Working to Make the Chesapeake Clean Water Act the Law of the Land

AVIS D

President’s Message IKKI N

Science, Resources, and Enforcement: A Formula for Success CBF President Will Baker

s we go to press, there is so much on my The result? By the spring of 2010 the crab delegation don’t want to require a scientific mind, from our truly game-changing set- population had rebounded by 60 percent. standard for pollution reduction, because A tlement with EPA (page 10) to the sad- some polluters will be upset? What a sad ness we feel for the Gulf Coast and our deter- There was a formula for success that was testimony to the current state of affairs in mination to see that oil drilling never comes to followed and a lesson to be learned. Use America. our waters (page 22). But what I want to science to set a standard and then enforce write about is the resurgence of blue crabs it, strictly. Go to CBF’s website at cbf.org/ccwa to to the Bay, how it happened, and what les- review the list of those who are on the bill sons we can learn. The Chesapeake Clean Water Act intro- and those who are not. If your senator or duced by Senator Ben Cardin and House member is not a supporter, let him “Blue crab fishery on verge of collapse.” Congressman Elijah Cummings will put the or her know how you feel. Repeatedly! That was CBF’s warning, and the year was 1996. While you may think your voice has little We were met with almost Let your elected officials know that weight compared to the universal criticism for a the formula for crab success can work big money lobbyists, “Chicken Little” alarmist “ for pollution reduction. think again. You are a message. From elected voter. In your numbers, officials to the commer- you can do anything! cial fishing industry, CBF ” Even overcome the influ- was excoriated. We even had a building same formula to work on pollution reduc- ence of big money lobbyists. burned to the ground at one of our tion. It would have the weight of federal island education centers, as a threat statute behind it. Every member of Let your elected officials know that the for- from a local waterman. Congress who has promised to help “Save mula for crab success can work for pollu- the Bay” is a sponsor of this legislation. tion reduction. Support the Chesapeake Fast forward ten years, to 2006. There was Right? Wrong! Only 17 of the 53 members Clean Water Act. It is the most important then widespread acceptance of a blue crab of the six-state and D.C. congressional del- legislation for the Bay in a generation. fishery severely depleted, and yes, even on egation are on the bill. the brink of collapse. The non-sponsors are concerned by the In response in 2008, Governors O’Malley opposition of lobbyists for some special and Kaine agreed to a plan to cut the crab interests which would be required to harvest to sustainable levels, something that reduce their pollution. So let’s get this William C. Baker CBF and others had pushed for a decade. straight. Thirty-nine members of our Bay President, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

2 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Contents

Spring 2010 Vol. 36 ● No. 2 6 Destination Chesapeake: Antietam Creek The forested streams of the Antietam connect Maryland and Pennsylvania—through both geography and restoration efforts. 10 Progress in the Fight for Clean Water Updates on CBF’s Biggest Fight include an agreement with EPA, advocacy efforts to pass the Chesapeake Clean Water Act, and a federal plan for Bay restoration. 17 Blue Crabs Respond to Conservation Last year’s coordinated harvest restrictions by Maryland and Virginia have produced a promising rebound in the Bay’s blue crab population. 18 Menhaden: The Chesapeake’s Unsung Hero Although many are unfamiliar with this little fish, Atlantic menhaden are a vital feeding link and a mighty filter. 22 Offshore Drilling Proposed leasing for exploration off the Atlantic coast has been temporarily halted following the massive oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. 6

10 17 18 22 Departments

2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 21 REFLECTIONS 30 LAST LOOK Use good science to set a standard and A Pennsylvania farmer calls for equal An eye-opening look at the financial then enforce it. effort behind new farming models. prospects for Dendron, Virginia—the proposed site of the largest-ever coal- 5 MAILBOX 24 BAY BRIEFS fired power plant in the state. Your voice is being heard. CBF activities in the Bay states and the District of Columbia. 16 PROFILE 28 GIFTS AND GIVERS A Smith Island native brings his Bay PHOTO CREDITS THIS PAGE: WILLIAM GRAY; LEFT TO RIGHT, JOHN traditions to CBF field trippers aboard Turner Sculpture exhibits a passion for SURRICK/CBF STAFF, NANETTE KARDASZESKI, CHESAPEAKE BAY his floating classroom Susquehanna. wildlife and conservation. PROGRAM, GETTY IMAGES

3 JACK NEVITT

Save the Bay is published quarterly and provided free of charge to CBF members by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403. Spring 2010 Volume 36 • Number 2 Loren Barnett Appel, Editor/Director of Creative Services Jen Wallace, Managing Editor WILL SAVING THE BAY BE YOUR LEGACY? © Chesapeake Bay Foundation 2010 E-mail: [email protected] 888/SAVEBAY • cbf.org

Editor’s Note Our fight continues, and progess is being made. Positive news has come in the last days of this magazine’s production: a binding agreement with EPA settling our lawsuit (page 10), abundant support from members and the public for the Chesapeke Clean Water Act (page 12), a promising new federal plan to clean up the Chesapeake (page 15), and an encouraging increase in the Bay’s blue crab population (page 17). At the same time, other threats are coming to the fore- front: the dangers of offshore drilling (page 22) and the overfishing of the Bay’s “most important fish” (page 18). It is no time to rest on our laurels—and no time to think about quitting. Get involved. Write or call your federal representatives. Visit our web site and Facebook page. There ain’t no stopping us now! Including CBF in your will can be a convenient way to leave a restored Bay as your lasting Loren Barnett Appel legacy. Environmental Awareness Statement The Chesapeake Bay Foundation saved the following resources in the production of this publication: 11 tons Trees For more information about planned giving, 233,086 gallons Wastewater please contact us at 410/268-8816, or 506 million BTUs Total Energy 29,329 pounds Solid Waste contact your financial advisor. 75,763 pounds Greenhouse Gases

Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator. www.papercalculator.org

The inks used for this publication are based on linseed oil, a renewable vegetable oil derived from flax and known for low toxicity.

CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION TRUSTEES Byron F. Marchant HONORARY TRUSTEES Jane P. Batten H. Turney McKnight Louisa C. Duemling OFFICERS EX OFFICIO TRUSTEES Donald F. Boesch, Ph.D. Charles W. Moorman IV C. A. Porter Hopkins D. Keith Campbell Governor Martin J. O'Malley W. Russell G. Byers, Jr. W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr. Burks B. Lapham Chairman Governor Edward G. Rendell John T. Casteen III Marie W. Ridder T. Gaylon Layfield III James E. Rogers Governor Robert F. McDonnell Amanda Deaver Alexis G. Sant H.F. Lenfest Vice Chairman Mayor Adrian M. Fenty Richard L. Franyo Truman T. Semans M. Lee Marston Susan S. Phillips Joanne S. Berkley G. Waddy Garrett Simon Sidamon-Eristoff Wayne A. Mills Secretary Bay Care Chapter Alan R. Griffith Jennifer Stanley Russell C. Scott Alan L. Wurtzel Carolyn Groobey Rt. Rev. Bishop Eugene Thomas H. Stoner Treasurer Ann Fritz Hackett Taylor Sutton Aileen Bowdoin Train William C. Baker Michael J. Hanley Anthony A. Williams President Robert A. Kinsley Peter L. Woicke Matthew J. Klein

4 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Your Voice is Being Heard

The last issue of Save the Bay magazine included a postcard readers could use to urge their representatives in Congress to support the Chesapeake Clean Water Act—the most important piece of federal Bay legislation since the 1972 Clean Water Act. What a response: More than 1,500 postcards were received. Thank you to everyone who has made his voice heard and supported this critical effort to provide pollution reduction and accountability. In addition to the postcards, we’ve been hearing your support in e-mails and on social media. Here is some of the conversation:

Concerned Save the Bay readers rallied and sent in more Let’s get the Chesapeake Clean Water Act passed now so our chil- than 1,500 postcards urging the passing of the dren can enjoy a clean Bay tomorrow. Chesapeake Clean Water Act. The postcards —TONY VACHINO (e-mail) have been delivered directly to your Congressional representatives. If you join CBF’s action network, they will e-mail you all legislative and community action alerts, as well as updates on issues they are working on and any victories we have. I recommend it, it’s usually just a few per month, so your inbox won’t be clogged. —NICOLE PRICE (Facebook)

It says a great deal about the leaders in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, etc., who should be working to protect this troubled resource, this irreplaceable treasure, “my beloved Bay.” If we all think it is “my beloved Bay,” we can make a difference. —CYNTHIA WOOD (Facebook)

We all deserve clean, swimmable water. When Congress passes the Chesapeake Clean Water Act, we will be one step closer to a saved Bay and water that we can safely swim in once again. —BETSY LANE (e-mail)

Virginia has 10,000 miles of polluted streams and CCWA is what we need to clean up the streams in the Shenandoah Valley and throughout the Commonwealth. —TIM RICHARDSON (Facebook)

Learn more at cbf.org/ccwa.

Get in touch with Save the Bay! Talk to us online E-mail the editor at [email protected]. Write us a letter Save the Bay Editor, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 Give us a call 888/SAVE-BAY or 888/728-3229 LOREN BARNETT APPEL/CBF STAFF 5 DESTINATION CHESAPEAKE: The Antietam Restoring a Picturesque but Troubled Creek

WILLIAM GRAY

6 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org by Lara Lutz

n the forested streams of south central Pennsylvania, Antietam Creek begins its journey. Its headwaters wind through a landscape that dips and rolls and spreads Iwide through the Cumberland Valley. Its main branches converge near Waynesboro, Pennsyl- vania, and flow south into Maryland before reaching the Potomac River below Sharpsburg. This is a landscape of long views, historic main streets, and farm fields. The Appalachian Trail winds through its forested mountains. It is a place where tradition—and love for the land— runs deep.

“It’s all tied in with the stream and the forests, even for folks in town who aren’t likely to set foot on a trail,” said Steven Rettig, past Presi- dent of Pennsylvania’s Antietam Watershed Association. “To look out their windows and see the waters and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—it’s part of what defines them.”

Antietam Creek forms lovely pools and ripples as it winds through forests, farms, and historic communities to merge with the Potomac River and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.

7 Antietam Creek at a Glance

■ LENGTH: Approximately 54 miles. ■ WATERSHED: Roughly 290 square miles, with approximately 106 square miles in Pennsylvania and 185 square miles in Maryland. ■ LAND USE: Mostly agricultural, with numerous small towns and an urban hub at Hagerstown, Maryland; Pennsylvania’s Michaux State Forest encompasses much of the Antietam’s East Branch; the historic Civil War battlefield, named for Antietam Creek, is in Sharpsburg, Maryland. ■ RESTORATION GROUPS: Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance (Maryland), Antietam Fly Anglers, Antietam Watershed Society (Pennsylvania), Beaver Creek Watershed Association (Maryland), Chesapeake Bay LUCIDITY INFORMATION DESIGN Foundation, Federation of Fly Fishers, Franklin County Conservation District, Maryland Cooperative Extension, Potomac Riverkeeper, Trout Unlimited, Washington County Soil Conservation District.

Small dams, once for water-driven power, wave across open vistas between every port fish. Cattle often wade into the streams and more than 17 quaint stone bridges dot small town, and cattle fill the pastures. The and deposit waste in the water. the creek’s path to the Potomac and stand Antietam flows through 37 miles of coun- witness to its long-standing role in rural tryside in Washington County, Maryland, Runoff from urban and suburban areas life. Now, after centuries as a working with 150 dairy farms—the largest number adds to the problem. This is especially true waterway, the Antietam and its feeder of any county in the state. in and around Hagerstown, Maryland, the streams serve as a source of fun and solace. most developed area in the Antietam “The Antietam has an absolutely beautiful watershed, and in the growing number of Fishermen love the shaded bends and watershed, and springs and streams run Pennsylvania subdivisions and shopping pools, which shelter trout, smallmouth through most of its farms,” said centers. Roads, rooftops, and parking lots bass, and carp. Beaver Creek in these areas wash a toxic mix of in Maryland and the East polluted runoff into the creek. Branch in Waynesboro’s Hope for the Antietam comes largely Renfrew Park are popular in the form of trees. Trees and shrubs, This makes the Antietam a pic- areas reserved for fly fishing. “ turesque but troubled creek. The especially those planted as streamside U.S. Environmental Protection Paddlers and tubers frequent buffers, filter out pollutants. Agency (EPA) named it an the Antietam’s lower stretch- impaired waterway, burdened by es. Greg Mallet-Provost, sediment, bacteria, and nutri- owner of the Antietam Creek Canoe Co., Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) ”ents. Phosphorus levels are especially high, said it’s a delightful trip that tourists often Watershed Restoration Scientist Rob and fish tissues have revealed high levels of combine with a visit to the historic Schnabel. “The problem is that, over the Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). Antietam Battlefield near Sharpsburg. years, intensive farming has taken a toll.” The creek is a gracious host: Beginners Sterling Buzzell, past president of the find it exciting and experienced paddlers The trees are gone from many stream banks, Antietam Fly Anglers, has fished the creek call it relaxing. Many of the sport fishers and the number of cows has increased even since the 1970s. His work with the Fly and paddlers visit from outside the as the acreage of farmland shrinks. As a Anglers has improved fishing on the area and bring tourist dollars to local result, fertilizer and manure have delivered Antietam, but he worries about underlying communities. high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pol- issues. “You can’t really catch a fish unless lution into the creek, without trees to filter someone raises it in a hatchery and takes it The Antietam watershed also supports an out pollutants. Some streams have eroded out and puts it into the creek,” Buzzell said. enormous amount of agriculture. Crops into wide, shallow pools too warm to sup- “If it wasn’t for the hatchery, we wouldn’t

8 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org have many fishing oppor- Water Act gives little direct tunities at all.” federal authority over non- point sources of pollution, More than 80,000 people including runoff from fields rely on the Antietam and developed areas. Those watershed for water, and sources account for most of contaminated wells are not the nitrogen and phosphorus uncommon. The region’s pollution entering the Bay geology—a foundation of and its rivers and streams. limestone—makes wells The Chesapeake Clean Water vulnerable to surface pol- Act, currently pending in lution and cross-contami- Congress, could change nation from septic systems. this—by providing enforce- “Imagine Swiss cheese,” able, science-based limits to said Alice Towne of the all sources of pollution in the Washington County Health Bay’s tributaries. Department. “Now imagine pouring contaminated In the meantime, local water- water into it. That’s the Volunteers work to restore a riparian buffer located on a dairy farm within shed groups are finding site- nature of limestone.” the Antietam watershed. by-site opportunities to increase conservation practices Hope for the Antietam comes largely in the The fact that help comes through nonprof- along the creek. In Waynesboro, form of trees. Trees and shrubs, especially it organizations is critical—it’s a successful Pennsylvania, for example, the Antietam those planted as streamside buffers, filter way to involve conservative farmers who Creek Watershed Association worked with out pollutants. They also combat erosion by hesitate to work with government agencies the township and developers to set aside slowing the speed of stormwater runoff. or accept government funds. 23 acres of stream-front property as a well- buffered community park. The Beaver But promoting buffers in the Antietam Grazing systems on dairy farms offer yet Creek Watershed Association has dramati- watershed, let alone planting them, is a more promise for improving Antietam cally improved fish habitat and stabilized challenge. Many farmers along the Creek. Grazing systems allow cattle to feed stream banks, and is working with the Antietam belong to the Mennonite or on pastures, which reduces the need for Maryland State Highway Administration to German Baptist communities, which avoid home-grown corn. Fertilizer from corn replace concrete swales along the highway ties with outside organizations and won’t fields is a big source of nitrogen pollution, with grassy swales that can hold and accept government money for conservation so cutting down on corn feed is a boost for absorb rainwater. practices. Others are independent-minded water quality. Grazing is good for farmers, and protective of property rights. A recent too, because it greatly reduces the cost of The Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance is effort to create a buffer ordinance in growing feed. In a fifteen-year study by the exploring dam removal, combating trash, Pennsylvania’s Washington Township ral- Maryland Extension Service, grazing sys- and creating an Antietam Creek Water lied broad opposition. tems have proved as profitable as tradition- Trail. They also watch for unchecked al systems—in some cases, even more. runoff at construction sites. Sally Hatch, “It takes a lot of time to gain trust and one of the group’s founders, is encouraged move projects forward,” Schnabel said. CBF and its partners in the Maryland by the enthusiasm and determination of Grazers Network are helping more farmers their volunteers. Still, buffers are taking root. CBF has make this transition with a range of worked with both the Antietam Watershed resources that include farmer “mentors,” “A healthy Antietam Creek would benefit Association and the Maryland-based technical and financial experts in pasture not only this generation but generations to Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance to help and forage management, and direct mar- come with recreation, birding, and green interested landowners create buffers and keting to consumers. space. People need that for healthy living,” conduct other stream restoration projects. Hatch said. “We have to keep our eye on “It’s a soup-to-nuts network that will result in the greater goal, even if the work is inch- “CBF has been working with farmers for more viable farms, local food, and drastic by-inch.” the past nine years to fence animals out of water-quality improvements,” Schnabel said. streams, provide them with off-stream Lara Lutz, raised in the water sources, and restore forested On a much larger geographic scale, CBF is Antietam Creek watershed, writes about the ecology and buffers,” Schnabel said. “Recently, we campaigning for changes in the Clean history of the Chesapeake have worked to restore the upland areas Water Act that could help Antietam Creek Bay watershed. as well.” and others like it. Currently, the Clean

9 Campaigns

Updates: Binding EPA Agreement: A Game Changer

After 25 years of watching promises broken and commitments unfulfilled, CBF and co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in federal court to require EPA to enforce the law and reduce pollution sufficiently CBF LAWSUIT VS. EPA to remove the Chesapeake Bay from the federal On May 10, CBF and its partners reached a impaired waters list. The most significant lawsuit precedent-setting, enforceable agreement in the history of Bay restoration ultimately result- with EPA. See article at right. ed in a binding settlement with EPA. Over the last 16 months, CBF Vice President for Litigation Jon Mueller and Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration Roy Hoagland dedicated hundreds of hours working with attorneys and political leaders at the highest levels of EPA and the Department of Justice. Together and with our co-plaintiffs, they have successfully negotiated an agreement LEGISLATION that binds the Agency now and in the CBF members have responded in droves future and sets a new precedent for coordi- advocating for passage of the Chesapeake nation and oversight of pollution reduction Clean Water Act. See page 12. he cover image of the spring 2009 issue throughout the Chesapeake Bay. CBF com- T of Save the Bay was taken the morning of mends EPA, in particular Administrator Lisa January 5, 2009, when the Chesapeake Bay Jackson, Deputy Administrator Robert Foundation (CBF) and seven co-plaintiffs Perciasepe, Senior Policy Counsel Robert filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Sussman, and Senior Advisor on the the former administration’s Environmental Chesapeake Bay and Anacostia River Protection Agency (EPA). Our goal was to Charles “Chuck” Fox for recognizing the force the Agency to exercise its existing Agency’s responsibilities and committing to authorities and enforce the federal Clean stronger leadership. POLLUTION LIMITS Water Act. Former Maryland Governor Harry Hughes; retired Maryland Senator As a result of the agreement, there will be At the time of publication, CBF was awaiting Bernie Fowler; former Washington, D.C., more signs of recovery throughout the Bay the Bay TMDL. Public comment on it will kick off later in the summer. Visit cbf.org/tmdl. Mayor Anthony Williams; former Virginia system, habitat quality will improve, and we legislator and Natural Resources Secretary will see more abundant Bay critters. Tayloe Murphy (also a member of CBF’s board of trustees); the Virginia State At our press conference on May 11th, EPA’s Waterman’s Association; the Maryland Robert Perciasepe and Robert Sussman, Watermen’s Association; and the Maryland long-time Bay advocate Bernie Fowler, Saltwater Sportsfisherman’s Association are CBF’s Vice President for Litigation Jon our co-plaintiffs. Mueller, and Will Baker all spoke. Their message: Our binding agreement with EPA We are very pleased to announce that on is precedent setting for the Chesapeake. It EXECUTIVE ORDER May 10, 2009, we reached a historic agree- is much more than past promises; it spells EPA released the federal strategy to save ment. In introducing the settlement, CBF out EPA’s leadership responsibilities, the Bay, called for in Obama’s May 2009 President Will Baker said it is, at last, a game requires specific pollution reductions with Executive Order. See page 15. changer for the Chesapeake and the rivers date-specific deadlines, and imposes conse- and streams that feed it. quences for failure. If the Agency fails to

10 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Campaigns TAFF /CBF S PPEL A ARNETT B OREN L

After Will Baker announced the settlement, EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe discussed EPA’s commitment to take action. The settlement requires EPA to develop a pollution budget by December 2010; ensure that states have two-year plans sufficient to achieve the goals; impose penalties for failure, including loss of funding and denial of permits for development; adopt new rules to reduce pollution from stormwater and agriculture over the next four years; ensure any new sources of pollution are offset; and develop a transparent tracking system so the public can see that pollution is being reduced.

uphold the agreement, we will go back to plaintiffs raises the bar for governmental com- While we are celebrating this huge step for- court to enforce it. mitment to restore the Bay. The settlement ward, we are also mindful that it is but one helps ensure, on an ongoing basis, that EPA very important step. There are many others One of the top environmental legal scholars in will play its essential role in setting targets for to follow. And, so we will turn our attention the country, UVA’s Environmental and Land Bay restoration and holding the states to those, including passing the Chesapeake Use Law Program Director and former EPA accountable. This is an excellent outcome Clean Water Act this year. General Counsel Jonathan Cannon said, “The and marks a further strengthening of our col- settlement between EPA, CBF, and the co- lective resolve to reverse the Bay’s decline.” For more information, please visit cbf.org/cwa.

11 Campaigns Working to Make the Chesapeake Clean Water Act the Law of the Land

he proposed federal Chesapeake Clean tive with social media yielded thousands of Ben Cardin (MD) led a tree-planting event at T Water Act (CCWA)—S. 1816/H.R. 3852—is Facebook and Twitter followers. CBF’s Holly Beach Farm (see back cover of the single most important piece of legislation this issue). Congressman Rob Wittman (VA) in a generation. Since its introduction last The team has also solicited the active support attended a record-breaking series of Green fall, CBF trustees, volunteers, and staff have of many partners, from other conservation Drinks events throughout the Bay watershed, focused like lasers to build public support organizations that have joined the Choose while other CCWA advocates talked with for the legislation. Clean Water Coalition to paddlers, other Virginia’s Governor Robert McDonnell. In boaters, recreational anglers, and watermen. Pennsylvania, hundreds of CCWA postcards From State College, Pennsylvania, to At the February meeting of the Atlantic States went out from a diverse group of supporters Hampton Roads, Virginia, and using virtual- Marine Fisheries Commission, for example, at events in central Pennsylvania. ly every advocacy and communication tool CBF Senior Fishery Program Director Bill available, the CBF family has concentrated Goldsborough—a member of the Maryland This direct contact with CBF’s members and on educating municipal officials, farmers, delegation—asked the Commission to sup- the public leaves us convinced that the peo- business people from all sectors, legislators port CCWA. Their resulting letter, sent on ple of the Chesapeake and its rivers really do at all levels, and the public at large on the behalf of the fifteen states on the commis- care passionately about clean water. They benefits that passage of this groundbreaking sion, declared the Commission’s “whole- reinforce what CBF is all about: looking for legislation could bring to the Chesapeake hearted support.” cost-effective, big-picture programs that ben- Bay and the rivers that feed it. efit the Chesapeake ecosystem and all the Additionally, the 40th anniversary of Earth people in it and holding government During the winter, CBF’s field educators Day brought CCWA opportunities through- accountable for enacting, monitoring, and contacted teachers, school administrators, out the Chesapeake watershed. In Annapolis, enforcing these programs. and fieldtrip parents to ask for their support Governor Martin O’Malley attended an inter- for CCWA. The result was 900 letters and faith religious service at which CBF Trustee Moving CCWA through Congress is the postcards sent to senators and congressmen. The Right Reverend Eugene Sutton, Episcopal greatest challenge CBF has ever faced, but it Members of the Development staff reached Bishop of Maryland, firmly set environmental is also the most stimulating. The citizens of out to trustees and donors asking them to stewardship into a spiritual context. Senator the Chesapeake Bay watershed only make calls and send letters to the highest strengthen our commitment to build sup- level of government. Meanwhile, member- In April, CBF Hampton Roads Director port for the Chesapeake Clean Water Act, ship staff helped identify CBF members in Christy Everett presented Virginia one person at a time. targeted districts outside the Bay watershed Representative Rob Wittman for phone calls. with over 500 postcards For more information, please visit cbf.org/cwa. signed by individuals At the time of publication, media coverage in his district—all included 150 news stories involving CBF asking for support of the Chesapeake and CCWA, 10 newspaper editorials, five Clean Water Act. op-ed articles, and dozens of letters to the editor. Paid advertising, which CBF reserves for only the highest-priority issues, included nine full-page open letters to the farm community around the Chesapeake watershed, four general CCWA half-page ads, and electronic ads on huffington- post.com, drudgereport.com, and politi- co.com. The last issue of Save the Bay magazine generated over 1,500 postcards (see URCZYK page five) that we passed on to appropriate J federal legislators. Meanwhile, a new initia- NN A

12 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Campaigns

ROB SCHNABEL/CBF STAFF Protecting rivers and streams from livestock waste and erosion with fencing or forested buffers directs Farm Bill and cost-share funds to community construction and landscape contractors. Farm Upgrades = Jobs and Cleaner Water

By John Page Williams

wo new studies from respected institutions next five years, that would generate 11,751 cant potential for farmers to generate pollu- T indicate that installing agricultural best new jobs of at least twelve months’ duration tion-reducing credits that they can sell on management practices (BMPs) formal exchanges to munici- to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, palities and wastewater treat- and sediment pollution in ment plants who are having stormwater runoff can strength- Every dollar government invests difficulty reducing discharge en rural economies. The in clean water programs on farms pollution. Weldon Cooper Institute for “ Public Service at the generates $1.56 in new Those findings from resource University of Virginia con- economic activity. economists are reassuring, cluded that every dollar gov- but it is even more satisfying ernment invests in clean water to see what BMPs like fenc- programs on farms generates ” ing dairy cows out of streams $1.56 in new economic activity. The study in the Commonwealth alone. Meanwhile, a can do for the waterways, their banks, and also concluded that if Virginia implemented study by the World Resources Institute even the cows themselves. Cattle with its current plans to reduce pollution over the (WRI) of Washington, D.C., shows signifi- access to streams pollute the water with

13 Campaigns animal waste and erode the stream banks. cover crops like winter wheat in the fall to Excluding cattle with fencing; providing absorb any excess nutrients not taken up by them with alternative drinking water the summer crops. These cover crops may be sources; and repairing the banks by harvested in the spring or left behind to replanting 35- to 50-foot-wide buffers with build up organic content in the soil before native trees, shrubs, and grasses start the that season’s plantings. stream ecosystems on a remarkably fast road to recovery. And installing fencing, In all of these cases, there are government plumbing water sources, and planting cost-share funds available to farmers that stream buffers all create jobs for local land- can cover 50 to 100 percent of the costs, scaping and construction contractors. along with rental payments for restoring forested stream buffers. The bulk of the CBF’s stream restoration in Pennsylvania, funds come from the federal Farm Bill of Maryland, and Virginia has had additional 2008, which offers significant support to positive results, including bringing back pop- farmers in the Bay-area states. In addition, ulations of wild fish and water birds. Another Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania offer TMDLs: bonus: The process also reduces livestock smaller cost-share programs that focus on What’s the Plan? infections from water-borne diseases. specific BMPs. The Chesapeake Clean The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires Water Act—now before Congress—con- states to identify polluted rivers and streams Other BMPs for farms with livestock focus on tains a provision to authorize at least $96 biennually and list them officially as manure management that prevents rainfall million in technical assistance for the “impaired.” For all waterways on the list, from carrying nitrogen and phosphorus pol- design of BMPs. The Chesapeake Bay states are required to develop a Total lution into streams. Proper manure manage- Foundation (CBF) and our partners con- Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), or “pollution ment includes construction of manure stor- tinue our work to secure enough funds to budget” that specifies the maximum amount age sheds, gutters on barn roofs that keep assist the thousands of farmers who are of pollution a waterbody can tolerate and rainwater away from animal areas, and con- seeking help but are turned away. still remain healthy. crete gutters around barnyards that direct The mainstem of the Bay and the tidal por- dirty water to small settling ponds that collect The farmers and the communities in tions of its tributaries are on the impaired it for spraying onto fields as fertilizer. These which they live benefit economically from waters list because of reduced levels of practices employ contractors who can work in the jobs and the financial multiplier oxygen and pollution that destroy the abili- wood, steel, and concrete. effects that flow from government and pri- ty of sunlight to reach vital aquatic plants. vate investments in agricultural conserva- Under the CWA, the Environmental BMPs for row crops are rooted in common- tion practices. Landscape contractors Protection Agency (EPA) is required to establish a budget that will set limits on the sense concepts for both land and water, develop and plant trees, shrubs, grasses, pollutants causing these problems—nitro- though putting them into practice requires and shoreline stabilization for stream gen, phosphorus, and sediments from all technical assistance from private agricul- buffers. Nutrient management specialists sources in the watershed: agricultural and tural consultants and specialists in the help row-crop farmers analyze fields. urban runoff, wastewater treatment plants, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Mechanics maintain the tractors and the and more. EPA has committed in its settle- Service, county soil conservation districts, conservation tillage equipment they tow. ment agreement with CBF (page 10) to fin- and county extension agents. Conservation Civil engineers design dairy barns, storage ish it by December 2010. tillage means using planting and cultivat- sheds, barnyards, and ponds to contain As part of our lawsuit settlement, EPA is ing equipment that minimizes soil distur- manure. Carpenters, sheet metal workers, requiring the states to specify, in great bance, saving both soil and tractor fuel masons, and heavy equipment operators detail, how they will achieve the necessary while keeping equipment dealers busy. build those structures. And we, the tax- pollution reductions. EPA wants these plans Advanced nutrient management planning payers of the Chesapeake region who sup- designed to ensure 100 percent implemen- means sectioning fields into grids, analyz- port these investments, benefit as well. tation of pollution-reduction practices by ing the soils, and applying fertilizer pre- These investments in farm upgrades bring 2025. The 15-year period will be broken cisely according to the soils’ needs. Often reduced pollution and cleaner water. into achievable two-year timeframes that this practice involves the skill of a GPS- will track and evaluate progress step-by- guided agricultural technician. Senior Naturalist John Page step through 2025. Perhaps more impor- Williams has been a member tantly, there will be consequences if the of the CBF staff since 1973. Soil conservation planning complements states fail to develop adequate plans or He has explored every river make progess in achieving the necessary nutrient management. The final element in system in the watershed. pollution reductions. the basic suite of row crop BMPs is planting

14 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Campaigns A Federal Plan to Save the Bay is Unveiled

n May 12th, a year to the day after U.S. ter being the only pollution sector still on specific milestones by which actions will OEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) the rise). It commits EPA and USDA to be taken. Administrator Lisa Jackson introduced develop mechanisms for tracking agricultur- President Obama’s Executive Order for the al “best management practices,” which are CBF President Will Baker attended the May Chesapeake Bay, Ms. Jackson again stood proven to be the most cost-effective way to 12th press event and said, “The Federal before the press and announced a new and reduce pollution. The plan also commits Leadership Committee’s plan released ambitious federal plan for restoring the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric today represents a strong, coordinated, pri- Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and streams Administration (NOAA) to work with other oritized set of commitments,” and we “fully feeding it. federal and state partners to develop a support the integrated ecosystem approach

JOHN SURRICK/CBF STAFF articulated in the plan. It The May 2009 Executive is what science tells us is Order, the first ever for the needed. And many of the Chesapeake, recognized details in the plan give us the Bay as a national treas- something against which ure and called on the feder- we can measure.” al government to lead a renewed effort to restore At the same time, CBF and protect the nation’s will retain a healthy skep- largest estuary and its ticism about implementa- watershed. The Order tion. Our governments established a Federal have announced plans Leadership Committee that and made promises in the oversaw the development past, specifically in 1983, and coordination of the 1987, and 2000. In every plan announced last case, they have failed to month by Ms. Jackson and keep those promises. several other agency heads, Noting “a plan alone will including Secretary of the not deliver this nation’s Navy Ray Mabus, Secretary promise of clean water to of the Department of the Chesapeake Bay,” Agriculture (USDA) Tom Baker also pledged to Vilsack, and Chair of the continue working dili- White House Council on gently to pass what has Environmental Quality been dubbed the Nancy Sutley. Chesapeake Clean Water Act, legislation sponsored Many of the steps outlined CBF President Will Baker and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson discuss the federal plan by Maryland Senator Ben in the federal plan reflect prior to the press conference. Cardin and Representative agreements in the binding Elijah Cummings now lawsuit settlement EPA awaiting committee action reached two days earlier A plan alone will not deliver in Congress (please see (May 10, 2010) with the this nation’s promise of clean water page 12). When that leg- Chesapeake Bay Foundation “ islation passes, reducing (CBF) and its partner co- to the Chesapeake Bay. pollution will be a matter plaintiffs (please see page of law and not, only, a set 10). The new federal plan of commitments. commits EPA to establish new regulations “Chesapeake Bay Elementary and Secondary” for managing pollution from both agricul- Environmental Literacy Strategy.” For each of To download the entire federal plan, visit ture and stormwater, for example (stormwa- the plan’s commitments, there are date- http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net.

15 Profile TAFF /CBF S ELTON P OM A Different Kind T of Fisherman CBF Captain Eric Marshall shows a third-grade student a By Tom Pelton school of fish on a sonar image of the Potomac River.

aptain Eric Marshall’s ancestors were water- of the decline of the oyster and crab popu- Captain Marshall is patient and comforting, C men and oyster tongers on Smith Island in lations they depended on to survive, and a but also no-nonsense about the rules. Once the southern Chesapeake Bay for at least six gen- lack of medical care on the island. they are out on the calm Anacostia River, erations. But he broke that powerful bloodline motoring under a bright blue sky, and became a different kind of fisherman, “I could see the writing on the wall,” Cambardella unrolls a plastic map of the catching the minds of the next generation. Marshall says. “Every spring, even the best Chesapeake Bay watershed. She pours a watermen were broke, and borrowing money cup of water on it as part of a discussion of For the last 15 years, Marshall has served as from anybody who would lend to them. I stormwater runoff pollution. captain of a Chesapeake Bay Foundation said, ‘Is this what I want the rest of my life? (CBF) educational vessel in Washington, Do I want to raise my family like this?’” Later, Marshall tosses a trawl net, about 10 D.C. He guides hundreds of students a year feet wide, into the river. He lines the stu- out onto the Potomac and Anacostia rivers He moved to the mainland in part for work dents up along a rope, as if they were to teach them about ecology and how they and in part for love, because his future preparing for a tug-of-war. They haul in can reduce pollution in the Bay. wife, Elaine George, whom he met in the line, pulling up the net, chanting, Ocean City, lived in the D.C. suburbs. “heave ho!” In this way, he’s still working to help the neighbors he left behind when he moved to At CBF’s education program on the He dumps the net into a plastic tub on the the mainland. Potomac and Anacostia rivers, colleagues deck, and three fish and a soggy log plop say that working with Marshall is inspiring out. The kids pick up a striped bass, laugh- “Going out on the water, kids get an appreci- because of his intense work ethic and ing when it flips back. They scrutinize the ation for the Bay, and they learn that they unique background. golden underside of another swimmer. must take responsibility for their actions,” says Marshall, 45, as he stands behind the “I consider it a privilege, because I’ve always “That guy right there is a pumpkinseed wheel of his CBF boat, Susquehanna. “If they been interested in the watermen’s culture sunfish,” Marshall explains. “You see his throw trash on the ground, for example, that and history,” says Claire Cambardella, a pro- yellow belly? It’s like the sun coming up in pollution will eventually end up in the Bay.” gram manager who teaches alongside the morning.” Marshall on their floating classroom. “For He brings to the job not only the exquisite him to be able to tell kids that he grew up in After giving a lesson on how these fish live boat-handling skills of a guy who has been a place where there was no McDonald’s and and reproduce and hide themselves from on the water since he was nine. He is also no police… That’s mind blowing to them. predators, the students release their catch handy with a net, which is useful because It’s like he’s from another planet. It really back into the water. But the fish have been part of CBF’s educational program is catch- opens up their minds.” captured, perhaps forever, in the chil- ing (and releasing) fish so that students can dren’s memories. see and touch them. On a recent morning, they help 15 third- grade students from Halstead Academy in “Bye, bye, my little friend,” cries one stu- Marshall knows a lot about fish. He can Parkville, Maryland, scramble aboard the dent, who has never held a wild fish before. point to the chin of a white perch, for boat and wiggle into life-jackets. “I’ll miss you.” example, and explain that natural phos- phorescence around the fish’s mouth helps More than half of these kids—some from poor it lure in plankton pray at night. families—have never been on a boat before. Tom Pelton is Senior Writer for “Look, ducklings!” one screams, pointing at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. But this knowledge of the Bay was hard- a flotilla of fuzzy paddlers. “Is this a speed- His column on current Bay issues can be found at won. His family members suffered poverty boat?” another asks of the broad, slow- cbf.org/baydaily. and sometimes premature death, because moving workboat they are on. “I’m scared.”

16 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Conservation Prompts Increase in Crab Population

By Tom Zolper eporters are often skeptics, especially the Rveterans who have covered Chesapeake Bay news for years. Government promises to restore the Bay have fallen short so often the claims begin to ring hollow. So it was all the more remarkable to listen to the small talk of journalists at the conclusion of a press conference April 14 in Kent Narrows, Maryland.

Standing on the deck of a popular water- front restaurant, Governor Martin O’Malley announced that the Chesapeake blue crab population had grown by 60 percent over the past year to the highest levels since 1993, thanks to a coordinated effort by Maryland and Virginia in 2008 to reduce the harvest of female crabs. The count was based on the Bay-wide winter TOCK S dredge survey conducted annually by the I Maryland Department of Natural Scientists in Maryland and Virginia estimate that the crab population in the Resources and the Virginia Institute of Chesapeake Bay increased 60 percent from last year. The dramatic improve- Marine Science. ment comes after years of decline in the population.

“It’s amazing. I stood on this same spot two respond and even flourish again. The right O’Malley to increase the portion of oyster years ago and listened to (regulators) say way is letting science, not politics, guide reefs listed as sanctuaries where no harvest- this is what would happen if we limited the how we manage,” Baker said. ing can occur, and to simultaneously boost harvest,” said one reporter, the opportunities for oyster her face shining in the late aquaculture which in morning sun. “And now it Virginia is a multi-million has happened just like they The right way is letting science, not dollar industry. said.” politics, guide how we manage. “ CBF’s main policy initiative Chesapeake Bay Founda- is to pass the federal tion (CBF) President Will ” Chesapeake Clean Water Baker, invited by O’Malley to share the Baker lauded O’Malley and former Act which would hold states and local gov- podium, underscored why the promise Governor Tim Kaine for courageously ernments accountable for sticking to a sci- of restored crab abundance was beginning backing scientists’ recommendations for entifically established pollution limit, and to come true: The environment and the strong conservation measures to reverse would also stimulate economic prosperity, economy aren’t at odds. Sound environ- historic declines in the crab population. especially for Bay farmers. mental policies produce jobs, income, and The states acted in the face of stiff opposi- human wellbeing. In fact, crabs rebounded tion from some in the seafood industry. Learn how you can participate in the legisla- so quickly after the restrictions that water- Baker also acknowledged Virginia tive process and get the Chesapeake Clean men harvested more crabs last season than Governor Bob McDonnell for supporting Water Act passed. Visit cbf.org/cwa. they did in seven of the past 10 seasons, the measure. Maryland officials reported. While the blue crab is one of the Bay’s Tom Zolper works in CBF’s “This is not the end of the problem of hardiest denizens, and thus most able to Annapolis, Maryland, office threatened Bay species and a struggling Bay benefit from help, CBF believes oysters also as the Communications seafood industry, but it is a sign that man- can come back if given a chance. In Coordinator. He is a former teacher and reporter. aged the right way, the fisheries can Maryland, CBF strongly supports a plan by

17 MENHADEN: The Chesapeake’s Unsung Hero By Loren Barnett Appel

othing fires me up like an Tons of menhaden are also gobbled up by The fishing went on unattended for years underdog that deserves his due. giant vacuums on ships that bring their despite warnings from concerned citizens. N catches home for processing into fishmeal So, I ask you: When you think of the and fish oil. In 1879, Maine was the first state to ban mightiest filter in the Chesapeake, can you industrial fishing of menhaden after the col- taste a plump, Bay oyster? When you think Menhaden fishing has a long, rich history lapse of the population in that area. One by of the favorite food of a rockfish or blue along the Atlantic seaboard—back to the one, other states have followed suit leaving heron, do you picture an immature blue 1860s. Just after the turn of the century, my abandoned processing plants dotting the crab being plucked from hiding in some own grandfather, Levi “Barney” Barnett, coast. Today, only Virginia and North underwater grasses? worked on menhaden boats at the then Carolina allow commercial menhaden fish- Haynie, Snow & Company in Reedville on ing for reduction. Next time consider the menhaden. This Virginia’s Northern Neck. boney, oily fish—unpopular for human Omega Protein, the nation’s largest producer of consumption—is the unsung hero of our At that time, menhaden were primarily fishmeal, is based in Reedville, Virginia. Their Chesapeake Bay. Mighty menhaden filter processed for lamp oil, which helped fill a operation nets between 85,000 and 90,000 tons plankton (tiny plants and animals) from need left by the declining whale popula- of menhaden from the Bay each year, with a simi- up to four gallons of water per minute. tion. American Indians had taught the lar amount caught outside the Bay. Reedville ranks And they are essential prey for rockfish, early settlers to use menhaden as fertilizer second only to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, in U.S. fish bluefish, weakfish, and fish-eating for corn. And so, the leftovers from extract- landings. Menhaden oil and meal make up an seabirds and marine mammals. ing the oil were used to feed crops. amazing 40 percent of the total U.S. fish export.

18 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Without menhaden, “the Bay’s ecosystem would likely collapse.”

FISH ART BY DAWN WITHERINGTON COURTESY OF ASMFC

Menhaden swim in tight schools and will not The declining number of menhaden in the ASMFC commissioner. “It has now been take a hook. In the early days, the fish were Chesapeake Bay has been a concern for many confirmed that menhaden have been system- drawn up in large nets by hand. Today, spot- years. In 2006, Atlantic States Marine atically overfished for the last fifty years and ter planes watch for menhaden from the air Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) capped the are now at historic low numbers.” and communicate their location to ships Bay’s menhaden catch at 109,020 metric below. Smaller boats circle the schools with tons as a temporary precaution. Concentrated Goldsborough says the report is clear. huge purse seines that are secured with fishing of menhaden in and around the Bay “The Atlantic menhaden population is at hydraulic power. After the menhaden are has still been a worry. The Bay is an important an all-time low. Independent experts have gathered into a small space, they are vacu- nursery area for the species and taking too recommended increasing protections for umed up through large hoses and brought many young fish can greatly diminish the them, and ASMFC is beginning the aboard the bigger boats. Catches can total as spawning potential of the population and process to do that.” many as 300,000 fish. reduce their availability to predators. For the first time ever, the assessment, which Back at the processing plants, the fish are On May fifth, ASMFC received an alarming is undertaken every three years, incorporated reduced or “cooked down” to remove the oil. scientific report on the status of Atlantic estimates of the consumption of menhaden The oil is used in Omega-3 nutritional supple- menhaden. “This report changes the land- by striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish— ments and other products from paints to cos- scape for the management of this ecological- three fish species that depend on menhaden metics. The solids are used to make fertilizer for ly critical species,” said Bill Goldsborough, as food. It appears that including this “eco- crops and feed for livestock, farm-raised fish, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) logical” consideration, as scientists, fisher- and pets. Director of Fisheries Programs and an men, and conservationists have long called

19 Now the only menhaden processor on the east coast, Virginia’s Omega Protein vacuums up tons of menhaden onto ships that bring their catches home for processing into fishmeal and fish oil. A recent scientific report by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) describes a long-running pattern of overfishing and historic low levels of the population of Atlantic menhaden, a small but important fish found vital to the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay.

JOHN SURRICK/CBF STAFF for, was key to unveiling the unhealthy status predators and humans. In his 1880 book A of the menhaden population. History of Menhaden, G. Brown Goode notes Menhaden Facts that dining on fish from the Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Menhaden—Brevoortia tyrannus “The science is clearly saying the coastal was like eating “nothing but menhaden.” menhaden population needs help. It is DESCRIPTION: These herring cousins are critical that management decisions be Besides great meals, we have a lot to lose boney, oily fish with a large head-to-body based upon science, not politics,” by not protecting this lesser-known ratio and a deeply forked tail. Natural life Goldsborough said. “By this assessment species. The value of menhaden to the span is 10-12 years with a maximum size and its response, the Commission has Bay’s future is immeasurable—ecologically of 14-18 inches. Menhaden are blue-green begun to recognize the critical role that and economically. According to the or blue-brown with silvery sides, fins, and bellies. Their markings include a large black menhaden play in our coastal food web Virginia Institute for Marine Science spot behind the gill openings and several Menhaden Math, and take steps to better protect this (VIMS) in fishing for men- smaller spots down their sides. important species. Without menhaden the haden-dependent species in Virginia sup- Bay’s ecosystem would likely collapse.” ports 2,500 jobs and a total of $236 mil- FEEDING: Menhaden swim rapidly with lion in overall economic activity. their mouths open filtering plankton from Already suffering are rockfish who depend on up to four gallons of water per minute. menhaden for food. Mycobacteriosis—a dis- Watch for more news on this little fish—an SPAWNING: Eggs hatch at sea. Larvae free- ease characterized by external lesions—has underdog who deserves his due. The float for two months before being carried by been estimated to affect as many as half the Commission hopes to receive recommenda- currents to the Bay and other brackish Bay’s rockfish. Probable causes are poor water tions from its technical staff this August. estuaries until they reach juvenile status. quality and lack of food. Maryland studies MIGRATION: Menhaden travel in large show the percentage of menhaden in Bay To read ASMFC’s 2010 Atlantic Menhaden schools which can weigh as much as a blue rockfish diets has fallen from 80 percent in Stock Assessment and Review Panel Reports, whale. Mature menhaden move in late fall the 1950s to only 20 percent in recent years. visit www.asmfc.org. to southern ocean waters.

Menhaden are the preferred food for rockfish, Loren Barnett Appel—CBF’s NICKNAMES: Bugfish, Bugmouth, Bunker, especially in the fall when they need to build Director of Creative Services Pogie, Mossback, Fat-Back, Alewife. and Editor of Save the Bay fat reserves for the winter. Their rich flesh pro- ODDITY: Most menhaden mouths are home vides vital nutrition to several Bay species magazine—grew up on Maryland’s Severn River. to a crustacean parasite. who in turn become nutrition for larger

20 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Reflections Bay Cleanup Calls for additional land in our area to meet the local already done over the past decade? Their demand for our products. It is rewarding to somatic cell count [an indicator of the quali- Equal Effort grow food for people we share a watershed ty of milk] goes down and they begin getting with in a way that respects our common higher premiums for their milk. Their herd By Roy Brubaker interest in a healthy environment. health improves and their vet bill goes down.

e as Pennsylvania farmers, who have done Most of my farming neighbors also whole- They need less fertilizer for their fields. Wmuch to improve local streams and the heartedly embrace both their “right to farm” They can start catching trout rather than Chesapeake Bay over the past 20 years, should and their responsibility to farm in ways that carp out of their farm streams. This is not learn all we can about what’s needed to finish express their awareness of and respect for the devastating picture that has been paint- the job. I believe that the federal govern- neighbors, consumers, and the natural ed by some ag groups. ment, which is developing the pollution world. Most of them recognize that the land budget for the Susquehanna and for the and the landscapes they use belong, finally, We shouldn’t let bureaucracy and big ag whole Bay watershed, needs to lead, but not to everyone, including future generations interest get in the way of the positive change control this effort and make sure that all of who will also need to use that landscape. and the new farming models that are ready us—farmers, city dwellers, and suburban- And while they are pragmatic and resist to roll. Under the Chesapeake Clean Water ites—do our fair share. The costs are going to being told what to do, they also willingly Act, well-managed farms will only become be high, for sure, and the feds, the state, and accept the responsibility to do what is right, more competitive as we operate on a more locals need to pitch in equally. This is the best and within their means. Rather than being level playing field amongst ourselves as way forward, and the Chesapeake Clean fed up with the demands of environmental farmers, and as more pressure is brought to Water Act, in the form of two bills currently stewardship, we are continually improving bear on other contributor’s to our water being considered in Congress, is the only our farming practices to reduce agriculture’s quality problems. Without it, the agony of proposal I’ve seen that would do just that. negative impact on natural systems. disjointed policies and scattershot compli- ance will only be prolonged, and God knows Fifteen years ago, my wife and I purchased So what’s been missing? Why are our streams we can ill afford to throw good tax money a 94-acre farm in Central Pennsylvania and and rivers and the Bay still not healthy after bad in fixing the Bay. It’s okay to make started raising beef cattle and sheep while enough? I believe the reason is unequal government work. Move the bill forward. starting a family and holding down a full- effort. Polluted runoff from developments time job. We direct-market freezer lamb has been going up, not down. Pennsylvania This letter is reprinted with permission from and beef from an all-grass production sys- sewage plants are only now making Lancaster Farming and Roy Brubaker. tem. We know from regular customer sur- upgrades. And in agriculture, we still have veys that a major reason our sales are grow- too many operations that aren’t taking the Roy Brubaker and his wife— ing is that people want to directly support necessary steps, like streambank fencing and supporters of the Chesapeake farmers and farming models that protect barnyard improvements. And what would be Clean Water Act—raise lamb and beef at at their 94-acre environmental quality. We are currently the result of insisting these last hold-outs farm in Central Pennsylvania. expanding our grazing operation by leasing implement the types of BMPs that most have ISTOCK

21 MAGES I ETTY G

High Stakes CBF Opposes Gambling with the Bay’s Future

By William C. Baker

he Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) applauds the decision by the Obama TAdministration to halt the approval of new leases for offshore drilling until the investi- gation of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is complete. However, we think the moratorium on drilling off the Mid-Atlantic region should be permanent.

22 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Before the temporary halting of new ESIGN Gulf Spill Stats leases for offshore drilling, new D exploration sites could have been ■ Oil is still gushing from the site at located a close as 50 miles from the NFORMATION

250,000 gallons per day. mouth of the Chesapeake. A spill I (cbsnews.com, May 17, 2010) similar to the 2,500-square-mile one

in the Gulf might look like this. UCIDITY ■ If the spill continues at its current L rate it will be the largest in U.S. history by June 13. (LiveScience)

■ The spill could effect 27,000 fishing A brown pelican, covered in oil from jobs. (PBS) the Gulf of Mexico spill, receives treatment. Oil-covered feathers don’t ■ Wildlife at Risk: turtles, mammals, provide proper insulation and can fish, birds. (LiveScience) cause hypothermia in birds—even in warmer weather. ■ Cost to BP so far (May 24, 2010) is $760 million. (msnbc.com) Forecast ENTER

for full clean-up and compensation C range from a few hundred million

dollars to over $12 billion. (The Hill) ESEARCH R ■

NOAA has now closed 45,728 square ESCUE miles to fishing—19 percent of the R IRD Gulf of Mexico’s exclusive economic B zone. (NOAA, May 18, 2010) NTERNATIONAL

On April 20 an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico I exploded and burned, killing 11 of the 126 workers onboard. The explosion launched numerous rescue and cleanup efforts as well as a wave of anti-drilling activism.

For four decades, CBF has taken an March 31, 2010, we immediately tion utilizes those exact waters during the absolute uncompromising stand against any responded with our opposition. early life cycle stages. The crab larvae can addition or expansion of the oil industry on float miles out into the ocean at the top the Chesapeake Bay. While two huge battles Offshore drilling creates a new pollution centimeter of the water column (vulnera- against oil refineries in the 1970s were met source, one capable of significant, even ble to even the smallest oil spill) after with extreme criticism, supporters they are spawned at the mouth of in both cases later agreed that oil the Bay. refineries in their particular loca- tions (Baltimore and Hampton The moratorium on drilling Just as science tells us that the Roads) would have been unwel- off the Mid-Atlantic region waters of the Bay’s great tributary come, “Like a snake at a picnic” as “ should be permanent. rivers are an integral part of the one proponent later editorialized. Chesapeake system, so too are the offshore ocean waters, which actu- From my 1978 op-ed opinion piece ” ally account for more inflow to the in The New York Times: “We are now about devastating environmental damage from Bay than all of the rivers combined. to gamble these renewable, aquatic drilling, transportation, storage, or Bottom line, when oil is handled around resources for a single nonrenewable petrole- refinement. the water, it inevitably gets into the water. um resource.” The quantity is determined only by the The waters off the mouth of the Bay are inevitable human error. When President Obama called for the indistinguishable both biologically and opening of oil and gas drilling leases off hydrologically from the Chesapeake. For more information on CBF’s position on the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on Ninety percent of the blue crab popula- offshore drilling, visit cbf.org/offshore.

23 Bay Briefs PENNSYLVANIA

Bad News for Pennsylvania ing or newly restored through Pennsylvania’s Waterways Impaired Pennsylvania Conservation Reserve Enhancement streams have a negative effect Program (CREP)—on all streams. The More than 19,000 miles of Pennsylvania on the Chesapeake Bay. money is an investment in farms in the rivers and streams are found to be losing Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay the battle against pollution, according to watershed that will pay off not only in terms Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental of jobs created and retained, but better water Protection. quality in local streams and rivers. Bradford Farmers Seeing Green A draft report, The 2010 Pennsylvania Thanks to Stimulus Funds “We applaud PENNVEST’s efforts to expand Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and its funding to include fixes for non-point Assessment Report, shows that more than 22 Six Bradford County farms are benefiting sources such as agriculture,” said Matt percent—19,200 of 86,000 miles—of from federal stimulus funds made available Ehrhart, CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers are severe- through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Director. ly degraded, and in some cases devoid of life. Investment Authority (PENNVEST), helping the farmers install conservation measures The majority of funds are from the American Soil and nutrient-laden runoff from farms, that will aid their farms’ sustainability and Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), lawns, parking lots, and roads and toxic profitability, while improving the quality of more commonly known as federal stimulus metals and acidic discharge from abandoned water in several county creeks. funds. coal mines are the main pollutants which cause stream degradation in Pennsylvania. “The changes taking place on the Abell farm JENNIFER JOHNS/CBF STAFF will help Pennsylvania meet its commitments The numbers are huge: for improving water quality while boosting • 5,510 miles polluted by acid mine local economies,” said Brion Johnson, drainage. PENNVEST’s Deputy Executive Director for • 5,484 miles polluted as a result of Project Management. agricultural runoff. • 4,285 miles polluted as a result of “Bradford County—and the Common- urban and suburban runoff. wealth of Pennsylvania—will reap the benefits of this program. Not only will it provide “Pennsylvania has more stream miles than any local jobs; this funding will help farms com- other state other than Alaska, with approxi- ply with increasing expectations for environ- mately half of those streams leading to the mental protection,” said Tony Liguori, Chesapeake Bay. By restoring and protecting Agriculture Team Leader for Bradford County our streams, we will help restore the Bay,” said The existing barnyard area (shown here) will be Conservation District. stabilized and improved. This will prevent runoff Harry Campbell, the Chesapeake Bay Founda- carrying soil and manure from reaching the tion’s (CBF) Pennsylvania Senior Scientist. stream that is just downslope of this area. The funds will help Abell make a fundamen- tal transition on his farm: turning hayfields First compiled in 1998 and released every into pasture for rotational grazing. The con- two years, the report is an on-going assess- “My family has worked this farm since 1887. version will help the environment, and ment of Pennsylvania’s waterways done to You have to be resourceful to keep farming Abell’s profitability. Raising his beef on pas- determine the stream miles impaired and that long. I see this as another innovation ture rather than harvested hay, Abell will the causes of impairment. that hopefully will allow me and my children have less need for expensive farm machinery and grandchildren to continue farming for and oil-based fertilizer. “This draft report clearly demonstrates the another 100 years,” said Jason Abell, owner need for the proposed Chesapeake Clean of a beef farm near Rome, and one of those Additionally, funds from CREP will pay for Water Act, which will set scientific limits on benefiting from the funding. native trees and shrubs to be planted along a pollution and require measurement and stream on the Abell farm. Farms must buffer accountability that not only improve our The Bradford farms are among 44 farms unforested streams on their properties to own streams but ultimately the Bay as well,” statewide being funded through a $14.2 mil- qualify for stimulus funds. Campbell said. lion PENNVEST grant to CBF. All farms were required to have current conservation plans, For more information on how CBF is work- For more information on the Chesapeake fix any runoff problems from barnyards, and ing to protect Pennsylvania waters, visit Clean Water Act, visit cbf.org/ccwa. have 35 feet or wider forested buffers—exist- cbf.org/Pennsylvania or call 717/234-5550.

24 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Bay Briefs MARYLAND

In Tough Times Bay Funding Maryland’s General Assembly Comes Through proves that the environment Maryland faced perhaps its toughest budget and the economy can crunch in decades this spring, yet the flourish together. Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and its allies persuaded lawmakers to double the appropriation for a critical Bay restoration program, and in general to hold steady on priated $22.5 million to the Chesapeake and spending for environmental programs and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund, more About 1,600 square feet of underwater grasses agencies. CBF and its partners also defended than twice the amount it appropriated last are thought to have died as a result of this against potentially devastating efforts to roll year. The Trust Fund is a critical tool in pier on Dobbins Island which was constructed back environmental regulations. attacking stormwater and farm pollution. over top of the grasses. CBF has appealed the Contractors who hire employees based on county’s approval of the pier and other proposed development on the island in the Magothy River. “This was a resounding win for the Bay,” said Trust Fund spending testified before lawmak- Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director for ers and helped convince them such pro- CBF. “The General Assembly along with grams boost the state’s economy. Court Decision Gives New Life to Governor Martin O’Malley proved once again Battle Against Island Development that one does not have to choose between the On other budget issues, the legislature fully environment or the economy. Sound environ- funded Program Open Space, after initially A state appeals court has given CBF and the mental policies go hand-in-glove with a strong threatening to cut the land conservation pro- Magothy River Association (MRA) some wel- economy.” gram. Having these funds restored will pro- come good news in the organizations’ four- tect 5,000 acres around the state, much of year fight against Anne Arundel County for After intense lobbying from CBF and other those in working lands, thereby also support- giving the go-ahead for development on environmental groups, the legislature appro- ing jobs and Maryland families. Dobbins Island, an environmentally fragile, state-protected area in the Magothy River. TIM MCCABE, NRCS On April 30, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals improperly declined to hear the groups’ appeal of the proposed development citing lack of “standing.” Standing refers to whether a person or organization has a legal right to be in court.The board wrongly excluded the groups because neither owned property near the site, the state appeals court ruled.

The appellate court decision means CBF and MRA may finally get a chance to appeal the construction of a pier, and the proposed construction of a septic system, driveway, and well on Dobbins. Some of the construction falls within the state-protected Critical Area. The organizations argued that the construction will produce harmful runoff, damaging oyster reefs and essential bay grasses.

The pier is thought to have killed about 1,600 square feet of flourishing bay grasses.

For more information on how CBF is The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund helps farmers working to protect Maryland waters, visit plant cover crops that trap excess nutrients in the winter months. cbf.org/Maryland or call 410/268-8816.

25 ILL ORTLOCK TAFF B P /CBF S educational opportunitiesforallstudents NCLI’s missionistoensurecomprehensive represent morethan50millionpeople. thattogether tions fromacrossthecountry faith-based, sporting,andotherorganiza- mental, education,business,health-care, has swelledtomorethan1,600environ- Left Inside(NCLI),anationalcoalitionthat Since 2006,CBFhasbeenleadingNoChild cation is…amoralimperative.”CBFagrees. President Obamawrote,“A world-classedu- EducationAct (ESEA) and Secondary Reform Department ofEducation’s Blueprintfor In hisMarchintroductionoftheU.S. Environmental Education A BrightFuturefor Clean Water Act visitcbf.org/cwa. what’s new. the Bay’s Chesapeake CleanWater Act. Pleasesee press hardtobuildsupportforthe Choose CleanWater Coalitioncontinueto The Chesapeake BayFoundation (CBF)and Clean Water Act Action ontheChesapeake riculum, environmentaleducation hasameasurablypositiveimpactnotonlyonstudent When integratedintothecorecurricula orusedasanintegratingthemeacrossthecur- 26 For moreinformationontheChesapeake Bay Briefs Spring The Reauthorization oftheElementary The Reauthorization “Campaigns” section(page10)for 2010 achievement inscience,achievement butalsoinreading, math, andsocial studies. ● cbf.org Save , first time. Department ofEducationbudgetforthe includes environmentaleducationinthe President Obama’sfiscalyear2011budget pleasedthat The coalitionisalsovery math, andothercorecurricularareas. dent achievementimprovesinreading, the environmentispartofeducation,stu- cess. Infact,studieshaveshownthatwhen improving studentperformanceandsuc- that environmentaleducationcanplayin Duncan’s recognitionoftheessentialrole Arne Such amovereflectsSecretary cation” initsproposedblueprintforreform. edu- tent areasessentialtoa“well-rounded environmental educationamongthosecon- ment ofEducation’s first-everinclusionof The NCLIcoalitionapplaudstheDepart- man JohnSarbanes. Congress- Senator JackReedandMaryland NCLI legislationintroducedbyRhodeIsland through thepassageandimplementationof Environmental education better preparesstudents 21st centuryworkforce. DISTRICT OFCOLUMBIA for collegeandthe D PRMN OF EPARTMENT 202/544-2232. opening ofthe2010-2011schoolyear. NCLI, willbesignedintolawbeforethe CBF andthecoalitionhopeESEA,including schools.” andsecondary nation’s elementary environmental educationmustbegininour environmental knowledgeandskills studentmustbepreparedwithbasic every sition toagreeneconomy, [I]believethat workforceandforthetran- the 21stCentury Charles W. Moormanwrote,“To bereadyfor Duncan,CBFtrustee In alettertoSecretary have onewithouttheother.” tainable green-jobseconomy. We cannot foundationofasus- education areatthevery decade. Indeed,environmentalliteracyand more availableandattractiveinthecoming good-paying jobsthatwillbecomemoreand to giveouryoungpeopletheskillsget want tohaveagreen-jobseconomy, weneed support forthislegislation,writing,“Ifwe Education RichardRileyissuedaletterof NCLI makes sense.Former of Secretary ic, social,naturalresource,andenergyissues.” complex environmentalandrelatedeconom- increasingly essential toaddressingtoday’s environmental literacyofourstudentsis “Advancing the NCLI’s directorhassaid, as Education DonBaughwhoalsoserves CBF VicePresidentforEnvironmental Blueprint for Reform visitcbf.org/ncli.Blueprint forReform and itstributaries,visitcbf.org/dc orcall at thefederalleveltoprotectandrestoreBay To moreaboutNCLI,ESEA,andthe learn For moreinformationonhowCBFisworking E DUCATION environmental education. education blueprintthatincludes for hisroleinworkingtowardsan Education Secretary Arne Duncan reform. of NCLIthanks Department tion” initsproposedblueprintfor essential toa “well-rounded education amongthosecontentareas inclusion ofenvironmentaleduca- ofEducation’sDepartment first-ever The NCLIcoalitionapplaudsthe Bay Briefs VIRGINIA

Gloucester County Votes TAFF to Support CCWA New stormwater rules are

a crucial step in the fight /CBF S After a compelling presentation by for clean water. ORAN Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Oyster M Restoration and Fisheries Scientist Tommy NDREA Leggett on the merits of the Chesapeake A Clean Water Act, now before Congress, the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors CBF had been concerned that critics of the voted unanimously to send a letter to new stormwater rules—developers and their Gloucester’s Congressional delegation urg- political allies in the legislature—would seek ing support for the legislation. to permanently derail or delay them. The legislation represents a compromise, allowing During the April sixth presentation to the more time for EPA to develop federal stan- board, Leggett provided solid reasons why dards but setting a hard deadline for the Chesapeake Clean Water Act is key for Virginia’s new rules to become effective. restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. The legislation would hold “The date ensures that the Commonwealth polluters accountable, measure progress, will begin more aggressively addressing and invoke real consequences for failing to stormwater runoff, the only source of water Virginia Wesleyan College students get their hands dirty during CBF’s alternative spring break. meet pollution standards, said Leggett, pollution that has continued to increase over who has years of experience as a waterman the years,” said CBF Virginia Executive and a deep connection to the Bay. Equally Director Ann Jennings. “That is a crucial step Students Invest Spring Break Time important for Gloucester: The legislation in the fight for clean water and the Bay.” to Help the Bay would provide significant funding aid to help localities reduce stormwater and The new state budget approved by the Rather than basking on tropical beaches over other pollution. Assembly also contains $9.1 million in each spring break, many Virginia college students of the next two years to implement agricul- showed true dedication to clean water as they Due to dwindling crab and oyster catches, tural clean-water practices that reduce pol- toiled long and hard throughout the algal blooms, fish kills, and other water-qual- luted runoff. Given the state’s unprecedent- Commonwealth. From Charlottesville to ity problems, Gloucester, which has deep ed revenue shortfall due to the economic Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the Bay-saving stu- historical and economic ties to the Bay, is recession, the farm conservation funding is a dents did the watershed a huge service by: increasingly aware of the impacts of an real win for farming and clean water, making rain gardens and compost bins, unhealthy Chesapeake. CBF applauds the Jennings said. removing litter, clearing rocks, restoring trails, board’s action to promote the benefits of the installing dune fences, planting wax myrtles, Chesapeake Clean Water Act. Earlier in the General Assembly session, leg- and sowing wildflower seeds. Those colleges islation failed that would have moved man- heeding the call for volunteers included: For more information on the Chesapeake agement of the Bay’s important menhaden Virginia Commonwealth University, J. Clean Water Act, visit cbf.org/ccwa. fishery from the legislature to the Virginia Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). University of Richmond, University of Virginia Sets Stormwater Deadline CBF backed the move, as it would allow the Virginia, and Virginia Wesleyan College. Commonwealth more effective and timely The 2010 Virginia General Assembly has management of menhaden, one of the Bay’s Last call for Clean the Bay approved a specific deadline for imple- keystone species (see page 18). Day Volunteers menting new, more rigorous stormwater rules in Virginia. Separate legislation extending an annual cap Clean-up sites are available across Virginia on the Virginia harvest of menhaden was for the 22nd annual Clean the Bay Day litter The measure calls for the state’s new rules to adopted by Virginia lawmakers. The cap was pick-up event on June 5. To volunteer, visit become effective within 280 days after the established in 2006 pending additional stud- cbf.org/clean, e-mail [email protected], or call U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ies to determine the health and sustainability 800/SAVEBAY. (EPA) establishes a Chesapeake Bay pollu- of the Bay’s menhaden population. tion-reduction plan (called a Total Maximum For more information on how CBF is Daily Load, or TMDL) but no later than For more information on menhaden, including working to protect Virginia waters, visit December 1, 2011. new study data, see page 18. cbf.org/Virginia or call 804/780-1392.

27 Our Giving Community Turner Sculpture Provides the Wow Factor

By Chuck Epes

hen visitors step into the lobby of the and Mary, Constitution Hall, and hundreds CULPTURE WChesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF’s) of other museums, universities, art galleries, S

Philip Merrill Environmental Center in businesses, and homes around the world. URNER Annapolis, Maryland, their eyes inevitably T focus upon two striking features: a large CBF has given Turner sculptures to past David Turner sculpts a great blue heron in drum-shaped aquarium of living fish, crabs, recipients of CBF’s annual Conservationist Turner Sculpture's Onley, Virginia, studio. and oysters and a spectacular life-size of the Year and Educator of the Year awards, bronze sculpture of an osprey clutching a and like the last two years, a Turner sculp- After graduating, he thought he was headed trout in its talons. ture has been one of the showpieces of a for a career in wildlife management. live auction at CBF’s Akridge Save the Bay However, after a year working in a Navy ani- The aquarium critters are real, of course. Classic golf tournament—a donation from mal lab–“it was such a sterile environment, The bronze osprey might as well be. Turner Sculpture. in more ways than one,” he says–he headed Created by Turner Sculpture and a gift to home to the Eastern Shore. CBF from Hank and Linda Spire, the sculp- William Turner began sculpting ducks, deer, ture is so breathtaking, lifelike, and detailed and otters decades ago in the basement of It wasn’t long before he teamed up with his that it demands up-close study and admira- his Richmond, Virginia, home while attend- father, bought an old steakhouse on Route tion. It usually evokes a “wow.” ing dental school at the Medical College of 13 in Onley, and opened Turner Sculpture. Virginia. After obtaining his degree in 1969, Some 25 years later, Turner Sculpture is That could well be the trademark of every he returned to the Shore with his wife, Mary today the largest private bronze foundry piece from Turner Sculpture, a father-son Ann, and opened up a dental practice in and gallery in the United States. operation based in Onley, Virginia, a small Accomac, all the while raising a family of crossroads on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. three boys and turning out the occasional Turner Sculpture is a proud member of CBF William H. Turner, a retired dentist, and his sculpture or painting. and donates a percentage of all sales of its son, David H. Turner, have been designing “Osprey Bust” to CBF’s save the Bay efforts. and casting wildlife sculptures in their Son David grew up just a few miles from the “I have a passion for wildlife and conserva- Olney studio since 1983. Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and tion,” David says. “CBF does, too. It’s a recalls always being fascinated with nature, good relationship.” Turner bronze and silver pieces can be found especially birds. He went off to William and at the American Museum of Natural History, Mary to study biology, but minored in stu- Learn more about Turner Sculpture by visit- the National Zoo, the College of William dio art and sculpted all through college. ing www.turnersculpture.com.

Farm Fresh Donates $30k Through Reusable Bag Program

Farm Fresh President Gaelo de la Fuente presents a $30,000 super-sized check to CBF Hampton Roads Director Christy Everett aboard CBF’s Bea Hayman Clark just before students from W.E. Waters Middle School in Portsmouth left for a program on the Elizabeth River. When shoppers choose reusable Farm Fresh bags like those pictured, CBF gets a nickel and the customer saves a nickel off the grocery bill. All those nickels added up to a generous donation. Since the innovative program began in December 2007, Farm Fresh has donated a total of $56,900 to CBF. The money is used to support restoration, education, outreach, and advocacy programs throughout Hampton Roads.

“We are pleased to continue to support the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its efforts for a healthier environment,” said de la Fuente.

28 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Our Giving Community CBF Loses Two Important Contributors: Douglas Warner and Charles L. Stout

Douglas Warner passed Board from 1967 to 1980. Nancy, his wife Baltimore, Maryland. Charlie was a gener- away on March 1, 2010. of 59 years, shares Doug’s passion for the ous and active CBF member through the Doug was an avid nature Bay, “Doug’s commitment to CBF provided years, first becoming involved with CBF in preservationist and was satisfaction and happiness for many years of 1976. Charlie left CBF in his will as a way of ARNER

W involved with the Chesapeake his life.” expressing his enduring commitment to the Bay Foundation (CBF) at the Bay. The Chesapeake Legacy Circle recog- ANCY N organization’s founding in Legacy Circle member Charles L. Stout nizes donors who include CBF in their the mid-1960s. Doug worked with CBF’s passed away on December 30, 2009, in estate plans.

Fifth Annual Bands in the Sand Event to Benefit CBF Enjoy live music, tasty food, and great friends—all while helping to save the Bay By Pam McClanahan

ver the past five years, OBands in the Sand has raised almost half a million Fifth Grader dollars for the Bay. Returning “Committed to the Bay” Raises $150 to Committee Co-Chairs, Dick Help the Bay Franyo, Roger Feldman, David Houck, Lisa Kahan, “I love the Chesapeake Bay,” said Noah Nancy Lowell Lashley, and Sutton, a fifth grader at Norfolk Academy Amy Lawrence have once ORGAN M after being assigned to do an environ- again put together a special IKE mental project. “I’ve been reading a lot evening on the beach to help M about how polluted the Bay is, so I protect and preserve the Come have some fun in the sun and dance the night away at CBF’s fifth annual Bands in the Sand event on thought I could make a difference.” And Chesapeake Bay. June 19 at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center. what a difference! In just three weeks, Noah raised more than $150.00 for CBF. Live music from S.T.O.R.M. Using some of his grandmother’s favorite and Misspent Youth will get everyone on have grown so much since we began in recipes, Noah baked and sold treats, and their feet, and tasty grilled food will be 2006. People love to come and hang out raffled goody bags filled with eco-friend- provided by the Boatyard Bar & Grill. with their friends, but also feel good know- ly products. He even did his own public relations work, posting flyers, promoting There will also be an auction of beautiful ing that they’re helping to save the Bay.” his fundraiser on Facebook, and writing Chesapeake Bay art. Dick Franyo, a CBF an ad for his neighborhood association’s Trustee and owner of the Boatyard Bar & Tickets can be purchased online at newsletter. He beamed with pride (and Grill, invites you to join us saying “Bands cbf.org/bandsinthesand, by calling 410/268- so did his parents) when presenting the in the Sand has become one of the ‘can’t 8816, or on-site at the event. For more infor- check to Kate Wilson, CBF Major Gift miss’ summer parties in Annapolis. mation, e-mail [email protected]. We look Officer. Community and sponsor support forward to seeing you on the beach!

29 Last Look CBF STAFF / TOM PELTON

The Shattered Promise of Coal Windows are broken and stores vacant in downtown Clover, Virginia, which lost businesses and population after a coal-fired By Tom Pelton power plant opened outside the small town in 1995.

mid the blackwater swamps of southern claiming “No Coal Plant!” facing off against benefited the town of Clover, about 120 A Virginia, a pair of abandoned bank build- signs reading “Power Station Yes!” “I think miles west of Dendron. ings face each other across an intersection with it’s a bad idea, because all the pollution that no stop light. The one remaining business in goes up into the air comes back down onto To visit Dendron, and then compare it to the town of Dendron is Bailey’s Convenient the land and into our water, and we are real- Clover, is to witness a tale of two cities. The Mart, where signs out front proclaim ly concerned about that,” said Kimberly people of Clover, just like the people of “Mountain Dew” and “God Loves You.” Griffin, who lives on a farm nearby. Dendron, really hoped a coal plant would bring a rebirth to their depopu- “Ain’t nothing going on in lating town. But these hopes Dendron,” said Henry Bailey, the The only sound in Clover today were quickly shattered after the store’s manager. “You don’t even is an American flag rattling against Clover Power Station opened see a stray dog. That’s why we “ near the town in 1995. The com- need the coal plant, to bring its pole next to the post office. munity’s only restaurant closed, something to Dendron.” followed by its grocery store and school. By 1998, Clover had so Bailey is describing the town’s plan for eco- Toxic mercury from the plant would con- few” residents and so little money, officials nomic renaissance. The Town Council in taminate fish in nearby rivers and the took the rare step of dissolving the town. February approved a rezoning that will allow Chesapeake Bay. And microscopic soot parti- the construction of a 1,500-megawatt coal- cles from the plant’s smokestacks would like- The only sound in Clover today is an fired power plant—the largest ever built in ly increase the number of asthma and heart American flag rattling against its pole next Virginia—right in the center of this commu- attacks in people living across the whole to the post office. Nearly all the businesses nity of 300 people. The 650-foot smoke- region, according to Harvard School of downtown are closed—with windows bro- stacks would soar higher than the Public Health researcher Dr. Jonathan Levy. ken, and paint peeling in huge flakes from Washington Monument, dwarfing the Rosie’s Restaurant. Victorian farmhouses, white picket fences, “We’ve done a series of studies over the brick post office, and steepled church. years looking at power plants in specific The one store that remains open is Carol’s geographic areas and across the country. Beauty and Barber Shop. Carol Martin, the The Old Dominion Electric Cooperative And in general we’ve found that the public owner, watched the economic blackout of (ODEC) wants to build the $6 billion plant health burdens are quite large—on the order her hometown, and has a message for to provide power for homes across the of tens of thousands of premature deaths per Henry Bailey and others in Dendron who region. And many Dendron residents like year,” Dr. Levy said. “When placed in mon- see salvation in coal. “Just don’t get your Bailey hope it will create enough jobs to etary terms, the damages can be quite large, hopes up too high,” said Martin. bring life back to their vacant downtown. in relation to the cost of electricity.” They want it to be like it was back in the Tom Pelton is Senior Writer for 1920s, when a lumber mill in the center of So that’s a big economic downside. What the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. town kept banks and shops humming. about the local economic benefits of build- His column on current Bay ing a power plant? ODEC boasts of the issues can be found at But the proposal has also bitterly divided the company’s success in building a similar cbf.org/baydaily. community, with dozens of yard signs pro- power plant 15 years ago, which it claims

30 Spring 2010 ● cbf.org Join THIS NATION HASEVERSEEN! THE BIGGESTFIGHTFORCLEANWATER throughout theBay watershed. vigorously restorefisheriesandcriticalhabitat litigate, educateandcommunicate, and Your generous gift willenableCBFtolobby and must demandactionfromourgovernment. A cleanBay ispossibleinourlifetime, butwe athrivingseafoodindustry.support are freefromfishkills…abundantoysters that life…water that’s safetoswim in…rivers that Imagine aChesapeake Bay that’s teemingwith Clean waterisnotaprivilege, butaright. online at using theenclosedenvelope, ordonate Please sendaspecialcontribution today cbf.org/give .

ISTOCKPHOTO Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Chesapeake Bay Foundation Southern, MD Philip Merrill Environmental Center Permit No. 305 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 410/268-8816

On the cover: These lovely fragrant waterlilies (Nymphaea odorata) provide both a natural water treatment system and a beautiful setting for paddling the upper Blackwater River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Photo by Dave Harp A Saved Bay is Worth the Fight AVIS D IKKI N

We won’t stop until the job is done.