Chesapeake Bay Program
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Bay Resource Library
December 01, 2016
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Since the signing of the Watershed Agreement in June 2014, our Goal Implementation Teams have been crafting "management strategies" that describe the steps necessary to achieve the Agreement’s Vision.
These management strategies offer insight into the Bay Program partners’ proposals for reaching each outcome by 2025, as well as how we will monitor, assess and report progress toward abundant life, clean waters, engaged communities, conserved lands and climate change resilience. The strategies provide broad, overarching direction and will be further supported by two-year work plans summarizing the specific commitments, short-term actions and resources required for success.
To stay informed as management strategies and work plans progress:
Poor water quality and harvest pressure challenge the health of species across the region, while our increasing need for land and resources has fragmented and degraded the habitats they depend on. Supporting sustainable fish and shellfish populations and restoring habitat for native and migratory species will support a strong economy and a balanced ecosystem.
This strategy focuses on prioritizing habitats; restoring, enhancing and limiting human disturbance in areas where black ducks have historically bred or wintered; protecting wetlands and the lands adjacent to them; and benefiting waterfowl habitat through education, permitting and managing predators. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Habitat Goal Implementation Team (GIT 2)
Contact: Jennifer Greiner (410) 267-5783
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes the planning and implementation of a benchmark stock assessment and the evaluation of the overall benefits of an allocation-based management framework. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT 1)
Contact: Emilie Franke (410) 267-5643
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes identifying priority areas to focus brook trout conservation efforts, supporting fishery managers and local planners with decision support and prioritization tools, and considering climate change vulnerability in determining where to conduct brook trout conservation projects. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Habitat Goal Implementation Team (GIT 2)
Contact: Jennifer Greiner (410) 267-5783
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes identifying and prioritizing threats to fish habitat, proposing actions to manage those threats, identifying high priority areas for conservation and restoration, communicating the importance of fish habitat to the public and evaluating ways to enhance our efforts. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT 1)
Contact: Emilie Franke (410) 267-5643
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes prioritizing fish passage projects, continuing dam removal projects that are already underway, and developing additional projects to achieve the mileage goal. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Habitat Goal Implementation Team (GIT 2)
Contact: Jennifer Greiner (410) 267-5783
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes defining what comprises the forage base, determining the status of the forage base, helping to inform fishery management decisions and improving monitoring programs. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT 1)
Contact: Emilie Franke (410) 267-5643
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes coordinating federal, state and local leaders; improving our development and coordination of programs; linking programs with funding opportunities; and using research and technology to prioritize and track projects. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)
Contact: Sally Claggett (410) 267-5706
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes the planning and implementation of oyster restoration efforts; securing support and resources from federal, state and local partners; and considering future protection of the restored oyster reefs in the long-term. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT 1)
Contact: Emilie Franke (410) 267-5643
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This management strategy includes identifying measures for stream health, linking programs with funding and technical resources, developing and promoting guidelines for holistic stream restoration, and communicating the benefits of restoration and maintenance to local leaders and communities. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Habitat Goal Implementation Team (GIT 2)
Contact: Jennifer Greiner (410) 267-5783
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This management strategy is focused on improving the water clarity necessary to grow and maintain underwater grasses and protecting existing grass beds while restoring those that are a priority. This strategy also includes enhancing research, citizen involvement and education. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Habitat Goal Implementation Team (GIT 2)
Contact: Jennifer Greiner (410) 267-5783
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes working with local leaders, increasing community investment in urban trees, providing technical assistance and training, increasing our knowledge of total tree canopy cover, and improving the tracking and maintenance of urban trees. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)
Contact: Julie Mawhorter (410) 267-5708
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This management strategy includes improving how wetland projects are reported, prioritizing key areas for restoration, better understanding barriers facing our projects and factors that lead to successful restoration, and increasing the amount of local engagement in this work. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Habitat Goal Implementation Team (GIT 2)
Contact: Jennifer Greiner (410) 267-5783
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
Excess nutrients, sediment and toxic contaminants degrade our waterways, harm fish and wildlife and pose risks to human health. Reducing these pollutants is critical to creating safe, healthy waters for animals and people alike.
This strategy includes how Bay Program partner plan to continue to work toward meeting the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) through Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) for each jursidiction. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)
Contact: Lucinda Power (410) 267-5722
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes tracking the health of watersheds and our effectiveness in protecting them, strengthening local commitment and capacity to protect healthy watersheds and supporting state-based efforts to improve assessment and protection of these healthy areas. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Maintain Healthy Watersheds Goal Implementation Team (GIT 4)
Contact: Renee Thompson (410) 267-5749
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes developing a management approach that adds to the ongoing work of federal, state and local leaders to reduce and control contaminants. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)
Contact: Greg Allen (410) 267-5746
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy aims to supply information to help make fish and shellfish safe for human consumption; understand the influence, occurrence and sources of these contaminants; inform management approaches for mitigating toxic contaminants; and identify issues of emerging concern. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)
Contact: Greg Allen (410) 267-5746
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes how Bay Program partner plan to continue to work toward meeting the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) through water quality monitoring and assessment. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)
Contact: Lucinda Power (410) 267-5722
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
Storms, floods and sea level rise will have big impacts across the watershed. Monitoring, assessing and adapting to these changing environmental conditions will help our living resources, habitats, public infrastructure and communities withstand the adverse effects of climate change.
This strategy includes assessing climate impacts and vulnerabilities, increasing the capacity of the Bay Program to prepare for and respond to climate change, implementing adaptation projects, and tracking the effectiveness of and ecological response to our adaptation work. (Read More)
Contact: Zoe Johnson
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes monitoring, modeling and assessing climatic and sea level trends; developing a conceptual model that links climate change to the success of our work; and developing a research agenda that improves our understanding of the linkages between climate and our work. (Read More)
Contact: Zoe Johnson
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
Changes in land use and development can impair water quality, degrade habitats and alter culturally significant landscapes. Conserving lands with ecological, historical and community value is integral to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and vibrant culture.
This management strategy includes developing a plan for monitoring land use change, measuring current rates of land conversion and understanding how those changes are affecting the natural environment. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Maintain Healthy Watersheds Goal Implementation Team (GIT 4)
Contact: Renee Thompson (410) 267-5749
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes determining the tools and policies that are currently in place across the watershed, surveying the effectiveness of those options and better understanding what local leaders need to slow the loss of natural and agricultural lands. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Maintain Healthy Watersheds Goal Implementation Team (GIT 4)
Contact: Renee Thompson (410) 267-5749
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes with identifying lands that are high-priority for protection based on their ecological, historical and cultural value; increasing funding and incentives; building public support for conservation efforts; and collaborating with new and existing partners. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)
Contact: Amy Handen (410) 260-2493
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
The long-term success of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort depends on the work of individuals and communities living throughout the watershed. Connecting with current environmental stewards and encouraging future local leaders helps build the network that will keep our work moving forward.
This strategy includes measuring the progress and results of stewardship programs, providing assistance to organizations to develop and implement successful programs, expanding the number and diversity of citizen volunteers, and empowering local residents to become citizen leaders. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)
Contact: Amy Handen (410) 260-2493
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy involves improving our communication and outreach efforts, expanding employment opportunities for underrepresented individuals and communities and promoting environmental justice through the meaningful involvement and fair treatment of all people. (Read More)
Contact: Reggie Parrish (410) 267-5772
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes identifying and supporting the necessary tools, resources, programs and policies for all students to achieve science, citizenship and environmental literacy by graduation (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)
Contact: Amy Handen (410) 260-2493
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes developing and expanding training and leadership opportunities, facilitating interactions among local officials, improving the availability and accessibility of informational resources, and identifying and improving key sources of information for local leaders. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Enhancing Partnering, Leadership and Management Goal Implementation Team (GIT 6)
Contact: Reggie Parrish (410) 267-5772
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes sustaining funding for development and maintenance of public access sites, supporting more detailed assessments of potential new sites, filling gaps in access along water trails, and assessing issues and needs related to urban public access.. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)
Contact: Amy Handen (410) 260-2493
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy focuses on infusing environmental content into state and local standards, supporting training and networks for educators and promoting authentic student experiences related to the watershed. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)
Contact: Amy Handen (410) 260-2493
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
This strategy includes promoting certification programs and best management practices while engaging with and supporting key stakeholders. (Read More)
Lead Goal Team: Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)
Contact: Amy Handen (410) 260-2493
Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
Below are feedback letters received by the Chesapeake Bay Program Office during the input period for our draft work plans:
Letter from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Education)
Letter from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (WIPs, Toxic Contaminants, Healthy Watersheds)
Letter from Derick Jordan, Watershed Resident
Letter from Dwayne Ford, Watershed Resident
Letter from Gift Oboite, Watershed Resident
Letter from Joseph Madison, Watershed Resident
Comments from the Maryland Blue Crab Design Team
Letter from Nataki K., Watershed Resident
Letter from Ruth Tyson, Watershed Resident
Letter from Sameshea Evans, Watershed Resident
Letter from Shannon Sprague, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office
Letter from the Sierra Club (Maryland Chapter)
Letter from (Maryland) State Water Quality Advisory Committee
Letter from Tom Devilbiss, Carroll County Land & Resource Management
Letter from Virginia No Child Left Inside Coalition
Below are feedback letters received by the Chesapeake Bay Program Office during the input period for our draft management strategies:
Letter from Board of Carroll County Commissioners
Letter from Carroll County Land Use, Planning & Development Department
Letter from Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Letters from the Choose Clean Water Coalition
Letter from Citizens Advisory Committee
Letter from Clean Chesapeake Coalition
Letter from Hampton Roads Sanitation District
Letters from Izaak Walton League of America
Letter from Local Governments Advisory Committee
Letter from Maryland Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, Inc.
Letter from Maryland Blue Crab Design Team
Comment cards from Maryland Blue Crab Design Team members and stakeholders
Letter from Maryland Oystermen Association
Letter from Maryland Sierra Club
Letter from Maryland stakeholders
Letter from Maryland State Water Quality Advisory Committee
Letter from Maryland Watermen's Association
Letter from Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protections
Letter from National Parks Conservation Association
Letter from Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water - Stormwater Workgroup
Letter from Sierra Club members
Letter from Victor Ukpolo, Maryland resident
Letter from Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, Inc.