Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation Inc

DESCRIPTION:THIS AWARD PROVIDES FUNDING THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL) (ALSO KNOWN AS THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT (IIJA)) FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER SECTION 320 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA), WHICH WILL HELP RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS. THIS PROJECT OVERSEES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS OUTLINED UNDER MARYLAND COASTAL BAY'S (MCBP) WORKPLAN, THROUGH WHICH THE FEDERAL FUNDS AND OUTLINED ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM'S (NEP) COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP). THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MCBP CCMP.ACTIVITIES:UNDER THIS AWARD, MCBP INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT ACTIONS RELATED TO 52 ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS GOALS WITHIN THEIR CCMP. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE DRIVEN BY SPECIFIC PRIORITY GOALS, INCLUDING: DECREASING NUTRIENT LOADING THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED; PRESERVING AND PROTECTING MARSHES, SHORELINES AND NEAR-SHORE HABITATS; FACILITATING AND MONITORING CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION PROJECTS; AND, EDUCATING THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT KNOWLEDGEABLE DECISION-MAKING FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ITS FUTURE. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED UNDER THIS AWARD INCLUDE: COASTAL HABITAT RESTORATION, WATER QUALITY MONITORING, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH, CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCY EFFORTS, LIVING SHORELINE IMPROVEMENTS, STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS, SUPPORTING DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES AND HBCU INSTITUTIONS, AND MAINTAINING CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT CCMP GOALS.SUBRECIPIENT:WITH THE GOAL OF PROMOTING IDEAS AND PROJECTS THAT ADDRESS CLIMATE RESILIENCE- AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE-ORIENTED NEEDS, COMPETITIVE GRANTS OF VARIOUS SIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO CCMP PARTNERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS IN THE WATERSHED. GRANTS MAY INCLUDE A MIX OF LARGER AWARDS FOR SIGNIFICANT PROJECT OR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SMALLER AWARDS FOR MORE LIMITED PROJECTS BY SMALLER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. THE INTENTION IS TO RESERVE A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF GRANT FUNDING FOR PROJECTS/ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSED ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES.OUTCOMES:ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES RELATED TO THIS AWARD INCLUDE THE RESTORATION OF NONTIDAL WETLAND HABITAT FROM AGRICULTURAL LAND, THE INSTALLATION OF NATURAL SHORELINE TO ERODED AREAS, THE IMPROVEMENT OF STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN UNDERSERVED AREAS, THE DESIGN OF VARIOUS HABITAT AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND STANDING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS. OUTCOMES FROM THIS AWARD INCLUDE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND GROWTH IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN THE WATERSHED, INCREASED COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, AND THE PRESERVATION/ENHANCEMENT OF WATER QUALITY, CRITICAL HABITAT AND COASTAL RESILIENCE RESOURCES. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES OF THIS AWARD INCLUDE THE CITIZENS OF THE LOCAL WATERSHED, VISITORS TO THE EASTERN SHORE AND COASTAL BAYS, INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES THAT RELY ON THE COASTAL BAYS, STUDENTS AND FACULTY OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM AND OF UMES, AND THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AS A WHOLE.

DESCRIPTION:THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FUNDING TO MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS PROGRAM UNDER THE NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM (NEP) TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEP COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) AND EPA STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL 5: ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES AND OBJECTIVE 5.2: - PROTECT AND RESTORE WATERBODIES AND WATERSHEDS TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY, PROTECT THE NATURAL HABITAT AND LIVING RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE HUMAN USES IN THE ESTUARY. SECTION 320 OF THE CWA AUTHORIZES THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE EPA TO CONVENE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR ESTUARIES OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE THAT ARE THREATENED BY POLLUTION, DEVELOPMENT, OR OVERUSE. ACTIVITIES:THE PROJECTS INCLUDED WILL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES THAT ADDRESS THE KEY CHALLENGES FACING THE ESTUARY INCLUDING ASSESSING TRENDS IN WATER QUALITY, HABITATS, NATURAL RESOURCES AND USES; COORDINATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CCMP BY THE NEP, ALONG WITH THE STATE, FEDERAL, LOCAL AGENCIES, STAKEHOLDERS, NGOS, CITIZENS, PARTNERS, AND OTHERS; AND MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED UNDER THE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE APPROVED CCMP AND ANNUAL WORKPLAN. SOME SPECIFIC WORK AND ACTIONS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THIS AWARD INCLUDE CONTINUATION OF ONGOING PROJECTS TO RESTORE IMPORTANT COASTAL AND INLAND HABITATS AND SPECIES OF SIGNIFICANCE; DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW CCMP; PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF A PROGRAMMATIC EVALUATION; CONDUCTING PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMING, COMMUNITY OUTREACH CAMPAIGNS; MONITORING STREAMS AND COASTAL BAYS FOR CONTINUOUS EFFORTS; AND DEVELOPING TECHNICAL AND PUBLIC REPORTS.SUBRECIPIENT:SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE CHESAPEAKE CONSERVATION CORPS IN IMPLEMENTING THE MCBP CCMP; SUPPORTING THE WORK OF UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT OF ANNUAL REPORT CARD AND ECO-HEALTH REPORTING RESOURCES AND ACCESS. OUTCOMES:DELIVERABLES INCLUDE THE MCBP ANNUAL REPORT CARD ON WATERSHED QUALITY AND HEALTH AND THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - EASTERN SHORE (UMES) THROUGH THE LEAP MOU PROGRAM. MCBP ANTICIPATES HOSTING FOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS AND 12 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AND PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS. THEY ALSO ANTICIPATE APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN/IMPLEMENTATION FUNDING FOR PRIORITIZED PROJECTS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF MCBP STAFF AS A DELIVERABLE. OUTCOMES FROM THIS AWARD INCLUDE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND GROWTH IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN THE WATERSHED, INCREASED COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, AND THE PRESERVATION/ENHANCEMENT OF WATER QUALITY, CRITICAL HABITAT AND COASTAL RESILIENCE RESOURCES. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES OF THIS AWARD INCLUDE THE CITIZENS OF THE LOCAL WATERSHED, VISITORS TO THE EASTERN SHORE AND COASTAL BAYS, INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES THAT RELY ON THE COASTAL BAYS, STUDENTS AND FACULTY OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM AND OF UMES, AND THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AS A WHOLE.

THIS AWARD WILL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPAAPPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UND

THIS AWARD WILL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA-APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN UNDER SEC

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAY PROGRAM'S COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER SECTION 320 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA), WHICH WILL HELP TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS SYSTEM. ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS PROJECT INCLUDE HABITAT RESTORATION, WATERSHED MONITORING, AND EDUCATION/OUTREACH EFFORTS. THE OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES OF THE ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS PROJECT INCLUDE IMPROVED WATER QUALITY, IMPROVED COASTAL HABITAT CONDITIONS, AND INCREASED COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. THE BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROJECT INCLUDE THE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS REGION.

THIS AWARD WILL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA-APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UN

THIS AWARD PROVIDES FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA-APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER SECTION 320 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA), WHICH WILL HELP RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS.

THIS AWARD PROVIDES FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER SECTION 320 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA), WHICH WILL HELP RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGICIAL INTEGRITY OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS.

THIS AWARD PROVIDES FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA-APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER

THIS AWARD WILL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA-APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER

PROGRAMMING SUPPORTS A COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF COOPERATIVE STUDY UNITS TO FACILITATE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING TO INFORM SCIENCE-BASED MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM. THE STUDY UNITS FACILITATE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY SCIENCE AND INTEGRATED INFORMATION PRODUCTS ACROSS MULTIPLE GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM. THIS PROJECT FUNDS THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS FOUNDATION TO IMPLEMENT A SALTMARSH RESTORATION EFFORT AT ASSATEAGUE ISLAND. THIS EFFORT WILL RESTORE DEGRADED WETLAND HABITATS AND RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT HOW HEALTHY COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS CAN MITIGATE IMPACTS RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE. BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, REGIONAL COASTAL LAND MANAGERS, PUBLIC PRIVATE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

DESCRIPTION:THIS AWARD PROVIDES FUNDING THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL) (ALSO KNOWN AS THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT (IIJA)) FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPA APPROVED MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) UNDER SECTION 320 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA), WHICH WILL HELP RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS. THIS PROJECT OVERSEES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS OUTLINED UNDER MARYLAND COASTAL BAY'S (MCBP) WORKPLAN, THROUGH WHICH THE FEDERAL FUNDS AND OUTLINED ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM'S (NEP) COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP). THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MCBP CCMP.ACTIVITIES:UNDER THIS AWARD, MCBP INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT ACTIONS RELATED TO 52 ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS GOALS WITHIN THEIR CCMP. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE DRIVEN BY SPECIFIC PRIORITY GOALS, INCLUDING: DECREASING NUTRIENT LOADING THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED; PRESERVING AND PROTECTING MARSHES, SHORELINES AND NEAR-SHORE HABITATS; FACILITATING AND MONITORING CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION PROJECTS; AND, EDUCATING THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT KNOWLEDGEABLE DECISION-MAKING FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ITS FUTURE. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED UNDER THIS AWARD INCLUDE: COASTAL HABITAT RESTORATION, WATER QUALITY MONITORING, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH, CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCY EFFORTS, LIVING SHORELINE IMPROVEMENTS, STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS, SUPPORTING DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES AND HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND MAINTAINING CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT CCMP GOALSSUBRECIPIENT:SUBAWARDS WILL SUPPORT LOWER SHORE LAND TRUST FOR GRASSLANDS HABITAT INITIATIVE, OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION FOR SOUTH GATE POND SOFT SHORELINE, TOWN OF OCEAN CITY FOR NORTHSIDE PARK SHORELINE RESTORATION DESIGN AND PERMITTING, SUPPORT OF TITLE I SCHOOLS IN WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES, RESEARCH MINIGRANTS FOR STUDENTS, AND CCMP REVISION ASSISTANCE. OUTCOMES:ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES RELATED TO THIS AWARD INCLUDE THE RESTORATION OF NONTIDAL WETLAND HABITAT FROM AGRICULTURAL LAND, THE INSTALLATION OF NATURAL SHORELINE TO ERODED AREAS, THE IMPROVEMENT OF STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN UNDERSERVED AREAS, THE DESIGN OF VARIOUS HABITAT AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND STANDING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS. OUTCOMES FROM THIS AWARD INCLUDE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND GROWTH IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN THE WATERSHED, INCREASED COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, AND THE PRESERVATION/ENHANCEMENT OF WATER QUALITY, CRITICAL HABITAT AND COASTAL RESILIENCE RESOURCES. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES OF THIS AWARD INCLUDE THE CITIZENS OF THE LOCAL WATERSHED, VISITORS TO THE EASTERN SHORE AND COASTAL BAYS, INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES THAT RELY ON THE COASTAL BAYS, STUDENTS AND FACULTY OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM AND OF UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORES, AND THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AS A WHOLE.

DESCRIPTION:THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES FUNDING UNDER THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT (IIJA) (PL 117-58) TO MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS PROGRAM. THE RECIPIENT WILL SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP) AND STRATEGIC PLAN TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY, PROTECT THE NATURAL HABITAT AND LIVING RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE HUMAN USES. THE PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FUNDING VIA THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL) WILL LEVERAGE EXISTING EFFORTS. SPECIFICALLY, THE RECIPIENT WILL IMPLEMENT PROJECTS WITH ACTIVITIES THAT INCLUDE THE RESTORATION OF WETLAND HABITAT, ADDRESSING NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION, DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND HABITAT SURVEYING AND ANALYSIS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES, ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY AND COALITION BUILDING, AND MORE.ACTIVITIES:THE WORK TO BE ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS PROJECT INCLUDES RESTORATION OF WETLAND HABITAT, ADDRESSING NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION, DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND HABITAT SURVEYING AND ANALYSIS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES, ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY AND COALITION BUILDING, AND MORE.SUBRECIPIENT:ACTIVITIES THAT SUBAWARDS WILL SUPPORT THE GOALS OF THE CCMP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS THAT SUPPORT THE MCBP EQUITY STRATEGY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY GOALS. RECIPIENTS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE TITLE 1 WORCESTER COUNTY SCHOOLS DEVELOPED ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND STEAM EDUCATION PROGRAMMING, THE CITY OF OCEAN CITY AND THE CITY OF BERLIN FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, AND LOCAL NONPROFITS WHO WILL APPLY THROUGH RFP FOR RESEARCH FUNDING TO FURTHER CCMP AND EQUITY STRATEGY GOALS.OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES AND OUTCOMES INCLUDE: 20+ ACRES OF RESTORED WETLANDS, INSTALLATION OF NONPOINT SOURCE / NUTRIENT REDUCTION BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, MONITORING, ASSESSMENT, AND ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY FROM 70+ SAMPLING LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COASTAL BAYS, HABITAT SURVEYS, INCREASED UNDERSTANDING OF CLIMATE STRESSORS ON THE COASTAL BAYS SYSTEM, INCREASED CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND TO CLIMATE STRESSORS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, INCREASED CAPACITY AND ENGAGEMENT AROUND CLIMATE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE EASTERN SHORE, DEVELOPMENT OF STEAM LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS WITHIN THE EASTERN SHORE, AND INCREASED CAPACITY OF THE MCBP TEAM TO IMPLEMENT THE CCMP. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES OF THIS WORK AND THIS AWARD INCLUDE THE COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE EASTERN SHORE REGION, SPECIFICALLY WITHIN THE COASTAL BAYS WATERSHED, AND ADDITIONALLY THE STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND EMPLOYEES OF TITLE I SCHOOLS SERVING THE AREA. THIS WORK ALSO BENEFITS VISITORS TO THE EASTERN SHORE AND COASTAL BAYS.

DESCRIPTION:SECTION 320 OF THE CWA AUTHORIZES THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE EPA TO CONVENE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR ESTUARIES OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE THAT ARE THREATENED BY POLLUTION, DEVELOPMENT, OR OVERUSE. THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FUNDING TO MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS PROGRAM FOR NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM (NEP) TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEP COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP). THE CCMP COVERS FOUR THEMES OF WORK: PROVIDE HEALTHY WATERS; PROTECT FISH, WILDLIFE AND THEIR HABITATS; CREATE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS; AND DEVELOP PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS. THE WORKPLAN MEETS ALL PROGRAMMATIC REQUIREMENTS BASED ON MOST RECENT GUIDANCE. ACTIVITIES:THE PROJECTS INCLUDED WILL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES THAT ADDRESS THE KEY CHALLENGES FACING THE ESTUARY INCLUDING ASSESSING TRENDS IN WATER QUALITY, HABITATS, NATURAL RESOURCES AND USES; COORDINATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CCMP BY THE NEP, ALONG WITH THE STATE, FEDERAL, LOCAL AGENCIES, STAKEHOLDERS, NGOS, CITIZENS, PARTNERS, AND OTHERS; AND MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED UNDER THE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE APPROVED CCMP AND ANNUAL WORKPLAN. THIS GRANT WILL SUPPORT STAFF, TRAVEL, SUPPLIES, AND CONTRACTS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT IN THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS THROUGH PROJECTS INCLUDING EDUCATION PROGRAMS, HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS, WATER QUALITY MONITORING, OYSTER GARDENING, AND GREEN SCHOLARSHIPS.SUBRECIPIENT:ONE SUBAWARD WILL GO TO UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (UMCES) TO CREATE THE COASTAL BAYS ANNUAL REPORT CARD ($17,500). THE SECOND SUBAWARD IS TO MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR AERIAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTION TO SUPPORT RESTORATION OF SEAGRASS BEDS IN THE COASTAL BAYS ($9,000).OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES INCLUDE ANNUAL REPORT CARDS, DATA ON HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY, COMMUNITY EVENTS AND EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS, AND SEMI ANNUAL REPORTING TO EPA. THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES INCLUDE IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING OF CHANGES IN THE MCBP ECOSYSTEM INCLUDING WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT, INCREASED PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT, AND IMPROVED AND INCREASED HABITAT AND COASTAL RESILIENCE. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE LOCAL COMMUNITIES INCLUDING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS IN IN THE MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS WATERSHEDS AND THIS ESTUARY DIRECTLY BENEFIT FROM THIS PROJECT.

THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT PROVIDES THE LIVING LOCAL PROJECT AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING MODULE, STUDENT EXPERIENCES, AND COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS THAT ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN IMPACTS AFFECTING AGRICULTURE AND THE BENEFITS BEST FARM PRACTICES HAVE ON MARYLAND'S WATER RESOURCES COASTAL BAYS. PROJECT ACTIVITIES WILL PROMOTE A CULTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND LITERACY THROUGH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES ON LOCAL FARMS AND SCHOOLS IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND.