St. Mary’s River Watershed Association
$5,000 / 2006 / Environment
Toward the cost of a demonstration project to test the potential of farmed, selectively bred, native oysters. An evaluation of the project will measure the improvement of water quality and biodiversity, and the extent of an increased harvest to help Maryland meet its goal of increasing the oyster biomass tenfold by 2010 from a 1994 baseline.
West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc.
$10,000 / 2006 / Environment
For start-up costs for monitoring activities to clean up the West/Rhode River watershed by increasing the number of volunteers and expanding outreach activities. The riverkeeper will meet with state and local leaders to develop cooperative efforts, file complaints with state and county commissioners, testify on pollution issues, commission a study on the effectiveness of the Critical Area Act, and review approved variances.
American Farmland Trust
$50,000 / 2005 / Environment
For continued support of activities designed to ensure the success of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program. In preparation for the Governor’s Forum on Agriculture in February 2006, the American Farmland Trust facilitated eight sessions with representatives from farming communities to address issues facing Maryland farmers: profitability, land preservation, protection to ensure well-managed agricultural land, and education for the next generation of farmers.
Audubon Maryland-DC
$30,000 / 2005 / Environment
For continued support to enable the Audubon Center in Patterson Park to serve as a conservation resource, providing a broad range of educational and family events. Working closely with neighboring schools, Audubon will continue to enhance an environmental program that integrates Maryland State Standards and includes field trips and end-of-year service projects.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
$5,000 / 2005 / Environment
For the 2006 Environmental Legislative Summit. The agenda will include issues of restoration of full funding for Program Open Space, preservation of agricultural lands, and reduction of pollution from agricultural run-off and coal-fired power plants.