Treasured Bay Needs Protection
By: Rep. Mike Castle
Washington
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Summer is here, and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Days are upon us!
During this very exciting time of year, when people from all over the
region come out to celebrate and enjoy the outdoors, I am reminded of
how important it is to preserve our natural resources so all of us can
live here happily and
healthfully.
However, I am disheartened that the Chesapeake Bay remains listed on
the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of top ten dirty
waters.
The Chesapeake Bay's Watershed covers 64,000 beautiful square miles
including parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, New
York, Virginia, and D.C. It is a hub of tourism, fishing, wildlife,
recreational activity, and much more. It supports more than 3,600
different species of plants and animals, and its resources drive the
economies of nearby towns and cities.
Realizing the significance of the Bay to local heritage and
eco-systems, the governors of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia,
along with the EPA and the mayor of D.C., created The Chesapeake Bay
Program in 1983 to help restore the Chesapeake Bay Waterways.
Since the establishment of the Chesapeake Bay Program, several Members
of Congress from districts bordering the Chesapeake and I have worked
hard to represent the needs of the Chesapeake Bay. I have consistently
pushed for funding to continue to improve the water quality of the
Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and to protect our natural and
cultural resources. Recently, Congress acted to reauthorize the
Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network (the Gateway Network), which is a
series of parks, wildlife refuges, maritime museums, historic sites and
water trails along the Chesapeake. The Gateway has grown to include
156 sites in 6 states and D.C. as well as the Trap Pond State Park and
the Nanticoke River Water Trail in Delaware. Many children have
enjoyed the educational opportunities provided by the rich ecology and
history of the watershed. With continued support for the Network and
by providing access to these sites, we will help develop the next
generation of environmental stewards.
In fact, in 2004 the National Park Service completed a Chesapeake Bay
Special Resources study and recommended the Gateways Network be made
permanent and even expanded because of the remaining need for funding
and assistance to improve public access, education and interpretation,
and stewardship of the natural, historical, and cultural resources in
the watershed. As a result, earlier this month, the U.S. House of
Representatives passed the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails
Network Continuing Authorization Act, which provides permanent status
to the Gateways. It also includes support for volunteer groups,
foundations, museums, parks, and other institutions linked by their
dedication to preserving and revitalizing the Bay. This initiative,
which I supported, was made possible by a strong bipartisan consensus
and the support of local and regional
officials.
It is my hope that this legislation will foster a long-term sense of
cooperation among the concerned parties and allow us to move forward
with the crucial task of protecting this national treasure. From the
fishing industry to tourism to rich local histories, the Bay
constitutes a large part of our identity. I will continue to work with
my colleagues in Congress as well as concerned parties throughout the
region, and I am confident that our efforts will produce real results.
However, it is important for each of us to realize what we can each do
to help in this effort. There are simple steps we can include in part
of our day to day lives which will help preserve the beauty and quality
of our natural environment.
· Conserving water - taking shorter showers, tending to leaky
faucets, and only running dishwasher or washing machine when necessary
· Reducing energy consumption - turning off lights when you leave
the room, using fans instead of air conditioning when possible, and
hanging clothes out to dry occasionally, rather than always using the
washer
· Recycling regularly - using reusable cups and plates instead of
disposable, selling or repairing old goods instead of throwing them
away, and using cloth grocery bags instead of plastic
· Safely disposing of household hazardous wastes - always follow
the disposal instructions for products such as anti-freeze, auto
battery, brake fluid, hair spray, nail polish, prescription and over
the counter medicines, adhesives and glues, bleach and most household
cleaners, pool chemicals and others
These easy tasks are just the beginning! The Chesapeake Bay Program Website http://www.chesapeakebay.net/ lists many other ways that you and your family can get involved -- and even become a volunteer for the Gateway Network.
With everyone's help we can remove the Chesapeake Bay from the EPA's
top ten dirty waters list, restoring this precious resource for future
generations. This summer, as you enjoy what Delaware and the Bay
states have to offer -- maybe at the Canal Day celebrations, while
driving over the Bay Bridge, or at the beach -- please take the time to
consider what you can do to help protect our many natural resources.