DNR Implementation Summary
Improved water quality is important to the restoration and
protection of natural resources in the coastal bays. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been
involved in numerous activities supporting the water quality goals of the CCMP.
DNR is most significantly involved in coordinating the implementation
of the Coastal Bays Monitoring Program (Appendix to CCMP), and in providing technical assistance in shoreline erosion issues
and stream restoration. Some key
accomplishments by DNR include:
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DNR
lead the development
of a comprehensive Coastal Bays Aquatic Monitoring Program that measures key
components of the ecosystem, including pollutant inputs, water quality,
habitat and living resources. Currently
DNR monitors 45 sites monthly for routine
water quality parameters and two
sites continuously from April through October.
The information collected is
vital for evaluating the progress of management actions aimed at protecting
and restoring the Coastal Bays and tributaries, for our efforts to address
emerging issues such as Harmful
Algae Blooms, and to provide guidance for future actions. Monitoring
data is used to assess current conditions and long-term trends as
well as for research and efforts to
model the ecosystem.
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Water
quality is impacted by shoreline erosion in a couple ways.
Sediments that erode into the water create cloudy water conditions.
Secondarily, these same sediments may carry pollutants ranging from
lawn fertilizer to toxic chemicals from road runoff.
DNR has mapped shoreline changes and estimated erosion rates for the
coastal bays watershed. This
information is being used to target sites for shoreline protection and
stabilization. Low interest
loans and grant funding has been used to assist shorefront property owners
in constructing vegetated buffers and non-structural shoreline stabilization
projects through the DNR Shore Erosion Control Program.
-
The
CCMP charges DNR with promoting stream restoration projects throughout the
coastal bays watershed. DNR has
provided technical assistance and information to help with this effort.
Staff has been provided to physically walk along County-selected
streams in the watershed to identify opportunities for stream restoration.
This information is included in the watershed planning documents put
together by DNR for Worcester County.
DNR will continue to collaborate with others on water
quality monitoring and in promoting stream restoration projects.
Research regarding shore erosion is ongoing and a comprehensive shoreline
erosion plan will be developed to further shore erosion protection efforts.
******************************************************************************************************** DNR Implementation Summaries
If you have any questions about Maryland's Coastal Bays
Implementation Activities,
please feel free to e-mail, Katheleen
Freeman, or call (410) 260-8986.
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