Stewardship Workgroup

Scope and Purpose

The long-term success and sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort will ultimately depend on the actions and support of the over 17 million residents of the region who call the watershed home. The cumulative impact of these millions of individuals can both positively and negatively affect the health of lands and waterways. Hundreds of local conservation organizations, in addition to a growing number of community associations, religious institutions, and others, are leading efforts at the local scale to engage and empower residents to restore local streams, reduce pollution, protect the environment and improve their communities. The efforts of these groups and of community leaders also result in an ever-increasing number of residents adopting behaviors and taking individual actions that ultimately reduce our collective impact on the Bay.

The 2014 Agreement contained a Stewardship Outcome to, “Increase the number and diversity of trained and mobilized resident volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the health of their local watersheds." The Stewardship team has formed to facilitate the implementation of this Stewardship Outcome. The team includes representation from federal, state, local and non-profit partners responsible and committed to stewardship activities.