EPA 903-K-03-002 August 2003 ------- The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in North America. The Bay watershed, the land that eventually drains into the Bay, covers 64,000-square miles and parts of six states—Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Delaware— and our nation's capital, the District of Columbia. Each person in the Chesapeake Bay watershed lives just a few minutes from a stream or river that eventually flows into the Bay. These waterways are home to thousands of different plants and animals. Chesapeake Bay Program A Watershed Partnership The Chesapeake Bay Program is the unique local, state and federal partnership leading the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. Bay Program partners include the states of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania; the District of Columbia; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal government; and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state legislative body; and citizen, scientific, and local government advisory committees. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Along with other federal, state and local agencies and private organizations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to improve the health of the Bay and its rivers. Concept by Dave Folker Art and Verse by Britt Eckhardt Slattery Any teacher, school or school district may reproduce this for class use without permission. Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with vegetable-oil-based inks on recycled paper (30 postconsumer). Printed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Chesapeake Bay Program. ------- sapeme ------- This book belongs to ------- Chessie For at least half a century people have reported seeing a "sea monster" in the Chesapeake Bay. Affectionately known as "Chessie," popularized cousin of Nessie (Scotland's Loch Ness monster), the creature is reported to be gentle and good natured. What Chessie really is and whether this Chesapeake phenomenon actually exists is a matter of speculation—but Chessie does exist in the following pages with an important message for everyone who values the natural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay Our fictional character Chessie represents all those creatures that depend on the Bay for food and habitat. ------- I'm Chessie, the monster of Chesapeake Bay. I'm not very scary — I stay out of the way, And some people don't believe I'm even there. But I am — as you see — with a story to share. ------- ------- I swim in the Bay, from the north to the south, From its freshwater streams to its saltwater mouth; For two hundred miles between its two ends, The Bay is my home and the home of my friends. ------- ------- We all live together in Chesapeake waters: The catfish and rockfish, the muskrats and otters, The oysters and crabs, the minnows and eels, With our neighbors — bald eagles, black ducks, widgeons and teals. ------- 0 ------- And plenty of people — by the millions — come in To fish or catch oysters, to sail or to swim. They bring in their freighters and build on the shore. Each year there seem to be more, more, MORE, MORE .. ------- ------- People! I love them, but oh, what a mess They can make with their projects. Sometimes, I confess, My patience gets thin. They don't think for a minute how the Bay will survive When they dump so much in it, ------- ------- So the Bay's become dirty. It's mucky and brown From the poisons that come from each factory and town. The oil, soil and trash that pour in it each day May force us to leave, But we'd much rather stay! ------- ------- So we've got to clean up if we want to be sure To have seafood to eat from water that's pure. And we've got to start NOW there's no time to wait. Things will only get worse until it's too late. ------- ------- Who's going to clean up? Well, it has to be you, And your parents and friends and you neighbors. Me, too! Whoever likes having the Bay here — that's who. We all have to help Here's some things you can do. ------- CLEM OP Tup ^ fir ------- Obey fishing laws. Take what you need and no more. Pick up litter and trash on the shore. And never put anything into the Bay that might hurt me or my friends in some way. ------- ------- That's all of my story. Now I've got to hurry and tell all my animal friends not to worry We'll get the job done, day by day, week by week, and together we'll bring back the rich Chesapeake. ------- ------- Related publications about the Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay: Introduction to an Ecosystem A comprehensive overview of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem that includes information on the Bay's ecology, geology and plants and animals. A helpful resource for students in grades 8-12. Bay-B-C's A multi-disciplinary approach to teaching about the Chesapeake Bay. Bay-B-C's includes background material and lesson plans for teachers of grades K-3, with songs, games and stories for students. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Activity Kit A three part kit —A non-technical Bay watershed map emphasizing the immense network of rivers and streams that make up the Chesapeake drainage system, student work maps and a teacher guide. The State of the Chesapeake Bay This report, published every two years, describes the health of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, habitats, and the creatures that call the Bay home. For copies of these publications contact: Chesapeake Bay Program 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109 Annapolis, MD 21403 1-800-YOURBAY www.chesapeakebay.net U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Field Office 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive Annapolis, MD 21401 410-573-4500 www.fws.gov/r5cbfo ------- Chesapeake Bay Program A Watershed Partnership CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109 Annapolis, MD 21403 www.chesapeakebay.net 800-YOUR-BAY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Chesapeake Bay Field Office 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive Annapolis, MD 21401 www.fws.gov/r5cbfo 410-573-4500 ------- |