From the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland’s extraordinary coastal resources contribute to its economy, environment and quality of life. With these remarkable resources comes great responsibility. Coastal resources must be protected and conserved, yet communities must be able to thrive economically. A balance is needed between human demands and conservation of the resources that make Maryland such a unique place to live, work and play. Maryland’s Chesapeake & Coastal Program strives to achieve that balance.

National Issues, Local Solutions

In 1972, Congress responded to the rapid deterioration of coastal areas throughout the nation by passing the Coastal Zone Management Act, or CZMA. The main objectives of CZMA are to “preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, restore or enhance the resources of the nation’s coastal zone.” The key feature of CZMA was the creation of a partnership among federal, state, and local governments. CZMA’s success is a direct result of the ability of states to work with local communities to design coastal management programs that address specific issues and priorities affecting local areas.

How the Maryland Chesapeake & Coastal Program is Organized

The Maryland Chesapeake & Coastal Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is a partnership among local, regional and state agencies. The Program collaborates with many private organizations, such as local land trusts and economic development groups. Through this networked approach, no one agency or department is responsible for Maryland’s entire coast. Rather, all partners help to ensure its proper management.

Building on Success: The Chesapeake & Coastal Program at Work

Over the past three decades, this partnership has helped Maryland work to reduce the environmental impacts of coastal development, resolve significant conflicts between competing coastal uses and provide critical assistance to local governments in coastal planning and resource protection. The Chesapeake & Coastal Program conducts research, provides technical services and distributes federal and state funds – to enable on-the-ground projects that benefit Maryland’s local communities. Whether it’s helping communities prepare for climate change, restore local waterways, protect habitats, foster clean coastal industries or encouraging citizens to become caring stewards – the Chesapeake & Coastal Program constantly seeks ways to improve coastal management.

Recent News

Governor O'Malley's Stream Restoration Challenge

Governor O'Malley's Stream Restoration Challenge is once again accepting applications from local governments, school systems, and non-governmental organizations looking to carry out projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality and create service learning and environmental literacy activities for students. Through this program, the State and its partners will award the top proposals grants totaling up to $6 million to establish 1,000 acres of forested stream buffers by 2015.

The Request for Proposal is available here. The submission deadline is May 30, 2013. Funding for these grants is made available through the Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

For more information or to discuss project ideas, please contact Gabe Cohee via email at gcohee@dnr.state.md.us or directly at 410.260.8753. Additional resources and information can be found on the program website.