Bay Trust: More Things You Can Do to Save the Bay
Trimmel Gomes, Producer
Thursday, November 2, 2017
ANNAPOLIS, Md. --The ongoing multi-million dollar effort to clean up Chesapeake Bay finally is starting to pay off. State scientists found fewer water samples showing the presence of so-called dead zones that can't support aquatic life.
While bay advocates praise the success of the coordinated clean-up efforts, Janna Davis, executive director at the Chesapeake Bay Trust, said there are simple things people can do to help keep the bay alive.
"Practices that one can do on one's own property at very low costs: Plant a tree, put a rain barrel in; rain barrels can cost $50 and it's something that can capture the water coming from your roof,” Davis said. "You can also do things like buy a bay plate."
Proceeds from the bay license plates go toward grants to help plant more trees, purchase community rain gardens and create educational programs so children can understand issues with stormwater runoff and ways to keep the environment clean.
Stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution into the bay, but Davis said preventing runoff helps more than just the bay area.
"It's basically anything that we as humans put on the land surface can get carried into the bay or the streams when it rains,” she said. “And we have to be very conscious about what rain is really carrying into our streams and bays. "
Like most coastal areas, Chesapeake Bay is heavily dependent on its natural ecosystem, which is a major draw for tourists. Davis said a healthier bay and healthier watershed means a healthier local economy.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…