The Maryland Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership has unveiled a preliminary list of watershed criteria and data sets to support local governments, NGOs, and project sponsors in evaluating potential restoration projects. This initiative is part of the Whole Watershed Act (SB 969/HB 1165), which promotes a science-driven approach to watershed restoration across Maryland.
The act introduces the Whole Watershed Fund, which leverages existing state funds to support a five-year pilot program. This program will focus on five Maryland watersheds that reflect the state’s varied land uses, geographies, and environmental challenges.
Josh Kurtz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, emphasized the significance of this new approach. “The Whole Watershed Act represents an opportunity to shift the way we’ve approached ecological restoration and conservation in Maryland,” Kurtz stated. “Working with diverse project partnerships across five watersheds, we can realize local benefits ranging from better water quality and new habitats to community health improvements and new job opportunities.”
The initiative is a direct response to the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee’s Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR) report. The pilot projects are designed to deliver multiple benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced public access, better wildlife habitat, fisheries improvement, environmental justice, and increased climate resiliency.
A state management team, comprising agency experts, will oversee the projects. This team will focus on streamlining project permitting and funding processes and evaluating project outcomes.
The criteria for selecting watersheds and additional resources for project evaluation are available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
A call for proposals will be issued by the state management team by October 1, 2024. This call aims to select up to five watersheds for the pilot, including one predominantly urban area, one suburban area, two predominantly agricultural areas aimed at reducing runoff, and one collaborative project with an adjoining state. At least two of the selected watersheds will be in areas that are overburdened or underserved, ensuring that the benefits of the restoration efforts are equitably distributed.
