Summary:
The restoration efforts for the Chesapeake Bay have made significant progress, with over half of the goals set in 2014 achieved by 2025. The Chesapeake Bay Program is now revising its goals, informed by recent evaluations and focusing on four key themes: healthy landscapes, clean water, engaged communities, and thriving habitat and wildlife. The revised draft Agreement proposes consolidating the original 31 outcomes to 21, introducing a new Workforce outcome, and emphasizing conservation.
Public feedback on these revisions is encouraged from July 1 to September 1, 2025, to ensure community needs are addressed. The partnership model remains crucial for restoring the 64,000-square-mile watershed, prioritizing science and collaboration for meaningful change.
Josh Kurtz serves as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
