A win for the Bay! Last week a new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement was signed by the governors of six states, the mayor of the Washington, D.C., and the United States, represented by the EPA. This agreement – which will guide the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership in the coming decade – is the fourth signed since the 1980s. It is notable for bringing headwater states - NY, WV, and DE - on for the first time as signatories, significantly broadening the partnership; focusing goals on healthy waters conservation, climate resiliency, local government engagement, and adaptive management; and providing a clearer articulation of priorities through 11 goals and 31 outcomes - as opposed to the 100+ from the previous agreement. The Nature Conservancy played an important role in this new agreement, urging stronger commitments on areas such as climate change, local government engagement, and accountability. We will continue to be engaged in the Chesapeake Bays future over the coming years.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:00:00 +0000