Local Governments Recognized for Chesapeake Bay Protection Efforts

Annapolis, Md. (December 21, 2006) - Federal and state Bay restoration leaders recognized ten local governments today for their dedication to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Local governments selected for integrating Bay-friendly measures into the management of their towns, cities and counties include:

Gold

Gaithersburg, MD
Baltimore County, MD
Takoma Park, MD
Queen Anne's County, MD
Carlisle Borough, PA
Columbia Borough, PA

Silver

Gloucester County, VA
Manheim Township, PA

Bronze

Scott Township, PA
Annville Township, PA

Since 1997, the Bay Partner Community program has recognized local governments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for their commitment to protecting and restoring the Bay and its rivers. Communities are evaluated on their completion of a set of programs, activities or benchmarks that protect and restore their part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Selection is based on the local population and percentage of benchmarks met in four categories: improving water quality, promoting sound land use, protecting and restoring living resources and habitat, and engaging the community. Gold level partners have met a higher percentage of benchmarks that silver or bronze partners.

The Bay Partner Community Awards are sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Program and its Local Government Advisory Committee. The Committee was created in 1988 in recognition of the critical role that the more than 1,650 local governments in the watershed play in the partnership's ability to achieve its goals. The Local Government Advisory Committee is coordinated by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

Currently, 75 local governments are Bay Partner Communities. Information on many of these communities' innovative programs and practices can be found online at www.baylogin.org – go to Local Government Innovations.