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Measurements of electrical conductivity indicating elevated salinity is affecting the soil hundreds of meters from visible salt patches. (Rebecca Epanchin-Niell)

Study: Thousands of acres of MD farmland facing saltwater intrusion

Researchers have found the amount of land affected by saltwater intrusion on the Delmarva Peninsula has dramatically increased in recent years…

The Environmental Working Group published a peer-reviewed study in 2020 estimating more than 200 million Americans could have PFAS contamination in their drinking water. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Proposed EPA Cuts Would Slow PFAS Cleanup

Environmental advocates said proposed budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency will slow cleanup of toxic "forever chemicals," per- and poly…

Photographic evidence from the 1930s suggests that seagrass like that in this contemporary photo may have covered between 200,000 and 600,000 acres along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Seagrass Restoration Making Progress in Chesapeake Bay

A new report found some vital improvements in the Chesapeake Bay over the last few years. The Chesapeake Bay Program reported 76,000 acres of …

A new report showed fully funding the pollution-reduction efforts needed to restore the bay would add $655 million annually to the regional economy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland Could See Economic Benefit from Farm Conservation Practices

A new study out this week reports Maryland could realize economic benefits from agricultural conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region…

In 2020, 21.5 million people visited Maryland state parks for activities like fishing, boating and swimming, a 45% increase from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Waterway Safety Tips as MD Boating Season Gets Underway

This Memorial Day Weekend, Maryland Department of Natural Resources responded to three fatal incidents; two drownings and a jet-ski collision…

Maryland is a leader in the regenerative farming push through its Million Acre Challenge, a goal to convert half of Maryland's agricultural land to healthy soil by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Fighting Chesapeake Bay Pollution through Regenerative Farming

Chesapeake Bay states have until 2025 to implement watershed pollution-reduction practices, and a new report shows "climate-smart" farming in …

MD Groups Press for Action on “Forever Chemicals”

With the Maryland General Assembly set to start next week, environmental groups are urging lawmakers to regulate toxic chemicals, after a new report …

Over the past 30 years, nutrient and sediment pollution has been reduced by half in Chesapeake Bay, but more needs to be done to meet federal cleanup goals for the watershed. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Farm Bureaus Urge USDA to Back New Chesapeake Cleanup Plan

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Farm bureaus and agricultural leaders of Chesapeake Bay watershed states are pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund a …

About 25 species of mussels live in the freshwater rivers and streams that flow into Chesapeake Bay. (Flickr)

Report: Mussel Restoration Essential for Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Freshwater mussels are key to keeping the Chesapeake Bay watershed clean, and with more than half of all species now facing …

A recent report shows PFAS levels greater than the EPA health advisory level in water treatment plants for Westminster and Hampstead, Md. (Adobe stock)

U.S. Bill on Toxic "Forever Chemicals" Could Help Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

Baltimore to Double Harbor Cleanup with Fourth Trash Wheel

BALTIMORE -- Groups working to clean up the Baltimore Harbor are expediting their efforts by installing a fourth Trash Wheel next month. Dubbed …

Some environmental groups say the new Maryland law banning polystyrene cups and containers represents a major shift toward getting rid of single-use plastic altogether. (Adobe Stock)

MD First State to Ban Foam Food Containers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- In a victory for environmental groups, Maryland on Thursday becomes the first state in the nation to ban foam food containers…

Restaurant shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the Chesapeake Bay oyster industry as well as local communities dependent on fishing and tourism. (Adobe Stock)

House Bill Aims to Promote Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - This week, the House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act, which includes $3 billion for coastal restoration projects…

Maryland's nascent oyster industry may not survive the pandemic, scientists say. (Chesapeake Bay Program)

Senators: Expand Pandemic Aid for Seafood Industry

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- With the U.S. seafood industry in an economic free fall during the pandemic, senators and advocacy groups are calling on Congress …

Pollution from the Chesapeake Bay watershed reaches Maryland, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. (Pixabay)

Federal Budget Bill Aims to Boost Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- An almost $1.5 trillion spending plan the Senate is set to vote on Thursday includes a dramatic 16% budget increase for Chesapeake …

The Chesapeake Bay watershed needs to reduce its phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment pollution by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

MD Conference to Focus on Cleaning Up Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE – Stream recovery projects are a cornerstone in helping to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and people at the …

Maryland has been more keenly focused on cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay in recent years, but conservation groups say more should be done. (iStockphoto)

MD Volunteers Take Out the Trash from Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – It's time to take out the trash – out of the Chesapeake Bay, that is, and the waterways that feed into it. This is the …

Baltimore Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative has collected more than 1 million Styrofoam containers since its first

Maryland Could Become First State to Ban Foam Food Containers

BALTIMORE - Maryland soon could become the first state to ban Styrofoam food containers and cups. A bill passed this week by the House of Delegates …

The Susquehanna River is a major water source that empties into the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay. (Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr)

Chesapeake Bay Advocates Seek More Federal Funding

WASHINGTON – This week, more than 100 clean-water advocates traveled to Washington DC, urging lawmakers to increase funding for clean water in …

In a lawsuit, the city of Baltimore says it believes Monsanto has caused

Baltimore Sues Monsanto, Others for Polluting City Waterways

BALTIMORE - The city of Baltimore is suing agrochemical giant Monsanto and two other companies, claiming they were "completely aware" that the …

A new report says Chesapeake Bay is in danger of increased pollution from rivers and streams in its watershed. (JamesDeMers/Pixabay)

Chesapeake Bay Report Shows More Pollution

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Chesapeake Bay became more polluted last year for the first time in a decade, according to a new report from the Chesapeake Bay …

Columbia Gas, a subsidiary of TransCanada, proposed a gas pipeline through Maryland and beneath the Potomac River. (Chesapeake Climate Action Network)

Environmental Groups Pleased, Surprised at Hogan's Pipeline Vote

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – For two years, environmental groups have warned about the dangers of the Potomac Pipeline – and this week, their voices …

Pumpkins for sale at Maryland stores are more likely to be trucked in from other states this year, as record rainfall squashed the pumpkin-growing season. (Grantbahk/Pixabay)

Maryland's Pumpkin Crop Drowns in Soggy Summer

PARKVILLE, Md. – You may notice higher prices for pumpkins this Halloween. Some Maryland farmers are being forced to buy the popular gourds out …

The Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load is a federal

Will All States Meet Chesapeake Bay Program's Pollution-Reduction Goals?

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – At the halfway point toward their unified goal of cutting pollution that flows into the Chesapeake Bay by 2025, states around …

NASA uses Earth-observing satellites to monitor conditions in Chesapeake Bay over time. (Pixabay)

NASA Using Chesapeake Bay Pollution Research for Satellites

BALTIMORE — Researchers have conducted extensive studies on air pollution and smog on land, but looking at air pollution over water and at a …

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

Flood prevention is one benefit of green infrastructure projects that are being funded in five Chesapeake Bay states with nearly $700,000 of grant money. (Pixabay)

Communities Receive More "Green" to Go Green

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Communities are finding it easier to go green when there's some "green" to help them make the transition - in the form of nearly $700…

Frederick's municipal wastewater treatment plant was one of 12 significant municipal sewage plants found to be releasing more nutrients into Maryland waters than is allowed under its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit, according to the Environmental Integrity Project. (Potomac Riverkeeper Network)

Environmental Groups Prod Frederick over Potomac River Pollution

FREDERICK, Md. – After around a decade of violations, Frederick will need to act quickly to suppress the amount of nutrients pouring into the …

Raw sewage mixed with stormwater surges out of a damaged sewer manhole next to Herring Run. (Blue Water Baltimore)

Study: Climate Change Impacts Gwynn Falls Watershed

BALTIMORE – It's not that big of a surprise to learn that sewage overflows are bad for overall water quality, but a new study details its …

Activities such as tree plantings and community cleanups are on the list of projects eligible for grant funding through the Chesapeake Bay Trust. (Ben Hyman/Pigtown Main Street)

Chesapeake Bay Trust Seeks New Ideas for "Mini Grants"

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – If you've got a great idea for how to clean up the environment and are in need of funding to bring that idea to life, you …

A TransCanada pipeline extension is the subject of protests from Pennsylvania through Maryland to West Virginia. It would enter Maryland just west of Hancock. (Stacy Miller)

Eastern Panhandle Pipeline Expansion Raises Concerns

BALTIMORE – A natural-gas pipeline expansion that would run from Pennsylvania through Maryland and into West Virginia is raising concerns about …

The federal spending bill includes $73 million for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. (Chesapeake Bay Program)

Funds for Chesapeake Bay Survive in Federal Spending Bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The spring snowstorm didn't stop Chesapeake Bay advocates from making their way to the nation's capital this week, where they …

A provision in the GREENER Fuels Act protects wildlife habitat by enforcing existing land protections to prevent converted land from qualifying as a source of biofuel material. (Pixabay)

Reforming Ethanol Mandate Could be Win for Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A bill to reform the biofuels mandate is being hailed by environmental groups as a way to protect wildlife, drinking water and …

Radioactivity in sediments at three disposal sites in Pennsylvania measured 650 times higher than normal. (Pixabay)

Study: Treated Oil, Gas Wastewater Leaves Radioactive Contamination

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Scientists have found that, over time, treated oil and gas wastewater is leaving radioactive deposits in the stream beds where …

Between 2012 and 2016, Chesapeake Bay Program partners opened 1,126 historical fish migration routes for fish passage, exceeding the outcome to restore 1,000 additional stream miles. (Pixabay)

Chesapeake Bay Reaches Turning Point

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Ongoing efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay have reached a turning point and environmental groups are calling on residents …

Chesapeake Bay Trust encourages the public to purchase Chesapeake Bay plates to help restore the bay and other natural resources in the region. (BelindaMariepix/Flickr)

Bay Trust: More Things You Can Do to Save the Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. --The ongoing multi-million dollar effort to clean up Chesapeake Bay finally is starting to pay off. State scientists found fewer …

Young volunteers are selected to work with nonprofits around Maryland for a year. (cbtrust.org)

Young Corps Members Work to Preserve Bay

BALTIMORE -- The latest class of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps is ready to go to work cleaning up and preserving Maryland's natural treasures…

Clean drinking water in several states is reliant on government funding for Chesapeake Bay. (Fish and Wildlife Service)

Trump's Plan to Cut Chesapeake Bay Funding Likely Dead in the Water

BALTIMORE – Those who love Chesapeake Bay are hopeful this week that despite President Donald Trump's promise to cut funding this year to help p…

Grant money gets communities involved in keeping water flowing into Chesapeake Bay clean. (cbtrust.org)

Communities Strive to Keep Bay Clean

BALTIMORE – More financial support for on the ground environmental restoration programs is on the way to Maryland counties that surround Chesape…

Small water systems in Maryland have the most violations, according to a new report. (USDA)

Report: MD 12th Worst for Drinking-Water Violations

BALTIMORE – Water systems in Maryland have the nation's 12th worst record for violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, according to a new …

An event that highlights the work being done to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality is in its 19th year. (stateparks.com)

This Year's Treasure the Chesapeake Moves to Baltimore

BALTIMORE – This year's Treasure the Chesapeake Bay Celebration has a couple of new twists. An individual who's worked to restore and …

Americans have easy access to water but that's not the case in other countries. (bloodwater.org)

World Water Day is Wednesday

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Wednesday is World Water Day, and people are being asked to step up conservation to help people in this country and all over …

Blue crab populations could be greatly reduced if the nation's water-quality restoration programs are eliminated. (nwf.org)

Plan to End Restoration Programs Called "Devastating" to the Bay

BALTIMORE - Advocates for Chesapeake Bay are calling the budget proposed by the Trump administration devastating, to the bay and the millions of …

$Thousands rallied in Annapolis last week as Maryland lawmakers began debating a fracking ban. (Citizen Shale)$

Marylanders Pushing for Fracking Ban

BALTIMORE – One of this year's most contentious debates in Maryland centers around whether to ban hydraulic fracking. A moratorium on …

A new report says Maryland fails at providing safe drinking water for children. (md.gov)

Drinking Water Report: Maryland Gets a Failing Grade

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In the wake of the water crisis in Flint, Mich., a new report says lead in schools' drinking water is a pervasive problem ̵…

Several groups have mounted a court challenge to President Trump's executive order to cut back on federal regulations. (epa.gov)

New Executive Order on Regulations Sparks Lawsuit

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Public-interest law, environmental and labor groups are suing to stop the Trump administration's executive order to cut government …

Advocates say special emphasis should be placed on teaching children to be environmental stewards. (cbtrust.org)

Teachers, Students, Volunteers to be Honored in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - If you know someone who works hard to protect Chesapeake Bay, you can nominate them for an award for their efforts. The Chesapeake …

Buying the Bay Plate supports education programs and restoration work benefitting the Chesapeake Bay. (cbtrust.org)

License Plate Boosts Efforts to Save the Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – For people who love the Chesapeake Bay and want to help protect it, one of the easiest ways is by purchasing the Bay Plate…

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