OCEAN CITY, Md. - A newly updated 10-year plan to protect Maryland’s Coastal Bays was officially signed Tuesday, bringing together leaders and environmental partners from across the state to renew their commitment to the long-term health of the region’s waterways and ecosystems.
The signing ceremony marked the adoption of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan — a roadmap that will guide conservation efforts through 2035.
Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, said while progress has been made, the region continues to face serious threats.
“Recently one of the challenges that we've had are island loss and marsh loss,” Smith said. “A lot of tidal marsh due to sea level rise and other factors.”
The plan centers around four key goals: providing healthy waters, protecting wildlife, creating resilient ecosystems, and increasing public engagement.
Governor Wes Moore, who joined other officials in signing the plan, emphasized the role of clean energy and shared responsibility.
“Making sure that our waterways are clean, and also that we can have other energy sources to be able to make sure that things are reliable and also affordable for ratepayers,” Moore said.
He also highlighted the importance of public involvement moving forward.
“I love the fact that this is something that is going to take everybody.” Moore said. “It means we're going to need people going out and doing their own individual part inside this work. And it means making sure you're talking to your lawmakers.”
With the signing complete, state and local partners are now set to implement the plan’s goals over the next decade.