Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Message Points for Chesapeake Bay Executive Council meeting, January 10, 2005

с Message Points Chesapeake Bay Executive Council Meeting January 10, 2005 I) INTRODUCTION • THE CHESAPEAKE BAY IS NOT JUST A MARYLAND OR REGIONAL ASSET BUT IT IS A NATIONAL TREASURE THAT MUST BE RESTORED AND PROTECTED FOR ITS ECOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES. • MARYLAND HAS LONG BEEN THE RECOGNIZED LEADER IN EFFORTS TO RESTORE THE CHESAPEAKE BAY, AND HAS AN OUTSTANDING TRACK RECORD IN DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS INCLUDING: О THE LANDMARK PHOSPHATE BAN; О WETLANDS PROTECTION; О FOREST CONSERVATION; AND О LAND USE AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS THAT ARE NATIONAL MODELS. • DURING 2004, MARYLAND HAS CONTINUED IN ITS LEADERSHIP ROLE, TAKING HISTORIC POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION STEPS INVOLVING ALL STAKEHOLDERS. II) MAJOR EFFORTS/2004 HIGHLIGHTS A) CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION FUND • PASSAGE OF THE LANDMARK CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION FUND OF 2004 MARKS A CRITICAL TURNING POINT.