IRC-GIT Recommendations to

STAC Additions to Draft Agreement Outcome Statements

(April 21, 2014)

STAC Recommendation / GIT/IRC Recommendation: Agreed/rejected/modified
Sustainable Fisheries
  • BlueCrabAbundance Outcome: Maintainasustainablebluecrabpopulation basedonthecurrent2012targetof215millionadultfemales.andcontinuetorRefinepopulationtargetsthrough 2025basedon bestavailablescience.
/ Agreed. GIT1: Agrees with change.
  • BlueCrabManagementOutcome:Continuallyimprovetheabilitytomanagefor a stableandproductivecrab fisheryby workingwith theindustry,recreational crabbers,andotherstakeholdersto improvecommercialandrecreationalharvest accountability.By2018evaluatetheestablishmentofa Bay-wide,allocation-based managementframeworkwith annuallevelssetbythejurisdictionsthat willprovide stabilityfor crabbingbusinessesandaccountabilityof theharvestforeach jurisdiction.
/ Rejected. GIT1: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome. GIT1revised:
Blue Crab Management Outcome: Improve the ability toManage for a stable and productive crab populationand fishery,byincludingworking with the industry, recreational crabbers, and other stakeholders to improve commercial and recreational harvest accountability. By 2018, evaluate the establishment of a Bay-wide, allocation-based management framework with annual levels set by the jurisdictions for the purpose of accounting for and adjusting harvest by each jurisdiction.that will provide stability for crabbing businesses and accountability of the harvest for each jurisdiction.
  • OysterOutcome:Continuallyincreasefinfishandshellfishhabitatand water qualitybenefitsfromrestoredoyster populations.Restorenativeoysterhabitat andpopulations in 10tributariesby2025andensuretheir protection to recoverthe benefitsof fishhabitatandwaterqualityimprovementsthathealthyoysterreefs provide.
/ Rejected. GIT1: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • ForageFishOutcome:Continuallyimprovethe capacityto manageforagefish populationsintheChesapeakeBay.By2016,developastrategyfor assessingthe foragefishbaseavailable asfood forpredatoryspeciesin theChesapeakeBay.
/ Rejected. GIT1: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • FishHabitatOutcome:Continuallyimproveeffectivenessof fishhabitat conservationandrestorationefforts.Continueto identifyandcharacterizecritical spawning,nurseryand forageareaswithinthe Bayandtributariesforimportantfish andshellfishanduse existing and newtoolstointegrateinformationandconduct assessmentstoinformrestorationandconservationefforts.
/ Rejected. GIT1: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
Vital Habitats
Goal:Protect,restore,andenhancefinfish,shellfish andotherlivingresources,their habitatsandecologicalrelationshipsto sustainallfisheriesandprovidefora balancedecosystemin thewatershedandBay. / Rejected. GIT2: would agree to inserting “Continue to” at beginning of goal statement , but only if similar change is made to all other goals.
  • WetlandsOutcome:Continuallyincreasethecapacityofwetlandstoprovidewater qualityandhabitatbenefitsthroughoutthewatershed.Createor re-establish85,000 acresof tidal andnon-tidalwetlandsandenhancefunction ofanadditional150,000 acresof degradedwetlandsby2025.Theseactivitiesmayoccur inanyland use (includingurban)butprimarilyoccur inagricultural ornaturallandscapes.
/ Rejected. GIT2: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • BlackDuck:By2025,restorewetlandhabitatsthatenhanceandpreservea winteringpopulationof100,000blackduck, aspeciesrepresentativeofthe health oftidal marshesacrossthewatershed. Refine populationtargets through2025basedonbestavailablescience.(Thisisclearlya management targetthatshouldfitundertheprecedingWetlandsOutcome.)
/ Accepted. GIT2: Agrees with part of STAC change: “BlackDuck:By2025,restorewetlandhabitatsthatenhanceandpreservea winteringpopulationof100,000blackduck, aspeciesrepresentativeofthe health oftidal marshesacrossthewatershed. Refine populationtargets through2025basedonbestavailablescience.”
  • StreamHealthOutcome:Continuallyimprovestreamhealthandfunctionthroughout thewatershed.Improvehealthand function of 10%ofstreammilesabove the2008 baselinefortheChesapeake watershed.Note: a2008baselinewillbe establishedby2015.
/ Rejected. GIT2: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • BrookTrout:Restoreandsustain naturallyreproducingbrooktroutpopulations inChesapeakeheadwaterstreamswithan 8percentincreasein occupied habitatby 2025.. (Thisisclearlyamanagementtargetthatshouldfitunder theprecedingStreamHealthOutcome.)
/ Rejected. GIT2: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • FishPassageOutcome:Continuallyincrease thesustainedpresence ofalewife, bluebackherring,Americanshad,hickory shad,Americaneel,and brooktrout in ChesapeakeBayfreshwater rivers and streams.By2025,restorehistoricalfish migratoryroutesbyopening1,000additionalstreammiles,withrestorationsuccessindicatedbythepresenceofalewife,bluebackherring,Americanshad,hickoryshad,Americaneeland/orbrooktrout.(2011baseline year)
/ Rejected. GIT2: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • SubmergedAquaticVegetation(SAV)Outcome:Sustainandincreasethewater qualityandhabitatbenefitsof SAVintheChesapeakeBay. Achieveandsustain the ultimateoutcometargetof 185,000acresofSAVBay-widenecessaryforarestored Bay.Progresstowardsthis ultimateoutcomewillbe measuredagainstatarget goalof90,000acresby 2017and130,000acresby2025.
/ Modified. GIT2: Agrees with part of STAC change: “[SAV] Outcome: “Achieveandsustain the ultimateoutcomeof 185,000acresofSAVBay-widenecessaryforarestored Bay.Progresstowardsthis ultimateoutcomewillbe measuredagainstatarget goalof 90,000acresby 2017and130,000acresby2025.”
  • Forest BufferOutcome:Continuallyincreasethecapacityof forestbufferstoprovide waterqualityandhabitatbenefitsthroughoutthewatershed.Restore900milesper yearof riparianforestbufferandconserveexistingbuffersuntil atleast70%ofriparianareasthroughoutthe watershed are forested.
/ Rejected. GIT2: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
  • UrbanTree CanopyOutcome:Continuallyincreasethecapacityofurbantree canopytoprovide air quality,waterquality,andhabitatbenefitsthroughoutthe watershed.Expand urbantreecanopyby2,400acresby2025.
/ Rejected. GIT2: incorporate the spirit of continuous improvement into the management strategy, but not in this outcome.
Water Quality – no changes recommended by STAC
HealthyWatersheds
  • Healthy WatersOutcome:100%of state-identifiedcurrentlyhealthywatersand watershedsremainhealthy.(?)(We areunabletostructurethistoreflectthe desiredpositivechangeto theBaywatershedresultingfrom thisoutcome.We suggestthefollowingoutcomesasasubstituteoraddition).
/ Rejected. GTI4: these will be addressed during management strategy development
  • TrackingHealthyWatershedsMethodsandMetricsDevelopmentOutcome: Continuallyimprovetheinformationavailableforidentification andassessmentof healthywatershedsin theChesapeakeBaywatershed.By 2016,developa ChesapeakeBaywatershed-widemethodologyandlocal-level metricsfor characterizinghealthywatersheds,andassessingtheirvulnerabilities.
/ Rejected. GTI4: these will be addressed during management strategy development
  • LocalEngagementOutcome:Continuallyimprovethe capacity oflocal governmentstotrackandmanagehealthywatersheds.By2016,launchapublic awarenesscampaigntoassistlocalgovernmentsor theirrepresentativesintheir effortstostrategicallytrack,manage,and continuallyincreasethenumberof healthywatershedsin theirlocalities.
/ Rejected. GTI4: these will be addressed during management strategy development
Land Conservation
  • ProtectedLandsOutcome:Improvedprotectionoflandsimportantfor provisionof water qualityandhabitatbenefits.By2025,protectanadditional twomillion acresof landsthroughoutthe watershedcurrentlyidentifiedashigh-conservationprioritiesat the federal,stateor locallevel,including225,000acresof wetlandsand695,000acres offorestland ofhighestvalueformaintainingwaterquality.(2010baseline year)
/ Rejected. GIT5: STAC language is not reflective of the full intent of the protected lands outcome and is already described in the goal statement.
  • LandUseMethodsandMetricsDevelopmentOutcome:Continuallyimprovethe knowledgeoflandconversionandtheassociatedimpactsthroughoutthewatershed. By2016,developaChesapeakeBaywatershed-widemethodologyandlocal-level metricsfor characterizingtherateof farmland,forest, and wetlandconversion, measuringtheextentandrateofchangein impervioussurfacecoverageand quantifyingthepotentialimpactsof landconversionto waterquality,healthy watersheds,andcommunities.Launcha public awarenesscampaignto share this informationwith localgovernments,electedofficials,andstakeholders.
/ Accepted. IRC recommended:
Land Use Methods and Metrics Development Outcome: Continually improve the knowledge of land conversion and the associated impacts throughout the watershed. By 2016…
  • LandUseOptions EvaluationOutcome: Continuallyimprovethecapacityoflocal governmentstotrack andmanagelanduseconversions.By2017,withthedirect involvementof localgovernmentsortheirrepresentatives,evaluatepolicyoptions, incentives,andplanningtoolsthat couldassistlocal governmentsin theireffortsto strategicallytrack,manage,andreducetherateofconsumption ofagriculturallands, forestsandwetlands,andtherateofconversionof porouslandscapesto impervious surfaces,anddevelopanoutcomeforachievingthose reductionsby2025.
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Land Use Options Evaluation Outcome: Continually improve the capacity of local governments to reduce land use conversions.By 2017, with the direct involvement of local governments or their representatives, evaluate policy options, incentives, and planning tools that could assist local governments in their efforts to strategically track, manage, andreduce the rate of consumptionconversion of wetlands, and agricultural and forest landsand the rate of conversion of porous landscapesto impervious surfaces., andDevelop an outcomestrategies for supporting local governments’ and other efforts in achieving those reductions by 2025 and beyond.
Public Access
  • PublicAccessSiteDevelopmentOutcome:Continually increase public use of the Bay and its rivers and streams for boating, swimming, and fishing.By2025,add 300new public-accesssites,withastrong emphasisonprovidingopportunitiesforboating, swimmingandfishing,wherefeasible. (2010baselineyear)
/ Rejected. GIT5: STAC’s suggested language is repetitive of the current outcome language.
Environmental Literacy
  • MeaningfulWatershedEducationalExperienceOutcome:Continuallyincreasethe numberofstudentsparticipatingin teacher-supportedmeaningfulwatershed educationalexperiencesinelementary,middleandhighschool.
/ Modified. GIT and IRC Recommended:
Student Outcome: Continually increase the number of students participating Every student participatesin at least one teacher-supported meaningful watershed educational experience in elementary, middle, and high school. By 2014, develop baseline metrics to establish and measure outcomes related to student participation in teacher supported meaningful watershed educational experiences and related activities.
  • SchoolandSchoolSystem Model DevelopmentOutcome:Steadilyincreasingsupport for and recognition highlightmodelsof sustainableschoolsandlocaleducation agenciesthat use system-wideapproachesforenvironmentaleducation.
/ Modified.GIT and IRC Recommended:
Sustainable SchoolsOutcome:Continually increase the number of schools in the region workingAll schools in the region work towards maintaining their buildings, grounds, and operations using best practices to support environmental and human health and maximize student involvement.
  • Environmental LiteracyMetricsOutcome:By2014,developbaselinemetricsto establishandmeasureoutcomesrelatedtostudentparticipationin teacher-supported meaningfulwatershededucationalexperiencesandrelatedactivities.(Thisis effectivelyastrategyfor accomplishing/monitoringtheMeaningfulWatershed EducationalExperienceOutcome above.Considermovingitthere.)
/ Modified. GIT and IRC Recommended:
Environmental LiteracyPlan MetricsOutcome:Steadily increase support for and recognition of sustainable schools and local education agencies that use system-wide approaches for environmental education.By 2016, all states complete an environmental literacy plan that details system wide approaches for environmental education to meet the provisions of this agreement.
Toxic Contaminants
  • ToxicContaminantsResearchOutcome:Continuallyincreaseourunderstandingof the types,sources,impacts,andmitigationoptionsforcontaminantsaffectingthebiota andhumanusesof theBayanditswatershed.By2015,developaresearchagendaand furthercharacterizetheoccurrence,concentrations,sourcesandeffectsofmercury, PCBsandother contaminantsofemergingand widespreadconcern.Inaddition, identify which BMPsmightprovideadualmultiplebenefit ofreducingnutrient andsediment pollutionaswellastoxiccontaminantsin waterways.
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Toxic Contaminants Research Outcome: Continually increase our understanding of the impacts and mitigation options for toxic contaminants. Develop a research agenda and further characterize the occurrence, concentrations, sources and effects of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants of emerging and widespread concern. In addition, identify which BMPs might provide a dualmultiple benefits of reducing nutrient and sediment pollution as well as toxic contaminants in waterways.
  • ToxicContaminantsPolicyandPreventionOutcome:Continuallyimprovetheefficacy ofpoliciesandpreventionstrategiesfortoxiccontaminants.By evaluatethe implementationofexisting programs,policies, andpractices,andadditional policies, programs,andpracticesinformedbytheToxics ContaminantsResearchOutcomeas needed,tofurtherreduceoreliminateloadingsofpersistentbioaccumulativeandtoxic contaminants(PBT) andnon-PBTcontaminantsto preventharmtofish,wildlife,and citizens oftheregion.
/ Modified.IRC recommended:
Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention Outcome: Continually improve practices and controls that reduce and prevent the effects of toxic contaminants below levels that harm aquatic systems and humans.Build from existing programs to reduce the amount, and effects, of PCBs in the Bay and watershed. Use research findings to evaluate the implementation of additional policies, programs, practices for other contaminants that need to be further reduced or eliminated.
Changing Environmental Conditions
  • ResilientRestoration Outcome: Continuallyimprovetheeffectivenessof Implementeffective Bayrestorationin thefaceofsealevelriseandchangingenvironmentaland climate conditions.
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Adaptation Outcome: Continually pursue, design, and construct restoration and protection projects to enhance the resiliency of bay and aquatic ecosystems from the impacts of coastal erosion, coastal flooding, more intense and more frequent storms and sea level rise.
  • Monitoring and Assessment Outcome: Continuallyimprove theeffectivenessof Supportmonitoringactivitiestodeliverroutineandsustained climatescience, informationproductsandservices.
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Monitoring and Assessment Outcome: Continually monitor and assess the trends and likely impacts of changing climatic and sea level conditions on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, including the effectiveness of restoration and protection policies, programs and projects. By 2017, complete a study of best management practices commonly employed to control nutrient and sediment runoff and consider necessary management adjustments.
Stewardship
  • CitizenStewardshipOutcome:Continuallyincreasethenumber[anddiversity]of trained andmobilizedcitizenvolunteerswith theknowledgeandskillsneededto enhancethehealthoftheirlocalwatersheds.
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Citizen Stewardship Outcome: Increase the number [and diversity] of trained and mobilized citizen volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the health of their local watersheds.
  • Stewardship MetricsOutcome: By2015,workwith ChesapeakeBayProgrampartners andother widerangingacademic,localgovernmentand citizenorganizationstodevelop ametricfor evaluatingprogressin citizenstewardship.(Thisisclearlyamanagement strategyfor accomplishment/monitoringof theprecedingCitizen Stewardship Outcome.Considermovingitthere.)

REVISITED OUTCOMES
  • LocalLeadership Outcome:Continuallyincrease Engage,empower,and facilitateleadershipby localgovernmentsandincreasethenumberoflocalgovernmentsthat haveimplementationed ofinnovativefinancingstrategiestomeetagreementgoals(2010Baselineyear).
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Local Leadership Outcome:Continually increase the knowledgeand capacityof local officials on issues related to water resources and in the implementation of economic and policy incentives that will support local conservation actions.
  • Diversity Outcome: Continuallyincreaseopportunitiesandprogramstorecruitandengage identifyminoritystakeholdergroupswhoarenotcurrentlyrepresented intheleadership, decision-makingandimplementationofthe currentconservationandrestoration.activitiesandcreatemeaningfulopportunitiesandprogramstorecruit andengagethemin thePartnership.
/ Rejected. IRC recommended:
Diversity Outcome: Identify minority stakeholder groups who are not currently represented in the leadership, decision making and implementation of the current conservation and restoration activities and create meaningful opportunities and programs to recruit and engage them in the partnership.
  • Water Quality Standards Attainment Outcome:Continuallyimprove thePartnership’s capacitytoassess theconsequencesof managementactionsthroughouttheBaywatershed. Bytheendof2015establishanoutcome,based onmonitoringdataandsoundscience,thatprojectsascience-basedestimationofthepercentageofBaysegmentsthat willmeetwater qualitystandardsby2025.
/ Modified. IRC recommended:
Water Quality Standards Attainment and Monitoring Outcome:Continually improve the capacity to monitor and assess the effects of management actions being undertaken to implement the Bay TMDL and improve water quality. Use the monitoring results toreport annually to the public on progress made in attaining established Bay water-quality standards and trends in reducing nutrients and sediment in the watershed.