Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Database Seeks Submissions

The new Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV) Coastal Marsh Project Database is officially up and running, ready to host new project submissions. Serving as a central hub for conservation efforts, the database tracks ongoing work in the coastal marsh system, stretching from Maine to Florida. It provides valuable insight into where restoration projects are taking place, helps connect projects in need of additional funding with available grant opportunities, and supports planning for scientific assessments on the impact of restoration efforts on wildlife.

Lower Shore Land Trust & Partners Restoration Efforts Continue at Pirates Wharf

On March 11th, a key step in the ongoing habitat restoration efforts at Pirates Wharf Park took place as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a prescribed burn across sections of the park’s grassland. This carefully planned and controlled burn is part of a larger collaborative effort between Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department, the Lower Shore Land Trust, and ShoreRivers, all working together to revitalize the unique grassland habitat along the Wicomico River through the Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network.

The upcoming planting, led by the Lower Shore Land Trust in partnership with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department, will focus on establishing a biologically diverse meadow filled with native pollinator flowers and grasses. This effort aims to create a vibrant habitat that supports a variety of native species, from butterflies and bees to birds and small mammals, reinforcing the park’s role as an ecological gem along the Wicomico River.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement Update

The Chesapeake Bay Program is in the process of amending the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement (Watershed Agreement) because many of the goals and outcomes have a target deadline of December 2025. The Habitat Goal Implementation Team is reviewing the Wetlands

Outcome in order to give a recommendation to the Management Board on whether to update, consolidate, or remove it from the revised Watershed Agreement.

To inform the recommendation, the Wetlands Workgroup has met several times to determine if the outcome should be modified post 2025. Benefits to the public, challenges to achieving the current outcome, and its relevance to other outcomes in the Watershed Agreement are just a few aspects being taken into consideration during the review. Thanks to the engagement and

support of the wetland's workgroup members, the workgroup chair will be going before the Management Board on March 13th to give their recommendation on the role wetlands should play in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement post 2025.

For more information on the process visit Planning for 2025 and Beyond or contact Dede Lawal (Lawal.Dede@epa.gov).

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Releases RFA for Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is seeking grant applications for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects through the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Grant Program (RFA 87426). Projects will be evaluated by a panel of wildlife professionals based on waterfowl habitat benefits, site characteristics, project planning, social concerns, and other wildlife considerations. Applications may only be submitted by appropriate nonprofit organizations in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 29.1-339.2. This grant has an Award Ceiling of up to $200,000 with a minimum 1:1 match requirement. Match may be in the form of cash or in-kind compensation. Please see the attached RFA document for more information.

Applications are due by April 25th, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST.

Applicants must be registered in eVA to apply. To register in eVA, go to https://eva.virginia.gov/register-now.html. If your organization is already registered in eVA, you are strongly encouraged to login to eVA to verify your eVA registration status is active and your account information is correct before you submit your application response.

In order to be considered for selection, applicants must submit a complete response to this RFA. One (1) original, so marked, and one (1) redacted copy if applicable (removing only proprietary information), so marked, shall be attached electronically as an Adobe PDF, using the Commonwealth’s electronic procurement system, eVA. Instructions for submitting a response electronically in eVA can be found here. The official solicitation can be found here.

You can use the Advanced Search feature along the right side of the screen to find the listing by defining the Buying Entity as the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource.

Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) Releases RFP for MCBP Mini Grant Program and Research Grant programs 

Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) Mini Grant Program seeks to support watershed-based community, science, and educational initiatives in Worcester County that align with Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) action items. The Research Grant Program grants are being offered to MCBP’s partners to assist in responding to the implementation of actions outlined in the Maryland Coastal Bays Program CCMP. The CCMP can be found on Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s website. The submission period will open January 21, 2025 and close on March 21, 2025.

Visit https://mdcoastalbays.org/funding-opportunities/

Contact Ellen Turnbaugh (eturnbaugh@mdcoastalbays.org) with questions

2023-2024 Bay Barometer

This year's Bay Barometer covers 12 outcomes, including wetlands, that were updated from November 2023 to November 2024. The report provides insights into the health of the Bay and progress toward its restoration and protection.

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DNR to Acquire Property to Establish First State Park in Wicomico County

The Board of Public Works approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources to purchase a historic property that would become the first Maryland State Park in Wicomico County. 

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