By Sienna Burns ~
A Leading Contribution in the Deterioration of the Chesapeake Bay
Our watershed spreads an amazing 4,479 square miles across Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York. Yes, when the word “watershed” comes to mind most people mainly consider the “water” aspect. However, this extensive network, which is home to over 18 million people, is built on and protected by the forests and wetlands that surround it. These forests and wetlands are vital to preventing runoff and pollution effects, providing habitats for a variety of species, and preserving the structure of the Chesapeake Bay.
The forests of the Chesapeake Bay watershed are like a huge, temperature mediating, filter sponge, habitat. Riparian buffers, trees that line the waterways, are estimated to cover 55% of the watersheds banks. These buffers help to reduce sediment carried in water and stabilize the soil to prevent erosions. Not only do forest buffers prevent sediment pollution, but they also help tremendously with decreasing nutrient and phosphorus pollution. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation states that riparian buffers remove between 19-16% of nitrogen, 30-45% of phosphorus, and 40-60% of sediment. Along with the shade that trees provide which decrease temperature fluctuation, the Chesapeake’s buffers prevent algae blooms and protect sensitive inhabitants. The forests in our watershed are vital ecosystems for the organisms that live in the area as over half of the Chesapeake’s native species rely on forest buffers. An example of this can be seen when plant material falls into the water and creates homes for underwater critters while also forming the foundation of the food chain. Another benefit of our forests is that these beautiful woodlands create corridors for species that provide great protection during migration. However, deforestation is putting these buffers at severe risk and destroying countless habitats. In order for a stream buffer to be effective it must cover at least 70% of the waterway’s banks, but the amount of forest loss in the watershed is preventing us from reaching these targets. According to a 2006 study the watershed is estimated to lose 70 acres of forest a day, which is in addition to the 750,000 acres lost between 1982 and 1987. Furthermore, with the increase in development and roads being built, over 60% of the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s forests have been fragmented. Deforestation in our area is a serious concern that must be addressed for the safety of vital habitats and countless species.
Covering over 1.5 million acres, wetlands are another defense in the protection of our watershed. Wetlands, mainly paulstrine, serve as a sink for excess nutrients and prevent nitrogen and phosphorus from reaching sensitive organisms in the bay. These unique ecosystems serve as a buffer and are able to weaken storm surges with their special ability to fluctuate water. Preventing dangerous flooding and drastic increases in sediment in the bay, wetlands are critical for ensuring a balanced water quality in our watershed. However, the most important aspect of the Chesapeake Bay wetlands are the exceptional habitats they create for hundreds of species. Tidal wetlands provide winter homes and stops for various waterfowl during migration while fish use calm wetland waters for spawning and nursing. Larger animals occupy wetland territories as small invertebrates thrive in the unique waters, providing an excellent food source. Sadly, the Chesapeake Bay watershed wetlands face many threats including development which results in block formation and rising sea levels that inundate the wetlands with saltwater, harming inhabitants. Also, invasive species have become a major problem due to them outcompeting and killing integral native species. So now you can see why we must make a change for the survival of our bay’s ecosystems.
Conservation efforts, no matter how minor they may be, are significant in maintaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Currently, by 2025 the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement wants to fulfill its promise of protecting 2 million acres of wetlands. However, these initiatives will never be enough compared to the destruction that we are causing. There are small things that every person can do daily like pick up a piece of trash, prevent runoff on your property by installing buffers, and never use fertilizers that contain harmful nutrients. Little efforts can make change and I encourage you to talk to your school, community, and places of work to see what you can do! We need to make a difference, we have to, for the future of our bay and ourselves.
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