William Baker is the president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which began in 1967 as an advocate for creating strong and effective laws and regulations to protect the Bay, according to the foundation?s Web site.
The Examiner interviewed Baker on Thursday in Annapolis and questioned him about the Bay?s health, efforts to work with farmers and the Bay?s future.
Q How would you characterize the health of the Bay?
A We put the Bay?s health at 30 percent of historical levels. We think of the Bay being 100 percent healthy at the time of colonial settlement. Our goal is to be at 40 percent by 2010 and 70 percent by 2050.
This is not the lowest it is has been. The Bay will never be perfect, but it could be better, and that?s what we?ve been striving for.
Q What can be done to reach that goal?
A Efforts such as cover crops [in which farmers plant winter crops to prevent runoff] will help. We?ve already used up the money in that program, and they are lining up for it. We have to start immediately. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to reach that goal.
Q There have been concerns that money from the Bay Restoration Fund is building water treatment facilities that promote growth, furthering Bay pollution. Is this a concern of the foundation?
A I reject that argument. There is no promotion of growth coming from that fund.
Some people believe when you buildthese water treatment facilities, it will encourage more development.
We don?t think that holds water.The fund helps failing septic systems, along with treatment plants, by reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous [getting] into the Bay. It does not help growth.
Q Past efforts to improve water quality in the Bay included restrictions on farmers, who were adamantly against such controls. Has the relationship with the farmers improved?
A There were some unfair misconceptions [then] and unnecessary blaming of the poultry farmers.
But the relationship has been much better, and we are working cooperatively ? of course, you ask them too ? to reduce pollution.I believe they have been more receptive since we?ve worked with them instead of having restrictions placed on them.
Q Given the dismal outlook of the state budget in the upcoming years, do you feel optimistic that funding will be available to help save the Bay?
A If actions are delayed, we will miss our window of opportunity.
The state could stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money for the Chesapeake Bay if we do not meet federal environmental standards by 2010.
It is incumbent upon our elected officials to act and to act fast.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s report, “Climate Change and the Chesapeake Bay: Challenges, Impacts, and the Multiple Benefits of Agricultural Conservation Work,” is available by clicking here.
