Image: Chesapeake Bay Program

Chesapeake Bay Conservation Funding included in President's 2016 Budget

2.4.15 - As much as $32 million is proposed for Virginia projects, including the multi-state Captain John Smith Trail. The interesting catch... Funding is provided through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund that uses royalties from offshore production of oil and natural gas for conservation projects. More Info.

2.2.15 - BOEM public forums on offshore drilling exploration planned - Norfolk Feb 11 3-7 p.m. at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside

These scoping meetings will be conducted in an "open house" format that will provide informational stations to learn more about the process and proposed leasing activities, and facilitate one-on-one communication with BOEM staff. Participants can arrive at any time and walk through the stations at their own pace. BOEM staff will be available to answer questions, and participants may submit written or electronic comments. The open-house meetings will not include a designated session for formal oral testimony.

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The Stars Come Out for the Ocean

From Below the Waves to Satellites in Space, From Tiny Islands to Music and Film Giants, Initiatives are Being Launched to Protect our Life Support System, the Ocean

VB Native Pharrell Williams pictured with ocean exploration icon Sylvia Earle

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Adaptive Planning for Flooding and Coastal Change in Virginia: Next Steps for the Commonwealth

With keynote speaker U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, government representatives and NGOs met December 5 at the Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic's 2nd annual meeting at W&M to address climate change policy. The responsibility of government to act was one of many of the topics discussed. Secretary of Public Safety, Brian Moran, was named the Commonwealth's first Chief Resiliency Officer to coordinate Virginia's adaptation efforts.

The agenda, presentation material and video recordings are available to view at the W&M Conference Website.

7.1.14 - Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signs Executive Order 19 at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach

Executive Order 19 reinstates the Climate Change and Resiliency Commission. The Commission will investigate ways to the reduce the causes of climate change including the development of renewable energy resources and preparation for the impact of climate change. Members of the Commission will report back to the Governor. In one year, the Governor plans to return to the area and unveil the Commission's recommendations. Watch youtube footage of the event. More info.

Celebrating the Sea & Talking Trash

Missions to highlight and control the massive amount of plastic pollution in the sea are discussed. Pictured at left, the Clearwater Mills trash interceptor now at work in the Baltimore Harbor is one creative solution. Powered by swift moving currents and the sun, it is capable of removing 50,000 pounds of debris in a given day.

Nature at Work - Building Ecological Infrastructure

The value of services provided by natural ecosytems are considered on many levels. Explore examples of how ecological infrastructure like this adventure park in Virginia Beach are being incorporated into the built environment.

Splendor in the Trash: Considering Waste as a Resource

Read about an inspirational exhibit at MOCA in Virginia Beach and the various ways, our discards are being repurposed or reused.

Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail

TidewaterCurrent.com | Summer 2013 - The newly delineated paddle trail spans some 800 miles along the Coast of 4 states. The route connects Virginia from the Lynnhaven River near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to the Cumberland National Seashore of Georgia and the Florida border.

Avoiding a Collision Course among Ocean Giants

Tidewater Current | Spring 2013 - Historically considered the giants of the sea, whales are literally dwarfed in size and number by a growing fleet of supersized vessels. No match for fast moving mechanical behemoths, a whale is likely to pay with its life if the two collide. To alleviate the threat posed by collisions, research is being conducted and protective measures afforded by the now 40 year old Marine Mammal Protection Act are being developed and adopted.

Update: Seasonal speed limits to protect endangered right whales that would have expired Dec. 9 are now permanent. More news on whales and marine life.

Meadows Emerge as Growing Landscape Trend: Pollinators in Peril to Benefit

Tidewater Current | Winter 2013 - With the success of landmark landscape projects, like the NYC High Line, place making green design concepts are taking off on a global scale. And, meadow landscapes are moving into the mainstream.