SAVE THE BAY

"People need trees and green space," says Ann Jurczyk, who is known by her family, co-workers, and community as the Lorax, the Dr. Suess character who speaks for the trees. As trees have disappeared at an alarming rate across Virginia, Jurczyk's work has become ever more critical in Richmond and other cities, where she leads CBF's grassroots efforts to protect and restore urban tree canopy to improve water quality. Her story is just one of the features from our spring Save the Bay magazine. You can also discover 11 magical watershed places to explore, shared by our staff of talented educators; dive deeper into the struggles confronting striped bass in nursery areas; and learn how scientists use complex models and water quality monitoring to paint an ever-evolving picture of the watershed's health. This month also saw the return of the 71-acre Mattanock Town site along the Nansemond River to the Nansemond Indian Nation, the release of the latest blue crab population survey, and the passage of bipartisan federal legislation that will extend important Bay restoration programs.

Chesapeake blue crab numbers remain low despite signs of improvement: The continued low numbers of adult females and males underscores the need to protect these segments of the population.

Bay Program's latest model estimates decrease in pollution entering Chesapeake Bay: Despite the encouraging results, there is concern that on-the-ground outcomes don't match up.

Nansemond Indian Nation regains ancestral land: The return of the 71-acre site known as Mattanock Town ends a decades-long effort to regain what is considered the Tribe's cultural heart along the Nansemond River, where they plan to restore the land and water through conservation and education in partnership with CBF and other organizations.

As striped bass concerns continue, managers plan next steps: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on May 1 took additional steps to address the number of striped bass dying after being caught and released as well as unsustainable commercial fishing rates.

EPA Administrator recommits agency to leading federal partners into next phase of Chesapeake Bay cleanup: Administrator Michael Regan said EPA will reconstitute a Federal Leadership Committee to coordinate work.

Osprey concerns spur renewed discussion of Chesapeake Bay menhaden management: Maryland's delegation to the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) requested briefings on the latest data on osprey in the Chesapeake Bay, including abundance, nesting success, and other factors. The request was made to ensure menhaden can play their critical role in the Bay's food chain, including providing vital food to osprey and other iconic Chesapeake species. The presentation is expected to occur at the August ASMFC meeting.

Senate passes bipartisan bill to extend important Bay restoration programs: The America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act extends the life of programs, including the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, the Fish and Wildlife Service's Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant program, and the National Park Service's Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network and grants program, among others.

Pennsylvania House passes bill to prohibit toxic pavement sealants: The bill would prohibit the supply, sale, and application of coal tar sealants containing high amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can pose risks to the health of humans, pets, and wildlife.

Virginia budget agreement includes investment in environmental programs: The proposal supports resilience efforts, flood protection, and tree conservation but does not reinstate participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Maryland's Gov. Moore signs key environmental bills into law: The bills, which will help address water quality challenges, include creating a new pilot program for holistic restoration in five state watersheds; creating stronger regulations for the storage and land application of industrial sludge; and protecting the rights of communities harmed by illegal water pollution.

What You Can Do