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EPA Gives Maryland Department of Natural Resources $132,940 to Protect Wetlands

Release Date: 10/7/1999
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567


PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $132,940 to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for wetland protection. This grant is one of 16 wetland protection grants totaling $1,274,000 awarded to state and local governments in the mid-Atlantic region.

The grant will help assess and monitor wetlands with an objective to classify the vegetation of selected tidal influenced shrubland wetlands on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These tidal wetlands are a significant class of communities based on their high quality, large size, possible rarity, potential threats, and the fact they are habitat to numerous state rare, threatened, and endangered species. Study results will help the Maryland Department of Natural Resources establish baseline monitoring programs and assess similar wetlands, and provide a reference to measure restoration, creation, and enhancement efforts.

Wetlands is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs and similar areas that develop between open water and dry land. These areas, found in every state in the nation, help improve water quality; reduce flood and storm damage; and provide important fish and wildlife habitat.

A critical goal in Vice President Gore’s Clean Water Action Plan is to slow down the loss of wetlands nationwide and by the year 2005, to restore at least 100,000 acres of wetlands each year. The wetlands grant program helps minimize losses by giving states and local governments financial support to develop and improve their wetlands protection programs.

Wetlands grants are awarded through a competitive process. Nationally, EPA has appropriated $15 million in 1999. Applications for 2000 are due by November 1, 1999. For more information, please contact Alva Brunner, the regional grants coordinator at 215-814-2715.