Conowingo, MD – Chesapeake Conservancy President & CEO Joel Dunn issued this statement following the second Conowingo Summit held on August 8, 2017.

“Chesapeake Conservancy appreciates Governor Hogan’s leadership and resolve, particularly now as he serves as the newly elected Chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council of the Chesapeake Bay Program, to address the long-standing problem of sediment and nutrients entering the Susquehanna watershed. This is a priority issue for all of us working to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

“The Chesapeake Conservancy appreciated the opportunity at today’s summit to advocate for upstream best management practices funded with public and private capital investments, and guided by the latest technology and data, to be a part of the long-term solution to the issues facing the Susquehanna and the Chesapeake. It is critical that upstream restoration works in concert with the Governor’s effort to reduce and beneficially reuse sediments that have built up behind the Conowingo dam.

“The sediment behind the dam is a major issue and should be addressed in the most creative way possible, but perhaps more important is a focus on reducing future pollution from coming down the river, otherwise our children will be dealing with this same issue.

“In addition, we believe that any mitigation strategy to address that pollution should embrace the use of private capital and the pay-for-success delivery by private companies that Maryland has pioneered through the enactment of Governor Hogan’s Clean Water Commerce Act and the Department of Transportation's recent precedent-setting request for proposals for full service stream restoration delivery.

“Precision conservation, technology, and targeted restoration hold great promise for both short-term and long-term solutions. From the upper reaches of the Susquehanna to the mouth of the Bay, communities depend on a healthy bay for water quality for fisheries, public health, wildlife, outdoor recreation and economic development. Addressing upstream restoration in the Susquehanna, combined with continued commitments in Maryland and Virginia, makes good conservation and economic sense."

Feature Photo by Scott McDaniel