Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 22, 2017
Contact:
Ann Jennings, Virginia Director, Chesapeake Bay Commission, (804) 786-4849, AJennings@chesbay.us
Chesapeake Bay Commission to host inaugural event June 10 as part of Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week
RICHMOND – A new signature event, “Back to the Bay,” will be held June 10 at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton as part of Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week.
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week was established by legislatures in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania to encourage events, activities and educational programs that raise awareness about the Chesapeake Bay.
Back to the Bay, scheduled 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will offer a fun, family-friendly and educational event to the public.
The event is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Attendees may paddleboard, see underwater grasses up close, learn about Capt. John Smith’s voyage, enjoy live entertainment by Northern Virginia’s hottest cover band, The Burn Band from Mason Neck, taste local foods and visit more than 20 booths with hands-on educational activities focused on the Chesapeake Bay.
Other activities include an oyster shucking demonstration by oyster shucking champion Deborah Pratt, a ribbon cutting of an oyster shell recycling bin that will remain at Mason Neck State Park, and remarks by Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward, Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Storck, Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William and Fauquier counties, and Del. David L. Bulova, D-Fairfax.
“The work of countless dedicated stewards has helped to yield measurable results in improved water quality, increased habitat and growing animal abundance, but restoration of the Chesapeake Bay is a shared responsibility for all citizens,” said Ward. “Back to the Bay and Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week will offer additional awareness to this treasure that is so important to Virginia and all states connected to it.”
The Chesapeake Bay has been in the news lately because of signs indicating improved health. These include the greatest amount of underwater grasses found since investigations began three decades ago and long-term trends from water testing showing less pollution. The bay has been in the news also because of possible cuts to restoration funds.
Virginia has made tremendous progress in reducing nutrient and sediment pollution and is set to meet its 2017 midpoint goals. Continuing the progress to meet the state’s clean water goals by 2025, however, will require more actions by public agencies, the business community and residents of the watershed.
“If we do this right, if we can restore this great resource, it will be the most important restoration project in the world. It will be good for the region and the nation. Back to the Bay brings together best practices, from the private and public sectors, that will help us take the next steps in controlling polluted runoff,” said Lingamfelter, who chairs the Chesapeake Bay Commission Virginia Delegation.
“Back to the Bay will also showcase businesses that rely on clean water for their bottom line and businesses that have made restoring the Chesapeake Bay an important part of their business sustainability goals,” said Nissa Dean, Virginia state director of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, a partnering organization for Businesses for the Bay.
For more information about Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week and Back to the Bay, visit http://www.vcnva.org/chesapeake-bay-awareness-week/ and follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/249460912171565/.
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