Challenge:

The Chesapeake Bay is important to countless species of fish and wildlife, including Atlantic striped bass and wintering waterfowl. The region is rich in opportunities for sportsmen, which is why more than 4.5 million hunters and anglers make it their home. Development, habitat loss, invasive species, water pollution and countless other factors have led to reductions in fish and wildlife numbers in the region and could cause further declines in the future.

Strategy:

In order to sustain and conserve the fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay, federal action that reduces pollution, combats invasive species and invests in restoring habitat is necessary. The TRCP is working with partner groups, members of Congress and hunters and anglers on the ground to advocate for such legislation.

Action:

The TRCP and partners worked with members of the 111th Congress to introduce legislation in both the House and the Senate to reduce pollution, restore riparian areas and forests and improve management of water resources in the Chesapeake Bay. The TRCP informed policymakers to ensure the bill improved access, focused restoration efforts on fish and wildlife habitat and provided grant funding for habitat restoration projects. Unfortunately, legislation fell by the wayside following the midterm elections.

The TRCP will continue to engage with key members of Congress to push a bill toward passage in the 112th Congress, and we will work with our grassroots partners to communicate the importance of Chesapeake legislation. 

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