RD1 - Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries: Results of Monitoring Programs and Status of Resources

  • Published: 1996
  • Author: Secretary of Natural Resources

Executive Summary:
It is my pleasure to deliver to you the accompanying report entitled, "Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries: Results of Monitoring Programs and Status of Resources."

The report is meant to be informative and of use to members of the General Assembly. It is not technical in nature although the underlying technical data is available on request. It provides an explanation of the monitoring programs conducted by the agencies of the Natural Resources Secretariat, and the status of water quality conditions and living resources. I also have enclosed the following attachments: "The State of the Chesapeake Bay, 1995," the Local Government Directive of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, the current draft "Virginia's Potomac Basin Tributary Nutrient Reduction Strategy," "A Guide to the Bay Act," the January 1996 "Bay Act Status Report," a list of agency resources and staff participation in Bay-related activities, and educational material about lawn fertilization practices designed to conserve the Bay. These documents will provide you with a good understanding of the improvements to the Bay that have occurred since 1994, and about the new initiatives we have undertaken since 1994 to continue these improvements and to involve Virginians in these efforts.

The Chesapeake Bay is one of Virginia's most treasured and valuable natural resources. The empirical evidence of the monitoring programs shows the estuary, though impacted, is improving and responding to sound conservation management strategies. By summoning the myriad ideas, talents and energy of our citizens, and their community organizations, businesses and local governments, and by calling on their commitment to conservation, we can raise the recognition and understanding of the importance of Virginia's water resources, and proudly bequeath them and all their valuable benefits to the stewards of future generations.

I urge you to become personally involved in the development of tributary strategies with your local officials. Four Potomac tributary strategy assessment meetings have been scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in local communities as follows: March 11 at the 4-H Center in Front Royal, March 18 at Wilkerson's Restaurant in Colonial Beach, March 20 at the Ingleside Resort in Staunton, and April 4 at the Ramada Inn in Manassas. I hope you will avail yourself of these opportunities and join this effort. My office also will ensure that you are notified of future meetings or activities related to the development of the tributary strategies for each of Virginia's tributaries.

Sincerely,

Becky Norton Dunlop
Secretary of Natural Resources