First Annual Chesapeake Bay Watershed Awareness Week To Be Celebrated June 4-12

The first annual Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week will be celebrated from June 4-12 in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Recognizing the rich history, pivotal economic importance, and astounding beauty of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, members of the interstate 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.

“In Pennsylvania, being more aware of the Chesapeake Bay and taking actions to reduce pollution directly benefits our local communities and local waters,” said Pennsylvania Representative and Commission Vice-Chair Garth Everett (R-Lycoming).

Other Pennsylvania members of the Chesapeake Bay Commission include: Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Sen. Richard Alloway (R-Adams), Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), Rep. Michael Sturla (D-Lancaster) and DEP Secretary John Quigley and Pennsylvania citizen member Warren Elliott.

House Resolution 739, sponsored by Rep. Everett, was adopted in the House March 21.  A similar Senate resolution is also expected to be introduced.

Susquehanna Sojourn June 17-19

Also in Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna Sojourn, celebrating the largest river east of the Mississippi that supplies the lifeblood of freshwater flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, runs from June 17-19 this year, further extending our Bay awareness festivities.

River Of The Year

Earlier this year, the Susquehanna River’s North Branch was named PA River of the Year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Public engagement and awareness were critical to achieving the water quality improvements we’ve witnessed thus far. Bay Awareness Week will reinvigorate the public, engage new partners and help us meet our Chesapeake Watershed Agreement commitment to increase the number and diversity of local citizen stewards and local governments that actively support and carry out conservation and restoration.” said Maryland Senator (28th District) and Commission Chair Thomas “Mac” Middleton.

Virginia Delegate (31st District) and Commission Vice-Chair Scott Lingamfelter added, “We urge watershed residents to join us in becoming more Bay aware and during the second week of June, host events, activities, and educational programs to increase awareness of the Chesapeake Bay in your own community.”

“This is yet another example of Commission members working across political and geographic boundaries for the betterment of this national treasure," said Ann Swanson, Executive Director of the Commission.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events of the Commission, visit the Chesapeake Bay Commission website.

For more information about the Pennsylvania strategy to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, visit Agriculture’s Strategy for the Chesapeake Bay webpage and the DEP Chesapeake Bay webpage.

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here for a copy of CBF-PA’s most recent newsletter.

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