Bay Awareness Week puts focus on Chesapeake Bay health

Chesapeake Bay Commission members will launch a series of events next week in celebration of the first annual Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week.   This first annual Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week will be celebrated from June 4-12 in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

CBC Chairman Sen. “Mac” Middleton who represents Charles County, Maryland, and Commission Executive Director Ann Swanson will appear on Maryland Public Television’s public affairs program “Direct Connection” on June 6^th at 7:30 p.m.

Maryland Delegation members Delegate Tawanna Gaines and Delegate Barbara Frush will familiarize the Prince Georges Kiwanis Club with the role of the Chesapeake Bay Commission while on a boat tour of their local waters led by the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Middleton, Gaines and Frush will head to Southern Maryland later in the week to join Commission member Bernie Fowler at his iconic Patuxent River Wade-In to measure water clarity, an important indicator of Bay health. The 29^th annual Wade-In will be held at 1:00p.m. on June 12^th at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland.

CBC member Senator Emmett W. Hanger of Virginia, will join Shenandoah Valley agriculture leaders on June 8 at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week by showcasing a farm operation taking action to restore the Bay.  The farm recently installed stream fencing along tributaries of Long Meadow under the Commonwealth’s successful livestock stream exclusion program.

In Pennsylvania, Delegation Chairman Representative Garth Everett appeared on WKOK Newsradio’s “On the Mark” program Friday, June 3 at 8:30 a.m.  On Monday, June 6, Delegation Vice Chair Representative Mike Sturla will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. on the Capitol steps to announce House Bill 2114, which would use a new water use fee to create a dedicated fund for water quality improvements.

The Commission thanks the many organizations and citizens organizing and participating in events throughout the watershed to raise awareness about the Chesapeake Bay.  It’s not too late to participate.  To be a part of the first annual Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week, events in MD, PA or VA can be found here: www.chesapeakebay.net/takeaction/events.

Recognizing the rich history, pivotal economic importance, and astounding beauty of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission worked collaboratively in seeking passage of resolutions designating a week-long recognition of the Chesapeake Bay.  Through this designation, the legislatures encourage residents and environmental and educational groups to host events, activities, and educational programs to increase awareness of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the states, region and United States.