlan Hefner Dixon Hemphill Lusby, MD Oakton, VA Fairfax Station, VA J. B. Benson Pamela Blumenstein Thomas Burnside Richard & Kathy Abend Lanexa, VA Palm Beach, FL Silver Spring, MD Bob Hettchen Ralph Meima Madison, MD Robert Carr Parkton, MD Chestertown, MD Sandra G. Benson Thornton Peter Boice & Mary Belknap Washington, DC George & Carol Alexander Louisa, VA Rockville, MD W. Robert Kilbourn John Ohanian Penn Yan, NY Gary & Kristine Chirlin Joppa, MD Coral Springs, FL Carol Appleby Frank Bevacqua Philip Briddell Derwood, MD Ray Leonard Joe Sak Silver Spring, MD York, PA Towson, MD Martina Coker Bel Air, MD Sugar Notch, PA Louis W. Bachtell, Jr. Margaret Biber Denis J. Brion Cape Charles, VA B. Arylene Linker Dennis Staszak Richmond, VA Alexandria, VA Suffolk, VA Friend Hampstead, MD Lakeland, FL Joy Bartholomew Luis Blandon Patricia A. Buckley R. W. Schreiber John F. Martin Ron Thomas Port Republic, MD Kensington, MD Harrisburg, PA Falls Church, VA Lititz, PA Columbia, MD Stephen Beiga Douglas & Mary Ann Blankinship Clark Burbee Lawrence A. Sinclair Michelle Mason David Morkosky Montgomery Village, MD Damascus, MD Annapolis, MD Baltimore, MD Edgewood, MD Baltimore, MD Thank You To These Philanthropic Donors The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation 30 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

Commentary • Letters • Pers pectives Of bivalvesorum & beavers: Let’s leave our landscapes to these experts By TFom Horton where beavers had once dammed. As your eyes and your brain They might seem an odd couple, adjust to what McGill has done to Crassostrea virginica and Castor the Baltimore County gully, you canadensis — the Eastern oyster and the begin to notice his “mess” is aflut- North American beaver. ter with butterflies, hopping with But ecologically, for the Chesapeake frogs and ablaze with the flowering Bay, the mollusk and the rodent are a of asters, daisies, Joe Pye weed and lovely pairing, a compelling linkage of the new growth of willows. water and watershed. He did this restoration, McGill Both were keystone species, the one’s said, for about a tenth of what a dense reefs and the other’s ubiquitous traditional job might have cost. damming and ponding create habitat and Traditionally, you’d bring in rock, enhance water quality to the benefit of a engineer a winding channel with host of other species. stabilized banks. It would all look Both have been reduced by overhar- quite lovely — until a big storm vesting or pollution to a sliver of their blew it out. historic abundance. This happened so I saw such blowouts of some of long ago that today we suffer societal the most pristine streams in Mary- amnesia about how the Chesapeake’s land after Tropical Storm Agnes’ bottom and its landscapes looked and historic deluge in 1972. I thought functioned for thousands of years before at the time it was just nature’s way, Europeans shattered the natural order. but that was just my amnesia. I real- The oyster part of the story has been ize now that a beavered landscape emerging, with scientific estimates that would have been more resilient. the Bay’s original stocks filtered and Advocates say enlisting the help of beavers will aid streams and the Bay’s restoration. McGill said his measure of cleansed water equivalent to the estu- (Dave Harp) restoration success may come years ary’s entire volume every several days. after he’s done — if beavers move Today’s remnant oysters take months or ing occasionally from beneath a morass of in, “and improve on anything I can do.” more than a year. mud and decaying logs. A restored Chesapeake could use lots But we still scarcely comprehend the Almost unwalkable, it recalled the more oysters and beavers. Work on the immense habitat value for other estuarine landscapes that often caused the 1804 former is well under way, with Maryland life attracted to the countless nooks and Lewis and Clark expedition to abandon and Virginia creating sanctuaries where crannies of the extensive, vertical reefs the stream valleys for the slopes. The reef building can once again occur. that oysters built. That’s because in reason: Beavers had dammed and ponded Watermen, and to a point the Hogan modern times it has seemed natural for everywhere, creating broad, shrubby, administration, oppose this as a loss of oysters to be spread widely and thinly soggy meadows. The single channel fishing opportunity. across the Bay’s bottom. An 1869 account stream that is today’s ideal was in fact Beavers, meanwhile, are coming back described a “continuous oyster bed” more the exception than the rule. on their own, though they are frequently stretching 140 miles along the Eastern Chesapeake Born On the Chesapeake, it was the same. trapped and killed as nuisances who chew Shore, from Kent Island in Maryland to Rainfall did not rush to the Bay. It oozed down trees for food and dams and whose Cape Henry in Virginia. landscape on a recent foray with stream and seeped, soaked into the ground, then dams cause flooding. New England- But the current “natural” state is an restoration expert Scott McGill. He reappeared, its energy dissipated through ers, Canadians, several western states artifact of more than a thousand dredge wanted to show me his cutting-edge multiple flow ways. and even Mongolia are finding ways to boats and many thousands of tongers, transformation of a half-mile-long, badly Sediment settled out in ponds behind peacefully coexist with all of this, having breaking apart and scattering the natural eroding gully that flows through Balti- dams that might occur every 50 yards learned that the benefits of beavers far reefs before science could even under- more County into the Big Gunpowder on some streams. Nitrogen, the Bay’s outweigh the costs. stand their nature. River, a Chesapeake tributary. prime pollutant today, was digested in the McGill is an apostle for how to share And the new order might have seemed This Holy Grail of restored streams beaver-created wetlands and turned to the watershed with beavers, using “beaver an improvement, as oysters freed from looked … well, horrible. It was not harmless nitrogen gas. And the ponded deceiver” devices such as pipes placed reefs grew faster, shapelier, easier to the picture-postcard babbling brook landscape was lush with waterfowl and in their dams to control flooding. He is harvest — never mind the lost habitat that meanders, pools and riffles in an all manner of amphibians, not to mention organizing a major conference on beavers and new vulnerability to smothering by eye-pleasing cascade of sparkling water otter and muskrat. (BEAVERCON 2020) near Baltimore this sediment. contained by forested banks. That is As with oyster reefs, those landscapes March to spread the good word. The beavers’ tale is similar. For millen- the stuff of calendars and posters and have been gone so long that we’ve No doubt there will be limits to re- nia, they inhabited virtually every stream is “natural” only in our historical and forgotten what they looked like. Also like beavering and re-oystering in a watershed of the 64,000-square-mile Bay watershed; ecological blindness, McGill said. oysters, the trapping out of beaver — by pushing toward 18 million humans; but and they controlled how the land shed Instead, he had just bulldozed the the mid-1700s on the Chesapeake — for now, the main limit is our ecological water — cleanly, clearly, slowly — in a gully’s 12-foot banks into the channel, likely was seen as beneficial. amnesia. manner almost unrecognizable today. along with all of the surrounding trees, Some of the richest farmland was the Tom Horton has written about the We understand how green the pre- resulting in, its creator said proudly, “a deep bottom sediments of vanished beaver Chesapeake Bay for more than 40 years, colonial Bay watershed was; we seldom muddy mess.” ponds. Settlers heading west knew the best including eight books. He lives in Salisbury, realize how wet it was. We could mostly hear the water, down places to graze their livestock were the where he is also a professor of environmen- I got a glimpse of that well-beavered there somewhere, gurgling, oozing, glint- fecund oases of grasslands that sprang up tal studies at Salisbury University. Bay Journal • January – February 2020 31

Commentary • Letters • Pers pectives 36 yearsorum after first Bay Agreement, its restoration is still a pipe dream ByF Gerald Winegrad Larval shad swim December 9 marked the 36th anni- at the Van versary of the signing of the first Bay Dyke Shad Agreement at George Mason University Hatchery in Virginia. in Pennsyl- As a state senator serving on the vania. In Chesapeake Bay Commission, I joined 2019, the 700 Bay enthusiasts as witnesses. The hatchery one-page Chesapeake Bay Agreement released was signed by Maryland, Virginia and the smallest Pennsylvania’s governors, DC’s mayor, number of and the head of the U.S. Environmental fish in its Protection Agency, all of whom solemnly history. In pledged to restore the Bay. I was also Virginia, a member of a workgroup that recom- shad runs mended legislative actions for each signer on the that would aid the Bay’s restoration, James were including a phosphate detergent ban that I worst ever. sponsored and was enacted in 1985. Maryland All of the attendees — elected and Dela- federal and state politicians, scientists, ware fared administrators and environmental leaders better, with — were optimistic that the herculean task a record ahead would lead to the Chesapeake’s run on the restoration. The optimism was fueled by Potomac. the display of bipartisanship that led to (Dave President Ronald Reagan declaring in his Harp) 1984 State of the Union address, “Though this is a time of budget constraints, I mechanic, an avid fisherman, contracted public funding for oyster restoration The years from 1983 to 2010 were have requested for EPA one of the largest a serious infection while fishing the exceeding $50 million. Oysters are at 1% marked by voluntary efforts under new percentage budget increases of any South River and was hospitalized with of the historic levels of the 1880s. More Bay Agreements signed in 1987 and agency. We will begin the long, necessary a chronic wasting disease eating his leg than 70% of the oyster bars in Maryland 2000 in which the states committed effort to clean up a productive recreational away. He died a year later. This is not an are useless for growing oysters because to take the actions necessary to meet area and a special national resource — isolated case of life-threatening infec- of excess sediment flows, mostly from nitrogen and phosphorus reduction goals the Chesapeake Bay.” The formal Bay tions around the Bay. agricultural operations, hindering aimed at restoring water quality. The Program under the EPA was established ≈ Most of the Bay’s waters remain recovery. In 2019, the spat set was so low voluntary efforts resulted in repeated with $10 million in funding. severely degraded with 58% of its waters there were not enough seed oysters to failures to meet these goals with serious In Maryland, under the leadership of so polluted they fail to meet basic Clean replant baby oysters in key areas of the consequences for water quality, living Gov. Harry Hughes, 10 major Bay initia- Water Act requirements. Chesapeake. Oysters filter the water and resources and humans. But there were no tives, were enacted in 1984, including the ≈ The dead zone in the Chesapeake its nutrients as well as serve as “coral consequences for the elected officials and Critical Area Law, as well as the addition grew in late July, covering two cubic reefs” in the Bay: a foundation for thick, states that violated their pledges. of significant funding and staff to move miles and making it the second-largest healthy oyster bars. In 2010, the EPA was required, in us forward. Many other laws followed, late-July dead zone since 1985. The aver- Bay states failed to meet their 2010 the settlement of a lawsuit, to impose including those that protect wetlands and age size for that time period is 1.34 cubic deadline for increasing oysters tenfold. In a pollution diet with hard caps on forests and ban detergent phosphates. miles. Overall, the summer dead zone 2014, the states responded by eliminating nutrients and sediment called a TMDL But looking back to our optimism was the third largest recorded. this goal as oyster populations declined. (total maximum daily load). The EPA in 1983, if we were to have created a ≈ Collapsed fisheries — oysters, The time for a closure of the wild oyster listed potential sanctions — some very nightmare scenario for the Bay, it would shad and soft clams — are at or near harvest is now, with a transition period to consequential — for failure to take the be the one we are living in 36 years later! record lows. move watermen to aquaculture. actions to achieve 60% of the pollution Make no mistake — without the Rockfish numbers have seriously ≈ Bay grasses, another essential living reductions by 2017 and 100% by 2025. Bay Agreement and the Bay Program, declined, leading to a mandate from the resource, are at only 56% of the 185,000 Again, the states failed to meet many the Chesapeake would be much worse. Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Com- acres originally pledged by the states in of these requirements in 2017, especially Reductions in nutrients and sediment mission to reduce harvest. 2000 to be attained by 2010. The response for nitrogen. The emasculated EPA feck- have been achieved despite significant The moratorium on shad harvest has by the states in 2014: set an interim goal lessly failed to take any action against population growth, from 13 million been in effect for three decades with of 100,000 acres in 2017 and declare suc- even the most recalcitrant states such as watershed residents in 1983 to 18.3 little recovery. The shad restoration cess when it was met while remaining far Pennsylvania. million today. goal, agreed to by the Bay states in from a delayed goal of 185,000 by 2025. We have excelled at nutrient reduc- Still, Bay restoration is floundering 2000, for returning spawning shad at the Underwater grass acreage will likely end tions from wastewater treatment plants and the situation is dire: Conowingo Dam was abandoned when up being significantly lower when results through the expenditure of billions of ≈ We have so poisoned our waters that there was near zero recovery. from last year’s survey are complete. dollars and tougher federal limits on reports abound of serious flesh-eating Adult oysters, the most important ≈ Many toxic hotspots remain. such dischargers. The reduction from infections in humans who come into con- keystone Bay species, declined 50% in What happened to our lofty com- tact with Bay waters. My Annapolis car Maryland from 1999 to 2018 despite mitments? Bay continues on page 32 32 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

Commentary • Letters • Pers pectives

Bay from pageorum 31 Juvenile oysters from etter to the ditor these plants is “the” singular success UMCES L E storyF of the Bay restoration efforts as Horn Point reductions occurred despite wastewater Oyster flows increasing significantly to serve a Hatchery Cutting edge data much greater population. The phosphate are shot into detergent ban helped in these efforts. Tred Avon sharpest tool Federal Clean Air Act restrictions waters using in cleanup toolkit have also resulted in significant reduc- high pres- tions of nitrogen from atmospheric sure water. We appreciate the Bay Journal’s deposition, especially with tougher new 2019 was excellent in-depth reporting on the emission controls and the decline of a bad year Maryland counties that are working coal burning for electrical generation. for oyster to strengthen their forest conservation Unfortunately, President Trump is undo- reproduc- laws: Anne Arundel and Howard. ing these Clean Air Act regulations and tion due to (See Forest conservation bills rippling promoting coal burning. excessive through Maryland counties, December We have done the easier things even freshwater 2019) The articles should be manda- though decisions made to achieve the in the Bay tory reading for every elected official great reductions in nutrient flows from in spring in the state and in fact, the entire sewerage plants, such as the phosphate and early Chesapeake Bay watershed. detergent ban and later the Flush Tax, summer. There are 18 million people in the were not easy. (Dave Harp) watershed, and by 2050, we expect 4 But now that these reductions have million more. been achieved, the states are faced with Maryland must reduce nitrogen flows these pollutant flows for agriculture and To contend with these demands and much more difficult requirements to by 2025 by 9 million pounds, including developed lands. challenges to our ecosystem, Maryland reduce nonpoint pollutants, especially a ramp-up in its annual rate of farm Now, the situation has grown worse: should be leading the way on forest those from farm operations — the nitrogen reduction of 6.4 times to meet its The hopes that were rekindled when expansion. Howard and Anne Arundel number one source of nitrogen pollu- TMDL requirement. Yet the state’s water- the EPA set the states on a mandatory counties are trailblazers. The rest of tion — and stormwater from developed shed implementation plan lacks any new pollution diet with potential grave Maryland must follow. lands. The latter is expensive to achieve policies or funding to get the job done. consequences for failure to comply have To do so, our leaders should as is upgrading septic tanks for better Since the TMDL was established, been shattered. Dana Aunkst, the director remember the adage, “information is nitrogen removal. Clamping down 84% of Maryland nitrogen load reduc- of the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program, power,” when making decisions about on farm pollutants, especially from tions came from wastewater treatment has now stated that the TMDL with its land use. manure, is the most cost-effective and those reductions will soon play out 2025 pollution caps is “an aspiration” Recently, through a grant from the choice we can make and yet efforts lag. and may begin to increase over time. and not an enforceable deadline. Aunkst U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The states are reluctant to enact During that same period, only 16% of stated that “The TMDL itself is not the Chesapeake Conservancy’s Conser- better regulatory measures govern- the state’s nitrogen reductions came enforceable.” This seems to make the vation Innovation Center and partners ing agriculture. This is compounded from agriculture — the cheapest per whole TMDL exercise a house of cards produced high-resolution land cover by much more intensive agricultural pound to achieve — but the political now collapsing. Without a court victory, data that is 900 times the resolution operations, especially large chicken and will is lacking to better regulate this we are back to voluntary efforts. At no with a much higher degree of accuracy other manure-producing operations and major pollutant source. point since 1983 has saving the Bay been than the traditional land cover data set. the expansion of nitrogen-intensive crops Then there is the problem of at a lower ebb. This open source data provides such as corn and soybeans. increasing pollution loads from new We know that reducing nutrients and closer to real-time information and Unfortunately, the EPA, elected developments and the failure to reduce sediment works to restore water quality. should be used for every land use officials and most of the environmental loads from existing impervious We know the sources of these pollut- decision. In fact, in Anne Arundel community believe the answer lies in surfaces. Stormwater rates, volume ants. We know what needs to be done to County, the data recently revealed that throwing more money at famers to pay and pollutant flows from new develop- restore our treasured Chesapeake Bay. the county was losing trees faster than them not to pollute. Fully 40% of farm ment must not be allowed to exceed What is most needed is strong political almost any other county in the state, income this year comes from federal the pre-development flows from storm leadership that is so sorely lacking. Also informing the recent change in the law. subsidies. Farmers have been given events, including those from increas- needed is a more forceful and politically This cutting-edge data has the poten- more than $1 billion in the Bay states ingly intense storm events. Funding to effective environmental community tial to change Chesapeake Bay restora- from state and federal sources to reduce accomplish the massive multibillion- promoting aggressive changes to better tion policy in ways that are revolution- nutrient and sediment flows. This carrot dollar existing stormwater problem regulate farm pollution, development ary. Just think about how technology approach must now be augmented with must also be achieved. pollution and forest loss. We can get it changed the healthcare and banking some sharp sticks strictly regulating farm Exacerbating these grave problems done but not with the current attitudes industries and imagine empowering pollutants. is the lack of political will to restore and near-sighted leadership. conservation in the same way. Consider that Pennsylvania must the Bay. The Trump administration’s Gerald Winegrad served in the Better data informs better policy. reduce its nitrogen loads by more than first budget proposed eliminating all of Maryland legislature for 16 years and To truly be a leader, Maryland and 30 million pounds in the next five years the funding for the Bay Program. The led efforts to restore the Bay. He chaired the other watershed states should be to meet its TMDL goal, a staggering U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate Environment and Chesapeake embracing this cutting-edge data. For increased rate of 67 times previous riders in 2017 and 2018 to prohibit any Bay Subcommittee and has taught information, visit annual reductions. With no new mean- enforcement by the EPA of the EPA- graduate courses in Bay restoration chesapeakeconservancy.org. ingful initiatives, there is a near zero imposed limits under the Bay TMDL, since 1988. The Washington Post called likelihood of achievement even though though they did not win approval in the him “The environmental conscience Jeffrey Allenby Pennsylvania is responsible for 40% of Senate. And, the states are not initiat- of the Senate.” He can be reached at: Director of conservation technology the Bay’s nitrogen flows. ing the bold actions needed to address [email protected]. Chesapeake Conservancy Bay Journal • January – February 2020 33

Center near Jacobus needs to be 301-283-0808, (301-442-5657 day of monitored on a regular basis for event). Carpoolers meet at the Sierra hazards such as thorny plants or WorkdayMake sure that when Wisdom you par- Club MD Chapter office at 9 a.m. poison ivy. Info: 717-428-1961. ticipate in cleanup or invasive plant and return at 5 p.m. Carpool contact: ≈ Project FeederWatch: 9 a.m.– removal workdays to protect the 301-277-7111. 4 p.m. Nixon Park near Jacobus. Chesapeake Bay watershed and its resources that you also protect Project FeederWatch is a citizen yourself. Organizers of almost every Little Paint Branch Park science program in which participants workday strongly urge their volun- Help the Maryland-National Volunteer Opportunities identify and count the number of bird teers to wear long pants, long-sleeved Capital Park and Planning species visiting the center’s feeders shirts, socks and closed-toe shoes Commission remove invasive species Patuxent Research Refuge through early April. The data is (hiking or waterproof). This helps to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the last Saturday The Wildlife Images Bookstore forwarded to the Cornell Laboratory minimize skin exposure to poison ivy in January, February and March at at the National Wildlife Visitor of Ornithology and becomes part of and ticks, which might be found at Little Paint Branch Park in Beltsville. Center of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife a nationwide data set tracking winter the site. Light-colored clothing also Learn about native plants. Sign in for Service’s Patuxent Research Refuge bird population trends. Beginners are makes it easier to spot ticks. Hats are a safety orientation. Gloves and tools in Laurel, MD, is seeking volunteers. welcome. Volunteers are asked to strongly recommended. Although are provided. Info: 301-442-5657, some events provide work gloves, Responsibilities include opening and commit to one hour every other week. not all do; ask when registering. [email protected]. closing the store, helping customers Info: 717-428-1961. Events near water require closed- select merchandise, and operating toe shoes and clothing that can get Become a VA Master Naturalist the point of sale register. Training Howard County Conservancy wet or muddy. Always bring water. Virginia Master Naturalists are provided. Info: 301-497-5771, The Howard County Conservancy Sunscreen and an insect repellent a corps of volunteers who help to [email protected]. is looking for volunteers to lead designed to repel both deer ticks and manage and protect natural areas elementary and secondary school mosquitoes help. through plant and animal surveys, Lastly, most organizers ask that Oregon Ridge Nature Center hikes. No experience is necessary. stream monitoring, trail rehabilitation Upcoming volunteer opportunities Volunteers can choose which volunteers register ahead of time. and teaching in nature centers. Knowing how many people are going at the Oregon Ridge Nature Center in hikes they would like to do. There to show up ensures that they will Basic training covers ecology, Cockysville, MD, include: is no minimum or maximum time have enough tools and supervisors. geology, soils, native flora and fauna, ≈ Trail Guide Training: 10 a.m.– requirement. Volunteers are also They can also give directions to and habitat management. Info: 1 p.m. Feb. 4–6. Adults. Help to lead needed for various events. Info: the site or offer any suggestions for virginiamasternaturalist.org. school field trips Tuesday through Carole at 410-465-8877, apparel or gear not mentioned here. Friday, year-round. No minimum [email protected]. Southside VA naturalist training time commitment. Topics include The Historic Southside Chapter maple sugaring, insects, Chesapeake MD Volunteer Angler Survey summer and fall. Training sessions are of the Virginia Master Naturalists Bay. Fee of $20 for first-time Anglers of all ages can become required. Info: [email protected]. program is offering basic training attendees includes all three sessions. citizen scientists by helping the classes beginning Jan. 28 at the VA Preregistration required. Maryland Department of Natural Volunteer at CBEC Cooperative Extension Office at the ≈ Maryland Master Naturalist Resources collect scientific data The Chesapeake Bay Environmental IOW Court House in Isle of Wight, Volunteer Training: 9 a.m.–3:30 through its Volunteer Angler Survey. Center in Grasonville, MD, has VA. The eight-week course includes p.m. Mondays, March 16–May 18. Anglers use their smart pbone to volunteer openings for people who 27 hours of classroom instruction Adults. Participants complete 60 record data from their catch such as only want to drop in a few times a covering ecology, birds, mammals, hours of hands-on learning in natural species, location and size directly to month as well as those who would insects, fish, reptiles, plants, wetlands, history, environmental interpretation, the survey. Biologists use these data to like to help out more frequently. forestry, weather and geology. The conservation stewardship. Final develop and implement management Openings include: helping with course also includes 13 hours of certification awarded after 40 hours strategies. The artificial reef initiative, educational programs; guiding kayak Saturday field trips to the Great of volunteer service at Oregon blue crab, freshwater fisheries, muskie, trips or hikes; staffing the front Dismal Swamp, Chippokes Plantation, Ridge. Application are available at shad and striped bass programs have desk; maintaining trails, landscapes Piney Grove Preserve and a tour of the nature center or extension.umd. been upgraded to mobile-friendly and the Pollinator Garden; feeding the Blackwater Ecological Preserve. edu/masternaturalist (Use Piedmont methods. Participants are eligible or handling captive birds of prey; Participants must be 14 & older. Region link). Applications are to win quarterly prizes. Info: dnr. maintaining birds’ living quarters; Ages 14–17 must be accompanied accepted until the class is full. Fee maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/survey/ participating in CBEC’s team of wood by an adult for all classes and field is $250 upon acceptance into the index.aspx. duck box monitors; and other wildlife trips. Fee: $125/person; $190/couple program. initiatives. Other opportunities include (parent/child, spouses). Registration To preregister or for info: Cromwell Valley Park participating in fundraising events, is due by Jan. 21. Info: vmn. [email protected] Cromwell Valley Park in Parkville, website development, writing for historicsouthside.org, 757-365-6261 or 410-887-1815. MD, is looking for volunteers of all newsletters and events, developing ages (12 & younger w/adult) for its photo archives and supporting office Master Gardener training Paradise Park Habitat Restoration Team / Weed staff. Volunteers donating more than The Upper Shore (MD) Master Paradise Park in Portsmouth, VA, is Warrior Days 2–4 p.m. Jan. 11 & 25 100 hours of service per year receive Gardener Programs invites members seeking volunteers, ages 12 and older and Feb. 1 & 22. Help to remove a free one-year family membership of the public, ages 18 & older, to sign (12–16 w/adult), for service days 9–11 invasive species, install native ones to CBEC. Info: volunteercoordinator@ up for Master Gardener Training, a a.m. Jan. 18, Feb. 1 & 29 and March 7 and maintain habitat. Service hours are bayrestoration.org. nine-week course that runs 9 a.m. to & 14. Tasks include weeding, planting, available. Meet at the Sherwood House 3:30 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 20 to cleaning, pruning and light maintenance. parking lot. Registration is not required. Ruth Swann Park April 20 at the Eastern Shore Higher Bring work gloves and a water bottle Info: [email protected]. Help the Maryland Native Plant Education Center on the Chesapeake if possible. Registration required: Society, Sierra Club and Chapman College Campus in Queenstown, MD. paradisecreek.elizabethriver.org. CBL Visitor Center Forest Foundation 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are held in conjunction with Volunteers, ages 16 & older, are the second Saturday in January, the University of Maryland Extension York County, PA, parks needed at the Chesapeake Biological February and March remove invasive in Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Volunteer opportunities at York Laboratory’s Visitor Center on plants at Ruth Swann Park in Bryans and Kent counties. Topics include County (PA) Parks include: Solomons Island, MD. Volunteers must Road. Meet at the Ruth Swann Park- ecology, botany, soils, plant diseases, ≈ Exploration Forest: The Nature commit to a minimum of two, 3– to Potomac Branch Library parking lot. Play Area at Nixon Park Nature 4-hour shifts each month in the spring, Bring lunch. Info: [email protected], Bulletin continues on page 34 34 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

Why aren’t there more items from my state? Many respondents in the Bay Journal deadlines listed elsewhere on these pages. Reader Survey wanted to know why Bulletin If you are an environmental organiza- Board had significantly fewer events from tion, nature center or state agency, know Bulletin from page 33 their state. Bulletin Board lists all of items that your constituents are looking for local insects (both pests & beneficial) and concerning environmental issues in the programs and events in these pages! See weeds. This program emphasizes Chesapeake region that it receives by the submission guidelines on page 35. community involvement and outreach as well as environmental stewardship. The $200 fee covers all The free app can be downloaded and school and park improvements. Turf / lawn programs costs, including the Maryland Master from the App Store and Google Play. Interactive lessons and videos For information on the Prince Gardener Handbook. Payment Info: anshome.org/creek-critters. To in a user-friendly format provide William (VA) Cooperative Extension’s assistance is available based on need. learn about partnerships or host a communities with tools to build and 12 Steps to a Greener Lawn / Building For information: Creek Critters event: enhance local stormwater programs. Environmental Sustainable Turf BEST ≈ Queen Anne’s & Kent counties: [email protected]. Info: mostcenter.org. Lawns low-cost, research-based Rachel J. Rhodes at 410-758-0166, programs for lawn education, contact: [email protected] Resources Watershed education capsules [email protected], ≈ Talbot County: Mikaela Boley at Prince William (VA) Soil and Water 703-792-4037. 410-822-1244, [email protected] Bilingual educator resources Conservation District’s Watershed ≈ Dorchester County: Emily Zobel Educational programs are available Capsules, which teach students about Floatable monitoring program at 410-228-8800, [email protected] in English and Spanish from the the important functions of watersheds, The Prince William Soil & Water Interstate Commission on the Potomac are available, first-come, first-served. Conservation District in Manassas, Adopt-a-Stream or Pond River Basin. Contact: potomacriver. Info: pwswcd.org/capsules. VA, needs volunteers to help assess The Prince William Soil & Water org/resources/educator. and trace trash in streams in an effort Conservation District in Manassas, Learn if your yard is Bay-Wise to reduce nonpoint source pollutants VA, wants to ensure that stream Wetlands Work website Master Gardeners in Prince George’s in urbanized and industrialized areas cleanup volunteers have all of the The Chesapeake Bay Program’s County, MD, are part of Bay-Wise, a in relation to the County’s Municipal support and supplies they need for website, Wetlands Work, at program that offers free consultations Separate Storm Sewers (MS4) permit. trash removal projects. Participating wetlandswork.org, helps to connect on sound environmental practices for Cleanup supplies are provided. Info: groups receive an Adopt-A-Stream agricultural landowners with people county residents to help certify their [email protected]. sign recognizing their efforts. For info, and programs that can support landscapes as Bay-Wise. They look for to adopt a stream or get a proposed wetland development and restoration healthy lawn maintenance, efficient Baltimore Biodiversity Toolkit site, visit [email protected]. on their land. watering and pest control, and native To help meet the need for high- Groups can register their events at trees and plants that provide shelter quality and accessible green space in trashnetwork.fergusonfoundation.org. Boating safety instruction and habitat for wildlife, as well as Baltimore for native plants, animals Boating safety classes are required suggest approaches landowners can and people, the Baltimore Biodiversity American Chestnut Land Trust for operators of recreational boats in take to reduce pollution. Those who Toolkit identifies ambassador animals The American Chestnut Land Virginia, Maryland and the District demonstrate these practices receive that represent habitat types within, and Trust in Prince Frederick, MD, needs of Columbia, as well as most other Bay-Wise signs. Homeowners can also historic to, a community. It facilitates volunteers for invasive plant removal states. Those who missed the Coast evaluate their property online using the sharing resources for supporting workdays 9–11 a.m. Thursdays and Guard Auxiliary courses have online MD Yardstick, which tallies pollution- specific wildlife needs; monitoring 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays. alternatives: reducing gardening and landscaping and the collection of citizen science All ages (16 & younger w/adult) are ≈ Virginians: boat-ed.com/virginia practices. To have a yard certified, data; and developing a culture of welcome. Training, tools and water ≈ Marylanders: boatus.org/ though, homeowners need to have the conservation and stewardship. The are provided. Registration is required. maryland Master Gardeners visit and evaluate toolkit contains 20 ambassador wildlife Info: 410-414-3400, acltweb.org, ≈ DC residents & nonresidents: their landscape. Info: Esther Mitchell: at species representing four habitats. [email protected]. boat-ed.com/districtofcolumbia [email protected], or visit extension. These animals require a variety of ≈ Comprehensive list of training umd.edu/baywise/program-certification. conditions that are present in high- Magruder Woods options: uscgboating.org/recreational- Click on “download the yardstick” quality environments for human, plant Help Friends of Magruder Woods boaters/boating-safety-courses.php to evaluate one’s landscape and/or and animal health. Its multi-platform 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday in ≈ Free boating safety tools & vegetable garden. format helps partners prioritize January, February and March remove materials from the Coast Guard community greening projects based invasive plants in the forested swamp Auxiliary: Info/search engine: Marine debris toolkit on representative species, citizen in Hyattsville, MD. Meet at the recreational boating safety outreach. The National Oceanic and science data and spatial analysis farthest end of the parking lot. Info: Atmospheric Administration’s Office that includes social, economic and [email protected], Stormwater class of National Marine Sanctuaries and ecological indicators. Info: fws.gov. 301-283-0808, (301-442-5657 the The Alliance for the Chesapeake the NOAA Marine Debris Program day of event); or Colleen Aistis at Bay has released the Municipal have developed a toolkit for students Wildlife education trunks 301-985-5057. Online Stormwater Training Center’s and educators in coastal and inland The Maryland Department of Dig Once Course. Developed by areas to learn about marine debris Natural Resources is offering a variety Creek Critters app the Local Government Program staff and monitor their local waterways. of wildlife education trunks for use Audubon Naturalist’s Creek Critters and the University of Maryland’s This toolkit is a collaborative effort by teachers, home-school educators, app lets people check their local Environmental Finance Center, to reduce the impact on marine naturalists and other instructors. streams’ health through finding and the course provides ways that ecosystems through hands-on citizen These free, interdisciplinary tools are identifying small organisms that live local leaders can integrate green science, education and community designed to interest students in local in freshwater, then creating health infrastructure into community capital outreach. Info/search engine: marine reports based on what they find. projects such as road construction, debris monitoring toolkit for educators. Bulletin continues on page 35 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 35

Boyds, MD. Practice monitoring techniques. Collect, identify benthic New Submission Guidelines macroinvertebrates. The Bay Journal regrets it is not advance. See below. The fee for each class is $25. Waivers always able to print every notice it ≈ Submissions to Bulletin Board are available for ANS monitoring receives because of space limitations. must be sent either as a Word or Pages program participants and middle school Priority is given to events or programs document, or as simple text in the body that most closely relate to the of an e-mail. PDFs, newsletters or other & high school students earning SSL preservation and appreciation of the formats may be considered if there is credit through their school systems. Bulletin from page 34 Bay, its watershed and resources. Items space and if information can be easily Registration required: anshome.org/ published in Bulletin Board are posted extracted. adults. Info: [email protected]. wildlife while building on disciplines on the online calendar; unpublished ≈ Programs must contain all of such as art, language arts, math, items are posted online if staffing the following information: a phone permits. Guidelines: number (include the area code) or Grow a green garden physical education, science and ≈ Send notices to e-mail address of a contact person; Unity Gardens is presenting social studies. Each trunk contains [email protected]. Items sent the title, time (online calendar Greener Gardens, One Step at a Time an educator guide with background to other addresses are not always requires an end time as well as a start 10 a.m.–1 p.m. March 7 at Woods information, lesson plans and forwarded before the deadline. time), date and place of the event or Memorial Presbyterian Church in hands-on K–12 activities, as well as ≈ Bulletin Board contains events program. Submissions must state if the Severna Park, MD. Attendees of supplies, books, furs, replica tracks, that take place (or have registration program is free, requires a fee, has all ages can listen to Barbara Ellis deadlines) on or after the 11th of the age requirements, has a registration videos and other hands-on items. month in which the item is published deadline or welcomes drop-ins. discuss options that gardeners and Trunks subjects include aquatic through the 11th of the next month. ≈ March issue: February 11 homeowners can take to create invasive species, bats, black bears, Deadlines run at least two months in ≈ April issue: March 11 sustainable gardens and landscapes furbearers, white-tailed deer and wild that are attractive and healthy for turkeys. Trunks are available at seven humans, wildlife, pets and the locations around the state and can be in the mid-Atlantic; forests of the and storing kayaks, as well as tips from environment as a whole — including borrowed on a first-come, first-served future; brook trout restoration; stream area kayakers. Boats and gear will be the Bay and its tributaries. Tickets basis for up to two weeks. Info/search corridor wildlife; stream restoration; on display. The $30 fee includes a are $70 in advance and $75 at the engine: Wildlife Education Trunks. and financial assistance to help light breakfast, lunch and instruction. door (until sold out) and include woodland landowners maintain and Preregistration is required. Info: the lecture and buffet brunch. All Test for chemicals in water restore forests. Breaks throughout the sk101_2020.eventbee.com or Shelly proceeds benefit Unity Gardens. Prince William County, VA, day will provide an opportunity to Wiechelt at [email protected]. Register: unitygardens.org/events/. and the state’s Department of meet the speakers and visit exhibitor Info: [email protected]. Environmental Quality need tables. Fee of $50 includes morning Stream science classes volunteers to join their Chemical coffee and pastries, snacks, lunch and The Audubon Naturalist Society’s MD sport fisheries award Water Quality Monitoring Teams, workshop materials. Doors open at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, The Maryland Department of Natural who collect chemical data from local 8 a.m. for registration and morning MD, are offering stream science classes Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory streams. DEQ will teach volunteers refreshments. Register by March 6. for people, ages 10 & older, who are Commission are accepting nominations techniques to collect and read the Info: carrollcountyforestryboard.org interested in learning about biological for the newly created Maryland Sport data. Monitoring sites are accessible or Donna Davis at 410-848-9290, stream monitoring. The instructor is Fisheries Achievement Award, which for easy data collection. Info: [email protected]. Cathy Wiss, a Maryland Biological recognizes an individual who has [email protected]. Stream Survey-certified instructor. provided sustained efforts in habitat Events / Programs Classes include: management, conservation, education, Forums / Workshops ≈ Introduction to Stream Science research or other contributions that Richmond film festival Series / Healthy Stream Biology benefit fish and recreational fishing. The BeaverCON 2020 The 10th Annual RVA Classroom Session: 7–9:30 p.m. winner will be announced in July and The Beaver Institute and Ecotone Environmental Film Festival, Feb. Jan. 23 (Section A) or, March 25 receive a proclamation signed by Gov. invite professionals, researchers and 7–13, will showcase nearly 20 local (Section B). Both sections cover the Larry Hogan, DNR Secretary Jeannie practitioners to learn what works and national films selected to raise same material. Learn how benthic Haddaway-Riccio and the chair of the in beaver conflict management and awareness of environmental issues. macroinvertebrates (organisms that fisheries c ommission. A donation watershed restoration at BeaverCON Many films will bring solution- live in the bottom of streams) help will also be made to a fisheries-related 2020, 8 a.m. March 3 to 4 p.m. March oriented messages of hope with to assess a streams’ health. Learn organization designated by the recipient. 5 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott the goal of inspiring audiences to how to identify these organisms to Complete an online nomination form Baltimore in Hunt Valley, MD. promote planet health as an individual the taxonomic level of order through and submit a detailed essay describing Participants will learn how beavers or by getting involved with a local a PowerPoint presentation and by the nominee’s contributions by Jan. provide much-needed ecological environmental group. Film headliners examining preserved specimens 31 Info/search engine: Maryland Sport recovery, assist with restoring are the Biggest Little Farm, Butterfly through a hands-on session with Fisheries. Info: Paul Genovese at 410- threatened and endangered species, Trees, The Story of Plastic, and The microscopes. Follow up this class with 260-8328, [email protected]. improve water quality and provide Human Element. The festival will the Field Workshop on March 28. important adaptations to climate take place at several Richmond ≈ Advanced Series / Aquatic Eastern Neck NWR change. Cost-effective techniques area locations. Admission is free. A Insect Family ID: 7–9:30 p.m.) Jan. 30 Friends of Eastern Neck are offering to coexist with beavers will also be schedule of dates, times and locations (Beetles, Megaloptera & Water Bugs); walks at 8–10 a.m. Feb. 1, and March featured. Tickets are $275. Info: will be posted on rvaeff.org as the Feb. 6 (Caddisflies & Aquatic Moths); 7 in Eastern Neck National Wildlife [email protected], BeaverCon.org. festival approaches. Feb. 13 (Dragonflies, Damselflies & Refuge, in Kent County, MD. Because True Flies); Feb. 20 (Mayflies); Feb. these walks take place in areas not Forest workshop Learn to sea kayak 27 (Stoneflies & Review). Learn how usually open to the public, participants The Carroll County Forest The nonprofit Chesapeake Paddlers to identify aquatic insects to the have a good chance of spotting Conservancy District Board’s spring Association’s annual Introduction to taxonomic level of family through this waterfowl and wildlife. The 2-mile walks workshop, It’s About the Forest!, takes Sea Kayaking workshop takes place series of five classes. Identification are on flat terrain and are led by a local place 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14 at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 at Cult to family level greatly enhances the birding expert or naturalist. Participants, Wesley Freedom United Methodist Classic Brewery in Stevensville on Kent understanding of stream ecology and who must be 13 or older, should wear Church in Sykesville, MD. Attendees, Island, MD. The course covers kayak power of monitoring data. boots and dress warmly. Binoculars ages 16+ (17 & younger w/adult) will design, paddling pointers, kayaking ≈ Field Workshop: 9:30 a.m.– learn about forest history; forest fires gear, places to paddle and transporting 12 p.m. March 28. Ten Mile Creek, Bulletin continues on page 36 36 Bay Journal • January – February 2020

collage, crafting/constructing. Fee: $45. ≈ Nature Quest Winter Hike: a.m. Feb. 1 & 2. Ages 5+ Learn the ≈ Preschool Nature Party - I Heart 1–3 p.m. Feb. 16 All ages. Pick up a lore, natural history of groundhogs. Nature Party: 10–11 a.m. Feb. 11. Nature Quest Passport at the center, Take a short hike outdoors look for Ages 2–5 w/adult. Nature activities, then join a naturalist to find the their hideouts or other winter animal story, craft, special snack and weather markers. Fee: $4. activity. Fee: $3. permitting, a short hike. Fee: $11. ≈ Maple Sugaring Weekend: Drop ≈ Let’s Make Tracks! 1–3 p.m. Feb. Preregistration is required for in any anytime from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 8 & 9. Ages 4+ Hit the trails to look each program. Info: edenmill.org, Feb. 22 & 23 All ages. Tap a tree, for tracks, scat left behind by animals. Bulletin from page 35 [email protected]. boil sap, make a pancake. Free. No Later, create a track story to take registration. home. Fee: $3. and cameras are encouraged. No dogs! Cromwell Valley Park ≈ Twig & Leaf Creatures: 1–2:30 ≈ Owl You Need is Love! Night Walks are free, but tax-deductible Upcoming programs at Cromwell p.m. Feb. 29. Ages 2–10 w/adult. Hike & Campfire: 7–9 p.m. Feb. 8. donations to Friends of Eastern Neck Valley Park’s Willow Grove Nature Take a walk to gather twigs & leaves, Ages 6+ Learn about native owls, are welcome. There are no rain dates. Center in Parkville, MD, include: then return to center to make a valley meet resident birds, try to call in Registration is limited. To register: ≈ Winter Birds & Nests: 1–2:30 p.m. creature. Fee: $4. owls along the trails (no guarantees). http://bit.ly/ENwinterwalks19-20. Info: Jan. 12. All ages. Take an easy walk to Ages 12 & younger must be End the night around a campfire Melissa Baile at 410-639-7160. observe winter residents and look for accompanied by an adult. Except with s’mores. Fee: $5. Preregistration nests. Then, head inside to examine where noted, programs are free and appreciated. Eden Mill Nature Center nest exhibits and eggs. Fee: $4. require registration. Info: 410-887- ≈ Great Backyard Bird Count: Upcoming events at Eden Mill Nature ≈ Winter Birding: 8–10 a.m. Jan. 2503, cromwellvalleypark.org, 10–11:30 a.m. Feb. 15 & 16. Ages Center in Pylesville, MD, include: 18. Ages 12+ Birder John Canoles [email protected]. Online 4+ Learn about winter birds, take a ≈ Paint Nights: 6:30–8:30 p.m. will discuss winter bird adaptations, registration: cromwellvalleypark. light walk to search for them. Bring Jan. 17 (Chickadee in the Snow) & markings. Later, drink hot chocolate, campbrainregistration.com. For binoculars or borrow a pair from the Jan. 24 (Cardinal in the Snow) Adults. coffee at the center. Bring binoculars, special accommodations, call 410- center. Fee: $2. Use acrylics to paint on a 14x18- if possible. Fee: $4. 887-5370 or 410-887-5319 (TTY), Ages 15 & younger must be inch canvas. Materials, instruction ≈ River Cane Arrows: 1–3 p.m. Jan. giving as much notice as possible. accompanied by an adult. Except provided. Fee: $41. 19. Meet at Primitive Technology Lab. where noted, registration is required ≈ Fly Tying for Fly Fishing: 7–8:30 Ages 14+ River cane is essentially Oregon Ridge Nature Center for each program. (Supply email p.m. Feb. 4 & March 3. Ages 8+ American bamboo. Learn how to Upcoming events at the Oregon address, phone number and ages of (15 & younger w/registered adult). straighten, cut, fletch and glue primitive Ridge Nature Center in Cockysville, the children attending. Payment is Instructions, guidance, materials arrow with sinew, hide. Fee: $5. MD, include: due within one week of registration. provided to create popular fly ≈ Trail Tots: 10:30–11:30 a.m. ≈ Shoots & Letters: 10–11 a.m. Make checks payable to: ORNCC patterns. Fee: $8. Tuesdays, Jan. 21–Feb. 25 or Thursdays. Ages 3+ New nature- and mail to the nature center at 13555 ≈ Nature Storybook Art for Wednesdays, Jan. 22–Feb. 26. Ages 2–5 related outdoor adventure or activity Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD Homeschoolers Session 3: 12:45–2:45 w/adult. Explore natural world through each week. Jan. 16 (Owls); Jan. 23 21030.) Programs are for individuals p.m. Feb. 5, 12 & 19. Ages 5–12. nature play, stories, crafts. Nonmobile (Fox & Coyote); Jan. 30 (Groundhogs); and immediate families. Groups must Techniques include drawing, painting, siblings only, adult is an active Feb. 6 (Rocks & Minerals); Feb. 13 call center to schedule programs. participant. Dress for the outdoors. (Clouds); Feb. 20 (Maple Sugaring); Info: 410-887-1815, Fee: $80 for 6 sessions. Register for one Feb. 27 (Woodpeckers). Fee: $2 per [email protected]. series only through on-line system. child. No registration. For special accommodations, call Chesapeake Challenge ≈ O My Gourd! 1–3 p.m. Jan. 25. ≈ Bookworm Story Time: 11–11:45 410-887-1815, 401-887-5370 or Answers to Ages 8+ Create a house for wrens, a.m. Feb. 7. Toddlers to age 6. Nature 410-887-5319 (TTD/Deaf), giving as Snow What? chickadees or swallows using a gourd story & activity. Dress to go outdoors much notice as possible. Really Cool Flake Facts! grown in the park’s Children’s Garden. briefly. Free; donations appreciated. on page 26. F e e: $7. No registration. Anita Leight Estuary Center 1. False. Scientists found two ≈ Apples in the Oven: 1–3 p.m. ≈ Critters Up Close: 1–2 p.m. Upcoming programs at the Anita identical flakes during a 1988 Wis- Jan. 26. Ages 10+ Learn about John Saturdays & Sundays in January. All C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon, consin storm. 2. True. The water Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed. ages. Animal encounter, activity. MD, include: molecules that make up snow- Make an apple tart in the earth oven. Details available on Facebook. Fee: $3. ≈ Critter Dinner Time: 10:30 a.m. flakes can only unite in a way that Fee: $5. ≈ Maple Sugaring Weekends: 11 Jan. 18. All ages. Learn about turtles, creates a six-sided ice crystal 3. ≈ Cabin Fever: 1–2:30 p.m. Feb. a.m.–4 p.m. Feb. 22 & 23 and 29 & fish and snakes while watching them D 4. D 5. D 6. B 7. C 8. 1. All ages. Ward off winter blues by March 1. All ages. Hike 0.75 miles to eat. Free. No registration. A. snow squall, B. snowburst, C. taking a hike. Return to the center for the sugar bush to tap a tree for sap. ≈ A Hunt for Tracks: 12:30–2 p.m. blizzard 9. D 10. ancraophobia hot chocolate. Fee: $4. See how sap is processed, taste maple Jan. 18. Meet at Bosely Conservancy. - wind; chionophobia - snow; ≈ Woodchuck, Groundhog, Whistle syrup, sugar. Watch the film, Maple Ages 5+ Search for signs of wildlife. cryophobia - cold; lilapsophobia - Pig, Pasture Poodle, Land Beaver, Sugaring Story, or Sugar on the Snow Create a track mold. Fee: $4. severe weather events or Punxsutawney Phil? 1–2:30 p.m. demos. Free admission. Groups of ≈ Nuts about Squirrels: 3–4:30 Feb. 2. Ages 8+ They’re all the same 10+ must preregister. p.m. Jan. 18. Celebrate Squirrel animal. Learn about woodchuck ≈ Annual Pancake Breakfast Appreciation Day by learning about Bay Buddies biology, search for a burrow, sample Fundraiser: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. March 7 them, making a squirrel craft. Fee: $3. Answers to Snow Much Fun! ground hog stew! Fee: $5. & 8. All ages. Breakfast, raffles, live ≈ Tails & Tots: 1 p.m. Jan. 19. Ages on page 26. ≈ Full Maple Moon Hike: 6–7:30 music. Fee: $8/ages 9 & older; $4/ages 0–6 w/adult. Nature stories, songs, 1. Sledding 2. Cross-country p.m. Feb. 7. Ages 5+ Accompany a 2–8; free for ages 2 & younger. activity. Free. No registration. Skiing 3. Tobogganing 4. Make naturalist to find a maple tree, tap ≈ Council Speaker Series / Enjoying ≈ Chilly Insect Hunt: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Snow Forts 5. Wildlife Watch- it, then head back to the center for the Outdoors Safely in the Age of Jan. 25. Ages 5+ Use a magnifying ing 6. Tapping Maples for Syrup maple-flavored hot chocolate. Fee: $5. Lyme Disease: 7–8:30 p.m. Jan 20. glass to hunt for insects outside. Learn 7. Skating 8. Snowball Fight 9. ≈ Bone Tools - Osteo-technology: Adults. John Aucott, director of the how insects survive winter. Fee: $3. Ice Fishing 10. Snowshoeing 1–3 p.m. Feb. 15. Adults. Meet at Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical ≈ Winter Afternoon “Campout”: Indoor Pastime: Read Books Primitive Technology Lab. Learn Research Center, will discuss how to 2–3:30 p.m. Jan. 25. Ages 5+ Practice About the Chesapeake how to make an awl or a bone knife. prevent, manage Lyme and other tick- putting up a tent, making a “fire” Participants will grind on stone with borne illnesses. Free. No registration. sand, water. Fee: $5. ≈ Wake Up Groundhog! 10 –11:30 Bulletin continues on page 37 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 37

contain significant large tracts of Invasive Plant ID & Removal: 10 a.m.– Parks will tell how this historic valuable natural resources. Forester 12 p.m. Feb. 8. Cyndi Wyskiewicz preservation project is connecting the Jess Baylor and wildlife biologist extension agent for Portsmouth area’s past with its future. Deidre DeRoia will discuss the Master Gardeners and Yolima Carr ≈ Preserving the Heritage of the challenges, opportunities associated Conservation Landscape Curator for Nanticoke People: 2 p.m. Feb. 13. with conducting natural resources Paradise Creek Nature Park teach Chief Natosha Carmine, will speak programs, projects on APG. Fee: $5. participants how to identify, remove about her vision for honoring and Except where noted, ages 12 & invasive plants. Free. To register for preserving the tribe’s heritage for the Bulletin from page 36 younger must be accompanied by an this program: Contact Barbara Gavin generations that follow. adult for all programs. Events meet [email protected], ≈ Cultural Narratives of Sea Level indoors. Eat s’mores. Fee: $3. at the center and require registration 757-392-7135. Rise on the Chesapeake: 2 p.m. Feb. ≈ Minecraft & Nature: 3–4:30 unless otherwise noted. Payment ≈ Winter Bird Walks: 8:30–10 a.m. 20. Washington College Associate p.m. Jan. 26. Ages 8–12. Compare is due at time of registration. Info: Jan. 25, Feb. 29 & March 28. Professor of Anthropology Aaron Minecraft’s natural world with real 410-612-1688, 410-879-2000 x1688, Children must be accompanied Lampman will share the results of nature. Learn what’s true, what’s otterpointcreek.org. by adults at all events. Registration is a two-year study in which he and fantasy. Fee: $5. required for all events: his students conducted interviews ≈ 2019 Summer Research Intern Paradise Park paradisecreek.elizabethriver.org. to explore the social, cultural and Presentation: 1–2 p.m. Jan. 26. Ages Upcoming free events at Paradise economic barriers to climate- 14+ Eric Amrhein will present A Park in Portsmouth, VA, include: CBMM Winter Speaker Series induced relocation, despite scientific Survey of Microplastics in Otter Point ≈ Power Walks: 8–9 a.m. Feb 22 Upcoming talks in the Winter predictions that indicate catastrophic Creek. Learn about the relatively new & March 28. All ages. Walk at a brisk Speaker Series at the Van Lennep land loss on Maryland’s Eastern Shore environmental issue of microplastics, pace for approximately 1 mile on the Auditorium of the Chesapeake Bay over the next 50 years. including what they are, where they nature trails. Wear comfortable shoes. Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, ≈ Oysters in Maryland - A Glass come from, possible impacts to ≈ Family Nature Walks: 12–1 p.m. MD, include: Half Empty or Half Full? 5:30 p.m. the environment, how they can be Jan. 18, Feb. 1, 29 March 7 & 14. ≈ Transformation of a Waterfront: Feb. 25. Shannon Hood, University of measured, what to do to reduce their Learn about native plants, wildlife. Navy Point in St. Michaels Over Two Maryland Extension associate agent, impact. Free. Look for signs of wildlife. Wear Centuries: 2 p.m. Jan. 30. CBMM chief will discuss research and community ≈ Nature & Nosh Speaker Series/ comfortable shoes. curator Pete Lesher will discuss the engagement strategies aimed at Wildlife & Habitat Management ≈ Basics of Botany: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. archaeological surveys and historic preserving the oyster’s role in on Aberdeen Proving Ground: Feb. 15. All ages. Learn about plants, architecture research of the museum’s ecological systems and local cultural Supporting the Army’s Testing & propagation methods. grounds and its rich past. heritage. Training Mission by Protecting its ≈ Native Mosses: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. ≈ The Packing House - Repurposing The cost is $7.50 per talk, with a Biological Resources: 3–5 p.m. Jan. 25. All ages. Presentation by Vickie a Historic Phillips Packing Company discount for those who register for all Jan. 25. Ages 14+ Because military Shufer, director of botany for the SHRC Factory for the Future: 5:30 p.m. Feb. five sessions. Advance registration is lands often are protected from Virginia Native Plant Society. 4. Eastern Shore Land Conservancy encouraged. Info: human access and impact, they ≈ River Star Homes Workshop / Vice President of Conservation Katie cbmm.org/speakerseries.

Naturalist from page 40 Conserving these coastal salt marshes not only supports saltmarsh channel that mimics nearby natural sparrows and other marsh-dependent creeks. This approach will not only drain wildlife. Our lives are affected, too. the ponded water but also introduce tidal Healthy coastal marshes protect real marsh hydrology to the site, reinvigorat- estate from flooding, provide clean ing vegetation growth and improving the water and support multibillion-dollar marsh’s health and longevity. fishery, recreation and tourism indus- It has only been one year since the tries. Investing in our marshes is good channel was dug. No daytime bird for wildlife and good for people. surveys have been conducted this year, For information: and visits for other purposes have yet to ≈ Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Salt detect any saltmarsh sparrows. How- Marsh Plan: acjv.org/saltmarsh/ ever, it may take a few years for the ≈ Atlantic Coast Joint Venture - Salt vegetation to change enough to become Marsh Sparrow Consevation: suitable for them. acjv.org/saltmarsh-sparrow-2/ There’s no simple recipe for saving ≈ Conservation Fund - Blackwater saltmarsh sparrows and their marsh 2100 (use these words in search engine) habitat from rising water. Each marsh ≈ Marsh Elevation at Blackwater has its own history, conditions and National Wildlife Refuge (use these challenges. But there are several words in search engine) promising approaches to restoring and ≈ Wetland Restoration at Farm enhancing high marsh habitat. Creek Marsh: md.audubon.org/ Conserving lands to create corridors sites/default/files/farm_creek_ by which marshes can migrate, raising marsh_083018-web.pdf marsh elevation through thin-layering, ≈ Save the Salt Marsh (video): vimeo. improving tidal water exchange, plant- com/361373133/2610ef7192 ing transitional crops (switchgrass) in Thank you to Matt Whitbeck, Black- parts of agricultural fields that become water National Wildlife Refuge, and Various stages of the thin-layering project at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge saturated or too salty, and controlling or David Curson, Audubon Maryland-DC, near Cambridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, from top: eradicating invasive plants and animals for their assistance with this article. Pre-construction in October 2016 (David Curson / Audubon MD-DC) (like phragmites and nutria) are some Kathy Reshetiloff is with the U.S. Immediately after post-thin-layering in May 2017 (Matt Whitbeck / U.S. Fish and of the tools that can be used to preserve Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake Wildlife Service) healthy coastal marsh ecosystems. Bay Field Office in Annapolis. October 2019 (Matt Whitbeck / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) 38 Bay Journal • January – February 2020 Hindsight in 2020: To make sure next 10 years count, include everyone By Kate Fritz

To fight for change tomorrow, we need to build resilience today. — Sheryl Sandberg

Happy 2020! As we leave the 2010s behind, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s in store for the Chesapeake Bay movement in the next 10 years, especially as our movement evolves and becomes more representative of the 18 million people who live, work and play in the watershed. I sometimes wish I could better read the tea leaves for the future, but while I can’t predict what will happen, I do know things will change — and our movement needs to embrace the concept o f building resiliency across both our environmental and social systems. Resilience is defined as an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. This concept is frequently used to describe solutions to climate change challenges, but it can also be applied to social systems. Scientists and practitioners have been building resiliency into our ecosystem Attendees at the 2019 Chesapeake Watershed Forum gather for presentations and discussion. The theme of the conference, over the last few decades, and it is “Better Together,” highlighted the need to pursue environmental goals in the spirit of teamwork and inclusivity. (Will Parson / now time for our movement to focus Chesapeake Bay Program) efforts on our human and social systems in order to weather the next need to focus our efforts on three inclusivity: Inclusivity is a mindset decade of unpredictable changing things: diversifying the perspectives that enables our movement to act and conditions. represented in our partnerships, behave in ways that welcome and So, if change is our only constant, creating an agenda based on equity, embrace diversity. When teams are how can we prepare? We start by and giving power and voice through inclusive, they work to lift each other building more responsive, modern inclusivity. up and do their best collective work, and flexible social systems to build ≈ Diversifying the perspectives thereby becoming a genuine part of resilience for the future. represented in our partnerships: the solution. An inclusive team values We have made strides, and, with In a future where the new norm is what you bring to the table. Inclusive the changing demographic trends in anything but normal, we need as teams become allies with, and for, the Chesapeake region, our movement many different perspectives in our each other; it’s a support network needs to focus more on these efforts. partnerships as possible. This doesn’t everyone everything equally. The that makes the individuals that much As the Baby Boomer generation mean we just throw people together concept of equity builds from a base of stronger and lifts up their voices. continues to retire, and Generation and expect positive results. It requires equality, but recognizes that there are We must not only seek a diversity of X and the Millenials step onto the us to create spaces that have ground some communities in our watershed voices but create inclusive spaces that leadership stage, we have already rules on behavior and expectations that have fewer resources than others. give power and voice to those that have started to see a shift in the voices on outcomes, so that we all start from These resources could be watershed not traditionally been heard, helping and perspectives represented within the same page. This work requires group representation or project to create a more resilient movement organizations, communities and us to be authentic when we build our funding, for example. Resiliency at overall. partnerships. Women continue to be relationships, an activity that requires the Chesapeake Bay regional level As we embark on the new version promoted into leadership positions us to be more vulnerable and willing will require that our movement of the Roaring ’20s, I look forward within organizations and on boards of to step out of our comfort zones. A recognize the disparity across our to working through the future’s directors. diversity of voices will add different communities and bring resources to challenges — and promises — Communities of color are creating perspectives, ones that will bring those areas that will build capacity for together. At the Alliance for the space within our movement, such new and different ideas and activities more equity in the outcomes of our Chesapeake Bay, we are focused as the work of ecoLatinos in the to solve age-old problems — and will movement. One example is a rural on continuing to build a resilient Chesapeake Bay region and the no doubt challenge the way we’ve local government without the tax base movement where we collectively bring Audbubon Naturalist Society’s Taking always done things. The world faces that a larger urban community might together communities, companies and Nature Black conference. Much like new challenges, and our watershed have, which therefore does not have conservationists to restore the lands the ecosystems we are seeking to requires a diversity of thought and the funding and resources to reduce and waters of the Chesapeake Bay. protect, our movement is actively perspective to weather whatever flooding. When we create agendas The work we all do in 2020 will seeking more diversity and better storms may come. that recognize the need to bring more build on the work we started in representation of the population that ≈ Creating an agenda based on resources to specific communities first, previous decades, so please, let’s be lives in this watershed. equity: Equity is the concept of giving then we begin to create an agenda of present, be kind, be open, be together. To build a more resilient Bay everyone what they specifically need, equity. Kate Fritz is executive director of restoration movement, I believe we while equality is the concept of giving ≈ Giving power and voice through the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Bay Journal • January – February 2020 39 For ring-billed gulls, color of feathers is often ‘so last year’ By Mike Burke in fine dining establishments. In addi- tion, farmers wrongly believed that the Identifying gulls has flummoxed birds were pests and shot them in vast many a birder, including me. Gulls take numbers. Populations plummeted. several years to reach their adult feath- All of that changed with the advent of ers. Getting there involves a complicated the Migratory Bird Treaty and compan- progression through such mysterious ion legislation. The species mounted plumages as juvenile, first alternate, a steady comeback between 1920 and second basic, and third alternate before 1990. The population exploded 250% ending in their definite phases. For over the next 20 years. Today, ring-bills years, rather than hazarding a guess on are common and widespread. a specific species, I have entered the Ring-bills are omnivores, going generic “gull species” on my checklist. wherever they can find a steady supply We were confronted with this of food. Their dietary mainstay is tiny problem a few Januarys ago while fish, but they also gobble up earth- birding at Shorter’s Wharf on the edge of worms, insects, grain, small rodents the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge like voles, and human garbage. They outside Cambridge, MD. A group of gulls frequent landfills and farm fields, shop- was loafing along the shore during a clear, ping malls and parking lots, beaches cold morning. I could identify a greater and marinas — and boat ramps, like the black-backed gull, which is a giant among Ring-billed gulls of all ages have a black band around their yellow bill. (Dave one at Shorter’s Wharf where the gulls gulls and has jet-black wings. And there Menke / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) had taken a break from fishing. were a couple of adult laughing gulls It has only been in recent years that There were another half dozen gulls around the Great Lakes. In the winter, the I have started studying plumage variety that all appeared to be the same size, but birds fan out across both U.S. coasts, the in gulls. My trip checklists now usually some were brown and white while others South and into Mexico. A few continue note the specific gull species rather than had soft silver wings and backs. Despite down into Central America. my old generic fallback listing. their superficial differences, they were The history of ring-bills is a tale of I’ve found that it’s not as confusing all ring-bills (Larus delawarensis). great losses followed by recovery. Like as I thought. Sure, there are a lot of Adults were easiest to identify. A so many other birds with brilliant white color variations, but ring-bills are all black band around the yellow bill gives feathers, ring-bills were hunted for the basically the same. Kind of like the bird its name and serves as a quick millinery trade between 1880 and 1920. humans, now that I think of it. diagnostic sign. Their heads and necks During this era, eggs were stolen by the Mike Burke, an amateur naturalist, were white with a bit of brown. They hundreds from nesting colonies for use lives in Mitchellville, MD. had pearl gray wings that reached back over their white tails. The wing tips were black, spotted with white dots near the end. This was their “definitive basic” plumage. Same-age males and females look alike regardless of the time of year. Next to the two adults were four younger birds, but with brown replac- tens of thousands of breeding pairs. By ing most of the silver seen in adults. In June, the colonies would be filled with almost all avian species, by the time every age group and the whole range of young birds fledge, they are the same ring-bill plumages. size and shape as their parents. This was Most ring-bills breed far from oceans a major clue in recognizing that these along inland freshwater beaches. The birds were ring-bills, just like the adults. nest is a simple scrape in the ground The fact that all age groups display that with a bit of vegetation. Females lay two eponymous black ring around the end of to four eggs (usually three), taking a the bill confirmed the identification. day or two between each one. Each egg One of the brownish gulls wasn’t weighs about 12% of the mother’s mass. even a year old. It had extensive brown By the time she lays the third egg, she is on its head, neck and chest. The wings nutritionally depleted. That final egg is were mostly black and brown. Only off to a slower and less robust start than the back displayed the gray feathers of its siblings. Fewer than half of these final the adults. The other three birds were eggs are likely to survive. second-winter birds. Their wings and Eggs are a lusterless khaki green with backs were silver, but their heads, necks extensive black blotches. When the chicks and breasts showed much more brown hatch, their natal down looks nothing like than those of the two adults. their parents. These little puffs of black- By the end of February, the adults and-white are embarking on a complex would go through another molt, jettison- molting regime that will take them three ing the brown feathers for bright white years to complete. everywhere but the wings and back. Ring-bills are partial mid– to long- Shortly thereafter, ring-bills would distance migrants, and some birds don’t A ring-billed gull is nutritionally depleted by the time she lays a third egg. The final return to the same nesting area where migrate at all. Those that do may fly egg in this nest will be off to a slower and less robust start than its older siblings. they were born. These nesting colonies hundreds or even thousands of miles from Fewer than half of these final eggs are likely to survive (Jacquelyn Jacobson / U.S. can range from a few dozen nests to their breeding territory in Canada and Fish and Wildlife Service) January/February 2020 Volume 29 Number 10 The Bay Journal NONPROFIT ORG P.O. Box 222 U.S. POSTAGE Jacobus, PA 17407-0222 PAID PERMIT 280 LANC., PA 17604

The Bay Journal is printed on 100% recyclable/recycled paper using vegetable-based inks. www.bayjournal.com The canary in this ‘coal mine’ is the saltmarsh sparrow

By Kathy Reshetiloff at the upland boundary may replace the lost older marsh. But in many Along the Atlantic Coast, a quiet places, this conversion is not produc- sparrow blends in with the grasses of ing vibrant meadows of marsh grasses. the salt marsh. Often hard to spot as it Instead, dying trees are giving way to gathers food to bring back to its nest, open water or large stands of invasive the saltmarsh sparrow is recognized by phragmites, unsuitable nesting habitat its orange eyebrow and moustache and for saltmarsh sparrows and other black-streaked breast and sides. coastal wetland birds. The species is the only bird exclusive Although the threats may seem to East Coast salt marshes, nesting along overwhelming, federal and state agen- the coast from Virginia to Maine. They cies, academic institutions and conser- make their nests in the higher parts of vation organizations are coordinating the marsh dominated by saltmeadow on ways to conserve coastal marshes cordgrass (Spartina patens) and saltgrass for saltmarsh sparrows. Pilot projects (Distichlis spicata). Successful nesting are already under way. is timed with the lunar cycle and tides. At Blackwater National Wild- Spring tides, the highest high tides of life Refuge, 26,000 cubic yards of the month, coincide with new and full sediment (dredged material) from the moons, often flooding nests. Blackwater River were transferred The most successful nests are those in 2016 to a portion of marsh using begun soon after the high tides of the a process called “thin-layering” to new moon. The eggs have a chance The saltmarsh sparrow is the only bird exclusive to East Coast salt marshes, nest- raise the surface of 40 acres of marsh. to hatch before the arrival of the high ing along the coast from Virginia to Maine. (Brian Henderson / CC BY-NC 2.0) This project was implemented by tides of the next full moon, two weeks the Audubon Maryland-DC and The later. The chicks need to be developed tides and storm surges. Rangewide Conservation Fund in partnership with enough to crawl safely upward on the surveys have estimated a decline of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. grass so their beaks stay above water. about 9% per year between 1998 and Raising the surface of the marsh While these birds are adapted to 2012, indicating an overall loss of 75% 4–6 inches will improve the health of typical monthly high tides and occa- of the saltmarsh population during that marsh vegetation, allowing oxygen to sional large storm events, they are now time. reach the marsh plant roots and native threatened by increased flooding from Sea level rise and more frequent and marsh grasses to flourish and restore rising seas and more frequent storms. intense storm events not only reduce high marsh habitat. The coastal marsh habitat that these nest success, but change the character Bird surveys have been conducted by birds need is being lost. High marsh is Saltmarsh sparrow numbers have of a marsh. As tidal waters move Audubon and University of Delaware changed into low marsh no longer able dropped as their high marsh nesting farther upslope, marshes can often for the Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian to support saltmarsh sparrows. habitat is increasingly flooded by high migrate inland. Newly created marshes Research Program. Results are encour- aging. Although saltmarsh sparrows A project to have yet to be detected at the restoration preserve high site, many bird species have returned, marsh habitat including salt marsh-dependent birds transferred like the seaside sparrow. 26,000 cubic Another project at Farm Creek Marsh, yards of a 700-acre private sanctuary owned by sediment into Chesapeake Audubon Society, aims to a portion of improve the health of a newly formed the marsh at marsh. Here, as trees die from saltwater the Blackwater incursion, they are replaced by marsh National Wildlife grasses. But the recently transitioned Refuge near marsh is deteriorating due to the surface Cambridge, MD. ponding of water. The new marsh lies in The process, a shallow basin that prevents water from called “thin- naturally draining to nearby tidal creeks. layering,” raised To remedy this, the marsh was con- the surface of 40 nected to the tidal creek by a 500-foot acres of marsh. (Dave Harp) Naturalist continues on page 37