Question

Using the links for the federal agencies below, respond to the prompts across the top of the chart.

What is the Current Environmental Policies Impacting the Chesapeake Bay of these Agencies?



Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-

U.S. Forest Service (FS)-

National Park Service (NPS)-

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)-

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)-

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-

Office of Environmental Management (OEM)-

Answer 1

The prompt is asking for an analysis of how the policies of each federal agency listed are impacting the health of the Chesapeake Bay. To evaluate this, we can use the Bay Report Card provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA plays a key role in implementing and enforcing federal policies that affect the Chesapeake Bay. Its policies focus on reducing pollution and restoring water quality in the Bay. The Bay Report Card shows that the overall health of the Bay has improved in recent years, with the water quality score improving from a D+ in 2010 to a C in 2020. This suggests that the EPA's policies are having a positive impact on the health of the Bay.

U.S. Forest Service (FS): The FS manages national forests and grasslands, which can impact the Chesapeake Bay through its watersheds. The Bay Report Card notes that forested land is a key contributor to the health of the Bay, as it helps to filter pollution and reduce erosion. Therefore, the policies of the FS that promote forest conservation and restoration can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay.

National Park Service (NPS): The NPS manages several parks and historic sites in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its policies aim to protect and restore natural resources in these areas, which can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay. For example, NPS policies that promote the restoration of wetlands and other critical habitats can help improve water quality in the Bay.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): The FWS is responsible for protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its policies focus on reducing pollution and improving water quality, which can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay. The Bay Report Card notes that the health of the Bay is closely linked to the health of its fish and wildlife populations, making the policies of the FWS critical to the overall health of the Bay.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): The USGS conducts research and provides data on natural resources in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its policies aim to improve our understanding of the Bay's ecology and the factors that impact its health. The data and research provided by the USGS can be used to inform policies aimed at reducing pollution and improving water quality in the Bay.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA is responsible for protecting and restoring ocean and coastal ecosystems, including the Chesapeake Bay. Its policies focus on reducing pollution and restoring habitats, which can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay. The Bay Report Card notes that the health of the Bay is closely linked to the health of its coastal habitats, making the policies of NOAA critical to the overall health of the Bay.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): The NRCS is responsible for helping farmers and landowners implement conservation practices that protect natural resources, including the Chesapeake Bay. Its policies focus on reducing pollution and improving soil health, which can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay. The Bay Report Card notes that agricultural practices are a key contributor to the health of the Bay, making the policies of the NRCS critical to the overall health of the Bay.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): The BLM manages public lands in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including forests, wetlands, and other critical habitats. Its policies aim to protect and restore these lands, which can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay. The Bay Report Card notes that the health of the Bay is closely linked to the health of its natural resources, making the policies of the BLM critical to the overall health of the Bay.

Office of Environmental Management (OEM): The OEM is responsible for managing the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and reducing environmental risks in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its policies focus on identifying and addressing sources of pollution, which can have a positive impact on the health of the Bay. The Bay Report Card notes that reducing pollution is critical to improving the health of the Bay, making the policies of the OEM critical to the overall health of the Bay.

In summary, the policies of each federal agency listed can have a positive impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing pollution, improving water quality, and protecting critical habitats. The Bay Report Card shows that the health of the Bay has improved in recent years, suggesting that the policies of these agencies are having a positive impact. However, continued efforts are needed to further improve the health of the Bay and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

Answer 2

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - The EPA has been involved in the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, which sets limits on the amount of nutrients and sediment that can be discharged into the bay. The EPA has also been working with state and local partners to implement measures to improve water quality in the bay.

U.S. Forest Service (FS) - The FS has been working to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through the implementation of forest management practices that reduce runoff and erosion. The FS has also been involved in the development of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which sets goals for the restoration and protection of the bay and its watershed.

National Park Service (NPS) - The NPS has been working to reduce the impact of its operations on the Chesapeake Bay watershed and has been involved in efforts to improve water quality in the bay. The NPS has also been working with partners to promote public education and awareness of the importance of the bay and its ecosystem.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) - The FWS has been involved in efforts to restore and protect the habitat of fish and wildlife species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The FWS has also been working with partners to improve water quality in the bay and promote public awareness of the importance of the bay and its ecosystem.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - The USGS has been involved in research and monitoring efforts related to water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The USGS has also been working with partners to develop models and tools to better understand the bay and its ecosystem.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - NOAA has been involved in efforts to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay through the implementation of programs to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. NOAA has also been working with partners to monitor and assess the health of the bay and its ecosystem.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - The NRCS has been working with farmers and other landowners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to implement conservation practices that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. The NRCS has also been involved in the development of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - While the Chesapeake Bay watershed does not fall under the jurisdiction of the BLM, the agency has been involved in efforts to improve water quality in other areas of the country through the implementation of best management practices on public lands.

Office of Environmental Management (OEM) - The OEM is primarily responsible for managing the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and radioactive waste sites. While the Chesapeake Bay watershed does not fall under the jurisdiction of the OEM, the agency has been involved in efforts to address contamination in other areas of the country