Current Chesapeake Bay Partner Communities MARYLAND Gold—Kent County, Salisbury, Frederick County, Harford County, Annapolis, Prince George's County, Baltimore County, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Chesapeake, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Queen Anne's County, Rockville, Talbot County, Montgomery County, Bel Air, Bowie, Calvert County, Aberdeen, Green belt, Al lega ny County SILVER— Charles County, Mount Rainier, Princess Anne, Kensington, Howard County, Highland Beach, Rock Hall, Hampstead PENNSYLVANIA GOLD—WarwickTownship, Adams County, Borough of Camp Hill, Spring Township, Pequea Township, Harris Township, Lititz Borough, College Township, City of Lancaster, Plymouth Township, South Middleton Township, Columbia Borough, Borough of Carlisle SILVER—Loyalsock Township, Borough of Hollidaysburg, Chester County, Lewisburg Borough, Manheim Township BRONZE—Scott Township, Annville Township, Milesburg Borough, Lancaster Township, Elizabethtown Borough, Borough of Lewistown,City of Harrisburg, E. Manchester Township, Manor Township VIRGINIA GOLD—Fairfax County, Alexandria, Clarke County, Falls Church, James City County, Lexington, Fauquier County, Prince William County, Arlington County SILVER—Albermarle County, Norfolk, Purcellville, Gloucester County BRONZE—Warrenton,York County, City of Fairfax, Isle of Wight County, Stafford County Chesapeake Baly Partner Community v / Chesapeake Bay Partner Community Award The Chesapeake Bay Partner Community award recognizes, encourages, and supports local govern- ments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed whose actions demonstrate their commitment to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers, and its streams. The award process reflects the goals established in the Chesapeake 2000 agreement. That agreement codified 103 commitments detailing protection and restoration goals critical to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It is the instrument by which Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now guide their concerted effort to restore and protect the Bay. This partnership, forged in 1983, is the Chesapeake Bay Program. The Chesapeake Bay Partner Community award is sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Program and its Local Government Advisoiy Committee (LGAC). The latter was created by the Chesapeake Bay Program in 1988 in recognition of the critical role that the more than 1,650 local governments in the watershed play in the Program's ability to achieve its goals—they have statutoiy authority over land use manage- ment, storm water management, and water and sewer management. For more information on the Chesapeake 2000 agreement and the Chesapeake Bay Program, visit www.chesapeakebay.net. For questions or more information on the Chesapeake Bay Partner Community Award Program contact: Pat Devlin, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay 3310 Market Street, Suite A, Camp Hill, PA 17011 pdevlin@acb-online.org • 717-737-8622 ------- Take pride in your community's role in restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay! Why become a Partner Community? A Chesapeake Bay Partner Community demonstrates pride in its con- tribution to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay It is awarded roadside signs identifying it as a Chesapeake Bay Partner Community Local and regional press are attracted to provide complimentary coverage of the community Who may apply? The District of Columbia and local governments within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Delaware, and West Virginia may apply for the Chesapeake Bay Partner Community award. Recertification is required every five years. What are the requirements for an award? To receive a Chesapeake Bay Partner Community award, a local government must attain a certain level of achievement in the 42 benchmarks listed on pages 3-6. They are grouped under four themes based on the goals in the Chesapeake 2000 agreement: 1. Improving Water Quality 2. Promoting Sound Land Use 3. Protecting and Restoring Living Resources and Habitat 4. Engaging the Community The required levels of benchmark achievement are dependent on the population size of the community- applying for the award. To qualify for an award in one of the three categories—Bronze, Silver, or Gold—a com- munity must have scored the percentage level required in all four themes. For example, if you attained the percent- age required for a Silver award in 3 themes, but only attained the percentage required for a Bronze award in the 4th theme, you would qualify to receive a Bronze award. See the table accompanying each of the themes for the achievement levels required. Each Bronze, Silver, and Gold Bay Partner Community receives local and regional press releases, a large roadside sign, a framed citation, and recognition by the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council. What is the application process? No extensive docu- mentation is required. The application form, which is included on the back of this brochure, asks applicants to (1) check off the benchmarks they have achieved and (2) explain very briefly how the local government actively participates in achieving each benchmark. Detailed instructions for completing the application are on page 7. DEFINITIONS BayScaping: Creating environmentally-sound landscapes benefiting people, wildlife, and the Chesapeake Bay. They are low-input land- scapes, requiring less mowing, less fertilizing, and less pesticide use. They help to protect the water quality in our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Along with reducing pollution, BayScaping provides diverse habitats for songbirds, small mammals, butterflies, and other creatures. Bioretention: Innovative method for storm water management that retains storm water on site and uses plants and layers of soil, sand, and mulch to reduce the amount of nutrients and other pollutants that enter local waterways. Directed growth and development: Can include increased density around transit stops, development sub-area growth plans, planned service areas, or urban growth boundaries. Infill development: Recycling of vacant or underutilized lands within cities and suburbs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A sustainable pest management approach which combines the use of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tactics in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks. One aspect of IPM involves regular monitoring (scouting) to determine if and when treatments are needed based on biological and/or aesthetic thresholds to keep pest numbers low enough to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance (economic threshold). Low impact development (LID): An innovative technological approach to storm water management and ecosystem protection where hydrologic controls are integrated into every aspect of a site's design to mimic the predevelopment hydrologic regime. Meaningful Bay or stream outdoor experience: Includes field trips, school adopt-a-stream program, restoration projects, etc). For more information on this benchmark go to http://www.chesapeakebay.net/pubs/ subcommittee/cesc/c2k.pdf. Mixed use development: Compact, mixed use development is defined as a mix of residential, commercial, employment/office, and civic land uses. Examples include development design standards, traditional neighborhood develop- ment, or neotraditional design ordinances. Nutrient Removal Technology (NRT): Also known as biological nutrient removal (BNR). The process whereby nutrients are removed from wastewater in addition to the organic content. Purchase of Development Rights (PDR): A local public entity, such as a nonprofit land trust or government agency, purchases the development rights in perpetuity as a mechanism to preserve and/or protect land. Title of the property remains with the owner. Transfer of development rights (TDR): A form of incentives for developers in which the developer purchases the rights to an undeveloped or underdeveloped piece of property in exchange for the right to increase the number of dwelling units on another site. 2 ------- Achievement Benchmarks Theme 1 IMPROVING WATER QUALITY Improving Water Quality stresses the vital role of local governments in achieving and maintaining water quality conditions to support living resources and vital habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem by combating nutrient, sediment, and toxic pollution. Furthermore, Improving Water Quality recognizes innovative practices that help remediate storm water problems, prevent further threats from future growth and development, and employ pollution prevention techniques and technologies as the preferred approach to reducing nutrients and sediments and risks to human health and the environment. Achieve and maintain the water quality necessary to support the aquatic living resources of the Bay and its tributaries and to protect human health. —Chesapeake 2000 BENCHMARKS for IA. Develops and implements storm- water management requirements that address both the quality and quantity of storm water for new development and redevelopment. IB. Develops and implements a program that addresses the need for appropri- ate routine maintenance of storm- water management structures. IC. Develops and implements guidelines for the use of innovative stormwater management practices and en- courages their use where they are appropriately applied. Techniques may include sandfilters and other underground facilities (in highly urbanized areas), vegetative prac- tices, BayScaping*, bioretention*, and low impact development*. ID. Implements, or is in the process of implementing, Nutrient Removal Technology* (NRT) measures at one or more wastewater treatment plants or on-site septic systems. IE. Implements a maintenance or management program to reduce the impacts of septic systems on water quality. IF. Implements a program to retrofit existing impervious surfaces (rooftops, parking lots, roadways, ing Water Quality etc.) with best management practices to reduce the amount of impervious surface. IG. Develops and implements a program to minimize the impacts of roadway de-icers or other roadway mainte- nance chemicals on water quality. IH. Implements a recycling program with a minimum residential participation of 25%. II. Implements pollution prevention program for local government facilities/lands (i.e., alternative fuels program, green lights energy con- servation program, and preventative fleet maintenance practices). 1 J. Implements or otherwise participates in a public household hazardous waste disposal program (including used oil and antifreeze). IK. Develops and implements a program to encourage Integrated Pest Management (IPM )* and nutrient management on the municipality's property and on agricultural, recreational, residential, and/or commercial lands. 1L. Other local government initiatives that improve water quality. 3 Below are the required benchmark achievement levels for Theme 1: Population under 10,000 Bronze 25% Silver 35% Gold 40% Population 10,000-100,000 Bronze 40% Silver 50% Gold 60% Population over 100,000 Bronze 55% Silver 65% Gold 75% Note: Terms followed by an asterisk are defined on page 2. ------- Theme 2 PROMOTING SOUND LAND USE Promoting Sound Land Use recognizes land use initiatives, policies, and manage- ment practices undertaken by local governments that are designed to protect water quality, natural and rural resource land, limit impervious surfaces, protect farmland, and concentrate new growth in existing population centers or suitable areas served by appropriate infrastructure. Promoting Sound Land Use recognizes that land use, transportation, water, sewer, and other infrastructure planning must be coordinated so that funding and policies contribute to well-planned development that does not degrade local water quality and habitat. In addition, Promoting Sound Land Use recognizes the importance of integrating environmental, community and economic goals by promoting more environmentally sensitive forms of development. Develop, promote and achiex'e sound land use practices which protect and restore watershed resources and water quality, maintain reduced pollutant loadings for the Bay and its tributaries, and restore and preserve aquatic living resources. —Chesapeake 2000 BENCHMARKS for Promoting Sound Land Use 2A. Implements a Comprehensive Plan that is based on a shared community vision and promotes efficient devel- opment patterns and densities that protect and enhance environmental resources. 2B. Implements zoning and/or sub- division regulations that support ecologically-based designs to limit impervious cover in undeveloped and moderately developed water- sheds and/or reduce the impact of impervious cover in highly devel- oped watersheds. 2C. Utilizes land use management and water protection approaches that encourage the concentration of new residential development in areas sup- ported by adequate water resources and infrastructure to minimize impacts on water quality. 2D. Implements a program or policy to support mixed use development.* 2E. Engages in intergovernmental or regional cooperative efforts to address and resolve growth and development issues (i.e., joint plan- ning commission, joint growth man- agement and economic development task force, regional commission, watershed management team). 2F. Implements and/or promotes a program or policy that supports infill development or promotes the reuse of downtown areas. 2G. Implements a program for maintain- ing and protecting urban resource lands including parks, open spaces, natural trails, and public access sites—county economic develop- ment organizations might also be involved. 2H. Identifies lands worthy of additional protections and has adopted appropriate plans, im- plementation ordinances, regulations and/or incentives. 21. Works cooperatively with private land trusts, conservancy organ- izations, and private landowners to establish and implement volunteer easement programs that protect farmland, forest and other natural areas. 2J. Implements and enforces an agricultural zoning district on prime agricultural lands that limits development density. 2K. Implements or participates in a transfer of development rights (TDR)* program and/or a purchase of development rights (PDR)* program. 2L. Institutes measures to encourage the use of alternative transportation modes. Examples of alternative transportation modes include car pools, greenway trails, and bicycle/pedestrian trails, shared taxi, and/or mass transit facilities. 2M. Other local government initiatives and programs that promote sound land use. Below are the required benchmark achievement levels for Theme 2: Population under 10,000 Bronze Silver Gold 30% 45% 60% Population 10,000-100,000 Bronze Silver Gold Population over 100,000 Bronze Silver Gold 50% 60% 70% 65% 75% 85% 4 ------- PROTECTING AND RESTORING Theme 3 LIVING RESOURCES AND HABITAT Protecting and Restoring Living Resources and Habitat emphasizes the important role local governments play in protecting and restoring vital habitats, including open water, bay grasses, marshes, wetlands, streams and forests that support living resource abundance by providing key food and habitat for a variety of species. The following benchmarks are indicators that reflect a community commitment to ensuring the sustained health of the living resources and vital habitats of the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams. Restore, enhance and protect the finfish, shellfish and other living resources, their habitats and ecological relation- ships to sustain all fisheries and provide for a balanced ecosystem. Preserve, protect and restore those habitats and natural areas that are vital to the survival and diversity of the living resources of the Bay and its rivers. —Chesapeake 2000 BENCHMARKS for Protecting and Restoring Living Resources and Habitat 3A. Works cooperatively with the state, other local governments, community groups, and watershed organizations to develop and implement watershed management plans that address the protection, conservation, and restora- tion of stream corridors, riparian for- est buffers and wetlands. 3B. Develops and implements a wetland preservation plan as a component of a locally based integrated watershed management plan. 3C. Provides technical support, financial assistance, and/or coordinates with community associations, non-profit and private organizations to protect, enhance, and restore bay grasses, wetlands, forest buffers, and/or other shoreline and riverine systems to protect and restore stream health. 3D. Requires tree planting or tree con- servation in all residential, com- mercial and industrial developments through tree restoration and con- servation ordinances. 3E. Provides incentives for the restora- tion of riparian or streamside forest buffers greater than 35 feet from the shoreline of tidal waters, tidal wetlands, and tributary streams. (If local law is more restrictive than the state law, the more stringent of the two applies). 3F. Provides incentives for the protec- tion of riparian or streamside forest buffers greater than or equal to 100 feet from the streambank or shoreline of tidal and/or nontidal waters or freshwater streams. (If local law is more restrictive than the state law, the more stringent of the two applies). 3G. Works cooperatively with the private sector or conservancy organizations to place tree buffer corridors into voluntary easement programs or create wooded buffers through planting more trees. 3H. Promotes the expansion and con- nection of contiguous forests through conservation easements, greenways, purchase and other land conservation mechanisms. 31. Promotes the provision of fish passage for migratory fish or removal of physical blockages. 3J. Other initiatives to protect and restore the living resources and habitats of the Chesapeake Bay. Below are the required benchmark achievement levels for Theme 3: Population under 10,000 Bronze Silver Gold 30% 40% 50% Population 10,000-100,000 Bronze Silver Gold Population over 100,000 Bronze Silver Gold 45% 55% 70% 60% 70% 80% 5 ------- Theme 4 ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY Engaging the Community recognizes the importance of community based watershed programs and the role of education to help people understand their role as stewards or caretakers of the Bay. Engaging the Community also recognizes local government efforts to work cooperatively with community associations, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to develop, implement and monitor planning, restoration and protection projects and programs to ensure the protection of local streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Promote individual stewardship and assist individuals, community-based organizations, businesses, local governments and schools to under- take initiatives to achieve the goals and commitments of this agreement. —Chesapeake 2000 BENCHMARKS for Engaging the Community 4A. Develops or participates in a public information/education program to inform citizens of actions to be taken to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, the Bay, its rivers and streams. 4B. Targets public information/ education program to minority populations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 4C. Actively participates or provides opportunities for a meaningful Bay or stream outdoor experience* for children and young adults (i.e., county or municipality sponsored environmental education program, school adopt-a-stream program, field trip, etc.) 4D. Identifies public access points to the Bay, its rivers and streams, and has developed a plan for improving and enhancing access while protecting sensitive natural resources. 4E. Assist citizens and nonprofit or- ganizations with citizen monitoring programs that measure the water q uality of local streams and rivers. 4F. Other local government initiatives to engage the community or promote stewardship of the Bay, its rivers and streams. Below are the required benchmark achievement levels for Theme 4: Population under 10,000 Bronze 25% Silver 40% Gold 50% Population 10,000-100,000 Bronze 40% Silver 55% Gold 65% Population over 100,000 Bronze 55% Silver 70% Gold 80% 6 ------- ¦ aK ¦ •> Chesapeake Bay Partner Community APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS A local government that wishes to be certified or re-certified (required every five years) as a Chesapeake Bay Partner Community or that wishes to have its award categoiy upgraded is requested to complete and return the application form on the next page. IDENTIFYING AND EXPLAINING ACHIEVED BENCHMARKS In the Benchmark Achievement part, check the box for each benchmark (see pages 3-6) that you have achieved, and, on a separate sheet, explain in three to five sentences how your local government actively participates in achieving the benchmark. On the separate sheet, simply type the benchmark's number (e.g., 2A) and follow with the explanation. Any other attachments, such as ordinances, regulations, and master plans, will be ignored; reviewers will look only at the brief explanations on the separate sheet. BENCHMARKS THAT DO NOT APPLY TO YOUR COMMUNITY Certain benchmarks may not apply to your com- munity, or your community may not have the statutory authority needed to achieve them. In those cases, note "N/A" (not applicable) on the line next to the pertinent box and briefly explain on your separate sheet. You must provide a justification for the N/A or the benchmark will count toward the total. Examples of circumstances that warrant a "not applicable" designation include: • A requirement for agricultural preservation programs in an applicant municipality with no farmland • A subject service (e.g., farmland preservation, watershed planning, household hazardous waste collection) is provided by a county or other government entity rather than the applicant municipality • A requirement for stream buffer programs in an applicant municipality with no streams. A benchmark that is not checked and not noted "N/A" will be counted as one that you have not achieved even though it applies to you. CERTIFICATION To preserve the integrity of the program, local gov- ernments are asked to certify that the information in the application is accurate and reflects their commit- ment to protecting and conserving local natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay. On-site reviews may be conducted. An authorized person must sign the statement at the end of the application form to fulfill this requirement. Applicant communities will be reviewed to confirm that they are complying with environmental protection regulations. A pattern of violations may disqualify an applicant. WHERE TO SEND APPLICATION Send the completed application form and explanation sheet to: Pat Devlin, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay 3310 Market Street, Suite A, Camp Hill, PA 17011 APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications must be postmarked by May 31, 2007. RECERTIFICATION Previous award recipients will receive a notification five years after their original award date to request that they reapply for the Chesapeake Bay Partner Community Award. APPLICATION FOLLOW-UP If needed, Local Government Advisoiy Committee staff will follow up receipt of an application with phone calls. Having a file copy of the application readily available will help to expedite the certifica- tion process. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM OR APPLICATION PROCESS If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact any of the following Local Government Advisoiy Committee staff: Pat Devlin (717) 737-8622 or pdevlin@ acb-online.org; Erin Taylor (410) 377-6270 or etaylor@acb-online.org. 7 ------- APPLICATION FORM CHESAPEAKE BAY PARTNER COMMUNITY AWARD PART 1. APPLICANT IDENTIFICATION Type of Application: ~ New ~ Recertification ~ Upgrade CITY/TOWN/TOWNSHIP (ifapplicable) COUNTY STATE POPULATION PART 2. CURRENT AWARD CATEGORY (Skip this Part if you checked "New" above.) Current Award Category: ~ Gold ~ Silver ~ Bronze Year Awarded PART 3. CONTACT INFORMATION NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION STREET / P.O. BOX ADDRESS CITY / TOWN STATE ZIP TELEPHONE FAX E-MAIL PART 3. BENCHMARK ACHIEVEMENT • Check the box alongside each benchmark that your community has achieved (see pages 3-6 for benchmark specifications). • Place "N/A" on the line to the right of the box for any benchmark that does not apply to your community (see p. 7) • Attach a separate sheet containing a brief explanation for each item checked or marked "N/A" (see instructions on p. 7). Theme 1. Improving Theme 2: Promoting Theme 3: Protecting Theme 4. Engaging Water Quality Sound Land Use and Restoring Living the Community Seepage3 See page 4 ReSOUrCeS and Habitat See page 6 iA.a _ 2A. ~ _ See page 5 APl ~ _ IB. ~ 2B. ~ 3A" I—I 4B. ~ IC. ~ 2C. ~ 3B" I—I 4C. ~ ID. ~ 2D. ~ 3C" Q 4D. ~ IE. ~ 2E. ~ 3D" I—I 4E. ~ IF. ~ 2F. ~ 3E- Q 4F. ~ IG. ~ 2G. ~ 3R ~ IH. ~ 2H. ~ 3G" Q II. ~ 21. ~ 3H" ~ 1J. ~ 2J. ~ 3L ~ IK. ~ 2K. ~ 31 I—I 1L. ~ 2L. ~ 2M.Q PART 4. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT: I certify that the information contained in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that it reflects our local government's programming and budgetary commitment to protecting and conserving local natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay Signed: / SIGNATURE / TYPED NAME AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICIAL DATE Chesapeake Bay Partner Community Send the completed application and explanation sheet to Pat Devlin, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, 3310 Market Street, Suite A, Camp Hill, PA 17011 Keep a copy for your flies. ------- |