At the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, staff scientists will review the mixed findings on docks and their impacts on the coastal environment, in particular on salt marsh. Coastal Bays staff will also discuss the governor’ s new land conservation plan and how it might influence preservation in the coastal bays watershed. The plan currently calls for such conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed only.

The progress of the Builders for the Coastal Bays initiative and plans for 2004 will follow the discussions. The program, which began this summer, helps builders produce better and more cost-effective developments while protecting the natural resources which attract buyers to their projects.

Several 2003 coastal bays grant winners will also discuss their projects which help protect wildlife and water quality in the coastal bays. In 2003, the Coastal Bays Program awarded some $160,000 for individuals, groups, and businesses to conduct projects in the coastal bays watershed.

The Citizens Advisory Committee is composed of recreational and commercial fishermen, developers, farmers, and other local business owners and citizens who meet quarterly to discuss the goals and direction of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. The public is invited to attend. For information on the meeting call 410-213-2297.