coastal zone management act §309 assessment and strategy 2021

MARYLAND’S

COASTAL ZONE

ENHANCEMENT PLAN

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT §309

ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY

2021-2025

PREPARED BY THE MARYLAND CHESAPEAKE & COASTAL SERVICE

FOR FEDERAL CZMA §309 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT FUNDING

OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL

OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

COMMERCE

BLE

OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

. SUMMARY OF RECENT 309 ACHIEVEMENTS 7

3. PHASE I ENHANCEMENT AREA ASSESSMENTS

Wetlands

Coastal Hazards

Public Access

Marine Debris 35

Cumulative and Secondary Impacts

Special Area Management Planning

Ocean Resources

Energy and Government Facility Siting

Aquaculture

4. PHASE II ENHANCEMENT AREA ASSESSMENTS

Coastal Hazards

Ocean Resources

5. STRATEGIES

Enhancing Resilience to Coastal Hazards and Climate Change

Ocean and Coastal Resources and Uses

Enhancing Access

103

6. SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER AND PUBLIC COMMENT

108

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ARWG

Adaptation and Resiliency Working Group

CBNERR-MD

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

CCS

Chesapeake and Coastal Service

CMP

Coastal Management Program

CRS

Community Rating System

CZMA

Coastal Zone Management Act

DIPP

Deal Island Peninsula Project

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

GBWC

Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition

MACO

Maryland Association of Counties

MARCO

Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Council

MCCC

Maryland Commission on Climate Change

MDA

Maryland Department of Agriculture

MDE

Maryland Department of the Environment

MDNR

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

MDP

Maryland Department of Planning

MDOT

Maryland Department of Transportation

MEMA

Maryland Emergency Management Agency

Mid-A RPB

Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission

NMS

National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

POS

Program Open Space

SHA

State Highway Administration

TMDL

Total Maximum Daily Load

USACE

United States Army Corps of Engineers

USFWS

United States Fish and Wildlife Service

WIF

Waterway Improvement Fund

1. INTRODUCTION

The Maryland Chesapeake & Coastal Service aspires to make communities, economies and

ecosystems stronger, healthier and able to recover from and adapt to the stresses of climate

change.

From the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland’s extraordinary coastal resources

contribute to its economy, environment and quality of life. With these remarkable resources comes

an obligation of stewardship. Coastal resources must be protected and conserved, yet communities

must be able to thrive economically. A balance is needed between the human demands and the

conservation of the resources that makes Maryland such a unique place to live, work and play.

Maryland’s Coastal Zone Management Program – the Chesapeake & Coastal Service – works to

achieve that balance.

In 1972 Congress responded to the rapid deterioration of coastal areas throughout the nation by

passing the Coastal Zone Management Act, or CZMA. The main objectives of CZMA, administered by

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management

(OCM), are to “preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, restore or enhance the resources of

the nation’s coastal zone.” The key feature of the Act was the creation of a partnership among

federal, state, and local governments and providing funds to coastal states to develop and

administer coastal zone management programs.

HOW THE MARYLAND CHESAPEAKE AND COASTAL SERVICE IS ORGANIZED

Maryland’s Coastal Zone Management Program (CMP) was federally approved in 1978 and exists

within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In 2007, the State of Maryland

consolidated the administrative and management functions of the CMP, the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) Section 117 Awards as well as State’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal

Bays Trust Fund to a single program. Since then, Maryland’s CMP has been known as the

Chesapeake and Coastal Service (CCS). In 2016, CCS was strengthened again when the State of

Maryland transitioned the Clean Marina and Waterway Improvement Programs and portions of the

Integrated Policy and Review Unit to within the CCS. This new alignment brought new

opportunities for CCS to implement locally-relevant coastal public access projects, address

emerging coastal waterway management needs such as beneficial use, and bridge issues like public

access and coastal resilience. Through these alignments, CCS has been better able to leverage core

competencies from different programs, avoid duplicate efforts, and leverage and efficiently

prioritize resources to advance the goals of the CZMA.

In addition to internal cross-functional collaboration, CCS has partnerships with local, regional and

state agencies, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions to achieve success. Through this

networked approach, no one agency or department is responsible for Maryland’s entire coast.

Rather, all partners help to ensure its proper management. The other agencies that comprise the

original networked program include: Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Maryland

Department of Planning (MDP), Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), Maryland Department

of Transportation (MDOT), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (formerly

DECD). Since 1978, additional partnerships have been formed with Maryland Environmental Trust

(MET), Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Maryland Historical Trust (MHT),

Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), Maryland Geological Survey (MGS), University of Maryland

Center for Environmental Sciences (UMCES), Towson University Center for GIS (TUGIS), Critical

Area Commission, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and University of Maryland Sea Grant

Extension.

As noted above, CCS houses the state CZMA programs including the CMP and the Chesapeake Bay

National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland (CBNERR-MD). These two programs have

aligned themselves more closely since the last assessment on a variety of issues related to coastal

hazards, public access, and beneficial use of dredged material. The CMP and Reserve programs are

now organized within CCS as the Office for Ocean and Coastal Management. These programs work

cooperatively to support land conservation efforts in the coastal zone and apply science,

stewardship and innovative technologies to site management practices at Reserve sites. Together,

the State’s CZMA programs deliver a high level of support and training for local partners via the

Community Resiliency and Resiliency through Restoration Programs; long-term coastal habitat

change monitoring; evaluating and building capacity for restoration and conservation practices

throughout coastal watersheds; and, training the next generation of coastal stewards.

THE CHESAPEAKE AND COASTAL SERVICE AT WORK

The CMP celebrated 40 years in 2018. Over the last four decades, Maryland’s CMP has played a

dynamic role in helping Maryland advance some of the most pressing coastal issues of its time.

Successes include laying the groundwork for the historic Chesapeake Bay Agreement and the

creation of Maryland’s nationally-recognized Critical Area Program; establishing one of the first

state-level Climate Adaptation Plans; forming increased partnerships to address ocean

management needs; and, securing support and funding for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal

Bays Trust Fund and the Resiliency through Restoration Initiative to advance water quality and

resilience goals, respectively.

The networked foundation of CCS has helped Maryland work to reduce the environmental impacts

of coastal development, resolve significant conflicts between competing coastal uses and provide

critical assistance to local governments in coastal planning and resource protection. CCS conducts

research, provides technical services and distributes federal and state funds to enable on-the-

ground projects that benefit Maryland’s coastal communities. Whether it’s helping communities

prepare for climate change, restore local waterways, protect habitats, foster clean coastal

industries, or encouraging citizens to become caring stewards, CCS constantly seeks ways to

improve coastal management.

The Maryland coastal zone is comprised of the land, water and subaqueous land between the

territorial limits of Maryland in the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Coastal Bays and the Atlantic Ocean, as

well as the towns, cities and counties that contain and help govern the thousands of miles of

Maryland shoreline. The Maryland coastal zone extends from three miles out in the Atlantic Ocean

to the inland boundaries of the 16 counties and Baltimore City that border the Atlantic Ocean,

Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River

up to the District of Columbia. This area

encompasses two-thirds of the State’s

land area and is home to almost 70% of

Maryland’s residents.

CZMA SECTION 309 ASSESSMENT AND

STRATEGY PROCESS

Section 309 of the CZMA is known as the

Coastal Zone Enhancement Program.

Established with reauthorization of the

CZMA in 1990, Section 309 is a voluntary

grant program in which federal funds are

made available to coastal states with

federally approved coastal management

programs. To receive funds, the programs

must assess nine specified areas of coastal zone management as they relate to the state and identify

which are of highest priority. The nine priority enhancement areas are: Wetlands, Coastal Hazards,

Public Access, Marine Debris, Cumulative and Secondary Impacts, Special Area Management

Planning (SAMP), Ocean/Great Lakes Resources, Energy and Government Facility Siting and

Aquaculture.

Every five years, Section 309 offers states the opportunity to enhance their current CMP by

conducting a needs assessment of the nine coastal policy enhancement areas and considering

improvements to core law authorities, creating new programs, and designing new funding sources.

This is the sixth Assessment and Strategy that the Maryland Program has submitted under CZMA

Section 309.

SUMMARY OF THE 2021-2025 ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY

Maryland’s 2021-2025 Coastal Zone Enhancement Plan includes assessment of progress in the nine

enhancement areas over the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019. State priorities

have been developed and the strategies outlined in this document will guide our program

enhancement efforts over the next five years, from 2021-2025.

As a key partner in Atlantic Ocean coordination and Chesapeake Bay restoration, much of

Maryland’s work in these nine enhancement areas is regional in scope. Therefore, in each of nine

assessments we not only characterized efforts that enhance Maryland, but also those efforts in

which we participate that enhance a multi-jurisdictional region.

The content that follows the introductory materials is divided into nine sections corresponding to

the nine priority enhancement areas: Wetlands, Coastal Hazards, Public Access, Marine Debris,

Cumulative and Secondary Impacts, Special Area Management Planning (SAMP), Ocean/Great Lakes

Resources, Energy and Government Facility Siting and Aquaculture. Each of these nine sections

contains the Assessment followed by the Strategies. There are more activities included in this

document than there is funding available through Section 309 and not all components proposed in

Maryland’s Coastal Zone Enhancement Plan are eligible for this source of NOAA funding. Projects

will be chosen from the Plan annually as part of federal grant applications and leveraged with

efforts in Section 306 and other funding sources. We pledge to fully draw upon all state and federal

resources available to us to complete these projects, and to explore additional funding sources

through grants, and other arrangements.

PRIORITIZATION OF ENHANCEMENT AREAS

Enhancement Area

2020

Priority

2015

Priority

2010

Priority

2005

Priority

2000

Priorit

1997

Priority

Wetlands

Medium

High

Coastal Hazards

High

Public Access

Medium

High

Marine Debris

Medium

Low

Cumulative and Secondary Impacts

Medium

High

Special Area Management Planning

Low

Medium

Ocean Resources

High

Medium

Energy and Government Facility

Siting

Medium

Low

Aquaculture

Low

Medium

JUSTIFICATION FOR PRIORITIES

Priority rankings have been assigned to coastal management enhancement areas by considering:

1) the results of assessments developed for each coastal enhancement area; 2) opportunities for

development of new or enhanced management approaches considered eligible for and best suited

for CZMA Section 309 funding; 3) the contribution to the overall priorities of the program; 4)

whether the issue is more appropriately addressed through existing management programs; and 5)

the track record of addressing the topic in previous enhancement efforts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE 309 ASSESSMENT & STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Beginning in November 2019, CCS staff initiated the Assessment and Strategy development by

engaging State and Local partners. Draft assessments were completed in January 2020. Needs and

gaps identified in the draft assessments, and subsequent Strategies were developed with

considerable input from partners, including individual outreach to:

▪ Maryland Department of the Environment

▪ Maryland Department of Planning

▪ Maryland Energy Administration

▪ Maryland Department of Transportation

▪ Maryland’s Emergency Management Agency

▪ The State’s Office of the Attorney General

▪ Maryland Geological Survey

▪ Critical Area Program

▪ Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Service

▪ Maryland DNR Forestry Service

▪ Maryland DNR Land Acquisition & Planning Programs

▪ The National Aquarium

▪ The Maryland Coastal Bays Program

▪ Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean

Maryland’s Coastal Zone Enhancement Plan was developed with the guidance provided by

Maryland’s NOAA OCM Coastal Program Specialist. CCS staff also consulted a number of additional

resources outlining coastal management needs and program recommendations to identify strategy

connections.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

The CMP coordinated public review of the Draft 309 Assessment and Strategy through the CCS

website (http://dnr.maryland.gov/ccs/

) and the Program’s In The Zone electronic newsletter. The

public comment period was open from October 16, 2020 to November 16, 2020.

2. SUMMARY OF RECENT 309 ACHIEVEMENTS

Maryland’s CMP has worked over the past five years to support coastal management through the

2015-2020 309 Assessment and Strategy. Significant accomplishments and program changes are

listed below by Strategy: Enhancing Resilience to Coastal Hazards and Climate Change, Coastal and

Ocean Resources and Uses, and Data to Decision Making.

NHANCING RESILIENCE TO COASTAL HAZARDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Community Resilience Grants: In 2015 the CMP worked across divisions to expand the scope

of its Coast Smart Communities grants to include a more watershed level approach to address

climate impacts and leverage funds to do so. The addition of water-quantity projects in this

grant program greatly expanded the CMPs’ work supporting local resilience challenges. These

newly termed Community Resilience Grants funded 28 projects in 16 jurisdictions over the past

5 years. The type of projects that were funded during this time included

: Supporting

communities through the FEMA’s Community Rating System; developing long range plans that

assess current and future conditions and potential adaptation strategies; and enabling

communities to enact updated zoning and ordinances to meet current regulations. These

projects include:

Community/

Partner

Project Title

Outcome/Program Change

CZMA

Grant Year

City of

Crisfield/Somer

set County

City of Crisfield Drainage

System Assessment

The project funds a city-wide drainage system assessment to

identify, categorize, and prioritize deficiencies in the overall

system; develop an implementation plan, recommend retrofits

and/or innovative adaptation strategies to ensure Crisfield is

increasingly resilient to storm-induced and tidal flooding.

2020

Talbot County

Green Infrastructure Plan

Update

The project updates the 2004 Talbot County Green Infrastructure

Plan to include area and site-specific climate change

adaptation/resiliency initiatives, address stormwater

management, and improve water and air quality objectives.

2020

Town of St

Michaels

Stormwater and Harbor

Infrastructure

Assessment

Town of St. Michaels is initiating a multi-year effort to upgrade the

Town’s harbors and stormwater infrastructure to prepare for

the 2050 anticipated sea level rise and climate change.The final

document will be used in the decision-making process for future

2020

capital projects and to update the Town’s floodplain ordinances

and Hazard Mitigation Plans as required by the Town’s

Comprehensive Plan.

Kent County

Nuisance Flood Plan

Provided financial assistance to Kent County to

draft their Nuisance Flood Plan.

2019

Somerset

County

Deal Island Peninsula

Open Ditch Drainage

System Assessment:

Dames Quarter and

Oriole

The project maps all roadside ditches that

contribute to the drainage system within

especially problematic areas in the Dames Quarter

and Oriole areas; prioritize deficiencies within

these identified areas; to develop an

implementation plan, recommend innovative

adaptation strategies.

2019

City of Annapolis

Building Community

Resilience Through the

Community Rating

System Program

Completed the application process for acceptance into the Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System

(CRS) program. Conducted community outreach to educate

property owners about their flood risk.

2019

City of Laurel

Community Rating

System Program Support

Supported the City in their application to FEMA’s Community Rating

System

2019

Talbot

County/Eastern

Shore Regional

GIS Cooperative

Talbot County: Our

Resilient Community

Talbot County: Our Resilient Community,” is a story map that

provides public awareness, education, and preparedness for Talbot

County’s flood hazard and helps achieve the goals stated in the

2017 Community Resilience Plan.

2019

Town of Berlin

Comprehensive Plan

Update: Resilience

Element

The Town is updating its Comprehensive Plan and this project

resulted in a Resilience Element to codify the flood-reduction

measures that have been completed to identify vulnerabilities

and define community resilience both now and into the future.

2019

Town of Eagle

Harbor

Eagle Harbor 2015:

Planning for a

Sustainable Community

Eagle Harbor will have created and adopted policies and

procedures into municipal documents that address hazard

mitigation and the challenges presented to a coastal community in

the era of climate change and flooding. This includes an evaluation

and prioritization of a green infrastructure project to address key

drainage and stormwater flood issues.

2018

Town Of Oxford

Community Rating

System Application

The Town compiled an application to FEMA’s Community Rating

System.

2018

Somerset

County & City of

Crisfield

Somerset County City of

Crisfield Zoning

Ordinance Update

Updating Somerset County’s & City of Crisfield’s Zoning Ordinances.

Updating and developing electronic Zoning Maps

2018

Calvert County

Coastal Resiliency

Planning in Calvert

County: Solomon’s Island

Development of a Solomons Island Flood Mitigation Plan.

2017

Baltimore City

Coastal Adaptation

Planning and

Implementation in

Baltimore City

The City conducted small ‘community district’ risk assessments and

community-level plans, and implementation guidelines to better

focus efforts in local communities most at risk from the impacts of

climate change. The City conducted an assessment of the City’s

small watershed actions plans (SWAPs) as well as the regions

Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) and develop a framework

for watershed adaptation implementation.

2017

City of

Cambridge

Coastal Resiliency

Planning in the City of

Cambridge

The City evaluated a range of solutions for replacement of the

Seawalls that take into account both green and grey approaches and

reduces both stormwater and tidal flooding.

2017

Calvert County

Raising the Bar on the

Coast

This project resulted in three program changes. First, the addition

of a Coastal Hazards Section to the updated Comprehensive Plan; an

update to the County’s Zoning Ordinance to carry out the new

2016

Coastal Hazards Comprehensive Plan Section at a finer scale than

the Comp Plan; and adoption of a new Floodplain Mitigation Plan

that integrates previously adopted small-area flood mitigation

plans; including from North and Chesapeake Beach.

Town of Oxford

Increasing Stormwater

Preparedness and

Coastal Resilience in the

Town of Oxford

The Stormwater Management and Shoreline Protection Master Plan

(SMSP Master Plan)

will be adopted as the Town’s capital

improvement plan specifically for Stormwater and Shoreline

infrastructure Improvements. The Oxford 2011 Stormwater

Management Ordinance will be reviewed with respect to the results

and recommendations discovered in the engineering study and the

CoastSmart Community Scorecard exercise.

2016

Kent County

Kent County Sea Level

Rise and Climate Change

Vulnerability Study

The results of this study will better inform strategies in the Kent

County Comprehensive Plan dealing directly with climate change

and sea level rise. The County will undertake a plan update in 2015

2016. It is anticipated that this update will result in more robust

strategies which address sea level rise and climate change.

2016

Critical Area

Commission

Integrating Climate

Adaptation Strategies

Within Local Critical Area

Regulations

This project compliments previous and future work also being done

in Oxford. The planner collaborated with Town staff in order to

develop implementation guidance, which may also be used by other

communities in the future. Additionally, the planner created

outreach materials focused towards the public and local

governments that address stormwater management, alternative

mitigation, and protection against sea level rise and other climate

change concerns.

2016

Sea Level Rise Inundation and Coastal Flooding - Construction, Adaptation, and

Mitigation (HB1350/SB1006 (2018) and HB1427

(2019): This legislation strengthened the

Maryland Coast Smart siting and design legislation (HB 615) of 2014 to better manage and

address coastal adaptation efforts. Additions in this legislation included requirements to more

fully integrate highway facilities, develop a saltwater intrusion plan, establish criteria for use of

state funds for hazard mitigation as it pertains to the use of state funds for sea level rise and

coastal flooding, and require local governments to address nuisance flooding. As a result of this

legislation, the CMP is working with the Coast Smart Council to update its siting and design

guidelines and facilitate work and discussions about the saltwater intrusion plans. The CMP

directly led inter-agency efforts to develop and issue

nuisance flood plan guidance and host

training events on the issue and plan requirements. Continuing on this, CMP is directly

providing technical and financial support to local partners to assist in developing their nuisance

flood plans and develop geospatial event-reporting tools.

Deal Island Peninsula Partnership: The CMP worked in collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay

National Estuarine Research Reserve and the University of Maryland to establish the Deal Island

Peninsula Partnership. This partnership is a community initiative focused on increasing the

resilience of local communities to coastal flooding, erosion and sea level change. As a part of this

initiative there were a variety of outreach and communication mechanisms utilized including

stakeholder workshops; creation of vulnerability maps; community conversations on topics

identified at the stakeholder workshop; development of the integrated coastal resilience

assessment; website and brochure development and field and site visits throughout the

community. The intent was to bring together the stakeholders and local community to

understand the vulnerabilities and then develop solutions to enhance resilience.

Climate Leadership Academy: Established in 2018 by the State of Maryland in partnership with

the Association of Climate Change Officers, the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy advances

the capacity of state and local government agencies, infrastructure organizations and businesses

to develop and implement sound climate change initiatives thus ensuring current and future

public health, security and economic prosperity. Maryland's Climate Leadership Academy

supports the work of the Maryland Climate Change Commission, providing important continuing

education and executive training to state and local governments, infrastructure organizations and

the private sector. This highlights the CMP efforts to integrate climate considerations in all levels

of decision making to build resilience.

COASTAL AND OCEAN RESOURCES AND USES

Mallows Bay - Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. On September 3, 2019, five years

after the State of Maryland submitted a community-based nomination to NOAA, federal designation

occurred for the Mallows Bay – Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Located along an 18-

square mile stretch of Potomac River coast in Charles County, Maryland, the new sanctuary boasts

a collection of historic shipwrecks dating back to the Civil War, as well as archaeological artifacts

nearly 12,000 years old. Its culturally rich landscape also includes sites that represent the history

of Native American communities in the area, the once-booming Potomac River fishing industry

and the Civil War. As described above, the Maryland CMP worked closely with Charles County,

the Maryland Historical Trust, NOAA and countless other partners to advance the nomination

and conduct programming and other work at the site. The CMP played a leadership role with

these other partners to draft and revise an Environmental Impact Statement and Alternatives

Analysis, a Management Plan, establish a water trail and map land trails, conduct aerial

videography for interpretive materials, launch a water quality buoy, engage students at schools

and hold community and school events on site.

Ocean Studies and Coordination. As ocean uses continue to change and intensify, Maryland

engaged with many partners in the Mid-Atlantic on programmatic, management and funding

issues to address ocean coordination and environmental study needs. Over the past five years,

the CMP was an active partner in helping to develop, adopt and work to implement an Ocean

Action Plan. During this same period, the CMP carried out work to secure, leverage and manage

nearly $5M of state, CZM and other federal funding to advance five critical ocean environmental

studies related to marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, black sea bass and benthic habitats. At the

end of 2019, the CMP began work to fund and leverage an additional $2M worth of projects to

advance technology and understanding about marine mammal acoustic detection, including one

project aimed at detection of the critically-endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. The

Program’s ability to secure and leverage funding to carry out these environmental studies is a

demonstrable example of the CMP’s ability to position itself to effectively connect coastal and

ocean management issues to the science and data necessary to inform decisions

Working Waterfronts Program: In 2014, the CMP initiated a new Working Waterfronts Program

in order to assist local communities with the preservation of existing and historic working

waterfronts in Maryland. The Working Waterfronts Program engaged partners throughout the

state to define working waterfront lands, infrastructure and activities; identify community needs;

and offer technical and financial assistance to ensure public access and support for water-

dependent businesses and industries. In 2015-2017 the CMP worked with the Virginia Institute of

Marine Science to develop a GIS based working waterfronts inventory that includes state-wide

water access points, marinas, and maritime businesses. The inventory is publically available on

the Coastal Atlas.

n 2015, CCS started offering competitive Working Waterfronts Enhancement Grants, which

provided financial and technical support to preserve and protect existing and historic waterfront

communities in Maryland. Nine projects were funded, providing financial assistance to local

governments in support of waterfront planning and program development focused on traditional

uses, public access, maritime heritage, tourism and business, recreation, natural resources

conservation/restoration, and coastal hazards. These grants resulted in formally adopted

Waterfront Plans, Programs, and Zoning: Town of Rock Hall: Working Waterfronts Action Plan

(2016), Annapolis Working Waterfronts Awareness Program (2016); Cambridge Working

Waterfronts Plan (2015) and Business Plan (2017), Oxford Working Waterfront Strategic Plan

(2017); Talbot County: Tilghman Island Master Plan (2017) and Bellvue Village Master Plan

(2017); Port Deposit Waterfront Master Plan (2018); Tilghman Working Waterfront Overlay

District (ongoing).

ATA TO DECISION MAKING

Coastal resiliency data and integration into POS Targeted Ecological Areas and Scorecard:

The CMP completed work on Maryland’s Coastal Resiliency Assessment in 2016. This is a

landscape-level spatial analysis that identifies where natural features provide the greatest

potential risk reduction for coastal communities. Following release of the Coastal Resiliency

Assessment, the CMP worked with MDNR Land Acquisition & Planning to update the Program

Open Space (POS) Stateside Scorecard to include coastal resiliency data. The POS Stateside

Scorecard evaluates ecological value, public access and recreational opportunities for parcels that

are being considered for acquisition by the state. The Scorecard update ensured that parcels are

now being evaluated for coastal resiliency benefits. This work was further expanded upon the

completion of a CCS-led parcel evaluation tool

that allows real-time data return about the habitat

and other key resources located on parcels under consideration for protection.

Resiliency through Restoration: In 2017, DNR launched a new Resiliency through

Restoration Initiative to demonstrate how nature can help protect communities from climate

change impacts. Between July 2017 and September 2019, CMP staff initiated design of 16

restoration projects in the Coastal Zone. Projects include shoreline restoration, beneficial use of

dredged material, tidal marsh restoration, dune restoration, landscape-level green

infrastructure, and other nature-based practices that provide community and ecosystem

benefits. While the Initiative focused initially on living shoreline projects that address coastal

flooding, erosion and sea level rise, the program scope was later expanded to also address

inland and urban flooding due to heavy precipitation.

CMP staff manage this new program and work with restoration practitioners to directly support

on-the-ground implementation. The Initiative provides financial and technical assistance for

design, construction and adaptive management of nature-based resiliency practices. CMP staff

also provide assistance with project targeting, monitoring, community outreach and education.

In 2019, staff developed a Communications Plan for the Initiative and began working with two

grantees to develop local communication plans. Additionally, CMP staff is working with Reserve

staff to coordinate monitoring of resiliency projects. This effort is being piloted through June

2022, with plans to extend the program based on lessons learned and community needs.

Beneficial Use: Identifying Locations for Dredge (BUILD): Dredged material is a sediment, and

therefore a resource. The department is capitalizing on dredged material as fill in restoration

projects by aligning restoration and dredging projects. Doing so allows planners to save on costs

that would otherwise be incurred to transport dredged material to upland placement sites or to

bring fill material to restoration sites. Further, placement of dredged material in restoration

projects is increasingly enhancing environmental habitats, providing resilience to coastal

communities, and preserving upland placement capacity for future dredging projects. Because

dredge and restoration projects must be aligned in space, time, and quality, such alignment can

require a minimum of 1-2 years of advanced planning. To achieve alignment and to proactively

identify beneficial use opportunities for habitat and dredging benefits, the BUILD effort

completed in 2019 following the completion of a Coastal Management Fellowship project. It is

expected to result in many future opportunities to enhance coastal habitat, attain cost savings and

maintain navigable waterways.

DNR Lands Resilience Planning Pilots: In 2017, the CMP worked with the University of

Maryland Center for Disaster Resilience to complete an assessment of watershed issues driving

inland flooding events and developed a subsequent approach to reducing impacts at Patapsco

Valley State Park. Patapsco Valley is a river valley park where the Patapsco River meanders

through the park’s 16,000 acres, with numerous smaller tributaries draining the watersheds

around the park. As Maryland experiences changes in the frequency, flashiness and intensity of

precipitation events, the park is witnessing resource and infrastructure management challenges

due to the significant flooding issues that are associated with these types of events. This project

cemented an approach between the CMP and Maryland Park Service for addressing resilience on

state lands, and spurred the development of a State Lands Climate Assessment. This

accomplishment has allowed the CMP to bridge its habitat and coastal hazards expertise with

MDNR land management needs.

State Lands Climate Assessment: In 2018-2019 the CMP worked with Salisbury University’s

Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative to develop a GIS based vulnerability assessment of state

recreational lands, including State Parks, State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and Fishery

Management Areas. This assessment utilized climate change related GIS data, infrastructure data,

and ecological data to identify and understand vulnerabilities and impacts to state lands,

including long-term impacts to recreational use, water access, infrastructure, and ecosystem

management. This work marked a shift in work to integrate climate risk into MDNR land

planning that has expanded CCS’ ability to assist MDNR in leading by example. To continue this

work the CMP submitted an application for a NOAA Coastal Management Fellow, starting in 2020,

to assist in a second phase of the project, focused on developing Resilience Action Plans for three

different MDNR land units. The project will result in new technical guidance and best practices

on climate adaptation for the management of public lands that can serve as a model for state and

local land managers.

CBNERR-MD Resilience Planning: In 2018, the CMP and CBNERR-MD worked with the

University of Maryland School of Architecture to develop a graduate level design studio to

develop climate-resilient design concepts for a field station at the Monie Bay component of the

Reserve. The challenge for the students was that the structure needed to: fit the National

Estuarine Research Reserve standards for dorms, lab and meeting spaces; achieve energy

efficiency with a goal towards net-zero; and, adhere to the state’s Coast Smart Construction

guidelines that were developed by Maryland’s CMP through its leadership on the Coast Smart

Council. The result was 17 individual concepts and a report of efforts as summarized in

Charting

a Way Forward: Research at Monie Bay that tested design strategies for a net-zero energy,

resource efficient, low-impact field station located in the critical area of the Chesapeake Bay

watershed.

3. PHASE I ENHANCEMENT AREA ASSESSMENTS

The Section 309 Assessment and Strategy includes an assessment for each of the nine

enhancement areas – wetlands, coastal hazards, public access, marine debris, cumulative and

secondary impacts, special area management plans, oceans and Great Lakes resources, energy

and government facility siting, and aquaculture. The assessment process is comprised of two

phases to enable CMPs to more easily target their assessments to high priority enhancement areas

for the program – Phase I (high-level) Assessments and Phase II (in-depth) Assessments.

Phase I (High-Level) Assessments

The Maryland CMP utilized the templates provided by NOAA to complete the Phase I (or high-level)

Assessments for each of the nine enhancement areas. Based upon the responses to the questions in

the Phase I Assessment template, key stakeholder input, and staff’s extensive knowledge of

the issues, each enhancement area was ranked as high, medium, or low priority for the

state’s coastal management program. The Phase I Assessments for each of the nine enhancement

areas follow.

Wetlands

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Protection, restoration, or enhancement of the existing

coastal wetlands base, or creation of new coastal wetlands. §309(a)(1)

Note: For the purposes of the Wetlands Assessment, wetlands are “those areas that are inundated

or saturated at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal

circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil

conditions.” [33 CFR 328.3(b)]. See also pg. 174 of the CZMA Performance Measurement Guidance

for a more in-depth discussion of what should be considered a wetland.

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/media/czmapmsguide2018.pdf

1. Using provided reports from NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas,

please indicate the extent, status, and

trends of wetlands in the state’s coastal counties. You can provide additional or alternative

information or use graphs or other visuals to help illustrate or replace the table entirely if better

data are available. Note that the data available for the islands may be for a different time frame

than the time periods reflected below. In that case, please specify the time period the data

represents. Also note that Puerto Rico currently only has data for one time point so will not be able

to report trend data. Instead, Puerto Rico should just report current land use cover for all wetlands

and each wetlands type.

As of January 2020, NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas data had not been updated with 2016 C-CAP data.

NOAA guidance sent in December 2019 indicated the CMP could proceed with a narrative

characterization and/or our own methodology to conduct the analysis. CCS elected to use our

own methodology to conduct the analysis for the table below based on the National Land Cover

Database 2016 data.

We used the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium of federal agencies

National Land Cover Database (NLCD) to calculate wetland area and trends. This is the dataset

that is used by NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas and was chosen to maintain consistency with prior

reports and to present change over time. While the analysis shows an increase in freshwater

wetlands from 2011-2016 this is not consistent with our understanding of trends in the state,

and we attribute to error in detecting woody wetlands. The NLCD likely overestimates woody

wetlands; the total for the Maryland Coastal Zone was 626,000 acres using NLCD compared to

415,000 acres using the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) data from 2016. The NWI estimate

is more consistent with prior state level analysis. Totals for estuarine wetlands are much more

similar across assessments- 196,000 using NLCD and 216,000 using NWI. Overall, NLCD likely

overestimates wetland area in the Coastal Zone of Maryland, at 822,527 acres compared to

639,805 total acres using NWI and 624,967 total wetland acres using the Chesapeake

Conservancy’s high resolution LU/LC data product that is based on 2014 LiDAR data. The

trends observed from 2001 to 2016 are consistent with state observations in loss of wetlands,

primarily due to development or sea level rise, but would suggest that the slight increase in

woody wetlands over that period is more likely due to error or change in methodological

approach rather than actual increase in freshwater wetland area.

Current state of wetlands in 2016 (acres): ________822,527___________________

Coastal Wetlands Status and Trends

Change in Wetlands from 2001-2016 from 2011-2016

Percent net change in total wetlands (%

gained or lost)*

-0.26%

3.63%

Percent net change in freshwater (palustrine

wetlands) (% gained or lost)*

2.80%

9.52%

Percent net change in saltwater (estuarine)

wetlands (% gained or lost)*

-8.89%

-11.52%

https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/lca.html. Note that the 2016 data will not be available for all states until later Summer 2019. NOAA

OCM will be providing summary reports compiling each state’s coastal county data. The reports will be available after all of the 2016 data is

available.

How Wetlands Are Changing*

Land Cover Type

Area of Wetlands Transformed to Another Type

of Land Cover between 2001-2016 (Sq. Miles)

Development

2.54

Agriculture

0.16

Forest

0.11

Barren Land

0.02

Water

3.95

* Note: Islands likely have data for another time period and may only have one time interval to report. If so, only report the change in

wetlands for the time period for which data are available. Puerto Rico does not report.

2. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific data

or reports on the status and trends of coastal wetlands since the last assessment to augment the

national data sets.

The National Land Cover Database is updated every five years and offers the ability to compare land

cover changes over different time scales, and therefore was the tool used to complete the tables

above. In addition to this national dataset, Maryland has several state- and regionally-specific

spatial data and mapping tools that are used to inform a number of different planning and

management decisions related to coastal wetlands. Those include:

Maryland Coastal Resiliency Assessment

The CMP completed work on Maryland’s Coastal Resiliency Assessment

in 2016. This landscape-

level spatial analysis identifies where natural features (e.g. coastal wetlands) provide the greatest

potential risk reduction for coastal communities. The Resiliency Assessment produced multiple

data products for use in resiliency and adaptation planning, including the Shoreline Hazard Index,

Habitat Role in Hazard Reduction, Coastal Community Flood Risk Areas, Priority Shoreline Areas,

and a Marsh Protection Potential Index (see more in the Coastal Hazards assessment). Maryland’s

tidal marshes are some of the most effective buffers against wave damage and storm surge, but

some marshes are better equipped or situated to perform these functions than others. The

assessment ranked Maryland marshes based on marsh size, proximity to hazards, proximity to

people, proximity to other protective habitats, and how a marsh is expected to adapt to changing

environmental conditions.

Chesapeake Bay High-Resolution Land Cover Project

In 2016, the Chesapeake Conservancy’s Conservation Innovation Center (CIC) completed the

Chesapeake Bay High-Resolution Land Cover Project for the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP). This

project produced one-meter resolution land cover data for approximately 100,000 square miles of

land in and surrounding the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including Maryland. This one-meter

resolution data identified wetlands with 80% accuracy. The data is downloadable and viewable via

a web mapper. In 2018, the CIC entered into a 6-year cooperative agreement with EPA to provide

continued geospatial support to the CBP that will inform the management of the Chesapeake Bay

TMDL, so it is possible these data will be used in future assessments to show wetland change since

the 2016 baseline.

Maryland iMap Wetland Data Products

Prior to the dataset above, the State of Maryland has made available several different wetland data

products via the Maryland iMap Data Catalog and the Maryland Coastal Atlas. These include the

National Wetlands Inventory data service, a wetland polygons data service managed by MDNR, and

the Maryland Sea Level Rise Wetland Adaptation Areas data product. While these data have been

used for a number of coastal management planning applications, they were not used to complete

the tables above because they do not as readily allow year-to-year comparisons as NOAA’s Land

Cover Atlas.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if there have been any significant changes at the state or territory level (positive or

negative) that could impact the future protection, restoration, enhancement, or creation of coastal

wetlands since the last assessment.

Significant Changes in Wetland Management

Management Category

Significant Changes Since Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Statutes, regulations, policies, or case law

interpreting these

Wetlands programs (e.g., regulatory, mitigation,

restoration, acquisition)

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Since the last assessment, the State of Maryland has continued to move forward a series of planning

and policy initiatives to preserve, protect, prioritize, and restore wetlands areas. These changes

were largely CCS-driven, facilitated by the following policies and initiatives. Several of these items

are cross-listed in the Coastal Hazards assessment.

Coast Smart Construction Program

The Coast Smart Construction Program

requires that if a State capital project includes the

construction of a structure or reconstruction of a structure with substantial damage, the

structure shall be constructed or reconstructed in compliance with the siting and design

criteria established by the Coast Smart Council. Siting criteria expressly supporting the

resilience of coastal habitats include: natural and nature based features that may serve to

buffer the project from the impacts of future sea level rise, coastal flooding or storm surge

(e.g., vegetated or forested buffers, dunes, wetland adaptation areas) or that support general

climate adaptation practices (e.g., habitat adaptation areas), shall be identified and should be

protected and maintained to the maximum extent practicable; and, whenever possible, onsite

mitigation measures should enhance, restore or create natural and nature based features to

provide additional protection against future sea level rise and coastal storm impacts.

Amendments to Critical Area Regulations

Maryland’s Critical Area includes all land within 1,000 feet of Maryland’s tidal waters and tidal

wetlands. The Critical Area Commission (CAC) was first created within the DNR in 1984 (Chapter

794, Acts of 1984) to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay from the negative impacts of intense

development. The CAC is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed changes to local

critical area plans; proposals by a State or local government agency that might lead to major

development within a critical area; and, State projects on State-owned land within a critical area.

The CAC meets approximately bimonthly and a CZM staff represents MDNR. New Critical Area

regulations (COMAR 27.02.05.03) went into effect in December 2014 pertaining to sea level rise

and wetland migration areas. These regulations require that when a State agency proposes

development on State-owned land in the Critical Area, the agency shall, to the maximum extent

practicable (a) Incorporate and maintain a wildlife corridor system, including all habitat protection

areas near the development project, so as to connect the largest, most vegetated tracts of land

within, adjacent to, or near the development project and provide continuity of existing wildlife and

plant habitat with other off-site habitat areas; (b) Preserve, protect, and maintain a potential

wetland migration area: (i) Within the area of the development project; and (ii) Adjacent to the area

of the development project, if the agency owns the adjacent land or the adjacent land is within the

agency’s legally enforceable right-of-way.

Maryland’s Coastal Resiliency Assessment

As mentioned above, between 2015-2016 the CMP partnered with The Nature Conservancy to

complete the Coastal Resiliency Assessment. This landscape-level spatial analysis and modeling

effort identified where natural habitats , such as wetlands, provide the greatest potential risk

reduction for coastal communities. CMP staff worked with state, local, federal, and non-profit

stakeholders to identify existing natural infrastructure with resiliency benefits for coastal

communities impacted by climate change. The assessment results include a Natural Features

Analysis, Community Flood Risk Analysis, Marsh Protection Potential Index, and the identification

of Priority Shoreline Areas for conservation or restoration actions. Following release of the Coastal

Resiliency Assessment, the CMP worked with MDNR Land Acquisition & Planning to update the

Program Open Space (POS) Stateside Scorecard to include coastal resiliency data. The POS Stateside

Scorecard evaluates ecological value, public access and recreational opportunities for parcels that

are being considered for acquisition by the state. The Scorecard update ensured that parcels are

now being evaluated for coastal resiliency benefits. This work was further expanded upon the

completion of a CCS-led parcel evaluation tool that allows real-time data return about the habitat

and other key resources located on parcels under consideration for protection.

Resiliency through Restoration Initiative

In 2016, the State of Maryland launched a new program, entitled Resiliency through Restoration,

which is managed by the CMP. The Resiliency through Restoration Initiative directly supports on-

the-ground implementation of nature-based projects, including wetland enhancement projects.

Over the short term, the Initiative will demonstrate how nature can help protect communities from

climate change impacts. Over the long term, the Initiative will reduce Maryland’s vulnerabilities and

enhance resiliency of local communities, economies, and natural resources. These goals will be

reached through the implementation and tracking of pilot projects that will demonstrate how

nature can build community resilience to climate change. Projects include tidal marsh restoration

and other nature-based practices that provide community and ecosystem benefits. Projects are

selected based on the vulnerability of the habitat and community, targeted resiliency areas, level of

community engagement, project readiness and status, and broader ecosystem services. Maryland’s

Coastal Resiliency Assessment is used to screen and prioritize projects.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High _____

Medium __x___

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

Wetlands can reduce erosion and flooding impacts for nearby coastal communities, especially when

they exist in concert with forests, dunes, oyster reefs and underwater grasses. These habitats buffer

communities from the full impacts of tides and storms and their dynamic nature allows for natural

recovery following coastal hazard events. Due to shoreline hardening, roads, and development

along much of Maryland's coastline, some areas in Maryland have lost their protective natural

features. This is especially true in low-lying rural and urban communities.

Where possible, CCS pursues conservation and restoration projects to protect and enhance existing

habitats that will better prepare coastal communities for tide, storm, and climate impacts.

Acknowledging the role nature plays in building community resiliency, CCS collaborated with The

Nature Conservancy in 2015-2016 to evaluate where habitats can best protect Maryland residents,

resulting in the Coastal Resiliency Assessment. This assessment greatly informed which coastal

habitats, including wetlands, have the greatest potential to reduce community risk, and laid the

groundwork for CCS to invest in protecting and restoring those areas through the Resiliency

through Restoration Initiative.

Given the critical role wetlands play in enhancing the resiliency of coastal habitats and communities

and buffering the impacts of coastal hazards, the CMP will combine the Wetlands and Coastal

Hazards enhancements areas into a comprehensive Enhancing Resilience Strategy.

Coastal Hazards

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Prevent or significantly reduce threats to life and property

by eliminating development and redevelopment in high-hazard areas, managing development in

other hazard areas, and anticipating and managing the effects of potential sea level rise and Great

Lakes level change. §309(a)(2)

Note: For purposes of the Hazards Assessment, coastal hazards include the following

traditional hazards and those identified in the CZMA: flooding; coastal storms (including

associated storm surge); geological hazards (e.g., tsunamis, earthquakes); shoreline erosion

(including bluff and dune erosion); sea level rise; Great Lake level change; land subsidence;

and saltwater intrusion.

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. In the table below, indicate the general level of risk in the coastal zone for each of the coastal

hazards. The following resources may help assess the level of risk for each hazard. Your state may

also have other state-specific resources and tools to consult. Additional information and links to

these resources can be found in the “Resources” section at the end of the Coastal Hazards Phase I

Assessment Template:

● The state’s multi-hazard mitigation plan.

● Coastal County Snapshots: Flood Exposure

● Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper

● Sea Level Rise Viewer/Great Lakes Lake Level Change Viewer

● National Climate Assessment

General Level of Hazard Risk in the Coastal Zone

Type of Hazard

General Level of Risk

(H, M, L)

Flooding (riverine, stormwater)

High

Coastal storms (including storm surge)

High

Geological hazards (e.g., tsunamis, earthquakes)

Low

Shoreline erosion

High

Sea level rise

High

Great Lakes level change

N/A

Land subsidence

Med-High

Saltwater intrusion

High

Other: winter storm

High

Other: tornado

Med-High

Other: wind

Med-High

Other: thunderstorm

Med-High

Other: wildfire

Medium

Other: drought

Med-High

2. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional data or reports on the level of

risk and vulnerability to coastal hazards within your state since the last assessment. The state’s

multi-hazard mitigation plan or climate change risk assessment or plan may be a good resource to

help respond to this question.

The responses above were determined through a combination of information from the following

state and regional assessments/plans.

State of Maryland 2016 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Risk is defined as “the estimated impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities and structures in a community; the likelihood

of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.” Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating

Losses. FEMA 386-2. August 2001

Governor Hogan approved the State of Maryland Hazard Mitigation Plan in August 2016. The Plan

summarizes completed risk assessments and details steps the state will take to plan for and

respond to the following hazards: coastal (including tropical storms, hurricanes, Nor’easters, sea

level rise and shoreline erosion), flood (including flash, riverine, and coastal), winter storm

(including snow, freezing rain, sleet and extreme cold), tornados, wind, thunderstorms, wildfire,

and drought. Flooding, coastal hazards, and winter storms pose the greatest overall risk to

Maryland. More information about the 2016 Hazard Mitigation Plan is throughout this assessment.

Sea Level Rise Projections for Maryland 2018

The Sea-Level Rise Projections for Maryland 2018 report provides updated projections of the

amount of sea-level rise relative to Maryland coastal lands that is expected into the next century.

The likely range (66% probability) of the relative rise of mean sea level expected in Maryland

between 2000 and 2050 is 0.8 to 1.6 feet, with about a 1-in-20 chance it could exceed 2.0 feet and

about a one-in-one hundred chance it could exceed 2.3 feet. After 2050, rates of sea-level rise

depend increasingly on the future pathway of global emissions of greenhouse gases during the next

sixty years. If emissions continue to grow well into the second half of the 21st century, the likely

range of sea-level rise experienced in Maryland is 2.0 to 4.2 feet toward the end of this century, two

to four times the relative sea-level rise experienced during the 20th century. The report states that

sea-level rise will increase both high and low tide levels and storm surges. Tidal heights will depend

on the degree to which shorelines are protected by bulkheads, rip-rap and other armoring. It also

states that more severe tropical storms are likely to reach the Mid-Atlantic region as Earth

continues to warm, with the wetlands and rural landscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore to see an

increase in the extent and depth of storm surge inundation. Finally, the report addresses nuisance

flooding and states that such flooding events that recently occur less than 10 days per year are

likely to occur 30 days per year by 2040 and nearly 100 days per year by 2050.

MDOT SHA Climate Change Vulnerability Mapper

During this last assessment period, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway

Administration (MDOT SHA), in collaboration with Salisbury University & the Eastern Shore

Regional GIS Cooperative, worked together to produce geospatial datasets showcasing sea level

changes to Maryland's 3,930 miles of coastline. The MDOT SHA Climate Change Vulnerability

ArcGIS Online web application highlights sea level change and the potential impacts on Maryland's

roadways, including roadway assets & infrastructure. The purpose of this application is to support

MDOT SHA senior management, leadership & planning as they make efforts to avert and mitigate

potential impacts of sea level rise that result from global climate change. This forecasted

intelligence is for the years 2015, 2050, & 2100 scenarios, helping to mitigate and protect

Maryland's long-term investments.

Mainstreaming Sea Level Rise Preparedness in Local Planning and Policy on Maryland’s

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore Climate Adaptation Partnership (ESCAP) is a network of local and state

government staff, academic institutions, and non-for-profit partners planning for the impacts of

climate change upon our region. In 2018, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy prepared a report on

behalf of the ESCAP titled Mainstreaming Sea Level Rise Preparedness in Local Planning and Policy

on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This sea level rise report provides detailed, locally-relevant

information for residents and community leaders about the projected impacts that sea level rise

will have on the Eastern Shore and identifies strategies for adapting to these impacts.

Maryland’s Plan to Adapt to Saltwater Intrusion and Salinization

In December 2019, the Maryland Department of Planning released Maryland’s Plan to Adapt to

Saltwater Intrusion and Salinization. The Plan states that climate change and subsidence will

increase saltwater intrusion and salinization within Maryland’s coastal areas through both long

term and episodic events. Sea level rise will steadily bring more brackish water from Maryland’s

estuaries, tidal tributaries, and the ocean on to the land, farther upstream, and farther inland

underground into surficial groundwater aquifers. Tides and storms will also periodically bring

brackish water from Maryland’s estuaries, tidal tributaries, and the ocean onto the land and farther

upstream. Also, as sea level rises, low-lying land will become more difficult to drain due to higher

groundwater levels in relation to coastal waters. The reduced drainage results in less removal of

accumulated salt from the land over time. These impacts are mitigated or worsened by heavier

precipitation or drought, respectively, both of which are occurring more often due to climate

change. Other factors, such as the use of groundwater, the application of road salt, and the use of

engineering controls, also affect salinity in Maryland’s waters. Collectively, the increased salinity

has already made some of Maryland’s coastal farmland unusable, and is altering the ecological

landscape of Maryland’s wetlands and coastal forests. Those who depend upon Maryland’s coastal

groundwater and surface waters for agricultural irrigation or drinking water will need to remain

vigilant of increased salinity.

Management Characterization:

1. In the tables below, indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if significant

state- or territory-level changes (positive or negative) have occurred that could impact the CMP’s

ability to prevent or significantly reduce coastal hazards risk since the last assessment.

Significant Changes in Hazards Statutes, Regulations, Policies, or Case Law

Topic Addressed

Employed by

State or

Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant

Changes Since

Last

Assessment

(Y or N)

Elimination of development/redevelopment

in high-hazard areas

Y – Coast Smart

Council &

Critical Area

Regulations

Management of

development/redevelopment

in other hazard areas

Y – Coast Smart

Council &

Critical Area

Regulations

climate change impacts, including sea level

rise or Great Lakes level change

Y – Maryland

Climate Change

Commission

Significant Changes in Hazards Planning Programs or Initiatives

Topic Addressed

Employed by

State or

Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant

Changes Since

Last

Assessment

(Y or N)

Use state’s definition of high-hazard areas.

Hazard mitigation

Y – 2016 Hazard

Mitigation Plan

CCS Community

Resilience

Grants

Climate change impacts, including sea level

rise or Great Lakes level change

Y – RtR Initiative

ESLC Sea Level

Rise Planning

Significant Changes in Hazards Mapping or Modeling Programs or Initiatives

Topic Addressed

Employed by

State or

Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant

Changes Since

Last

Assessment

(Y or N)

Sea level rise or Great Lakes level change

Y – Coastal

Resiliency

Assessment

Other hazards

2. Briefly state how “high-hazard areas” are defined in your coastal zone.

According to the State of Maryland 2016 Hazard Mitigation Plan, between 1962 and 2016 Maryland

has had thirty-one major disaster declarations. The five hazards that consistently resulted in

widespread impacts across Maryland and include: coastal hazards; flood; winter storm; tornado;

and, wind. Following review and discussion, the Mitigation Advisory Council (MAC) recommended

that these five most common hazards be included in the 2016 State Hazard Mitigation Plan. In

addition, these five hazards were recommended as a minimum standard for inclusion in all local

hazard mitigation plans within the State of Maryland Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Guidance, May

2015.

Coastal hazards in Maryland take many forms ranging from storm systems such as tropical storms,

hurricanes, and Nor’easters, that may cause storm surge inundation, heavy precipitation, that may

lead to flash flooding and exacerbation of shoreline erosion to longer term hazards such as sea level

rise. The State of Maryland 2016 Hazard Mitigation Plan defines coastal hazards as tropical storms,

hurricanes, Nor’easters, sea level rise and shoreline erosion. The local jurisdictions with the highest

risk to coastal hazards include: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Dorchester, Kent, Queen

Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, and Worcester counties, as well as, the City of Baltimore – 11 of

Maryland’s 20 coastal zone jurisdictions. The majority of local jurisdictions rated as having a “high

risk” to coastal hazards in the state’s risk assessment also rated coastal hazards as a high risk

within their local plans. The three exceptions were Charles, Queen Anne’s, and the City of

Baltimore; all three rated coastal hazards as “medium-high risk” within their local hazard

mitigation plans.

It is important to note that while the updated mitigation risk assessment was under development,

so too was Maryland’s Coastal Resiliency Assessment (see below and the Wetlands assessment). In

order to assist with plan integration and inform both the hazard mitigation plan development and

the MDNR coastal resiliency risk assessment, members of both planning committees included many

of the same people. The Coastal Resiliency Assessment produced multiple data products, including

a Shoreline Hazard Index that identifies high, moderate, and low hazard shorelines, and Coastal

Community Flood Risk Areas that rank residential areas from very low to very high risk based on

probability of exposure to a flood event, population density, and social demographics (age, income,

and language proficiency).

3. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The State of Maryland (led by the Maryland Department of the Environment) in conjunction with

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been systematically updating Flood

Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for communities over the past several years. Maryland’s Flood Map

website allows users to select their location on the map and aids in determining their current flood

risk based on Digital FIRMs (DFIRMs). The application also prompts users to launch a Flood Risk

Guide, which helps users determine whether flood insurance is required or recommended for their

property. Additionally, information on the benefits of having flood insurance and how to obtain

insurance is highlighted. Using the schedule for map production in 2017, the average age of the

DFIRM products in the Maryland is 4 years with 75% of the State at 3 years or less. The Maryland

Department of the Environment offers floodplain management technical assistance to local

jurisdictions and encourages local participation in the Community Rating System (CRS).

Coastal Resiliency Assessment

In 2016, the CMP completed work on Maryland’s Coastal Resiliency Assessment

. This landscape-

level spatial analysis identifies where natural features provide the greatest potential risk reduction

for coastal communities. The Coastal Resiliency Assessment produced multiple data products for

use in resiliency and adaptation planning, including the Shoreline Hazard Index, Habitat Role in

Hazard Reduction, Coastal Community Flood Risk Areas, Priority Shoreline Areas, and a Marsh

Protection Potential Index. Following release of the Coastal Resiliency Assessment, CMP staff

worked with MDNR Land Acquisition & Planning to update the Program Open Space (POS)

Stateside Scorecard to include coastal resiliency data. The POS Stateside Scorecard evaluates

ecological value, public access and recreational opportunities for parcels that are being considered

for acquisition by the state. The Scorecard update ensured that parcels are now being evaluated for

coastal resiliency benefits. This work was further expanded upon the completion of a CCS-led

parcel

evaluation tool that allows real-time data return about the habitat and other key resources located

on parcels under consideration for protection.

Resiliency through Restoration Initiative

CCS’ leadership on state climate adaptation and bay and habitat restoration - paired with its

support for community resilience planning and the completion of the Coastal Resiliency

Assessment - allowed the program to secure state funding to launch the

Resiliency through

Restoration initiative in 2017. In FY18, the State of Maryland began efforts to invest in long-term

on-the-ground restoration projects that provide coastal resiliency benefits to coastal communities

and natural resources. The first round of state capital investments in the work supported project

design for six projects around Maryland’s coastal zone that were identified through Maryland’s

Coastal Resiliency Assessment. As of January 2020, CCS has provided financial and technical

assistance to local government and non-profit partners to implement 16 priority restoration

projects across the state. Projects include shoreline restoration, beneficial use of dredged material,

tidal marsh restoration, dune restoration, landscape-level green infrastructure, and other nature-

based practices that provide community and ecosystem benefits. Projects are selected based on the

vulnerability of the habitat and community, targeted resiliency areas, level of community

engagement, project readiness and status, and broader ecosystem services. Investments in data-

driven assessments and community partnerships are allowing the CMP to accelerate the

understanding of risk and support implementation of projects to reduce future risk. CMP staff

manage the Initiative and funding. CMP staff are also working with MD-CBNERR staff to develop

and implement monitoring protocols at priority restoration sites to inform adaptive management

and best management practices.

Climate Leadership Academy

Established in 2018 by the State of Maryland (driven by CCS) in partnership with the Association of

Climate Change Officers, the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy

advances the capacity of state

and local government agencies, infrastructure organizations and businesses to develop and

implement sound climate change initiatives thus ensuring current and future public health, security

and economic prosperity. Maryland's Climate Leadership Academy supports the work of the

Maryland Climate Change Commission, providing important continuing education and executive

training to state and local governments, infrastructure organizations and the private sector. The

training curriculum was piloted among CCS staff in 2018, during which CMP staff advised and

guided modifications to ensure accuracy and relevance to state partners. CMP staff have also

presented state-specific data and information during each of the training cohorts.

Maryland Coast Smart Council

The Maryland Coast Smart Council (managed by CCS), was established by law (HB 615

) in 2014 for

the purposes of adopting siting and design criteria to address impacts associated with sea level rise

and coastal flooding on future capital projects.

Siting and design guidelines were developed in

January 2014 and the Council’s Coast Smart Construction Program was approved in June 2015. The

Coast Smart Construction Program is for the use of all State of Maryland agencies that design and

build facilities or prepare programs and budgets for the design and construction of facilities. It is

intended specifically for the use of project managers, capital planners, and the professionals who

will design and operate State-owned facilities. The Program is reviewed annually by the Council

and revised as necessary to address issues which may occur as the building of State facilities and

knowledge of Coast Smart building practices evolves. In 2018, the Coast Smart Council created the

Coast Smart Assessment & Certificate to help Maryland state agency personnel and others

understand and apply the Coast Smart Construction Program guidelines for various phases of their

capital project to prevent or minimize the future impacts of coastal and riverine flooding, storm

surge and sea level rise.

The Sea Level Rise Inundation and Coastal Flooding - Construction, Adaptation, and

Mitigation Act

In addition to making changes to the structure of the Maryland Coast Smart Council, this 2018

legislation (HB1350

/SB1006) strengthened the Coast Smart siting and design legislation of 2014 to

better manage and address coastal adaptation efforts. In 2019, HB 1427 amended the 2018

legislation to update definitions. Additions in this legislation included requirements to more fully

integrate highway facilities, develop a saltwater intrusion plan, establish criteria for use of state

funds for hazard mitigation as it pertains to the use of state funds for sea level rise and coastal

flooding, and require local governments to address nuisance flooding. As a result of this legislation,

during this assessment period CMP staff: worked with the Coast Smart Council to update its siting

and design guidelines; assisted in the development of

Maryland’s Plan to Adapt to Saltwater

Intrusion and Salinization; and directly led inter-agency efforts develop and issue nuisance flood

plan guidance and host training events on the issue and plan requirements. Continuing on the

latter, the CMP is directly providing technical and financial support to local partners to assist in

developing their nuisance flood plans and develop geospatial event-reporting tools. CCS will review

all plans submitted in October 2020.

Adaptation and Resiliency Work Group

The Adaptation and Resiliency Work Group

(ARWG) is one of four Maryland Commission on

Climate Change (MCCC) working groups and it is chaired by the DNR Secretary and staffed by

CCS. Since the 2007 Executive Order that established the MCCC, Maryland has been a national

leader in advancing climate change adaptation. The ARWG developed comprehensive Phase I and II

adaptation strategies in 2008 and 2011 for advancing resilience across sectors. These documents

remain foundational documents for prioritizing resilience action, but after a decade of strategy

implementation and as the state learned more about how risks are evolving and ways to build

resilience, the ARWG began evaluating progress in 2018 and worked throughout 2019 to define

future adaptation actions and opportunities. Into 2020 and beyond, CCS will continue to lead the

ARWG in developing and implementing new climate change adaptation priorities.

Sea Level Rise Projections for Maryland 2018

In fulfillment of requirements of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Act of 2015,

Sea-

Level Rise Projections for Maryland 2018 provides updated projections of the amount of sea-level

rise relative to Maryland coastal lands that is expected into the next century. These projections

represent the consensus of an expert group drawn from the Mid-Atlantic region – including the

CMP – and are meant to be used in planning and regulation, infrastructure siting and design,

estimation of changes in tidal range and storm surge, developing inundation mapping tools, and

adaptation strategies for high-tide flooding and saltwater intrusion. The framework for these

projections is tied to the projections of global sea-level rise included in the Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change Fifth Assessment (2014) and incorporates regional factors such as subsidence,

distance from melting glaciers and polar ice sheets, and ocean currents.

Amendments to Critical Area Regulations

The Critical Area Commission was first created within the DNR in 1984 (Chapter 794, Acts of 1984).

Sixteen counties, Baltimore City, and forty-seven municipalities now have land within the Critical

Area. Today, the Commission is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed changes to local

critical area plans; proposals by a State or local government agency which might lead to major

development within a critical area; and, State projects on State-owned land within a critical area.

New regulations, effective December 22, 2014, state that when a State agency proposes

development on State-owned land in the Critical Area, the agency shall, to the maximum extent

practicable (a) Incorporate and maintain a wildlife corridor system, including all habitat protection

areas near the development project, so as to connect the largest, most vegetated tracts of land

within, adjacent to, or near the development project and provide continuity of existing wildlife and

plant habitat with other off-site habitat areas; (b) Preserve, protect, and maintain a potential

wetland migration area: (i) Within the area of the development project; and (ii) Adjacent to the area

of the development project, if the agency owns the adjacent land or the adjacent land is within the

agency’s legally enforceable right-of-way.

Community Resilience Program

For more than a decade, the foundation of Maryland’s CMP service delivery approach with local

communities to address hazards was direct technical and financial assistance. At the beginning of

the current assessment period, in 2015, CMP staff worked across CCS programs to expand the scope

of its Community Resilience Grants to include a more watershed level approach to address climate

impacts (increased precipitation) and leverage funds to do so. Since 2015, 28 projects in 16

jurisdictions have been completed. The key topic areas that the projects focused on have been:

supporting communities through the FEMA’s Community Rating System; developing long range

plans that assess current and future conditions and potential adaptation strategies; and enabling

communities to enact updated zoning and ordinances to meet current regulations. Through this

program the CMP significantly supported hazard mitigation and the expansion of the Community

Rating System in Maryland by: enhancing training in partnership with FEMA Region III, providing

financial assistance directly to communities to prepare an application for entry into CRS, and

providing ongoing support to communities already in CRS to improve their rating.

Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway

In March 2019, CCS combined all external grant programs into a single streamlined grant

application process called the Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway (Grants Gateway). Grants

Gateway provides a one-stop location for partners seeking technical and financial support for

projects that foster healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of

change. Grants are made possible with funding through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays

Trust Fund, the Waterway Improvement Fund, the Resiliency through Restoration Initiative, the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Community Resilience Program) and the

Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program. The integration of these funds has

allowed CCS to include water-quantity projects in this grant program, which has greatly expanded

CCS’ work supporting local resilience challenges (e.g. non-tidal/stormwater flooding). The

integration of these funds has also allowed CCS to support adaptation across project phases, from

understanding and planning to implementation.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High __X__

Medium _____

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

Maryland, with 3,100 miles of tidal shoreline from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to the

Atlantic Ocean and coastal bays, is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards. Sea level rise is

exacerbating tidal flooding of low-lying areas and its effects are already apparent, manifesting as

shoreline erosion, deterioration of tidal wetlands, and saline contamination of low-lying farm fields.

“Nuisance” tidal flooding (also referred to as high tide flooding) that occurred just a very few days

per year in Annapolis in the 1950s now occurs 40 or more days per year. Storm surges from

tropical storms or Nor’easters also spread farther and higher, riding on the higher sea level.

Coastal hazards is a high priority enhancement area because of the high level of risk these events

pose to Maryland’s coastal communities, and the magnified level of risk brought by climate change.

The CMP is a critical nexus in a state agency network committed to helping Maryland build capacity

and resilience at the local level, where coastal hazards are most dramatically experienced. In terms

of coastal hazard risk and impact susceptibility, the lower socio-economic households, counties, and

municipalities are at a greater vulnerability due to hazard impacts for several reasons. Lower

income families typically cannot afford additional insurance protection and are less likely to

recover from hazard impacts based on financial considerations. Additionally, their risk may be

compounded by the fact that the only affordable housing options at their income level are located in

higher risk hazard areas. The CMP is increasingly being challenged to design and offer technical and

financial assistance in an equitable way, and will continue to push to ensure vulnerable frontline

communities are getting the resources they need to prepare, adapt, and respond to coastal hazard

and climate change impacts.

The CMP routinely participates in a number of stakeholder engagement efforts related to coastal

hazards, including the Maryland Resiliency Partnership and the Maryland Silver Jackets

. Through

one-on-one conversations, work group meetings, and facilitated community workshops, CMP staff

routinely hear community concerns related to coastal hazards. Local planners also regularly ask for

information on how to plan for and visualize sea level rise, nuisance flooding, storm surge,

stormwater issues, and other hazards. The CMP has been hearing from stakeholders an ever-

increasing need to address these events in not only the context of floodplain management, but also

cultural and historic resources and environmental justice. CMP staff receive technical assistance

requests for both long-term strategic planning and for information on how to impact day-to-day

decision making and permitting activities. Coastal areas will only become more vulnerable as

populations change and grow in coastal urban areas and as climate change impacts are felt with

increasing regularity.

Coastal hazards are a high priority because of the increasing frequency in which we not only see

coastal hazards impacting Maryland communities, but also because of the increasing frequency in

which CMP staff are asked for technical and financial assistance to address these impacts.

Dedication of CMP resources and staff to these issues will only become increasingly important for

the resiliency and preparedness of Maryland’s people, property, heritage, and habitats.

Public Access

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Attain increased opportunities for public access, taking into

account current and future public access needs, to coastal areas of recreational, historical, aesthetic,

ecological, or cultural value. §309(a)(3)

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. Use the table below to provide data on public access availability within the coastal zone.

Public Access Status and Trends

Type of Access Current number

Changes or

Trends Since Last

Assessment

(↑, ↓, −, unkwn)

Cite data source

Beach access sites

Beach access sites are not

specifically tracked but they are

captured under recreational

amenities on the Maryland Park

Service website

Unchanged

Maryland Park Service

Recreational Amenities

https://dnr.maryland.gov/pu

bliclands/Pages/activities.asp

x?activity=Swimming

Shoreline (other

than beach)

access sites

The State of Maryland does not

maintain a comprehensive list of

shoreline access sites (other

than beach) since these sites are

generally captured under data

related to recreational boating

access and/or fishing access.

Unknown

Maryland Park Service

Maryland DNR Public Access,

Water Trails, and Recreation

Planning Program

Maryland DNR Fishing &

Boating Services

Recreational boat

(power or non-

motorized) access

sites

There are 407 public water

access sites for recreational

boating in Maryland’s coastal

zone.

Increased

Maryland DNR Public Access,

Water Trails and Recreation

Planning Program

https://dnr.maryland.gov/Bo

ating/Pages/water-

access/boatramps.aspx

Number of

designated scenic

vistas or overlook

points

There are 13 designated scenic

byways in Maryland’s coastal

zone, which provide access to

scenic vistas.

Unhanged

State Highway Administration

Maryland Scenic Byways

https://www.roads.maryland.

gov/Index.aspx?PageId=97

Number of fishing

access points (i.e.

piers, jetties)

There are 81 fishing access

points in the coastal zone. This

number does not include sites

already counted as recreational

boating access sites.

Unknown

Maryland DNR Fishing &

Boating Services

Angler Access guide

http://gisapps.dnr.state.md.u

s/PublicFishingAccess/index.

html

Coastal trails/

boardwalks

(Please indicate

number of

trails/boardwalks

and mileage)

Maryland has approximately

641 miles of water trails in the

coastal zone.

Maryland has approximately

850 miles of land trails in the

coastal zone.

Boardwalks and waterfront

promenades can be found

throughout Maryland but the

state does not track the number

of “boardwalks” because they

Increased number

of water trail miles

Unknown land trail

miles

Maryland DNR Public Access,

Water Trails, and Recreation

Planning Program

https://dnr.maryland.gov/Bo

ating/Pages/water-

access/boatramps.aspx

Maryland Park Service

Maryland DNR Land

Acquisition and Planning

Be as specific as possible. For example, if you have data on many access sites but know it is not an exhaustive list, note “more than” before

the number. If information is unknown, note that and use the narrative section below to provide a brief qualitative description based on the

best information available.

If you know specific numbers, please provide. However, if specific numbers are unknown but you know that the general trend was increasing

or decreasing or relatively stable or unchanged since the last assessment, note that with a ↑ (increased), ↓ (decreased), − (unchanged). If the

trend is completely unknown, simply put “unkwn.”

are considered trail components

and are captured under the

state’s recreational land trails

data.

Number of acres

parkland/open

space

The Maryland Department of

Planning maintains a Protected

Lands database and dashboard.

As of November 2019, there are

1,401,246 acres of protected

land in Maryland’s coastal zone.

Increase

Maryland Protected Lands

Dashboard

https://maryland.maps.arcgis

.com/apps/opsdashboard/ind

ex.html#/0f3ffd3350b24b17b

d3b8e1705af3df5

Access sites that

are Americans

with Disabilities

Act (ADA)

compliant

Maryland is making a special

effort to ensure that all DNR

facilities and programs are

accessible to visitors with

disabilities. The cited webpage

provides a link to an

alphabetical listing of state

public lands that provide

accessible amenities, as well as

links to accessible outdoor

recreational opportunities on

public lands, listed by activity.

Increase

DNR Advisory Council on

Disability Issues

Access for All website

https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pu

bliclands/Pages/accessforall.a

spx

Other

(please specify)

2. Briefly characterize the demand for coastal public access and the process for periodically assessing

demand. Include a statement on the projected population increase for your coastal counties. There

are several additional sources of statewide information that may help inform this response, such

as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan,

the National Survey on Fishing,

Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation,

and your state’s tourism office.

Since the early 2000’s there has been a marked increase in demand for public water access in

Maryland. The Maryland Recreational Boating and Infrastructure Plan (2005) created a baseline of

public access data and identified the areas in the state where additional access was needed.

Additional studies in 2011 and 2013 further analyzed needs and opportunities related to boating

access in Maryland. The Maryland Public Access, Water Trails and Recreation Planning Program

maintains a detailed database to track existing and potential public water access projects

throughout the state. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement (2014) reaffirmed the

For more information on ADA see www.ada.gov

Most states routinely develop “Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans”, or SCROPs, that include an assessment of demand for

public recreational opportunities. Although not focused on coastal public access, SCORPs could be useful to get some sense of public outdoor

recreation preferences and demand. Download state SCROPs at www.recpro.org/scorp-library.

The National Survey on Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation produces state-specific reports on fishing, hunting, and wildlife

associated recreational use for each state. While not focused on coastal areas, the reports do include information on saltwater and Great Lakes

fishing, and some coastal wildlife viewing that may be informative and compares 2016 data to 2011, 2006 and 2001 information to understand

how usage has changed. See www.wsfrprograms.fws.gov/subpages/nationalsurvey/national_survey.htm

need for and benefits of providing citizen’s access to the water and included a goal of achieving 300

new public access sites by 2025 among its goals. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan

was developed to outline and provide guidance for reaching the public access goal. The plan was

prepared by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Public Access Action Team, which includes

people involved in public access planning and implementation in each of the watershed states and

the District of Columbia. The plan, prepared with extensive public involvement, inventories existing

public access, assesses barriers to expanding access and identifies specific opportunities for new

access sites. The Public Access Action Team carries out annual processes for tracking progress in

implementing the plan and identifying new potential access sites. The Chesapeake Bay Public Access

Management Strategy, developed in 2015, draws on information prepared for and set out in the

Public Access Plan.

Maryland’s Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP), The Department of Natural Resources

recently completed Maryland’s Land Preservation and Recreation Plan for 2019-2023. The Plan,

prepared every five years, represents a vision and strategy that has been developed by the

Department, with state, federal, and local organizations, to provide public outdoor recreation

opportunities in Maryland. The State Land Preservation and Recreation Plan incorporates public

input gathered through surveys, stakeholder meetings and a thorough analysis of national, state

and local issues impacting recreation and natural resource conservation. Information from the local

LPPRPs guides land conservation, and parks and recreation planning, and decision making within

each county, City of Baltimore and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and is important

to the work of the Maryland Department of Planning. The preparation and/or regular update of an

LPPRP is a prerequisite for county participation in Maryland’s Program Open Space Localside

program [per Section 5-905(b) (2) of the Natural Resources Article – Annotated Code of Maryland],

which provides annual grants for the acquisition of land for conservation and park purposes as well

as for the development of public recreation facilities.

Maryland has an estimated population of 6.08 million people, with approximately 4.25 million

living in the coastal portions of the state. Since 2010, Maryland’s population has grown by over 5%.

It is one of the most densely populated states in the whole country and its 2020 growth projection

is .67%.

3. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional data or reports on the status

or trends for coastal public access since the last assessment.

DNR Public Access, Water Trails and Recreation Planning Program

Since the last assessment, DNR’s Public Access, Water Trails and Recreation Planning Program

provided technical and design assistance to project partners which resulted in the development of

25 new public water access sites and the enhancement of 10 existing public water access sites. The

Program also provided technical and design assistance to local governments and project partners,

which resulted in approximately 133 miles of State-designated water trails and the production of 8

new water trail maps and guides. The Program also developed an improved water access site

database and continues to make updates and improvements to the

Maryland Online Water Access

Guide web application.

Maryland Park Service Activities & Amenities Website

In 2018, the Maryland Park Service managed 75 State Parks on 140,761 acres of land. More than

13.4 million visitors enjoyed adventures exploring history, hiking, biking trails or horseback riding

on trails, canoeing or kayaking in our lakes, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, swimming in our beach

Parks and attending nature-based staff led programs. The Maryland Park Service maintains a

clickable website

of outdoor activity amenities managed by DNR.

Working Waterfronts Inventory

In 2014, the CMP initiated the Working Waterfronts Program

in order to assist local communities

with the preservation of existing and historic working waterfronts in Maryland. The WWP engages

partners throughout the state to define working waterfront lands, infrastructure and activities;

identify community needs; and offer technical and financial assistance to ensure public access and

support for water-dependent businesses and industries. In 2015-2017 the CMP worked with the

Virginia Institute of Marine Science to develop a GIS based working waterfronts inventory that

includes state-wide water access points, marinas, and maritime businesses. The inventory is

publically available on the Maryland Coastal Atlas, but the final phase, including the north-central

region of the state, is still under development.

Mid-Atlantic Non-Consumptive Recreation Work Group

In 2017, four workshops were convened by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean

(MARCO) and Surfrider Foundation throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to implement the Non-

Consumptive Recreational Use actions of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan. A summary

report from the workshops is available on the MARCO website. Also available on the MARCO

website is a recorded webinar of the results from the online survey conducted by Rutgers

University prior to the workshop series. The Non-Consumptive Recreational Work Group activity

stalled following Executive Order 13840 (see Ocean and Coastal Resources assessment) but the

work group is likely to resume work soon under the leadership of MARCO.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if there have been any significant

state- or territory-level management changes (positive or negative) that could impact the future

provision of public access to coastal areas of recreational, historical, aesthetic, ecological, or

cultural value.

Significant Changes in Public Access Management

Management Category

Employed by

State or

Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes

Since Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Statutes, regulations, policies, or

case law interpreting these

Y – Beneficial Use Policy

Operation/maintenance of

existing facilities

Y – CCS Reorganization

Acquisition/enhancement

programs

Y- MORE Commission,

State Lands Climate

Assessment, Mallows

Bay, Es Mi Parque

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Chesapeake & Coastal Service Reorganization

Since the last assessment, the CMP was strengthened by aligning multiple water quality,

aquatic education, restoration and coastal planning programs. In 2016, DNR transitioned the

state Clean Marina and Waterway Improvement Programs and portions of the Integrated

Policy and Review Unit to within the CCS. Since its inception in 1966, the Waterway

Improvement Fund has provided more than $300 million for 4,500 projects at more than 300

public boating access sites. This new alignment brought new opportunities for CCS to

implement locally-relevant coastal public access projects, address emerging coastal

waterway management needs such as beneficial use, and bridge issues like public access and

coastal resilience.

2017-2019 NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship – Beneficial Use Policy & Guidance

In October 2016, Maryland’s CMP and Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

(CBNERR-MD) submitted a proposal for a NOAA Coastal Management Fellow to develop a

departmental policy to promote beneficial use of dredged material to improve coastal

resilience and cost efficiency. Concurrently, CBNERR-MD was one of 8 reserves that

submitted for a Science Collaborative grant to investigate application rates of sediment in

marsh enhancement projects, known as thin layer placement. Both proposals were

selected/funded and, given that, CMP and CBNERR-MD staff acted as co-mentors. The Coastal

Management Fellow, through the facilitation of intra-agency efforts, was able to draft a DNR-

wide policy and develop a decision-making tool and guidance to promote the use of dredged

material in a beneficial application. The results of her work can be seen on the webpage

created to house this information.

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission

In October 2017, Maryland’s Governor signed Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 forming the

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission. The two-year Commission was tasked

with developing recommendations to grow the state’s outdoor recreation and heritage

tourism economy through increased outdoor recreation business development, job creation

and workforce development, marketing and branding, stewardship, and development of

world class experiences. The Commission’s final report and recommendations were

submitted to the Governor in December 2019.

State Lands Climate Assessment

In 2018/2019 The CMP worked with Salisbury University’s Eastern Shore Regional GIS

Cooperative to develop a GIS based vulnerability assessment of state recreational lands,

including State Parks, State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and Fishery Management

Areas. This assessment utilized climate change related GIS data, infrastructure data, and

ecological data to identify and understand vulnerabilities and impacts to state lands,

including long-term impacts to recreational use, water access, infrastructure, and ecosystem

management. In 2019, the CMP submitted an application and was selected for a 2020-2022

NOAA Coastal Management Fellow. From 2020-2022, the Fellow will assist in a second phase

of the project, focused on developing Resilience Action Plans for three different land units

managed by DNR. The project will result in new technical guidance and best practices on

climate adaptation for the management of public lands that can serve as a model for state and

local land managers.

Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary designation

During this assessment period, the CMP contributed significantly to the Mallows Bay-

Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary Final Environmental Impact Statement and

Management Plan, published in the Federal Register in September 2019. In 2019, Maryland

signed and adopted a Joint Management MOU with NOAA and Charles County. A number of

public access goals are laid out in the Management Plan, and the CMP anticipates continued

involvement in enhancing public access at the site throughout the next five years.

Es Mi Parque

The DNR Maryland Park Service launched the Es Mi Parque

program in 2016 as a pilot

project to improve customer service and reduce access barriers for the Hispanic community

at state parks. By reaching children through environmental education programming and

outreach activities, the DNR helped bridge a gap in communicating with parents and other

adults, all while showing the Hispanic community that careers in the natural resources fields

are available across the state. Further, the program showcased the diverse fishing

opportunities offered throughout the state and educated the public about the water safety

and recreational fishing regulations. Through partnerships with other state agencies, friends

groups, bilingual volunteers, and outdoor industry partners, the DNR connected with families

through fish identification games, trash and marine debris reduction activities, and hands-on

fishing demonstrations and lessons.

3. Indicate if your state or territory has a publically available public access guide. How current is

the publication and how frequently it is updated?

Publically Available Access Guide

Public Access Guide

Printed

Online

Mobile App

State or territory has?

(Y or N)

Web address

(if applicable)

Maryland Online Public

Water Access Guide

https://dnr.maryland.gov

/Boating/Pages/water-

access/boatramps.aspx

Recreation Atlas

https://geodata.md.gov/r

ecreationatlas/

Trail Atlas

https://maryland.maps.a

rcgis.com/apps/webappv

iewer/index.html?id=242

debcc18ae4057827834b

78ddbb83a

Maryland Online Public

Water Access Guide

https://dnr.maryland.gov

/Boating/Pages/water-

access/boatramps.aspx

Note some states may have regional or local guides in addition to state public access guides. Unless you want to list all local guides as well,

there is no need to list additional guides beyond the state access guide. You may choose to note that the local guides do exist and may provide

additional information that expands upon the state guides.

Date of last update

The Maryland Online

Public Water Access

Guide - March 2020

Recreation Atlas -

Unknown

Trail Atlas - Unknown

The Maryland Online

Public Water Access

Guide - March 2020

Recreation Atlas -

Unknown

Trail Atlas - Unknown

Frequency of update

The Maryland Online

Public Water Access

Guide is updated

daily/weekly

Recreation Atlas -

Unknown

Trail Atlas - Unknown

The Maryland Online

Public Water Access

Guide is updated

daily/weekly

Recreation Atlas -

Unknown

Trail Atlas - Unknown

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High _____

Medium __x___

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

Promoting public access to the shoreline and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation is a

CCS goal. While public access is a high priority in Maryland, there are a number of robust programs

that address this enhancement area. Ongoing activities within DNR include projects with the

Waterway Improvement Program, Fishing & Boating Services, Land Acquisition & Planning, and the

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. CCS also works with the Chesapeake Bay

Program, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, National Park Service, NOAA Office of National Marine

Sanctuaries, and local governments to create public access opportunities through land acquisition

and water trail development, and to enhance public access for boating and fishing access and

through CZMA Section 306A construction and acquisition projects.

The CMP will continue to partner with many of these groups to identify opportunities to increase or

enhance public access opportunities, support communication efforts, and incorporate public access

priorities in decision making. The CMP will also continue to support public access stewardship and

creation opportunities each year through a limited number of CZMA Section 306A projects.

CCS is cognizant of the dual threat coastal hazards and climate change pose to the resilience of

many public access projects, especially those along the coast. The CMP is being increasingly

challenged to design waterfront public access with sea level rise, storm surge, and other factors in

mind. While a strategy will not be developed solely for this enhancement area, enhancing public

access remains a key component of CCS’s work. As a result, the CMP will include public access as a

component of an overarching Enhancing Access strategy to further identify and coordinate resilient

public access projects and work to maintain water-dependent use access.

Marine Debris

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Reducing marine debris entering the nation’s coastal and

ocean environment by managing uses and activities that contribute to the entry of such debris.

§309(a)(4)

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. In the table below, characterize the existing status and trends of marine debris in the state’s

coastal zone based on the best-available data.

Existing Status and Trends of Marine Debris in Coastal Zone

Source of Marine

Debris

Significance of Source

(H, M, L, unknwn)

Type of Impact

(aesthetic, resource

damage, user conflicts,

other)

Change Since Last

Assessment

Beach/shore litter

Aesthetic, habitat and

wildlife impacts

data via ICC, KIBCU,

TMDLs

Land-based dumping

Unknown

Aesthetic, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Unknown (potential

slight decrease)

Storm drains and runoff

Aesthetic, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Increase

Land-based fishing (e.g.,

fishing line, gear)

Aesthetic, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Unknown

Ocean/Great Lakes-

based fishing (e.g.,

derelict fishing gear)

Resource damage, user

conflicts, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Unknown

Derelict vessels

Resource damage, user

conflicts

Increase

Vessel-based (e.g., cruise

ship, cargo ship, general

vessel)

Resource damage, user

conflicts, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Same

Hurricane/Storm

Resource damage, user

conflicts, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Increase

Tsunami

Resource damage, user

conflicts, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Same

You can select more than one, if applicable.

Other (please specify)

Conowingo Dam

Resource damage, user

conflicts, habitat and

wildlife impacts

Increase

2. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific

data or reports on the status and trends or potential impacts from marine debris in the coastal

zone since the last assessment.

Assessment of Marine Debris in the Mid-Atlantic

In December 2016, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) completed the

Assessment of Marine Debris in the Mid-Atlantic

. This report is an initial assessment of marine

debris in the five state MARCO region and a compilation of highlights from the NOAA Marine Debris

Reduction Workshop for Delaware, D.C., Maryland and Virginia held in June 2015. In the exerted

graph below of the top five items collected in each state, Maryland’s greatest number of items were

foam and plastic pieces. The report is consistent with more recent International Coastal Cleanup

data, which is described below.

International Coastal Cleanup Maryland Data Reports

According to the International Coastal Cleanup annual TIDES

reports, in Maryland a reported

313,250 items (92,630 pounds) were collected during clean ups between January 2015 and

December 2019. Maryland’s top ten items include foam pieces (24.58% of total), plastic pieces

(14.55%), plastic beverage bottles (10.77%), plastic bottle caps (6.57%), cigarette butts (6.37%),

straws/stirrers (4.96%), food wrappers (4.87%), glass pieces (2.10%), plastic grocery bags

(2.08%), and beverage cans (2.06%).

DNR Abandoned Boat and Debris Program

As part of its commitment to clean, safe and enjoyable recreational boating on Maryland

waterways, the Abandoned Boat and Debris Program within the DNR Fishing & Boating Service

provides reimbursable grants and expertise to assist public agencies in the removal of abandoned

boats and debris from state waters. Funds for the program come from the state Waterway

Improvement Fund, which is generated from the one-time 5% excise tax paid to the State when a

boat is purchased and titled in Maryland. Based on data obtained from the program manager (see

graph below) there has been a slight increase in the number of derelict vessels removed since the

last assessment.

Maryland State Forest/Park Trash Removal

According to conversations the CMP had with the Maryland Forest Service, illegal dumping of trash

requires constant management on state forest/park lands. When asked about the issue, Green

Ridge State Forest said, “We get dumped on all the time. Our staff picks stuff up as they find it and

as time and resources allow. There is no line item or designated budget for this. What cleanup we

can do is funded within our operational budget. Tires and appliances are a big problem and

oftentimes asphalt roofing. I'm guessing this is because they are items that are costly for residents

to get rid of at the county landfill so they decide to dump it on the state forest instead.” According to

Chesapeake Forest/Pocomoke State Forest below are their records for trash taken to landfills. Some

household trash or individual things that do not need to be immediately hauled to the landfill are

put into a dumpster they rent for $1800/year. Between their 6 contractual and permanent field

staff, on average the total amount of time we spend per year dealing with trash-related issues is

approximately 3500 hours. Assuming the data for Chesapeake Forest/Pocomoke State Forest (in

the coastal zone) can be extrapolated for the entire coastal zone, there may be a slight decrease in

the amount of land-based dumping, but the actual amount is untracked and therefore unknown.

Port of Baltimore

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration oversees the Port of

Baltimore. The most recent foreign commerce statistical report indicated that in 2018 the Port of

Baltimore experienced a record year in foreign cargo tons, with total imports and exports of nearly

43 million tons. The increase in vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore (at the northern

end of the Chesapeake Bay) indicates a potential for an increased amount of vessel-based marine

debris.

Microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay and its Watershed

In October 2019, the Chesapeake Bay Program Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)

released the report entitled, Microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay and its Watershed: State of the

Knowledge, Data Gaps, and Relationship to Management Goals. This report provides a summary of

the proceedings of a STAC-sponsored workshop on the state of the research, data needs,

methodologies, and management needs for microplastics in the Bay and its watershed. This report

also outlines specific recommendations identified by participants at the two-day workshop

convened April 24-25, 2019. CZM staff participated on the workshop-planning steering committee

and participated in the workshop. Workshop participants concluded that microplastics are

ubiquitous throughout the Chesapeake Bay and pose a potential serious risk to successful

restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if there have been any

significant state- or territory-level management changes (positive or negative) for how marine

debris is managed in the coastal zone.

Significant Changes in Marine Debris Management

Management Category

Employed by

State/Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes Since

Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Marine debris statutes,

regulations, policies, or

case law interpreting these

Marine debris removal

programs

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below.

If this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document,

please provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes and likely future outcomes of the changes.

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan / Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Work Group

The Ocean and Coastal Resources assessment contains a detailed summary of the Mid-Atlantic

Ocean Action Plan. The Plan lists 40 agreed upon actions, one of which is to develop a regionally

appropriate strategy for marine debris reduction to support a healthy ocean ecosystem. In support

of this action, in September 2016 a coalition of regional partners gathered to initiate the Mid-

Atlantic Marine Debris Work Group, on which CZM staff participate. In 2017, CZM staff contributed

to the work group’s Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Collaborative Portal to facilitate marine debris

collaboration across the region. In 2018, MARCO received an FY18 NOAA Marine Debris Prevention

Grant to complete a project to expand a Virginia CZM’s community based social marketing

campaign to reduce mass balloon releases. CZM staff are the lead implementers of this project in

Maryland. As part of this regional project, staff have conducted biannual marine debris surveys on

Assateague Island.. In 2020 and beyond, the work group will contribute to developing a Mid-

Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan, facilitated by the NOAA Marine Debris Program (see below).

CZM Section 309 Marine Debris Grants

From April 2018 to September 2019, the CMP funded the “PlasticWatch

” project led by the

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES). PlasticWatch is a campaign to

reduce plastic use on Solomons Island, MD. With the PlasticWatch project, UMCES scientists worked

with three restaurants to “make the switch” from common, single-use petroleum-based plastics,

such as straws and take-out containers, to compostable and biodegradable products in an effort to

keep harmful plastics out of waterways. All three restaurants followed through with continuing to

purchase and use biodegradable paper straws after their pilot supply ran out, which demonstrates

a commitment to making changes that will be sustainable beyond the project period. Building off

the successful Solomons Island pilot, similar CZM-funded contracts were executed with the City of

Annapolis and Town of Ocean City for projects in the summer of 2019. Both jurisdictions

collaborated with area nonprofits and restaurants to implement a plastic waste reduction campaign

during the summer tourism season.

Debris Management Plan for Maryland’s Waterways & Public Lands

In 2017, the DNR Abandoned Boat & Debris Program completed the first Debris Management Plan

for Maryland’s Waterways & Public Lands for internal agency use. The purpose of the Plan is to

guide DNR response to instances of debris management for routine day-to-day operations and for

the aftermath of a natural or manmade disaster affecting Maryland’s public lands and waterways.

Maryland Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: Comprehensive Guidance Document

In the fall of 2018, CZM staff participated in a workshop hosted by the NOAA Marine Debris

Program to develop the first Maryland Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide (completed in

2019). Building off the Debris Management Plan mentioned above, the intention of the guide is to

improve preparedness for an incident (e.g. hurricane or dam release) that generates marine debris

in coastal Maryland. The guidance document includes an agreed upon decision-support flowchart

and agency roles; permitting and compliance process and requirements; documented points of

contact for waterway debris response; and a jurisdictional response map. The accompanying Field

Reference Guide includes the most pertinent information for quick reference in the field and during

emergency response operations.

Maryland Clean Marina Initiative

Since 2016, the Clean Marina Program

, housed with CCS, has been increasing the amount of marine

debris prevention-related materials shared with program participants. A notable program

achievement was plastic shrink-wrap recycling program was pilot tested in 2019. In Maryland, a

large number of boaters use plastic shrink-wrap to protect their boats overwinter. With

approximately 178,000 recreational boats registered in Maryland, an immense amount of single-

use plastic wrap is being used yearly as a result of this common practice. In 2019, the Clean Marina

Program partnered with Chesapeake Materials and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland to

pilot a shrink-wrap recycling program. Twenty-nine marinas participated, prompting the recycling

of shrink-wrap from over 850 boats and keeping an estimated 30,000 pounds of plastic from the

landfill. The Clean Marina Program plans to repeat and expand the recycling program in 2020.

Microbead Ban

In May 2015 Governor Larry Hogan signed into law HB 216, banning plastic microbeads as an

ingredient in personal care products in Maryland. The law required manufacturers to phase out the

use of plastic microbeads in 2018 and banned the sale of products containing them at the end of

2019. Maryland passed this law just before the federal Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015.

Foam Bans

In April 2019, the Maryland General Assembly approved a bill making Maryland the first state in the

country to ban polystyrene foam food containers and cups. This followed similar bans in

Montgomery County (January 2016) and Prince George’s County (July 2016).

Plastic Bag Bans/Fees

Montgomery County passed legislation effective January 2012 that places a five-cent charge on each

paper or plastic carryout bag provided by retail establishments in the County to customers at the

point of sale, pickup or delivery. The cities of Chestertown, Takoma Park and Westminster

approved bans of plastic bags at retail establishments effective January 2012, December 2016 and

July 2020, respectively. As of November 2019, the City of Baltimore is in the process of approving a

bill forbidding retailers from giving out plastic bags, and requiring them to charge five cents for any

other bag they supply to shoppers, including paper bags.

Balloon Release Bans

In August 2019, the Queen Anne's County commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance that

prohibits the release of nonbiodegradable helium balloons into the air. Those who deliberately

violate the ordinance can be fined up to $250. Statewide legislation is expected to be considered in

the Maryland General Assembly in 2020.

Conowingo Dam Settlement Agreement

Following record rainfall in 2018, the Conowingo Dam floodgates were opened multiple times,

letting tons of anthropogenic and woody debris to flow into the Chesapeake Bay, prompting

emergency debris removal efforts across the state. In October 2019, Governor Larry Hogan

announced a comprehensive agreement

between the Maryland Department of the Environment

(MDE) and Exelon Generation Company, LLC, to invest more than $200 million in environmental

projects and operational enhancements to improve water quality in the Lower Susquehanna River

and the Chesapeake Bay. The agreement includes $41 million to increase efforts to remove trash

and debris flowing down the Susquehanna River and entrapping behind the Conowingo Dam.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High _____

Medium __x___

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

Led by the CMP, work on marine debris prevention in Maryland grew significantly during this

assessment period. In response to the growing concerns related to marine debris impacts on the

coastal zone, in July 2018 CCS created a new webpage - Marine Debris Issues in Maryland and

Beyond - for the DNR/CCS website. Staff also created a marine debris fact sheet, in both English and

Spanish, which is accessible via the website. Also in July 2018, CCS launched a series of lunchtime

“Trash Talks” focused on marine debris problems and solutions. Trash Talks are open to the public

and advertised throughout the DNR building and on DNR’s social media. CCS has hosted 15 Trash

Talks since July 2018, with an average of 20 attendees per talk. Each talk included a presentation by

a guest speaker with robust discussion afterward. Based on feedback received during these talks,

there is a need for a statewide entity, such as CCS, to track and coordinate disparate marine debris

prevention initiatives to share resources and avoid duplicity.

Microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay and its Watershed

As mentioned earlier, in October 2019 the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Scientific and Technical

Advisory Committee (STAC) released the report entitled, Microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay and

its Watershed: State of the Knowledge, Data Gaps, and Relationship to Management Goals. This

report outlines specific recommendations identified by participants at the two-day workshop

convened April 24-25, 2019, in which CMP staff participated. The conclusion was that microplastics

pose a potential serious risk to successful restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Among the

recommendations presented to the CBP was that the CBP should create a Plastic Pollution Action

Team to address the growing threat of plastic pollution to the bay and watershed. CMP staff have

been asked to participate on the Plastic Pollution Action Team, and there is opportunity for CCS to

play a role in connecting this effort to other regional efforts in the coming years.

CZM Marine Debris Collaboration Team

Following 2018 conversations with Trash Free Maryland, the National Aquarium, and the Maryland

Coastal Bays Program, the CMP realized a need to bring together partners to achieve greater marine

debris prevention results. In response, in July 2019 the CMP initiated a Marine Debris Collaboration

Team to identify marine debris-related partnerships, projects, and outcomes that could be achieved

between 2021 and 2025 in Maryland, with the to inform this CZM Section 309 2021-2025

Assessment & Strategy. After two workshop-style meetings where the team discussed and ranked

opportunities, the following top three areas were identified as "high impact" and "low cost/effort":

1) preventing mass balloon releases; 2A) efforts to reduce smoking/vaping related litter; and 2B)

state supported research and improved markets to reduce top litter items found in Maryland

(bottles, cans, bags, etc.).

Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan (led by the NOAA Marine Debris Program)

In late 2019, the NOAA Marine Debris Program initiated efforts to establish a Mid-Atlantic Marine

Debris Action Plan for the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. The action plan will strengthen Mid-

Atlantic regional effectiveness by bringing marine debris communities together to develop a

regional marine debris action plan that addresses current marine debris issues in the region and to

create a road map for the future. CCS staff worked closely with staff from the NOAA Marine Debris

Program on the coordination of the CZM Marine Debris Collaboration Team to ensure the Mid-

Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan align with Maryland’s marine debris priorities as well as the

Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Work Group priorities, and vice versa. CCS expects to be involved in the

creation and implementation of the Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan in 2020 and beyond.

Between continued efforts of the Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Work Group, the development of a

Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan, the new Chesapeake Bay Program Plastic Pollution Action

Team, and the increasing number of ordinances and legislation banning single-use plastics, there is

great opportunity to capitalize on this momentum and address marine debris in the Maryland

coastal zone. CCS is poised to be a connector of these various efforts by serving as a coordinating

partner. Incorporating marine debris reduction strategies into existing CCS programs and activities

will improve Maryland’s ability to restore and protect habitat and to enhance recreational

experiences.

Cumulative and Secondary Impacts

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Development and adoption of procedures to assess,

consider, and control cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal growth and development,

including the collective effect on various individual uses or activities on coastal resources, such as

coastal wetlands and fishery resources. §309(a)(5)

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. Using National Ocean Economics Program Data on population and housing,

please indicate the

change in population and housing units in the state’s coastal counties between 2012 and 2017.

You may wish to add additional trend comparisons to look at longer time horizons as well (data

available back to 1970), but at a minimum, please show change over the most recent five-year

period data is available (2012-2017) to approximate current assessment period.

Trends in Coastal Population and Housing Units

2012 2017

Percent Change

(2012-2017)

Number of people

3,922,396

3,987,759

1.67%

Number of housing

units

1,637,009

1,664,267

1.67%

www.oceaneconomics.org/Demographics/PHresults.aspx. Enter “Population and Housing” section and select “Data Search” (near the top of

the left sidebar). From the drop-down boxes, select your state, and “all counties.” Select the year (2012) and the year to compare it to (2017).

Then select “coastal zone counties.”

2. Using provided reports from NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas,

please indicate the status and trends for

various land uses in the state’s coastal counties between 1996 and 2016. You may use other

information and include graphs and figures, as appropriate, to help illustrate the information.

Note that the data available for the islands may be for a different time frame than the time periods

reflected below. In that case, please specify the time period that the data represent. Also note that

Puerto Rico currently only has data for one time point so will not be able to report trend data.

Instead, Puerto Rico should just report current land use cover for developed areas and impervious

surfaces.

As of January 2020, NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas data had not been updated with 2016 C-CAP data.

NOAA guidance sent in December 2019 indicated the CMP could proceed with a narrative

characterization and/or our own methodology to conduct the analysis. CCS elected to use our own

methodology to conduct the analysis for the table below based on the National Land Cover

Database 2016 data.

Distribution of Land Cover Types in Coastal Counties

Land Cover Type

Land Area Coverage in

2016

(Acres)

Gain/Loss Since 2001

(Acres)

Developed, High Intensity

45,419

6,402

Developed, Low Intensity

109,796

17,591

Developed, Open Space

45,419

12,332

Grassland

385,755

8,060

Scrub/Shrub

15,588

1,256

Barren Land

29,873

-12,345

Open Water

14,378

-169

Agriculture

1,621,652

370

Forested

193,606

-18,426

Woody Wetland

1,032,195

-2,970

Emergent Wetland

1,168,034

-9,979

3. Using provided reports from NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas,

please indicate the status and trends for

developed areas in the state’s coastal counties between 1996 and 2016 in the two tables below.

You may use other information and include graphs and figures, as appropriate, to help illustrate

the information. Note that the data available for the islands may be for a different time frame than

the time periods reflected below. In that case, please specify the time period the data represents.

Also note that Puerto Rico currently only has data for one time point so will not be able to report

trend data. Unless Puerto Rico has similar trend data to report on changes in land use type, it

should just report current land use cover for developed areas and impervious surfaces.

As of January 2020, NOAA’s Land Cover Atlas data had not been updated with 2016 C-CAP data.

NOAA guidance sent in December 2019 indicated the CMP could proceed with a narrative

characterization and/or our own methodology to conduct the analysis. CCS elected to use our own

methodology to conduct the analysis for the tables below based on the National Land Cover

www.coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/lca.html

. Note that the 2016 data will not be available for all states until later Summer 2019. NOAA

OCM will be providing summary reports compiling each state’s coastal county data. The reports will be available after all of the 2016 data is

available.

www.coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/lca.html

. Note that the 2016 data will not be available for all states until later Summer 2019. NOAA

OCM will be providing summary reports compiling each state’s coastal county data. The reports will be available after all of the 2016 data is

available.

Database 2016 data. The accompanying narrative below is based on a combination of data from the

2010 Census, the Maryland Department of Planning, the NOAA Office for Coastal Management, and

the World Population Review.

Development Status and Trends for Coastal Counties

2010

2016

Percent Net Change

Percent land area developed

17.8%

720,582 acres

18.9%

764,968 acres

6.16%

Percent impervious surface

area

4.6%

187,496 acres

5.2%

209,381 acres

11.68%

* Note: Islands likely have data for another time period and may only have one time interval to report. If so, only report the change in

development and impervious surface area for the time period for which data are available. Puerto Rico does not need to report trend data.

How Land Use Is Changing in Coastal Counties

Land Cover Type

Areas Lost to Development Between 2001-2016 (Acres)

Barren Land

707

Emergent Wetland

237

Woody Wetland

1,389

Open Water

519

Agriculture

15,808

Scrub/Shrub

908

Grassland

1,762

Forested

23,054

* Note: Islands likely have data for another time period and may only have one time interval to report. If so, only report the change in land

use for the time period for which high-resolution C-CAP data are available. Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands do not report.

According to 2010 Census data compiled by the Maryland Department of Planning, Maryland is the

fifth-most densely populated state in the nation, with its 2010 population of 5,773,552 people living

on 6.2 million acres of land. Now in 2020, the World Population Review estimates the total

Maryland population to be 6,083,116, and the NOAA Office for Coastal Management estimates

approximately 4.25 million of those people live in Maryland’s coastal zone. According to the World

Population Review, 15 of the 20 coastal counties have experienced population growth since 2010

(see table below).

Coastal County

2020 estimated population

% growth since 2010

Anne Arundel

576,031

6.82

Baltimore City

602,495

-2.98

Baltimore

828,431

2.71

Calvert

92,003

3.39

Caroline

33,304

0.76

Carroll

168,429

0.73

Cecil

102,826

1.64

Charles

161,503

9.75

Dorchester

31,998

-2.11

Harford

253,956

3.56

Howard

323,196

11.98

Kent

19,383

-4.10

Montgomery

1,052,567

7.81

Prince George's

909,308

5.03

Queen Anne's

50,251

5.11

Somerset

25,675

-2.98

St. Mary's

112,664

6.53

Talbot

36,968

-2.39

Wicomico

103,195

4.27

Worcester

51,823

0.63

4. Briefly characterize how the coastal shoreline has changed in the past five years due to

development, including potential changes to shoreline structures such as groins, bulkheads and

other shoreline stabilization structures, and docks and piers. If available, include quantitative data

that may be available from permitting databases or other resources about changes in shoreline

structures.

According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed loses about 70

acres per day to development. A 2010 Land Use/Land Cover Report by the Maryland Department of

Planning reported that between 1973 and 2010 Maryland’s total acreage of developed land grew by

154 percent from 654,000 to 1.6 million acres. The study estimated Maryland’s population would

continue to grow nearly 16 percent over the next 25 years (through 2025), increasing development

pressures. Maryland has been challenged to accommodate this growth in a way that does not

impact existing land uses, natural resources, communities, air and water quality, and overall quality

of life. The report stated an average of 27,630 acres of agriculture and forest lands annually

between 1973 and 2010 have been lost, primarily to development. The loss in resource lands along

with the proliferation of large lot development in Maryland has had a significant impact on the

viability of our rural resource-based economies, as these lands are becoming increasingly

fragmented and are no longer viable for farming or forestry. Observing land-use change from 2001

to 2016 in Coastal Zone counties, developed areas increased by over 6%, equating to 44,000 acres

and impervious areas increased by nearly 22,000 acres, an increase of nearly 12%. According to our

analysis a majority of lands converted to development were prior forest land (52%), followed by

prior agricultural lands (35.6%). A little over 3% of the conversions were estimated to be from

woody wetlands.

Large areas of forests and wetlands that are connected to each other through wildlife corridors are

critical for maintaining high quality wildlife habitats. The Maryland Green Infrastructure

Assessment identifies a statewide network of large blocks of forests and wetlands (hubs) and

connecting corridors. Hubs are becoming rare, as development fragments these large expanses of

habitat into smaller and smaller pieces. As habitats are diminished, many species that require large

forested areas will decline or be lost altogether. Connectivity between hubs is provided by

corridors, which act like habitat highways, and are critical for plants and animals to disperse from

one habitat to another. The Green Infrastructure Assessment is incorporated in the Targeting

System and the Rural Legacy Grant Review System. Although the Green Infrastructure is not the

only factor, it is certainly very significant in the DNR's efforts to best use its limited land protection

funds.

Land conservation and growth management has long been recognized as a Chesapeake Bay

pollution prevention strategy, particularly if those lands are forested, exist as wetlands, or are

maintained in agriculture under state of the art best management practices for nutrient and

sediment pollution reduction. However, until recently, the regional Chesapeake Bay Program has

not been able to develop a way to credit actions that maintain lands that provide a pollution

prevention benefit. The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Land Change Model is now used to project land

uses changes that are likely to occur by 2025, which is when the Bay jurisdictions have agreed to

meet their Total Maximum Daily Load obligations. These projections are used to generate

additional nutrient and sediment loads that must also be offset by a best management practice. The

new “Conservation Plus Best Management Practice” allows the jurisdictions to project how much

and where they anticipate land conservation will occur and to also define growth management

policies and regulations that may limit growth in certain areas. These Best Management Practices

can be modeled against the projected land use changes. If a change in the spatial pattern and

density of growth can be demonstrated, then a pollution reduction credit could be quantified.

Maryland is in the early stages of developing its Conservation Plus Best Management Practice

scenarios and sees this as a great opportunity to recognize the beneficial water quality benefits of

land conservation.

In terms of structural shoreline changes, the DNR Waterway Improvement Fund, administered by

CCS, funds and tracks shoreline structure improvement projects, such as renovations to groins,

bulkheads, docks, piers, and other structures. However, typically CCS is only involved in funding

replacement or renovation of structures that already exist, not new development. While CCS does

not directly track shoreline development, the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE)

Wetlands and Waterways Program’s tracks all applications and issued permits for projects that

may impact regulated tidal or nontidal wetlands and waterways. Examples of activities that

require tidal wetlands permits from the Wetlands and Waterways Program, Tidal Wetlands

Division, include building a new pier, adding a platform or boatlift to an existing pier, dredging a

boat slip, putting in a bulkhead or constructing a living shoreline. The number of permits and

permit modifications issued by the Tidal Wetlands Division from January 1, 2015 to December 31,

2019 in the Coastal Zone is 5,784. The BUILD tool (developed with CZM support) on the Maryland

Coastal Atlas makes available the MDE Wetland & Waterways Program Permitting layer, which

spatially shows pending applications and permitted projects in the coastal zone.

5. Briefly summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific data or reports on the

cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal growth and development, such as water quality,

shoreline hardening, and habitat fragmentation, since the last assessment.

In addition to the routine updates to the programs mentioned above, the following are additional

data that have been developed since the last assessment.

Chesapeake Bay High-Resolution Land Cover Project

In 2016, the Chesapeake Conservancy’s Conservation Innovation Center (CIC) completed the

Chesapeake Bay High-Resolution Land Cover Project for the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP). This

project produced one-meter resolution land cover data for approximately 100,000 square miles of

land in and surrounding the Chesapeake Bay watershed, providing 900 times the amount of

information as conventional 30-meter resolution land cover data. In 2018, the CIC entered into a 6-

year cooperative agreement with EPA to provide continued geospatial support to the CBP that will

inform the management of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. During the six-year period, the CIC will

produce datasets and frameworks that will be made widely and freely available for all CBP partners

and practitioners throughout the watershed to utilize for restoration and conservation planning

and implementation.

Shoreline Rates of Change

Since the last assessment, the Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) developed an ArGIS Online

shoreline feature class as part of a project to calculate updated shoreline rate of change information

for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Prince George's Counties. This shoreline data set spans

the time period 1932-2010, and was used as input to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Digital

Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) v4.3 program to calculate long-term and short-term rates of

change (erosion and accretion). Two Projects of Special Merit (CZM # 14-14-1868 CZM 143 and

CZM # 14-15-2005 CZM 143) provided funding for this data, which is now available via the

Maryland Coastal Atlas.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if there have been any significant

state-level changes (positive or negative) in the development and adoption of procedures to assess,

consider, and control cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal growth and development,

including the collective effect on various individual uses or activities on coastal resources, such as

coastal wetlands and fishery resources, since the last assessment.

Significant Changes in Management of Cumulative and Secondary Impacts of

Development

Management Category

Employed by State or

Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to Locals

that Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes

Since Last

Assessment

(Y or N)

Statutes, regulations,

policies, or case law

interpreting these

Y – Critical Area

Regulations

Guidance documents

Y - Sustainable Growth

Commission

Management plans

(including SAMPs)

Y - all plans below

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Amendments to Critical Area Regulations

The Critical Area Commission was first created within the DNR in 1984 (Chapter 794, Acts of 1984).

Sixteen counties, Baltimore City, and forty-seven municipalities now have land within the Critical

Area. Today, the Commission is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed changes to local

critical area plans; proposals by a State or local government agency which might lead to major

development within a critical area; and, State projects on State-owned land within a critical area.

New regulations, effective December 22, 2014, state that when a State agency proposes

development on State-owned land in the Critical Area, the agency shall, to the maximum extent

practicable (a) Incorporate and maintain a wildlife corridor system, including all habitat protection

areas near the development project, so as to connect the largest, most vegetated tracts of land

within, adjacent to, or near the development project and provide continuity of existing wildlife and

plant habitat with other off-site habitat areas; (b) Preserve, protect, and maintain a potential

wetland migration area: (i) Within the area of the development project; and (ii) Adjacent to the area

of the development project, if the agency owns the adjacent land or the adjacent land is within the

agency’s legally enforceable right-of-way.

Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission / Reinvest Maryland (2019)

Established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2010, the Sustainable Growth Commission

makes

recommendations on growth and development issues and celebrates smart growth achievements

with an annual awards program. Commission members, who represent local and state government,

business and nonprofit organization sectors, consider ways to help implement laws and regulations

concerning Maryland’s growth and development. By studying current land use policies and their

impact on growth, the Commission: identifies regional growth and development issues for the

Governor's Smart Growth Subcabinet, recommends ways to collaborate on planning between state

agencies and local governments and coordinate growth and development among jurisdictions,

reviews statewide efforts to implement the state growth plan and the state plans for transportation

and housing, advises on the local impacts of state policies and laws, such as the 2012 Septic Law,

the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), and stormwater management

requirements. CMP staff serves as a member of the Commission and provides input to Commission

workgroup recommendations and questions. During 2017-2019, the Commission worked to

release the

Reinvest Maryland report. This report, led by the Maryland Sustainable Growth

Commission, examines redevelopment in Maryland and focuses on tools, case studies, and best

practices to support greater infill, redevelopment, and community revitalization across Maryland.

This document will be used by the Commission as a blueprint for the ongoing work plan.

A Better Maryland (2019)

Since the last assessment, the Maryland Department of Planning led the development of A Better

Maryland, a plan that provides a framework to support a thriving economy and environmental

stewardship. CMP staff advised on the development of the plan. While the plan does not explicitly

discuss cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal growth and development, the plan states

“Maryland’s landscapes, water quality and clean air are our most vital resources, and A Better

Maryland puts sustainability of these resources at the forefront of its vision for the state.” The 12

Planning Visions, established in 2009 under Section 5-7A-01 of the State Finance and Procurement

Article as state policy, are cited in the plan as well and include three visions to guide coastal growth

and development:

● Environmental Protection: Land and water resources, including the Chesapeake and coastal

bays, are carefully managed to restore and maintain healthy air and water, natural systems

and living resources.

● Resource Conservation: Waterways, forests, agricultural areas, open space, natural systems

and scenic areas are conserved.

● Stewardship: Government, business entities and residents are responsible for the creation of

sustainable communities by collaborating to balance efficient growth with resource

protection.

Maryland Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan (2019)

Maryland submitted the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan

(WIP) to the EPA in August 2019

after extensive public comment and stakeholder input. CMP staff participated in work groups to

develop several sections of the Phase III WIP, including stormwater, natural filters, and climate

change. This is the third phase of the EPA requirement to develop statewide WIPs, or road maps

and accountability frameworks that will lead to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and clean

local streams. Maryland’s Phase I WIP (2010) allocated allowable loads of nitrogen, phosphorus

and sediment among different sources and identified statewide strategies for reducing the levels of

these pollutants that are impairing the Chesapeake Bay. Phase II (2011) provided more geographic

detail to the implementation. The Phase III WIP provides information and strategies that local

partners proposed to meet Bay restoration targets between 2018 and 2025. EPA will provide

evaluations of the final Phase III WIPs for each jurisdiction to consider when developing their 2020-

2021 milestones.

Land Preservation and Recreation Plan 2019-2023

The Land Preservation and Recreation Plan is prepared by DNR every five years to identify

essential and contemporary issues impacting outdoor recreation and natural resource protection in

Maryland. The latest Plan was developed for 2019-2023 using public input gathered through

surveys, stakeholder meetings and thorough analysis of national, state and local issues impacting

recreation and natural resource conservation. The

Land Preservation and Recreation Plan 2019-

2023 will help guide land conservation and development of outdoor recreation opportunities over

the next five years and address critical issues identified in the planning process. CMP staff assisted

in advising on the Plan, which includes acknowledgement that the benefits of outdoor recreation

and land conservation are far-reaching and have positive impacts on public health, the

environment, and the economy.

2040 Maryland Transportation Plan

Every five years, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) develops a 20-year mission

for transportation in the state known as the Maryland Transportation Plan (MTP). The 2040 MTP

outlines the State’s overarching transportation priorities and helps create a larger context for

transportation decision-making. An objective in the 2040 MTP is to protect and enhance the

natural, historic and cultural environment through avoidance, minimization and mitigation of

adverse impacts related to transportation infrastructure, including support for broader efforts to

improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. While CMP staff did not assist in drafting this plan, the

CMP is aware that coastal growth and development, especially in the transportation sector, may

result in adverse cumulative and secondary impacts on water quality and habitat.

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan (2016)

The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan

, released November 2016, considered cumulative and

secondary impacts of multiple ocean uses. The Plan was the result of over three years of

collaborative effort by many contributors, partners, and stakeholders, and is intended to foster

transparent ocean data and information sharing, improved coordination in decision making, and

collaboration around specific actions that support ocean ecosystem health and sustainable ocean

uses. The Plan acknowledges the potential cumulative effects and secondary impacts of ocean

projects on coastal communities, and encourages project proponents to identify and seek to engage

coastal communities and incorporate relevant data and information in project materials to avoid

adverse impact.

Working Waterfronts Program

In 2014, the CMP initiated the Working Waterfronts Program

(WWP) at DNR in order to assist local

communities with the preservation of existing and historic working waterfronts in Maryland. The

WWP engages partners throughout the state to define working waterfront lands, infrastructure and

activities; identify community needs; and offer technical and financial assistance to ensure public

access and support for water-dependent businesses and industries. In 2015-2017 the CMP worked

with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to develop a GIS based working waterfronts inventory

that includes state-wide water access points, marinas, and maritime businesses. The inventory is

publically available on the Coastal Atlas, but the final phase, including the north-central region of

the state, is still under development. In 2015, CCS started offering competitive Working

Waterfronts Enhancement Grants, which provided financial and technical support to preserve and

protect existing and historic waterfront communities in Maryland. Nine projects have been funded,

providing financial assistance to local governments in support of waterfront planning and program

development focused on traditional uses, public access, maritime heritage, tourism and business,

recreation, natural resources conservation/restoration, and coastal hazards.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund

Managed by DNR on behalf of the State of Maryland, the

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust

Fund (Trust Fund) issues an annual Request for Proposals seeking cost-efficient and effective non-

point source pollution reduction projects in geographically targeted areas of the state. This funding

opportunity allocates an average of $20 M each year (dependent on annual revenue) to local

implementation projects. Projects funded through this solicitation can include natural filters best

management practices, such as tree planting, wetland restoration, riparian buffers, living shorelines

and stream restoration, and may be implemented on state owned or other public lands as well as on

private land. Trust Fund proposals are reviewed and selected based on multiple criteria,

including cost per pound of nutrient and sediment reductions to be achieved, geographic targeting

and readiness and ability to proceed. The most competitive proposals include projects that will

yield cumulative water quality benefits (as opposed to annual reductions), are able to be credited

and reported for annual progress implementation, achieve multiple co-benefits (such as climate

resilience), and apply natural and nature-based design approaches that also provide habitat and

ecological uplift.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High _____

Medium __x__

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

The need to address cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal population growth and

development on coastal resources is ever increasing in Maryland, especially as climate change

stands to exacerbate already existing pressures from growth and development. There are a number

of scientific examinations of cumulative impacts to ecosystems at a range of scales, but there are no

integrated cumulative impact studies specific to Maryland. More work is needed to develop

accurate and efficient ways of determining cumulative impacts that are most critical for decision-

making. CCS recognizes the need, but has been challenged by staff capacity and the willingness and

ability of resource-limited partners to address these concerns. That said, CCS has been and will

continue to work to advance consideration of cumulative and secondary impacts in land use and

recreation decisions, as well as in coastal and ocean resource decisions. While increasing growth

and development throughout Maryland’s coastal zone are of concern, there are a number of other

partners, such as the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Maryland Department of Planning, that are

already working to address these concerns. CCS is working to address some of the related concerns

through other enhancement strategies, such as wetlands and coastal hazards. Therefore this

enhancement area is ranked medium

Special Area Management Planning

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Preparing and implementing special area management

plans for important coastal areas. §309(a)(6)

The Coastal Zone Management Act defines a special area management plan (SAMP) as “a

comprehensive plan providing for natural resource protection and reasonable coastal-dependent

economic growth containing a detailed and comprehensive statement of policies; standards and

criteria to guide public and private uses of lands and waters; and mechanisms for timely

implementation in specific geographic areas within the coastal zone. In addition, SAMPs provide for

increased specificity in protecting natural resources, reasonable coastal-dependent economic

growth, improved protection of life and property in hazardous areas, including those areas likely to

be affected by land subsidence, sea level rise, or fluctuating water levels of the Great Lakes, and

improved predictability in governmental decision making.”

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states and territories.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. In the table below, identify geographic areas in the coastal zone subject to use conflicts that may

be able to be addressed through a SAMP. This can include areas that are already covered by a

SAMP but where new issues or conflicts have emerged that are not addressed through the current

SAMP.

Geographic Area

Opportunities for New or Updated Special Area Management Plans

Major conflicts/issues

Mallows Bay National

Marine Sanctuary

Since designated in September 2019, the State of Maryland, Charles

County, and NOAA have transitioned into configuring the details of

sanctuary joint management and implementing the management

plan. Having been a key partner in the designation, the CMP

anticipates a continued role in inter- and intra-agency coordination,

as well as data collection in the Potomac River in order to avoid use

conflicts.

Maryland Wind

Energy Area /

Atlantic Ocean

Since the last assessment, the landscape of organizations

coordinating various ocean use activities greatly evolved and

challenged the way the CMP engaged and coordinated ocean

partnerships and priorities. As offshore wind progresses along the

Atlantic coast, there are an increasing number of groups organizing

to address wildlife, habitat, fishing, and other ocean use issues. The

CMP could play a role in better understanding how this new

industry will affect existing ocean/coastal uses (e.g. tourism, fishing,

and shipping) and ocean/coastal resources (e.g. marine mammals,

birds, and canyons).

Maryland Coastal

Bays

With a large seasonable population and extensive development in a

relatively small geographic area, there is risk to the ecological

integrity of Maryland’s coastal bays. That said the Maryland Coastal

Bays Program already has a comprehensive management plan with

resource management and coordination actions, but the CMP could

assist in implementing the actions in that plan.

Maryland’s Lower

Eastern Shore

Already plagued by subsidence, nuisance flooding, and saltwater

intrusion, the lower eastern shore is at risk of seeing more frequent

and severe impacts to its habitats, communities, and economies as

sea levels rise and the climate changes. Several communities, in

Dorchester County in particular, are already considering options for

retreat and relocation. This need will become more apparent in the

coming years as rates of sea level rise are projected to increase. The

CMP is likely to receive increasing requests for technical and

financial assistance to facilitate and ease this transition.

2. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific data

or reports on the status and trends of SAMPs since the last assessment.

Since the last assessment, the CMP did not start, continue or complete any SAMPs. The CMP did,

however, undertake work that was mentioned in the previous SAMP assessment (for 2011-2015).

This included comprehensive coastal hazards planning (Coastal Resiliency Assessment, Resiliency

through Restoration) that is described in more detail in the Coastal Hazards assessment, as well as

the following:

Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary

On September 3, 2019, five years after the State of Maryland submitted a community-based

nomination to NOAA, designation occurred for the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine

Sanctuary. CMP staff worked in partnership with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries,

Maryland Historic Trust, Charles County, and numerous community partners throughout the

nomination and designation process. CMP staff acted as the main point of contact for the MDNR,

which owns the adjoining park property and bottomlands of the Potomac River. The CMP played a

leadership role with these other partners to draft and revise an Environmental Impact Statement

and Alternatives Analysis, a Management Plan, establish a water trail and map land trails, conduct

aerial videography for interpretive materials, launch a water quality buoy, engage students at

schools and hold community and school events on site. The CMP anticipates a continued role in

implementing the goals of the management plan that align with CMP goals, including increasing

recreational water access, supporting educational programs, conserving coastal habitats, and

collecting coastal change data.

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan

From 2013-2018, CMP staff participated on the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body (Mid-A RPB),

which undertook a regional ocean planning initiative for the region. The Mid-A RPB included state

and federal representatives, tribal entities and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The

purpose of the RPB was to: improve the understanding of how the ocean waters and resources of

the Mid-Atlantic region are being used, managed, and conserved; provide a forum for identifying

coordinated actions to address regionally-important ocean management challenges and

opportunities; and engage stakeholders and regional partners to ensure that the full breadth of

perspectives is accounted for in ocean planning. The White House certified the Mid-Atlantic

Regional Ocean Action Plan (OAP) in December 2016. However, a July 2018 Executive Order 13840

(the Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United

States) replaced RPBs with state-led planning efforts that address ocean-related matters that may

require interagency or intergovernmental solutions. Through MARCO (see Ocean Resources

section), the states invited former Mid-A RPB member organizations to continue to collaborate on

shared priorities and established the Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) in 2019, on

which CMP staff participate.

Deal Island Peninsula

Since the last assessment, the CMP supported several projects on the Deal Island Peninsula. One is

an ongoing collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in

Maryland (CBNERR-MD) and the University of Maryland on the Deal Island Peninsula

Partnership. This partnership includes the Deal Island Peninsula communities, researchers, and

governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations at local, state, and regional levels with

the goal to increase the resilience of local environments and communities to coastal flooding,

erosion, and other social and environmental changes. Through the partnership an Integrated

Coastal Resilience Assessment was conducted that included the generation of vulnerability maps

for 2015, 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050 to parcels, structures and roadways. The integrated

assessment allowed for community knowledge to be incorporated into ongoing understanding of

current and future vulnerabilities and for identification of possible adaptation options that are

locally feasible. The assessment then led to a more comprehensive evaluation of the on and off road

ditch structures and how to mitigate localized flood impacts as a result of this aging infrastructure.

The assessment was supported by CMP through the Community Resilience Grant Program. The

second project was supported through the NERRS a Science Collaborative competitive grant

program and investigated application rates of sediment in marsh enhancement projects, known as

thin layer placement. CBNERR-MD was one of 8 Reserves participating in this project. The Maryland

Coastal Resiliency Assessment aided in identifying Deal Island as an appropriate project site given

the vulnerability of the shoreline to coastal hazards and the need for that shoreline to provide

protective benefits to nearby communities. The third project was identified through the

Partnership and funded through the Resiliency through Restoration Initiative. The proposed

project will put natural features back on the landscape to build resilience to protect a saltmarsh

that provides a buffer between Tangier Sound and community such as roads and residences.

Maryland’s Coastal Bays

Along Maryland’s Atlantic Coast lies a series of embayments known as the Atlantic Coastal Bays,

located behind a barrier island system. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a National Estuary

Program and works with the EPA to advance goals that are complementary to the CMP and focused

on this geographic area. CCS staff participate on the MCBP board and cooperate with MCBP staff to

address resilience, restoration and planning goals, including providing technical expertise during a

2015 update of their Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The 2015 update

specifically included new strategies to address the impacts of climate change on the Coastal Bays,

including a recommendation to pursue the designation of the Coastal Bays as an EPA Climate Ready

Estuary and incorporate strategies in all planning activities and projects. In 2017, MCBP began the

first five steps of EPA’s “Being Prepared for Climate Change: A Workbook for Developing Risk-

Based Adaptation Plans.” This Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment was conducted to learn

about and prepare for the ways climate change stressors might affect MCBP’s ability to reach the 14

goals of the 2015-2025 Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan. The outcome of this

assessment was the identification and prioritization of 168 risks that could limit MCBP’s ability to

reach those goals. Chief among the priorities to address are the impacts climate change will have on

the Water Quality goals and Fish and Wildlife goals of the CCMP. Also during this assessment

period, the MCBP partnered with Ocean City Green Team and several organizations in the summers

of 2018 and 2019 to reduce plastic pollution in the Coastal Bays. In 2018, their “Strawless Summer”

initiative became an overwhelmingly successful campaign (70 restaurants and 500 individuals have

signed the pledge) focused on reducing plastic straw consumption by pledging to not use plastic

straws. In 2019, the CMP supported MCBP to build upon the “Strawless Summer” success by

funding the “Protect Our Sand & Sea” campaign – an elective and eco-friendly program that

promotes greener choices for business owners.

Envision the Choptank

CCS staff have been working with Envision the Choptank to coordinate localized water based

environmental work since its inception in 2016. In the early stages, this has included outreach

workshops, stakeholder polling, and strategic planning, resulting in a detailed Common Agenda

laying out mission, goals, and a strategic plan. More recently, the group has been working to put

into practice these strategies including establishment of 5 project teams: Easton Stream

Restoration Project Team, Accelerating Water Quality Improvements Project Team, Bay 100

Expanded Project Team, Engaging Underserved Communities Project Team, and Local Governments

Project Team. While much of the initial work has been to establish a cohesive support network

between partners and stakeholders, there has been a concerted effort to simultaneously get

projects in the ground. Facilitated by several grants, Envision has put in place 20 rain gardens, 15

native plantings, and 50 rain barrels; and completed 98 soil tests, 147.26 acres of agricultural BMPs,

and 40 tree plantings. CCS will continue to work with Envision the Choptank to carry out their

efforts.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if there have been any significant

state- or territory-level management changes (positive or negative) that could help prepare and

implement SAMPs in the coastal zone.

Significant Changes in Special Area Management Planning

Management Category

Employed by State

or Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to Locals

that Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes

Since Last Assessment

(Y or N)

SAMP policies, or case law

interpreting these

SAMP plans

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Maryland has not pursued new federally-designated SAMPs in the last few assessments and there

have not been any significant changes that would help prepare and implement SAMPs in Maryland’s

coastal zone.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High _____

Medium _____

Low __x___

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

While SAMPs can be an effective tool to address use conflicts, the need for regulatory support,

spatial planning, data collection, and resource monitoring are widespread throughout the coastal

zone as opposed to a specific geographic area. Therefore, CCS does not plan to develop a strategy

for this enhancement area.

Ocean and Coastal Resources

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Planning for the use of ocean [and Great Lakes] resources.

§309(a)(7)

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states and territories.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. Understanding the ocean and Great Lakes economy can help improve management of the

resources it depends on. Using Economics: National Ocean Watch (ENOW),

indicate the status

of the ocean and Great Lakes economy as of 2015 (the most recent data) in the tables below.

Include graphs and figures, as appropriate, to help illustrate the information. Note ENOW data

are not available for the territories. The territories can provide alternative data, if available, or a

general narrative, to capture the value of their ocean economy.

Status of Ocean and Great Lakes Economy for Coastal Counties (2015)

All

Ocean

Sectors

Living

Resource

Marine

Constructio

Ship &

Boat

Building

Marine

Transportatio

Offshore

Mineral

Extractio

Tourism

Recreatio

Employment

(# of Jobs)

97,536

1,191

1,383

448

25,392

562

69,187

Establishment

(# of

Establishments)

4,658

156

119

318

3,974

Wages

(Millions of

Dollars)

$3,700

$36.9

$85.0

$23.4

$2.1

$32.4

$1,400

GDP

(Millions of

Dollars)

$7,500

$103.6

$155.1

$42.3

$3.9

$164.3

$3,100

Change in Ocean and Great Lakes Economy for Coastal Counties (2005-2015)

All

Ocean

Sectors

Living

Resource

Marine

Constructio

Ship &

Boat

Building

Marine

Transportatio

Offshore

Mineral

Extractio

Tourism

Recreatio

Employment

(# of Jobs)

+13,015

-964

-177

-746

+6,840

-11

+8,072

Establishment

(# of

Establishments)

+466

-30

-41

-24

+70

-8

+499

Wages

(Millions of

Dollars)

+$1,232

-$19

+$27

-$16

+$870

+$3

+$367

GDP

(Millions of

Dollars)

+$3,137

-$44

+$49

-$30

+2,039

+$74

+$1,049

www.coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/enow.html. If you select any coastal county for your state, you are directed to various data displays

for that county, In the upper left of the screen, click the “State” box, to the left of the county box so that the state name will be highlighted.

Now the data will reflect statewide data for all of the state’s coastal counties. Make sure “2015” is selected for the year (top right corner). You

can then click through the sector types by selecting the icons along the top and the type of economic data (employment, wages, GDP, etc), by

clicking through the icons on the left.

The trend data is available at the bottom of the page for each sector and type of economic data. Mouse over the data points for 2005 and

2015 to obtain the actual values and determine the change by subtracting 2005 data from 2015.

2. Understanding existing uses within ocean and Great Lakes waters can help reduce use conflicts

and minimize threats when planning for ocean and Great Lakes resources. Using Ocean

Reports

, indicate the number of uses within ocean or Great Lakes waters off of your state. For

energy uses (including pipelines and cables, see the “Energy and Government Facility Siting”

template following). Add additional lines, as needed, to include additional uses that are

important to highlight for your state. Note: The Ocean Reports tool does not include data for the

Great Lakes states. Great Lakes states should fill in the table as best they can using other data

sources.

Uses within Ocean or Great Lakes Waters

Type of Use

Number of Sites

Federal sand and gravel leases

(Completed)

Federal sand and gravel leases

(Active)

Federal sand and gravel leases

(Expired)

Federal sand and gravel leases

(Proposed)

Beach Nourishment Projects

Ocean Disposal Sites

Principle Ports (Number and Total

Tonnage)

1 – 38,837,979 tons

Coastal Maintained Channels

190

Designated Anchorage Areas

Danger Zones and Restricted Areas

Other (please specify)

N/A

3. In the table below, characterize how the threats to and use conflicts over ocean and Great Lakes

resources in the state’s or territory’s coastal zone have changed since the last assessment.

Significant Changes

to Ocean and Great Lakes Resources and Uses

Resource/Use

Change in the Threat to the Resource or Use

Conflict

Since Last Assessment

(↑, ↓, −, unkwn)

Benthic habitat (including coral reefs)

Increase

Living marine resources (fish, shellfish, marine

mammals, birds, etc.)

Increase

Sand/gravel

Increase

Cultural/historic

Unchanged

www.coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/ort.html

. Go to “Quick Reports” and select the “state waters” option for your state or territory.

Some larger states may have the “Quick Reports” for their state waters broken into several different reports. Use the icons on the left hand side

to select different categories: general information, energy and minerals, natural resources and conservation, oceanographic and biophysical,

transportation and infrastructure, and economics and commerce. Then scroll through each category to find the data to complete the table.

In past assessments, due to the significance of the Chesapeake Bay and coastal bay estuarine environments, Maryland has elected to define

ocean resources as both bay and ocean resources. The changes indicated below include both bay and ocean resources and uses.

Other (please specify)

N/A

Transportation/navigation

Increase

Offshore development

Unchanged

Energy production

Increase

Fishing (commercial and recreational)

Increase

Recreation/tourism

Increase

Sand/gravel extraction

Unchanged

Dredge disposal

Unchanged

Aquaculture

Unchanged

Other (please specify)

N/A

4. For the ocean and Great Lakes resources and uses in the table above that had an increase in

threat to the resource or increased use conflict in the state’s or territory’s coastal zone since the

last assessment, characterize the major contributors to that increase. Place an “X” in the column

if the use or phenomenon is a major contributor to the increase.

Major Contributors to an Increase in Threat or Use Conflict to Ocean

and Great Lakes Resources

Poll

ute

run

off

Fis

(

)

(

)

Benthic habitat

Living marine resources

Sand/gravel

Transportation/navigati

Energy production

Fishing

(commercial/recreation

al)

Offshore development includes underwater cables and pipelines, although any infrastructure specifically associated with the energy industry

should be captured under the “energy production” category.

Recreation/tourism

5. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific

data or reports on the status and trends of ocean and Great Lakes resources or threats to those

resources since the last assessment to augment the national data sets.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) was established by a Governor’s

Agreement in 2009 and is a partnership of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia

to enhance the vitality of the region's ocean ecosystem and economy. CMP staff sit on the MARCO

Management Board and multiple working groups to advance regional ocean priorities of

climate

change adaptation, marine habitats, renewable energy, and water quality, as well as guide data

development on the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal. Through MARCO, CCS is positioned to stay up-

to-date on ocean resources and use issues throughout the Mid-Atlantic, which facilitates the

avoidance of use conflicts and enables more efficient and effective management of our shared

resources. Through this and other regional partnerships, there are several ocean-specific data and

report resources that have been made available since the last assessment. These include:

1. Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal. In 2010 MARCO launched the

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data

Portal, an online toolkit and resource center that consolidates available regional data and

enables state, federal and local users to visualize and analyze ocean resources and human

use information such as fishing grounds, recreational areas, shipping lanes, habitat areas,

and energy sites, among others. Since the last assessment, the Portal has exponentially

increased the amount and quality of spatial data served to more than 3,000+ data layers.

This includes the monumental

Marine Life Data & Analysis Team work to characterize and

map marine life in the Mid-Atlantic region. Living resource data from the Portal used to

inform this assessment included benthic habitats, birds, deep-sea corals, essential fish

habitats, wetlands, fish, marine mammals, seagrasses, sea scallops, and sea turtles.

2. Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan. From 2013-2018, CZM staff participated on the Mid-

Atlantic Regional Planning Body (Mid-A RPB), which undertook a regional ocean planning

initiative for the region. The Mid-A RPB included state and federal representatives, tribal

entities and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The purpose of the RPB was to:

improve our understanding of how the ocean waters and resources of the Mid-Atlantic

region are being used, managed, and conserved; provide a forum for identifying coordinated

actions to address regionally-important ocean management challenges and opportunities;

and engage stakeholders and regional partners to ensure that the full breadth of

perspectives is accounted for in ocean planning. In December 2016, the White House

certified the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan

(OAP), which guides efforts to sustain

a healthy ocean ecosystem and promote sustainability ocean uses. CZM staff assisted with

OAP implementation until June 2018 (see next section).

3. Regional Ocean Assessment. To inform the development of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action

Plan, MARCO funded – and CMP staff advised on – the development of the

Mid-Atlantic

Regional Ocean Assessment (ROA), which was completed in 2016. The ROA is an online

information resource developed to support the Mid-Atlantic regional ocean planning

process. It provides an engaging and reader-friendly distillation of key information on

selected topics in ocean planning for decision-makers, stakeholders, and the broader public.

The ROA brings together and summarizes best available information on the ocean

ecosystem and ocean uses from New York to Virginia, and it serves as a gateway to more in-

depth information sources. It specifically characterizes the status, trends, and linkages

between the ocean uses and the ocean ecosystem. The ROA acknowledges an increase in

ocean uses and expresses a need for more analysis on the cumulative impacts of these uses

to ocean ecosystems.

4. Mid-Atlantic Baseline Studies & Wildlife Studies Offshore Maryland. Beginning in 2013,

the CMP supported work to begin studying and documenting the distribution, abundance

and behaviors of various wildlife off the state’s Atlantic coast. One project undertaken was a

Maryland-focused effort as part of a larger Mid-Atlantic Baseline Studies Project

, which

focused on understanding the potential exposure of birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, and

other wildlife to future offshore wind energy development. The

Wildlife Studies Offshore of

Maryland report was published in 2015 and represents an overview of results from the final

technical report for the Maryland-focused study, and features survey results and case

studies on marine mammals, sea turtles, and wintering seabirds. Waters offshore of

Maryland’s Atlantic coast are important for many species year-round, including breeding,

nonbreeding, and migration periods. Baseline knowledge of wildlife distributions and

habitat use is key to understanding conservation and management needs and Maryland has

invested .

5. Maryland Environmental Studies. As ocean uses continue to change and intensify,

Maryland engaged with many partners in the Mid-Atlantic on programmatic, management

and funding issues to address ocean coordination and environmental study needs. The CMP

carried out work to secure, leverage and manage nearly $5M of state, CZM and other federal

funding to advance five critical ocean environmental studies related to marine mammals,

sea turtles, birds, black sea bass and benthic habitats. At the end of 2019, the CMP began

work to fund and leverage an additional $2M worth of projects to advance technology and

understanding about marine mammal acoustic detection, including one project aimed at

detection of the critically-endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. The Program’s ability to

secure and leverage funding to carry out these environmental studies is a demonstrable

example of the CMP’s ability to position itself to effectively connect coastal and ocean

management issues to the science and data necessary to inform decisions.

6. Climate Change Vulnerabilities in the Coastal Mid-Atlantic Region. Through the MARCO

Climate Change Action Team, in 2017-2018 CMP staff guided a project to identify and

document Climate Change Vulnerabilities in the Coastal Mid-Atlantic Region

. The project

was a collaboration of MARCO and the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) as

part of “Mid-Atlantic Regional Resilience: Linking Coastal Ocean Information to Enhance

Economic, Social and Ecological Resilience” funded by NOAA through a Regional Coastal

Resilience Grant (Award No. NA16NOS4730014).

7. Fishery Management Plans. The Maryland DNR manages fisheries in the state’s

jurisdictional waters (see below). The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC)

is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks from the state 3-mile

limit out to the federal 200-mile limit of the Mid-Atlantic region. The MAFMC has a number

of species-specific management plans

and in October 2019, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery

Management Council approved a Draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan for public review and

comment.

8. Offshore Wind Energy. In November 2016, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC)

began reviewing two proposed offshore wind projects submitted by Skipjack Offshore

Energy, LLC (Deepwater Wind, LLC) and US Wind Inc. amounting to 368 MW of total

capacity. In May 2017, the PSC announced

that both projects were approved (with

conditions) to receive ORECs. These projects are estimated to create 9,700 full time

equivalent jobs and result in more than $2 Billion of economic activity in Maryland,

including $120 million of investments in port infrastructure and steel fabrication facilities.

See Energy & Government Facility Siting assessment for more information.

9. Deep-water Coral and Fish of US Mid-Atlantic Canyons. In 2014, the FSV Henry

Bigelow set out to survey the richness and abundance of the Mid-Atlantic’s seven deep-sea

canyon marine life. Scientists towed an underwater camera at about 0.25 knots (0.28 mph),

taking photos every 10 seconds at depths between 1 and 6 meters off the seafloor. In 2019,

MARCO funded the development of an Executive Summary

of expedition findings. The

Executive Summary includes data from Washington, Accomac, and Leonard canyons

offshore Maryland, as well as from five other Mid-Atlantic canyons. Deep-water corals were

found in all of the canyons, between ~700 and 1850m with the greatest diversity and

abundance between 800m and 1600m.

Related to information about Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays resources or threats to those

resources since the last assessment, there have been several reports completed, including:

1. Maryland Ocean Acidification Task Force Final Report. The task force released a

final

report in January 2015 that analyzed the best available science regarding ocean

acidification and the potential effects of acidification on the ecology of State waters and on

State fisheries, and made recommendations regarding potential strategies to mitigate the

effects of acidification on State waters and on State fisheries. CMP staff served as advisors to

the task force.

2. Maryland Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan. In accordance with requirements

set forth by the EPA, throughout 2018 and 2019 CCS helped develop

Maryland's Phase III

Watershed Implementation Plan to Restore Chesapeake Bay by 2025 (Phase III WIP), which

was published in August 2019. The Phase III WIP documents the steps, measures, and

practices Maryland and its local jurisdictions will take and implement to achieve and

maintain the final Chesapeake Bay TMDL by the year 2025. See Cumulative and Secondary

Impacts assessment for more information.

3. Maryland Port Administration Strategic Plan 2019. Maryland Department of

Transportation’s Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) is the State agency

responsible for increasing waterborne commerce through Maryland ports for the benefit of

the citizens of the State. The MDOT MPA routinely prepares and updates its strategic goals

and objectives for cargo to remain competitive among East Coast ports. The prior Strategic

Plan was published in 2015 and planned for the period of 2015-2020. Several major

industry changes have occurred since the 2015 plan, including shipping consolidation, shifts

in global supply chains, changes in cargo demand, and growth in containerized cargo.

Recognizing these changes and the resulting need to redefine a future path for the agency,

MDOT MPA management and staff analyzed the 2015 plan and identified several strategies

to be updated. Strategic Plan 2019 includes those updates and charts a course for growth in

the marine transportation sector through 2025.

4. Fishery Management Plans. Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) serve as a framework for

conserving and wisely using fishery resources. An FMP provides a format for undertaking

management measures throughout Maryland state waters and allows the DNR to

specifically address issues that are unique to Maryland resources. Tidal water fisheries

management encompasses all Maryland tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries

(excluding the main stem Potomac River which is managed by the Potomac River Fisheries

Commission in cooperation with Maryland DNR and Virginia Marine Resources

Commission), Maryland coastal bays, and Maryland coastal waters out to 3 miles

offshore. The DNR Fishing & Boating Service has developed several species-specific Fishery

Management Plans to ensure the conservation and sustainability of the species. In

recognition of complex interactions among species and the environment, Maryland Sea

Grant is facilitating a new initiative among Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions to develop

ecosystem-based fishery management plans.

5. Innovative Reuse and Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Guidance. On an annual basis,

approximately 5 million cubic yards of sediments are dredged in Maryland's portion of

Chesapeake Bay to enhance shipping and navigational channels. Finding environmentally

responsible solutions for managing this material is a priority for the State of Maryland. In

2017 the Maryland Department of Environment published guidance with public

involvement to facilitate dredged material reuse in a manner protective of public health and

the environment. An update to the Innovative Reuse and Beneficial Use of Dredged Material

Guidance Document was published in December 2019. DNR further invested in promoting

beneficial use opportunities through the work of a 2017-2019 NOAA Coastal Management

Fellow. The Fellow facilitated an intra-agency committee to develop a departmental policy

to promote beneficial use of dredged material to improve coastal resilience and cost

efficiency. The results of this work, including a decision-support tool and guidance

documents, are available on CCS’

Beneficial Use of Dredged Material webpage.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if any significant state- or

territory-level changes (positive or negative) in the management of ocean and Great Lakes

resources have occurred since the last assessment?

Significant Changes to Management of Ocean and Great Lakes Resources

Management Category

Employed by

State or Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to Locals

that Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes

Since Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Statutes, regulations,

policies, or case law

interpreting these

Regional comprehensive

ocean/Great Lakes

management plans

State comprehensive

ocean/Great Lakes

management plans

Single-sector management

plans

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below.

If this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document,

please provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

In addition to the several reports listed above, the following represent additional significant

changes in ocean and estuarine/bay resource management since the last assessment.

Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United

States

The CMP continued participation on the RPB and implementation of the OAP until June 2018, when

President Trump signed Executive Order 13840

(the Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic,

Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States), which replaced RPBs with state-led

regional ocean partnerships (i.e. MARCO). CMP staff assisted MARCO in strategic planning and

prioritization setting to position MARCO to assume this role for the Mid-Atlantic region. At the end

of 2018, MARCO established the Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) to continue

interjurisdictional coordination on shared priorities. MARCO invited all former RPB member

organizations – including CCS – and several key stakeholders to participate in MACO and the first

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum took place in March 2019.

Offshore Drilling Opposition

In December 2018, DNR, represented by Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, joined a multi-

state legal action against the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service over its November 2018

authorization of seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. This follows a bill passed earlier in 2018, the

Offshore Drilling Liability Act (HB1456), which established offshore drilling activity as an

ultrahazardous and abnormally dangerous activity. The bill states that a person that causes a spill

of “oil” or “gas” while engaged in an offshore drilling activity is strictly liable for damages for any

injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the spill. In official letters from

Governor Hogan and DNR, Maryland has repeatedly expressed concern to the federal government

about the individual and cumulative impacts to marine species and habitats that may result from

seismic testing in the Atlantic, and has consistently expressed opposition to offshore oil and gas

development and exploration.

3. Indicate if your state or territory has a comprehensive ocean or Great Lakes management plan.

Comprehensive

Ocean/Great Lakes

Management Plan

State Plan Regional Plan

Completed plan (Y/N) (If

yes, specify year

completed)

Y - 2016

Under development

(Y/N)

Web address (if

available)

N/A

https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/environme

ntal-stewardship/Mid-Atlantic-Regional-Planning-

Body/Mid-Atlantic-Regional-Ocean-Action-Plan.pdf

Area covered by plan

N/A

Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY)

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High __x___

Medium _____

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

This enhancement area is a high priority given the rapidly changing landscape of ocean and coastal

uses, and the increasing level of concern over climate change impacts on ocean and coastal

resources.

The table below is from the report

Climate Change Vulnerabilities in the Coastal Mid-Atlantic

Region and indicates trends in several Mid-Atlantic ocean uses. Based on routine interactions with

stakeholders and CMP analysis, the trends for the Mid-Atlantic are consistent with the trends in

Maryland. The CMP hopes that through continued coordination with other Mid-Atlantic states –

through MARCO, MACO, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and other collaborative efforts – Maryland

will be prepared to take proactive measures to ensure the continued health of Maryland’s ocean

resources and minimize use conflicts.

The CMP anticipates that one of the most pressing issues anticipated in the next five years is the

increase in offshore energy development, especially offshore wind. According to a presentation

the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum in March 2019, there are an anticipated 12 offshore wind projects in

development in the Atlantic Ocean, with anticipated operational timelines between 2020 and 2027.

There are myriad concerns over cumulative and secondary impacts to ocean resources and uses

that have yet to be understood or studied. How will this new infrastructure affect Maryland’s need

for offshore sand resources? How will it affect commercial and recreational fishing? How will it

affect shipping? How will it affect recreation and tourism? Answers to these questions and more are

what the CMP will be challenged to consider how this new development will affect existing ocean

uses such as tourism, fishing, and shipping, and consider effects to ocean resources.

Since the last assessment, CCS has also seen an increasing demand for sand/sediment resources to

replenish/renourish shorelines that have eroded as a result of coastal hazards. In the bay/estuarine

environments, throughout this last assessment period CCS actively invested in the beneficial use of

dredged material as a means to improve coastal resilience (see above and Public Access

assessment). Through these efforts it has become evident that long-range planning is necessary for

the effective use of this technique to protect our vulnerable coasts. CCS will continue to consider

developing a regional sediment management plan to better understand and work with the

sediment dynamics present in the Chesapeake Bay, and to better target coastal resilience projects

that would benefit from dredged sediment. With regard to offshore sand resources, according to the

Maryland Geological Survey, the Environmental Impact Statement for Maryland offshore shoals

capped the size and volume that was allowed to be dredged from them and we will have reached

that cap at the end of 2020. Maryland anticipates that state and federal agencies will have to move

to shoals in the federal waters, resulting in significantly more expense to move the resource from

federal waters for shoreline restoration.

The Maryland DNR leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society,

and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing Maryland’s natural resources.

Climate change is having an increasingly apparent impact on our ocean and coastal resources and

uses (e.g. spread of invasive species, ocean acidification, more polluted runoff due to stronger

storms, and increased demand for sediment resources to replenish eroded shorelines). As a core

unit of DNR, CCS has the unique position to participate in and influence both land-based and water-

based efforts to enhance ocean and coastal resources and limit use conflicts. As indicated above,

since the last assessment, CMP staff directly participated in and influenced several ocean and

coastal resource enhancement efforts, and we anticipate the CMP to play a continued leadership

role in the future.

Energy and Government Facility Siting

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Adoption of procedures and enforceable policies to help

facilitate the siting of energy facilities and Government facilities and energy-related activities and

Government activities which may be of greater than local significance. §309(a)(8)

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states and territories.)

CZMA § 309(a)(8) is derived from program approval requirements in CZMA § 306(d)(8), which states:

“The management program provides for adequate consideration of the national interest involved in planning for, and managing the

coastal zone, including the siting of facilities such as energy facilities which are of greater than local significance. In the case of energy

facilities, the Secretary shall find that the State has given consideration to any applicable national or interstate energy plan or program.”

NOAA regulations at 15 C.F.R. § 923.52 further describe what states need to do regarding national interest and consideration of interests that

are greater than local interests.

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. In the table below, characterize the status and trends of different types of energy facilities and

activities in the state’s or territory’s coastal zone based on best-available data. If available, identify

the approximate number of facilities by type. For ocean-facing states and territories (not Great

Lakes states), Ocean Reports

includes existing data for many of these energy facilities and

activities.

In Maryland coal, natural gas, and petroleum are the fossil fuels utilized to produce electricity.

Maryland’s coal-fired power plants typically supply about half of the state’s annual electric

generation, while power from the state’s only nuclear plant – the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant

– typically supplies about one-third of annual generation. Much of the remaining generation is

supplied by natural gas, petroleum, and renewables. There are four main types of renewable energy

resources in use in Maryland: wind, biomass, solar, and hydropower.

To complete the table below, data was compiled from a combination of NOAA Ocean Reports, the

Maryland Power Plan Research Program 2016 Cumulative Environmental Impact Report, the

Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2019 Draft Plan, and local news articles.

Status and Trends in Energy Facilities and Activities in the Coastal Zone

Type of Energy

Facility/Activity

Exists in

Coastal Zone

(# or Y/N)

Change in Existing

Facilities/Activities

Since Last

Assessment

(↑, ↓, −,

unknwn)

Proposed in

Coastal

Zone

(# or Y/N)

Change in Proposed

Facilities/Activities

Since Last

Assessment

(↑, ↓, −,

unknwn)

Pipelines

Y - 11

Increase

Electrical grid

(transmission cables)

Y - 154

Increase

Ports

Increase

Unchanged

Liquid natural gas (LNG)

Y - 1

Increase

Oil and gas

Y - 57

Unchanged

Increase

Coal

Y - 7

Unchanged

Nuclear

Y - 1

Unchanged

Wind

Y - 2

Increase

Wave

Unchanged

Tidal

Unchanged

www.coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/ort.html

. Select “Quick Reports” and then enter your state. Select the Quick Reports for “coastal

waters” off of your state. Depending on the size of the state, there may be more than one “coastal waters”. If so, you will need to add the data

from all reports to complete the table. Click on the wind turbine icon on the left (“Energy and Minerals”) for information on energy facilities.

While outside your coastal zone, you may also want to consider facilities/activities in “Federal Waters” that may have effects on your coastal

zone.

Current (ocean, lake,

river)

Unchanged

Hydropower

Y - 3

Increase

Unchanged

Ocean thermal energy

conversion

Unchanged

Solar

Y - 54

Increase

Biomass

Y - 3

Unchanged

2. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific

information, data, or reports on the status and trends for energy facilities and activities of greater

than local significance in the coastal zone since the last assessment.

Maryland Power Plan Research Program Cumulative Environmental Impact Report (2016)

The Maryland Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) was established in 1971 within DNR to

ensure demands for electric power are met while simultaneously protecting the state’s natural

resources. PPRP coordinates the comprehensive review of proposals for the construction or

modification of power generation and transmission facilities and by developing technically based

licensing recommendations for submission to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). In

2016, PPRP released a Cumulative Environmental Impact Report that thoroughly describes energy

facilities throughout the state. According to this report, between January 2015 and December 2016

the PSC received 17 applications from developers of proposed new generating facilities – an

unprecedented level of licensing activity. Between 2000-2016, the PSC received 52 applications for

new generation, representing several thousand megawatts of potential generating capacity at

existing facilities and at greenfield sites with several application reviews ongoing. Of the 52

applications, however, as of 2016 only 18 are in operation, with the remainder under construction

or delayed or abandoned because of various financial or commercial reasons. Maryland has seen a

sharp increase in utility-scale solar projects in recent years. Developers are proposing these solar

projects to capitalize on Maryland state tax incentives and support the Maryland Renewable Energy

Portfolio Standard. All proposed, under construction, and operational solar and wind energy

projects are listed on the SmartDG+ online mapping portal.

Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Draft Plan (2019)

In October 2019, the Maryland Department of Environment released the Maryland Greenhouse Gas

Reduction Act Draft Plan. The plan proposes a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions statewide by 2030. The 2019 GGRA Draft Plan outlines Maryland’s current energy

consumption and sets forth a comprehensive set of measures to reduce energy usage and sequester

greenhouse gases. The GGRA Draft Plan recommends investments in energy efficiency and clean

and renewable energy solutions, widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and improved

management of forests and farms to sequester more carbon in trees and soils. CCS advised on the

development of the plan.

Governor’s Task Force on Renewable Energy Development and Siting

Since the last assessment, Maryland has aggressively pursued renewable energy projects to achieve

greenhouse gas reduction goals. In May 2019, Governor Hogan outlined a bold strategy to set

Maryland on a path to 100% clean electricity by 2040. The governor’s Clean and Renewable Energy

Standard (CARES) includes pushing for and enacting clean air standards that are stronger than 48

other states, joining the U.S. Climate Alliance and serving as a leader in the Regional Greenhouse

Gas Initiative. Then, in August 2019, Governor Hogan announced Executive Order 01.01.2019.09

establishing a “Governor’s Task Force on Renewable Energy Development and Siting.” The Task

Force produced an interim report in December 2019, describing its initial work and making

primary recommendations for legislation in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

The Task Force anticipates an energy demand of 61,750,000 megawatt-hours (MWH) by 2030. A

simple model was developed to estimate the amount of new land that would be required in order to

meet the solar carve out requirement of Maryland’s current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

Based on this model, 8,953,750 MWH of solar energy is required to meet the RPS, whereas as of

September 19, 2019 only 1,140 MW of solar existed. The model anticipates a need for 29,276 acres

of land required for new land based solar arrays to achieve the RPS goal, with an assumption that

90% of that land requirement (26,348 acres) will come from agricultural land.

3. Briefly characterize the existing status and trends for federal government facilities and activities

of greater than local significance

in the state’s coastal zone since the last assessment.

Dominion Energy Cove Point Terminal

The Dominion Energy Cove Point Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Lusby, Maryland lies within

the coastal zone. Import volumes at Cove Point declined 72 percent between 2010 and 2015. Cove

Point is one of 12 LNG import facilities operating in the U.S. Plans for new or expanded LNG

facilities in the U.S. have either been canceled or modified for operation as LNG export facilities, in

response to high LNG export prices. On October 7, 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

authorized Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP to enter into contracts to export LNG to countries that

have free trade agreements with the U.S. On April 1, 2013, Dominion announced that it had entered

into 20-year contracts for all of the export capacity at Cove Point. On September 29, 2014, the FERC

issued an order authorizing Dominion Cove Point LNG to export LNG. The next month, construction

began. Completed in 2018, the Cove Point Liquefaction Project allows Dominion Energy to liquefy

natural gas onsite and transport it to tanker ships for export.

Conowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station

Conowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station, or Conowingo Dam, is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric

power plant owned and operated by Exelon Power, a business unit of Exelon Generation. Located

on the Susquehanna River in northern Maryland, the Conowingo Dam has been providing energy to

the regional system since 1928. As noted in the last assessment, the license for the Conowingo Dam

expired on September 1, 2014. In August 2012, Exelon filed an application with FERC for a new

long-term license, which as of January 2020 has not yet been granted. The Conowingo Dam is

currently operating on an annual license issued by FERC, which renews automatically while

relicensing activities continue.

In 2016, the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment team released the results of its

evaluation of sediment management options at the Conowingo Dam. It found that, since the

reservoir behind the dam is essentially full, it is trapping smaller amounts of incoming sediment

and, during large storms, sending more silt and attached nutrients over the dam and into the

Chesapeake Bay more often. The report concluded that management and mitigation of nutrients

and sediment upstream of the reservoir would be more beneficial to Bay health than attempting to

manage sediment at the dam through dredging, bypassing or operational changes. The reduced

capacity of the Conowingo reservoir to trap sediments and nutrients is considered a Bay-wide

challenge to be shared among Bay watershed jurisdictions and the FERC licensee Exelon. To

address this challenge, in 2018 the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership formed steering

The CMP should make its own assessment of what Government facilities may be considered “greater than local significance” in its coastal

zone, but these facilities could include military installations or a significant federal government complex. An individual federal building may not

rise to a level worthy of discussion here beyond a very cursory (if any at all) mention).

committee that would develop a collaborative strategy to address the increased pollution loads that

have resulted from the Conowingo Dam reaching full capacity. The plan, known as the

Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), will detail specific steps each of the seven Bay

watershed jurisdictions—Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania,

Virginia and West Virginia—will take in order to offset nutrient and sediment pollution from the

dam and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. To achieve an equivalent

sediment/nutrient reduction that was once provided by the reservoir, the Conowingo WIP is

considering cost and effectiveness of best management practices across the Bay watershed as well

as equitable sharing of responsibilities. A pilot study evaluating the dredging, removal and

beneficial use of reservoir sediments is also underway to evaluate the feasibility and cost

effectiveness of increasing sediment storage capacity of the Conowingo reservoir.

Offshore Wind

Since offshore renewable wind emerged as a new ocean industry a decade ago, the Maryland CMP

has engaged stakeholders, resource managers, federal agencies, regional partners and scientists to

compile and collect data and information on ocean resources and uses and understand priorities

and concerns. In December 2014, BOEM’s offshore renewable wind energy lease for an area

offshore Maryland’s coast went into effect with US Wind. In March 2018, BOEM approved US

Wind’s Site Assessment Plan (SAP) that details methods and procedures for how the company will

collect and analyze meteorological and oceanographic data and other information about ocean

conditions in the lease area. Plans call for installing 32 turbines in 20-30 meters of water, 17 miles

off the coast of Ocean City. A substation will collect the energy from the turbines and transmit the

electricity to the shore using underwater cables. The Maryland project is expected to produce

approximately 270 MW of power, and is anticipated to come online in early 2023. One of the first

steps was completing construction of a Meteorological Tower, which was installed in the summer of

2019. Also in the summer of 2019, Tradepoint Atlantic announced a partnership with Orsted, a

global offshore wind farm developer, to create Maryland’s first offshore wind energy staging center

in Baltimore County. There, workers will receive, assemble and ship out parts used to construct

offshore wind turbines in Maryland, and other East Coast states.

Geological & Geophysical Surveys

On July 6, 2017 Maryland requested CZM review authority for two survey companies who applied

for NOAA NMFS Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs), but the requests were denied. In

August 2018, BOEM alerted Maryland that TDI Brooks had applied for a permit for geological

petroleum resource work off Maryland. DNR submitted a comment letter to BOEM and NOAA

regarding this unlisted activity review geological petroleum resource permit activity (TDI

Brooks). Maryland did not request review authority due to precedent of the lack of enforceable

coastal policies. On November 30, 2018, NOAA announced they had issued IHAs to five of the

2014/2015 applicants, several of which had originally applied to conduct work off Maryland’s

coast.

Offshore Oil & Gas

On April 28, 2017, Presidential Executive Order 13795 was issued, outlining an America-First

Offshore Energy Strategy, which prompted Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to issue Secretarial

Order 3350 directing BOEM to begin the process of developing a new 2019-2024 Outer Continental

Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program to replace the 2017–2022 Draft Proposed Program (DPP). In

August 2017, BOEM sought information about interest in offshore oil and gas in the federal register

in advance of this DPP - Maryland responded that the State was opposed. On January 8, 2018,

BOEM issued a Federal Register Notice (FRN) about the DPP and included waters offshore

Maryland in the DPP.

Challenges with Solar – Impacts to Forests and Agricultural Lands

In the last year, CCS has received requests to provide technical support to the Maryland

Department of the Environment’s consideration of permits for projects that would clear forested

land to make way for large solar arrays in the coastal zone. One such project, proposed by

Georgetown University to be built in rural Charles County, would have razed 210 acres of trees. The

project was denied a permit in August 2019 because of potential impacts to coastal resources

(forests and wetlands). Another project still being considered (as of January 2020) is a proposed

ground mounted solar array at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Prince

George’s County. This proposed project would clear 13 acres of forested land in a DNR priority

watershed (Piscataway Creek). The CMP has advised project proponents to consider installing the

arrays on building rooftops and non-forested land areas (e.g. parking lots, median strips and open

areas). While projects proposing clear cutting forest to make room for solar arrays in Maryland

have become newsworthy, conversion of land uses to solar arrays has already been occurring at a

large scale throughout the state, particularly on the eastern shore where agricultural lands are

being converted to ground mounted solar arrays. Balancing the protection of coastal resources with

the growing renewable energy industry is a challenge the CMP will continue to face as the state

continues to push for 100% renewable energy sources to supply energy demand. An increase in

desire for renewable energy has prompted the legislative and executive actions to direct renewable

energy projects to more appropriate sites (see Governor’s Task Forces on Renewable Energy Siting

and Development). The CMP continues to assist in reviewing all proposals and permit requests for

energy projects in the coastal zone.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if significant state- or territory-

level changes (positive or negative) that could facilitate or impede energy and government facility

siting and activities have occurred since the last assessment.

Significant Changes in Energy and Government Facility Management

Management Category

Employed by State

or Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to Locals

that Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes

Since Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Statutes, regulations,

policies, or case law

interpreting these

State comprehensive siting

plans or procedures

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Following the 2015 Session, Governor Larry Hogan signed the Maryland Commission on Climate

Change (MCCC) Act of 2015 to codify the commission into law. The tasks and responsibilities

assigned to the MCCC include the requirement to report to the Governor and General Assembly

each year on the status of the state’s efforts to “mitigate the causes, prepare for and adapt to the

consequences of climate change, including future plans and recommendations, if any, to be

considered by the General Assembly.” Though not formally, in practice the deliberations of the

MCCC guides and informs implementation efforts of the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act

(GGRA), which Governor Hogan amended in 2016. The GGRA of 2016 requires Maryland to reduce

statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 2006 levels by 2030. The original GGRA of

2009 was created based on the recommendations of the MCCC’s 2008 Climate Action Plan, and

required Maryland to achieve a 25 percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas emissions from

2006 levels by 2020. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s 2015 GGRA Plan Update,

showed that Maryland was on target to not only meet but exceed the emission reduction goal; and

that this was being accomplished with an estimated economic benefit between $2.5 and $3.5 billion

in increased economic output by 2020 as well as creation and maintenance of between 26,000 and

33,000 new jobs.

Recognizing the economic, environmental, fuel diversity, and security benefits of renewable energy

resources, Maryland became one of the first states to adopt a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard

(RPS) in 2004. The Legislature intended the RPS law to establish support for the development of

renewable electricity generation within Maryland and the Pennsylvania Jersey Maryland

Interconnection, LLC region, by requiring that power providers procure Renewable Energy Credits

from renewable sources. During the 2019 legislative session, the RPS was extended under the Clean

Energy Jobs Act. This law requires Maryland electricity suppliers to obtain renewable energy

credits (RECs) from qualified renewable energy generators for 50 percent of its electricity supply,

as defined in the statute, by 2030, with a solar carve-out that requires that 14.5 percent of RECs be

obtained from solar energy generation tied to Maryland’s electric distribution grid by 2030. Energy

suppliers are required to purchase RECs to demonstrate compliance with the RPS. The original RPS

legislation was adopted in 2004 and has been amended a number of times, in 2007, 2008, 2010,

2011, 2012, 2017, and 2019.

The following are the laws and policies enacted during this assessment period that guide energy

production in Maryland:

● In 2015, SB 398: Electricity - Community Solar Energy Generating System Program

established a pilot program on community solar energy generating systems under the

authority of the PSC.

● In 2016, the legislature passed the HB 1106 Clean Energy Jobs and SB 936 Maryland Clean

Energy Incentive Act of 2016, which extended a specified credit against the State income tax

for electricity-producing facilities using specified qualified energy resources and

established the Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Tax Credit Reserve Fund.

● In 2017, the Governor announced support of a hydraulic fracturing prohibition, which was

affirmed by the General Assembly in HB1325 – Oil and Natural Gas - Hydraulic Fracturing -

Prohibition. Additionally that year, HB 1414 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard required

the Power Plant Research Program to conduct a study on the renewable energy portfolio

standard and related matters. SB313/HB410 – Economic Development – Maryland Energy

Innovation Institute, established the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute to collaborate

with academic institutions on clean energy programs and to attract private investment to

clean energy innovation and commercialization in the State.

● In 2018, HB1456 – Offshore Drilling Liability Act, established “offshore drilling activity” as

an ultrahazardous and abnormally dangerous activity and that a person that causes a spill

of “oil” or “gas” while engaged in an offshore drilling activity is strictly liable for damages

for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the spill.

● In April 2019, Maryland passed SB 516 – Clean Energy Jobs to increase the portion of

electricity that utilities must source from renewable energy to 50% by 2030, including

14.5% from solar by 2028. In May Governor Hogan wrote “despite its name, this bill is not

clean enough, nor smart enough, nor does it create the intended jobs within Maryland” and

announced a bold energy strategy – the Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES) –

that aims to get Maryland to 100% clean electricity by 2040.

With regard to CZM-driven changes, Maryland’s current lack of enforceable coastal policies on

ocean uses and resources limit CCS’ ability to more directly shape federal licenses and permits

should waters offshore Maryland continue to be included in federal Programs. To potentially

address these limitations the CMP funded a policy options and gaps analysis project with the

Environmental Law Institute and the Maryland Office of Attorney General. CCS will continue to

consider policies, legislation or regulations that would strengthen its ability to influence offshore oil

and gas.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High ____

Medium __x___

Low _____

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

This enhancement area is a priority for CCS because of the importance of providing safe and reliable

energy to our coastal residents while still protecting Maryland’s natural resources. The CMP

anticipates increasing interest in shifting from centralized, fossil-energy-based systems to smart,

distributed, renewable-energy-based systems, and this shift will challenge CCS to consider use

conflicts and impacts to coastal resources during the siting process. In light of anticipated increases

in solar and offshore wind as energy sources and associated distribution facilities due to the

demand for more renewable energy to satisfy the GGRA goal of 40% reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions by 2030 and Governor Hogan’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2040, this assessment

area is a priority for Maryland.

CCS has and continues to engage with energy developers to inform the process of siting facilities

and addressing potential impacts to coastal resources. CMP staff evaluate state and regional issues

associated with the development of energy and support studies that advance our understanding of

natural resources in our jurisdiction. This has included reviewing proposed projects and supporting

environmental studies requested by constituents (e.g. acoustic surveys for black sea bass and

marine mammals). Into 2020 and beyond, the CMP will continue to work to ensure that the best

available data and information to inform the energy siting and development process is available

through mapping tools such as the Maryland Coastal Atlas and the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data

Portal. The CMP will continue to work to safeguard the natural resources that fall within the coastal

zone and work to find management solutions to those activities that may have reasonably

foreseeable impacts on our coastal economy and resources.

Aquaculture

Section 309 Enhancement Objective: Adoption of procedures and policies to evaluate and

facilitate the siting of public and private aquaculture facilities in the coastal zone, which will enable

states to formulate, administer, and implement strategic plans for marine aquaculture. §309(a)(9)

Phase I (High-Level) Assessment: (Must be completed by all states and territories.)

Purpose: To quickly determine whether the enhancement area is a high-priority enhancement

objective for the CMP that warrants a more in-depth assessment. The more in-depth assessments of

Phase II will help the CMP understand key problems and opportunities that exist for program

enhancement and determine the effectiveness of existing management efforts to address those

problems.

Resource Characterization:

1. In the table below, characterize the existing status and trends of aquaculture facilities in the

state’s coastal zone based on the best-available data. Your state Sea Grant Program may have

information to help with this assessment.

Status and Trends of Aquaculture Facilities and Activities

Type of

Facility/Activity Number of Facilities

Approximate Economic

Value

Change Since Last

Assessment

(↑, ↓, −, unkwn)

Commercial

Shellfish

Submerged Land

Leases

2015: 306

2019: 353

The estimated total

dockside value of oysters

harvested from Maryland

shellfish leases in 2015

was $4,755,805 on 50,637

bushels, and in 2018 was

$4,755,808 on 57,543

bushels. 2019 oyster

harvest data is not yet

final.

Increase. Additional

applications for new

submerged land leases are

pending.

Commercial

Shellfish Water

Column Leases

2015: 64

2019: 102

See above.

Increase. Additional

applications for new

water column leases are

pending.

Shellfish Nursery

Permits

In 2015, there were 60

facilities permitted to

cultivate shellfish larvae,

See above.

Increase. Additional

applications for Shellfish

While focused on statewide aquaculture data rather than just within the coastal zone, the Census of Aquaculture

(www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/Census_of_Aquaculture/) may help in developing your aquaculture assessment. The census is conducted

every 10 years and the last report was released in 2013. The report provides a variety of state-specific aquaculture data to understand current

status and recent trends. .

Be as specific as possible. For example, if you have specific information of the number of each type of facility or activity, note that. If you

only have approximate figures, note “more than” or “approximately” before the number. If information is unknown, note that and use the

narrative section below to provide a brief qualitative description based on the best information available.

seed and spat-on shell.

By 2019, the number of

such facilities had

increased to 69.

Nursery Permits are

pending.

Non-Shellfish

Aquaculture

Permits (includes

freshwater, indoor

facilities, structures

in public waters,

and state lands)

In 2015, there were 56

non-shellfish

aquaculture facilities

permitted for operation.

In 2019, there were 39

such facilities permitted

to raise turtles, shrimp,

tilapia, barramundi,

marine corals, rainbow

and brown trout, aquatic

plants, ornamental fish

and various native fish

species .

See above.

Decrease. From 2015 to

2019, three of Maryland’s

largest RAS commercial

fish and shrimp producers

have ceased operations.

Aquaculture

Enterprise Zones

(AEZs)

There were two AEZs of

about 176 acres in 2015,

but they were never

utilized. Then, effective

in February 2019, the

AEZs were eliminated.

Maryland’s AEZs were

initially established to

address the restrictions on

leasing that existed prior

to the 2009 lease law

updates. Since passage of

the new laws, the need for

AEZs has ceased.

2. If available, briefly list and summarize the results of any additional state- or territory-specific data

or reports on the status and trends or potential impacts from aquaculture activities in the coastal

zone since the last assessment.

In 2010, the Maryland DNR overhauled its regulations for the management of the oyster resource in

the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay with the intent of advancing oyster restoration. The

regulations expanded the scale of oyster sanctuaries, created new opportunities for oyster

aquaculture, and designated areas to be maintained for the public fishery with the intent of

advancing oyster restoration. These efforts to provide opportunities and incentives to attract

private investment in Maryland’s commercial shellfish aquaculture industry are having a beneficial

impact. Since the new leasing program was implemented in September 2010, leaseholders have

been planting and harvesting millions of oysters on their leases. This trend is expected to continue

as interest in obtaining new leases and expanding existing oyster aquaculture businesses remains

strong and the number of oysters being planted and reaching market size continues to increase.

Five years after the major regulatory change, a report reviewing the effectiveness of the locations of

sanctuaries, public shellfish fishery areas, and aquaculture areas was completed in July 2016. The

Oyster Management Review: 2010-2015 uses available information to describe the current status of

oyster sanctuaries, Public Shellfish Fishery Areas (PSFAs), and Maryland’s aquaculture industry.

This 2016 report declared that all 3 objectives for aquaculture had been met. These were to: 1)

streamline the regulatory process for aquaculture; 2) open new areas to leasing to promote

shellfish aquaculture industry growth; and 3) provide alternative economic opportunities for

watermen.

According to the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan 2019, as of December 2018

there were 427 shellfish aquaculture leases on 6,963.2 acres in active use within Maryland state

waters. These leases are held by 258 distinct individuals or business entities and there are over 500

distinct individuals directly participating in the industry who hold either a Shellfish Aquaculture

Harvester Permit or Registration Card issued by DNR authorizing them to engage in activity on a

lease. Approximately 43 percent of distinct leaseholders who are individuals also report holding a

Maryland Tidal Fish License. Oyster production by private growers continues to contribute to the

overall increase in oyster biomass, ecological value and economic benefits to Chesapeake Bay. To

date, Chesapeake Bay’s oyster aquaculture industry utilizes two very distinct culture methods on

submerged land and water column leases, respectively.

Aquaculture continues to be permitted and managed by the Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating

Service Aquaculture and Industry Enhancement Division, in close coordination with the Maryland

Aquaculture Coordinating Council. Below are recent tools and resources developed to enhance and

support aquaculture in Maryland.

Commercial Shellfish Closure Area Information Portal

In September 2017, the DNR Aquaculture and Industry Enhancement Division, in cooperation with

the DNR Shellfish Division, launched the Commercial Shellfish Closure Area Information Portal

. The

portal was created primarily as a resource for commercial oyster harvesters as a compliment to the

State of Maryland Shellfish Closure Areas book they receive each year in hard copy. In addition to

displaying water quality closure area data and oyster sanctuary locations, the portal also displays

all shellfish aquaculture leases in real-time and a running list of new leases as they are issued

beginning each September.

Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Application Tracking Tool

In October 2018, the DNR launched a new set of online tools to help educate and engage the public

on proposed aquaculture lease applications. The tools, which include an application tracking list

and email notification system, will provide information on pending and proposed commercial

shellfish lease applications when they are received by the department.

2019 Aquaculture Resource Guide

The 2019 Aquaculture Resource Guide was developed in collaboration between the University of

Maryland Sea Grant Extension and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The guide provides Maryland

shellfish growers with sources of seed, supplies, equipment, technical assistance, financing and

other items needed to develop an aquaculture business. It provides a quick reference to access a

range of products and services to aid aquaculture business formation and profitability.

Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council Annual Reports (2015-2018)

These reports summarize annual activities of the Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council and

the State’s aquaculture status. Recommendations for Maryland’s aquaculture industry are

developed for the General Assembly based on Council meetings and stakeholder input. Submission

of the 2019 report is pending.

Maryland Shellfish Growers Network (2018)

The Maryland Shellfish Growers Network was launched in 2018 through a partnership between the

Chesapeake Bay Foundation and University of Maryland Extension to provide resources, technical

assistance and mentoring to new and veteran shellfish growers to help them apply best practices,

share information and promote Maryland’s aquaculture industry. Membership in the Network is

free and also provides access to field days, workshops and conferences planned by the network.

Support for the program was provided by NOAA and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries

Commission.

Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Conference (2019)

Hosted by the Maryland Shellfish Growers Network in February 2019, the conference was designed

to give current oyster farmers and individuals interested in starting their own businesses the latest

information about government policies, marketing and aquaculture technology.

Maryland Ocean Acidification Task Force Final Report

The task force released a final report in January 2015 that analyzed the best available science

regarding ocean acidification and the potential effects of acidification on the ecology of State waters

and on State fisheries. The report concluded that little is known about the complex acidification

processes in shallow estuarine environments like Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays, which

are highly sensitive to terrestrial inputs, and the potential impacts that may be posed to the

aquaculture industry.

Management Characterization:

1. Indicate if the approach is employed by the state or territory and if there have been any state- or

territory-level changes (positive or negative) that could facilitate or impede the siting of public or

private aquaculture facilities in the coastal zone.

Significant Changes in Aquaculture Management

Management Category

Employed by State

or Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes Since

Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Aquaculture comprehensive

siting plans or procedures

Other aquaculture statutes,

regulations, policies, or case

law interpreting these

2. For any management categories with significant changes, briefly provide the information below. If

this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of the document, please

provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the information:

a. Describe the significance of the changes;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

New lease laws that were passed in 2009 have helped to facilitate the growth of shellfish

aquaculture by lifting county moratoriums on leasing, removing size limitations on leases,

authorizing leases issued to corporations and requiring that leases be actively used for commercial

shellfish aquaculture purposes. Since the new lease laws were passed, Maryland has established an

infrastructure that supports the responsible development of this industry.

Below are the additional statutory changes that affect aquaculture leases that have occurred since

the last assessment:

● 2015 – HB 287 – Natural Resources – Aquaculture – Liability for Trespass. This bill

established specified damages for which specified persons are liable for entering an area

leased to another person for aquaculture purposes, without the written permission of the

leaseholder, to harvest, damage, or transfer shellfish in any manner or to alter, damage, or

remove any markings or equipment. It requires a person who enters an area leased to

another person for aquaculture purposes and engages in specified acts to display the

written permission of the leaseholder on the request of a law enforcement officer.

● 2017 – HB 1200/SB 964 Aquaculture - Leases - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation. This

bill requires the DNR in consultation with interested stakeholders to study the interactions

between Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) and Shellfish Aquaculture Leases. It also

authorizes the DNR to adopt regulations that establish standards and a process that

provides the DNR with more flexibility in determining if a Shellfish Aquaculture Lease

should be restricted from use by leaseholders due to the encroachment of SAV.

● 2019 – HB28/SB939. This bill specifies that the term “Non-water dependent project” does

not apply to the equipment used in shellfish nurseries and will exempt from the Maryland

Department of Environment/Board of Public Works permitting processes, pumps, pipes,

and other equipment attached to a pier and associated with a shellfish nursery operation

that has been permitted under Natural Resources Article, Section 4-11A-23.

● 2019 – SB112. This bill changed the due date for an aquaculture legislative report from

June to September.

● 2019 – HB841. This bill provides the department with the authority to grant permission to

the holder of a shellfish aquaculture lease, where their aquaculture activities do not harm

SAV, to continue planting and harvesting shellfish within the area of their lease where SAV

exists.

In the Maryland Code of Regulations there is a specific chapter on aquaculture (Chapter 08.02.23.

Shellfish Aquaculture and Leasing). Below are the changes to that regulation that have occurred

since the last assessment:

● One action clarified that a person needs an authorization from the DNR prior to engaging in

certain shellfish aquaculture activities in Maryland waters and to liberalize the Shellfish

Aquaculture Harvester Permit registration requirement. These changes were discussed

with and supported by the Aquaculture Coordinating Council.

● In Regulation .03, the action clarified that shellfish aquaculture activities may only be

performed on a leased area or in a permitted area. An individual would come to the

conclusion that a lease or permit is required by reading definitions, several statutes and

regulations together, but adding the statement to regulation makes it completely clear. The

action also reorganized and simplified some of the structure of the regulation to make it

easier to read.

● In Regulation .04, the action removed the requirement for individuals working on a lease

and under the supervision of a permittee, from having to obtain and possess a registration

card. The action also added language to ensure that the permittee is responsible for those

individuals and corrects affected references. Current regulations require every individual

that is conducting aquaculture activities to have either a Shellfish Aquaculture Harvester

Permit or Registration Card in order to participate in aquaculture activities on the lease.

The industry requested that allowances be made for workers that are accompanying a

permittee and requested that the DNR exempt them from the registration requirement.

This change allows leaseholders to hire short-term laborers that will be supervised by the

permittee while working on the lease.

Enhancement Area Prioritization:

1. What level of priority is the enhancement area for the coastal management program?

High _____

Medium _____

Low _x___

2. Briefly explain the reason for this level of priority. Include input from stakeholder engagement,

including the types of stakeholders engaged.

Maryland is committed to both oyster restoration and aquaculture development to address

depleted populations, the ecosystems services they provide, and the economic benefit of an

aquaculture industry. The majority of aquaculture development in Maryland focuses on oysters.

Aquaculture goals already exist and are articulated in plans such as the Maryland Chesapeake Bay

Oyster Management Plan 2019, and are addressed by the DNR Fishing & Boating Service (FABS)

Aquaculture Division. The FABS Aquaculture Division has daily interaction with stakeholders,

including lease applicants, lease holders, and the Aquaculture Coordinating Council, and therefore

CZM staff worked closely with FABS Aquaculture Division staff to complete this assessment.

Ever since implementation of the new leasing program in 2010, Maryland businesses have been

investing heavily in increased aquaculture production. Moving forward, shell supply and

enforcement are two major issues that will need to be addressed for aquaculture expansion and

industry support. Submerged land leaseholders require access to shells for bottom planting and

spat-on-shell setting. This resource is in high demand, costly, and difficult to obtain. DNR will need

to find ways to augment shell supply and evaluate the use of alternate materials for bottom

stabilization and clutch material. Furthermore, more attention is needed on enforcement and lease

protection outside of the oyster sanctuary boundaries. While there is limited room for involvement

by CCS in shell acquisition and enforcement, CCS can accelerate and support the growth of

Maryland’s shellfish aquaculture industry through activities related to coastal and marine spatial

planning, use conflict resolution, water quality improvement, and working waterfront support.

Another challenge is ensuring healthy waters that support oyster reproduction and growth, and

uncertainty over how climate change will influence water quality. Commercial aquaculture

operations in particular may need to be increasingly aware of and respond to changing local or

regional water quality conditions. Not only will operations need to consider impaired waters due to

nutrient and sediment pollution from stormwater runoff, but also changes in water chemistry due

to climate change. According to the Maryland Ocean Acidification Task Force Final Report, changes

in carbonate chemistry may affect the ability of oysters to grow. Therefore, ocean (coastal)

acidification may pose an additional threat to oyster aquaculture and will likely interact with these

existing stressors to affect the productivity of aquaculture facilities.

While aquaculture is incredibly important for the state of Maryland, it is a low priority for the CMP

due to the limited room for involvement by CCS in shell acquisition and enforcement. To date, CCS

has supported oyster aquaculture expansion by collecting coastal and marine use data (i.e.

recreational use areas); evaluating the use of oyster aquaculture as a best management practice to

help Maryland meet its water quality goals; and exploring watermen’s issues through a State

Working Waterfronts Initiative. The CMP will continue exploring opportunities to integrate

aquaculture into CCS efforts, especially as aquaculture relates to use conflicts, water quality, and

climate change.

4. PHASE II ENHANCEMENT AREAS

For all enhancement areas ranked as a high priority in the Phase I Assessment, a Phase II (in-

depth) Assessment must be conducted using the appropriate template provided by NOAA to

further explore potential problems, opportunities for improvement, and specific needs.

Based upon the responses to the questions in the Phase II Assessment template, key stakeholder

input, and staff’s extensive knowledge of the issues, the CMP determined if a strategy should be

developed for the enhancement area. As a result of the Phase I Assessment priority rankings, Phase

II Assessments were completed for the Coastal Hazards and Ocean and Great Lakes Resources

enhancement areas. The Phase II Assessments for each of these enhancement areas follow.

Coastal Hazards

In-Depth Resource Characterization:

Purpose: To determine key problems and opportunities to improve the CMP’s ability to prevent or

significantly reduce coastal hazard risks by eliminating development and redevelopment in high-

hazard areas and managing the effects of potential sea level rise and Great Lakes level change.

1. Based on the characterization of coastal hazard risk, what are the three most significant coastal

hazards

within your coastal zone? Also indicate the geographic scope of the hazard, i.e., is it

prevalent throughout the coastal zone, or are there specific areas most at risk?

Type of Hazard

Geographic Scope

(throughout coastal zone or specific areas most threatened)

Hazard 1

Nuisance flooding

Throughout the coastal zone

Hazard 2

Coastal Storms

Throughout the coastal zone

Hazard 3

Sea level rise

Coastal Counties, including the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and

Southern Maryland

2. Briefly explain why these are currently the most significant coastal hazards within the coastal

zone. Cite stakeholder input and/or existing reports or studies to support this assessment.

This information is consistent with the Maryland State Hazard Mitigation Plan (2016). Floods and

Coastal Storms (tropical storms, hurricanes, and Nor’easters) consistently impact the State

according to Presidential Disaster Declarations. Nuisance flood impacts are also on the rise,

prompting Maryland House Bill 1427 (2019). This Bill required local jurisdictions that experience

“high tide flooding that causes a public inconvenience” to develop a plan to address nuisance

flooding.

See list of coastal hazards on pg. 24 of this assessment template.

Sea level rise is a long-term hazard that exacerbates flooding, coastal storms, shoreline erosion, and

saltwater intrusion. In 2018 and 2019, the State of Maryland released multiple reports: “Sea-level

Rise: Projections for Maryland” and “Maryland’s Plan to Adapt to Saltwater Intrusion and

Salinization.” According to 2018 projections, relative mean sea level is likely to rise 0.8 to 1.6 feet

between 2000 and 2050, with about a one-in-twenty chance it could exceed 2.0 feet. Beyond 2050,

relative mean sea level rise will depend largely on global emissions pathways and is more

uncertain.

3. Are there emerging issues of concern, but which lack sufficient information to evaluate the level of

the potential threat? If so, please list. Include additional lines if needed.

Emerging Issue

Information Needed

Precipitation based flooding

Need additional data on changing

precipitation patterns, especially at the local

scale.

Habitat transition and migration

SLAMM updates are needed to utilize best

available data and refine datasets used in

decision-making. Limited data are available

for understanding species shifts, habitat

resilience and impacts to ecosystem

services,including water quality.

In-Depth Management Characterization:

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of management efforts to address identified problems related

to the coastal hazards enhancement objective.

1. For each coastal hazard management category below, indicate if the approach is employed by the

state or territory and if there has been a significant change since the last assessment.

Significant Changes in Coastal Hazards Statutes, Regulations, and Policies

Management Category

Employed by

State/Territo

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Change Since

the Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Shorefront setbacks/no build areas

Rolling easements

Repair/rebuilding restrictions

Hard shoreline protection structure

restrictions

Promotion of alternative shoreline

stabilization methodologies (i.e.,

living shorelines/green

infrastructure)

Repair/replacement of shore

protection structure restrictions

Inlet management

Protection of important natural

resources for hazard mitigation

benefits (e.g., dunes, wetlands,

barrier islands, coral reefs) (other

than setbacks/no build areas)

Repetitive flood loss policies (e.g.,

relocation, buyouts)

Freeboard requirements

Real estate sales disclosure

requirements

Restrictions on publicly funded

infrastructure

Infrastructure protection (e.g.,

considering hazards in siting and

design)

Other (please specify)

Significant Changes to Coastal Hazard Management Planning Programs or Initiatives

Management Category

Employed by

State/Territo

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Change Since

the Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Hazard mitigation plans

Sea level rise/Great Lake level change

or climate change adaptation plans

Statewide requirement for local post-

disaster recovery planning

Sediment management plans

Beach nourishment plans

Special Area Management Plans (that

address hazards issues)

Managed retreat plans

Other (please specify)

Significant Changes to Coastal Hazard Research, Mapping, and

Education Programs or Initiatives

Management Category

Employed by

State/Territo

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Change Since

the Last Assessment

(Y or N)

General hazards mapping or

modeling

Sea level rise mapping or modeling

Hazards monitoring (e.g., erosion

rate, shoreline change, high-water

marks)

Hazards education and outreach

Other (please specify)

2. Identify and describe the conclusions of any studies that have been done that illustrate the

effectiveness of the state’s management efforts in addressing coastal hazards since the last

assessment. If none, is there any information that you are lacking to assess the effectiveness of the

state’s management efforts?

The best examples of the State’s ability to be effective in managing the effects of coastal hazards are

listed in the accomplishments sections, and include:

Community Resilience Grants: This long-standing service delivery mechanism allows CCS to

continue to accelerate and support local adaptation. Key topic areas that past projects focused on:

supporting communities through the FEMA’s Community Rating System; developing long range

plans that assess current and future conditions and potential adaptation strategies; and enabling

communities to enact updated zoning and ordinances to meet current regulations. These projects

provide examples of how the CMP is able to effectively connect local, state and federal expertise,

programs and resources. Some projects examples include: Calvert County: Flood Mitigation Small

Area plans for five unincorporated communities and three municipalities that addressed current

and future flood risk; supporting three counties and three municipalities in their application into

the Community Rating System in partnership with MDE; and, supporting small municipalities and

low capacity counties to update their Critical Area and Zoning Ordinances to enable local

governments to be prepared, progressive and responsive to development requests that balance

the impacts of development and preserve natural resources functions.

Resiliency Through Restoration. CCS’ leadership on state climate adaptation and bay and

habitat restoration - paired with its support for community resilience planning and the

completion of a Coastal Resiliency Assessment - allowed the program to secure state funding to

launch the ‘Resiliency through Restoration’ initiative in 2017. With the goal of using nature-

based designs to help protect communities, economies and ecosystems from climate change

impacts, CCS is providing financial and technical assistance to local government and non-profit

partners to implement priority restoration projects across the state over a five year period.

Projects include shoreline restoration, beneficial use of dredged material, tidal marsh

restoration, dune restoration, landscape-level green infrastructure, and other nature-based

practices that provide community and ecosystem benefits. Investments in data-driven

assessments and community partnerships are allowing the CMP to accelerate the understanding

of risk and support implementation of projects to reduce future risk.

Deal Island Peninsula Partnership - The CMP worked in collaboration with CBNERR and the

University of Maryland to establish the Deal Island Peninsula Partnership. This partnership is a

community initiative focused on increasing the resilience of local communities to coastal flooding,

erosion and sea level change. As a part of this initiative there were a variety of outreach and

communication mechanisms utilized including stakeholder workshops; creation of vulnerability

maps; community conversations on topics identified at the stakeholder workshop; development

of the integrated coastal resilience assessment; website and brochure development and field and

site visits throughout the community. The intent was to bring together the stakeholders and local

community to understand the vulnerabilities and then develop solutions to enhance resilience.

Identification of Priorities:

1. Considering changes in coastal hazard risk and coastal hazard management since the last

assessment and stakeholder input, identify and briefly describe the top one to three management

priorities where there is the greatest opportunity for the CMP to improve its ability to more

effectively address the most significant hazard risks. (Approximately 1-3 sentences per

management priority.)

Management Priority 1: Hazard Preparedness at the Local Level

Description: Strengthen partnerships and enhance collaborations with local governments to

help initiate change in day-to-day decision making that will further incorporate hazard risk

planning for both short and long term impacts.

Management Priority 2: Increase Ecosystem Resilience to Changing Conditions

Description: Sea level rise and coastal hazards impact ecosystems as well as people.

Understanding shifts in Maryland’s coastal habitats is critical to pursue actions that will

preserve and enhance their ability to adapt and continue providing ecosystem services.

Management Priority 3: State-Level Planning efforts to reduce development pressure and

impacts to people and infrastructure.

Description: Sea level rise and coastal hazard events are threats when development and people

are impacted. As the climate and development patterns change over time, it is critical to plan

accordingly and keep people and investments as safe as possible

2. Identify and briefly explain priority needs and information gaps the CMP has for addressing the

management priorities identified above. The needs and gaps identified here should not be limited

to those items that will be addressed through a Section 309 strategy but should include any items

that will be part of a strategy.

Priority Needs

Need?

(Y or N)

Brief Explanation of Need/Gap

Research

Need a better scientific understanding of coastal

environments to inform local risk assessments, risk reduction

strategies, and natural resource management.

Mapping/GIS/modeling

Need for downscaled precipitation data, fine scale inundation

data and habitat migration data to assist local

floodplain, land use, and emergency planners.

Data and information

management

New and updated hazards data will continually become

available. Data will have to be carefully managed and

integrated into existing platforms such as the MD

Coastal Atlas and MD iMAP.

Training/Capacity

building

Training can be used as a way to increase the

resiliency across the State by reaching local and state

government staff and partners . Local capacity building is

needed to support individual and community-level actions.

Decision-support tools

Need visualizations to inform a wide range of stakeholders on

hazard risk, vulnerability, and adaptation options.

Communication and

outreach

Need to effectively communicate the risks of hazards to

coastal communities

Other (specify)

Enhancement Area Strategy Development:

1. Will the CMP develop one or more strategies for this enhancement area?

Yes ___x___

No ______

2. Briefly explain why a strategy will or will not be developed for this enhancement area.

A strategy will be developed for the coastal hazards enhancement area because of the ongoing

threat hazard events pose to Maryland’s coastal communities. There is opportunity to engage at the

local level to provide technical assistance in addressing coastal hazard impacts and adaptation

responses. There is opportunity at the state level to provide strategic direction for the many state

agencies involved in coastal hazard planning, including emergency management, natural resource

management, and land use planning. Across both local and state levels there is opportunity to

provide data, training and communications resources to better educate our stakeholders and

provide consistent messaging.

Ocean and Great Lakes Resources

In-Depth Resource Characterization:

Purpose: To determine key problems and opportunities to enhance the ability of state CMP to better

address ocean and Great Lakes resources.

1. What are the three most significant existing or emerging stressors or threats to ocean and Great

Lakes resources within your coastal zone? Indicate the geographic scope of the stressor, i.e., is it

prevalent throughout the coastal zone, or are specific areas most threatened? Stressors can be

land-based development; offshore development (including pipelines, cables); offshore energy

production; polluted runoff; invasive species; fishing (commercial and/or recreational);

aquaculture; recreation; marine transportation; dredging; sand or mineral extraction; ocean

acidification; or other (please specify). When selecting significant stressors, also consider how

climate change may exacerbate each stressor.

Stressor/Threat

Geographic Scope

(throughout coastal zone or specific areas most

threatened)

Stressor 1

Dynamic coastal use changes

Throughout coastal zone

Stressor 2

Climate change

Throughout coastal zone

Stressor 3

Cumulative impacts to or losses of

habitat and resources

Throughout coastal zone

2. Briefly explain why these are currently the most significant stressors or threats to ocean and Great

Lakes resources within the coastal zone. Cite stakeholder input and/or existing reports or studies

to support this assessment.

Dynamic coastal use changes - especially in the Atlantic Ocean, there are a number of rapidly

changing human uses that have the potential to alter the natural environment and resources. For

example, the past five years have seen numerous proposals for offshore oil and gas exploration,

advancements toward development of offshore wind energy, proposed changes to shipping

fairways, post-Panamax shipping industry changes and other types of use changes. Collectively, all

of these use changes create a very dynamic ocean environment that pose different stressors to

different ocean and aquatic resources.

Climate change - the wide-ranging impacts of a changing climate will stress and impact all ocean

and aquatic resources and ecosystems. Well-documented threats such as inundation, saltwater

intrusion, ocean acidification and increased temperatures will affect resources that depend on the

lands and waters across the coastal zone.

Cumulative impacts to or losses of habitat and resources - the cumulative effects to habitat and

resources due to development or land and water use changes have the potential to result in

significant impacts across the coastal zone. While some impacts may be localized, the overall

cumulative effects of changes in impervious surface, habitat quality and human uses can result in

degraded water quality or ocean and aquatic resources elsewhere.

3. Are there emerging issues of concern, but which lack sufficient information to evaluate the level of

the potential threat? If so, please list. Include additional lines if needed.

Emerging Issue

Information Needed

Ocean Acidification

Water quality forecasting tools, development

of a physical monitoring network for

bay/estuarine/ocean environments

Microplastics

Prevalence and impacts to aquatic species

and human health

Cumulative impacts to ocean resources from

offshore energy development

Continued research, data collection and

analysis

Climate impacts on habitats and living

resources

Species shifts, wetland loss and migration,

associated water quality impacts

In-Depth Management Characterization:

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of management efforts to address identified problems related

to the ocean and Great Lakes resources enhancement objective.

1. For each of the additional ocean and Great Lakes resources management categories below that

were not already discussed as part of the Phase I assessment, indicate if the approach is employed

by the state or territory and if significant state- or territory-level changes (positive or negative)

have occurred since the last assessment. F

Significant Changes in Management of Ocean and Great Lakes Resources

Management Category

Employed by

State or

Territory

(Y or N)

CMP Provides

Assistance to

Locals that

Employ

(Y or N)

Significant Changes

Since Last Assessment

(Y or N)

Ocean and Great Lakes research,

assessment, monitoring

Ocean and Great Lakes GIS

mapping/database

Ocean and Great Lakes technical

assistance, education, and

outreach

Other (please specify)

2. For management categories with significant changes since the last assessment, briefly provide the

information below. If this information is provided under another enhancement area or section of

the document, please provide a reference to the other section rather than duplicate the

information.

a. Describe significant changes since the last assessment;

b. Specify if they were 309 or other CZM-driven changes; and

c. Characterize the outcomes or likely future outcomes of the changes.

Ocean and Great Lakes research, assessment, monitoring -

(1) Resiliency through Restoration monitoring: One of the ways that the management of this

category has changed since the last assessment is the establishment in 2017 of the new

Resiliency through Restoration Initiative and the associated monitoring taking place that

will contribute to adaptive management at the restoration sites. The Resiliency through

Restoration Initiative directly supports on-the-ground implementation of nature-based

projects that will demonstrate how nature can help protect communities from climate

change impacts. Over the long term, the Initiative will reduce Maryland’s vulnerabilities and

enhance resiliency of local communities, economies, and natural resources. Monitoring at

select sites will address coastal, stormwater and floodplain impacts. Through recent work

to monitor sites the data and metrics collected will inform adaptive management of nature-

based practices, work to field test monitoring protocols and support future community

science training. This is a direct result of CZM-driven changes and a partnership with the

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

(2) Ocean studies: As noted in previous assessments and sections of this document, Maryland

has invested significantly over the past five years in ocean studies and coordination to

inform planning and decision making. This is a direct result of CZM-driven changes. The

outcomes of this work include informed decision making, site and research plans; updates

and changes to ocean policy recommendations; and, more informed siting of ocean projects.

This work is expected to continue to evolve during the course of this assessment and

strategy.

3. Identify and describe the conclusions of any studies that have been done that illustrate the

effectiveness of the state’s or territory’s management efforts in planning for the use of ocean and

Great Lakes resources since the last assessment. If none, is there any information that you are

lacking to assess the effectiveness of the state’s or territory’s management efforts?

The best examples of the State’s ability to be effective in planning for the use of ocean and coastal

resources are listed in the accomplishments sections.

Identification of Priorities:

1. Considering changes in threats to ocean and Great Lakes resources and management since the last

assessment and stakeholder input, identify and briefly describe the top one to three management

priorities where there is the greatest opportunity for the CMP to improve its ability to effectively

plan for the use of ocean and Great Lakes resources. (Approximately 1-3 sentences per

management priority.)

Management Priority 1: Enhanced ocean coordination

Description: Uses and coordination across the Mid-Atlantic ocean have increased dramatically and

there is growing interest in coordinating across the region and Atlantic on research and science

related to fisheries and wildlife. Enhanced integration and focus across state boundaries is needed

to advance work on cumulative impacts, make continued investments in applied research and

science and improve coordination.

Management Priority 2: Addressing coastal and ocean resources’ climate change vulnerabilities

Description: Since the last assessment, there has been a renewed and growing focus on how to

address coastal and ocean resources’ vulnerability to a variety of climate impacts. To most

effectively support resource resilience it is critical to identify strategies and carry out work to

address issues such as ocean acidification, shifting species, habitat changes, water quality impacts

and other priorities where climate and coastal and ocean resources are linked.

Management Priority 3: Sand and sediment, beneficial use

Maryland has made significant advancements in connecting dredging work with coastal restoration

and sediment management goals. With a project pairing tool and new Departmental policy and

workflow addressing beneficial use, the development and implementation of additional work at the

state, local and ocean levels are needed to continue to support habitat, resilience and waterway use

needs.

2. Identify and briefly explain priority needs and information gaps the CMP has to help it address the

management priorities identified above. The needs and gaps identified here do not need to be

limited to those items that will be addressed through a Section 309 strategy but should include any

items that will be part of a strategy.

Priority Needs

Need?

(Y or N)

Brief Explanation of Need/Gap

Research

More information and research is always a need to support

decision making.

Mapping/GIS

CCS relies upon mapping and GIS to advance many of its priorities

and this will remain a continuing need to advance applied science

and data-informed management goals.

Data and information

management

As natural and nature-based feature restoration projects are built

for resiliency across the nation, there would be benefits to better

compiling and managing the data and information about project

success and performance metrics.

Training/Capacity

building

Both training and capacity building is needed to ensure that

not only CCS, but other entities responsible for coastal and

ocean resource management, are well prepared for intensifying

and emerging coastal and ocean uses

Decision-support

tools

There are a number of decision-support tools that exist or that

are being updated that will assist in meeting the needs

identified above. No new tools are needed, rather, there will be

work to enhance or utilize what exists.

Communication and

outreach

There is a need to continue and improve communication and

outreach about coastal and ocean resources to build

community engagement on the issue

Other (specify)

Enhancement Area Strategy Development:

1. Will the CMP develop one or more strategies for this enhancement area?

Yes ___x___

No ______

2. Briefly explain why a strategy will or will not be developed for this enhancement area.

Maryland will develop a strategy to address the diverse management needs of our coastal and

ocean resources and environments. Issues highlighted in this Phase II assessment such as changes

in ocean uses, climate impacts and sediment management - along with related impacts outlined in

the marine debris and coastal hazards assessment - highlight the need to focus time and resources

on this management area. The strategy will help to (1) support needed partnerships, applied

science and project implementation efforts to advance work addressing challenges facing our

coastal and ocean resources and (2) help to transition partnerships, research and coordination

efforts from planning and data collection phases to implementation and application outcomes.

5. STRATEGIES

The CMP utilized the Phase I and Phase II Assessments to develop three strategies that encompass

those assessment areas that received high priority ranking and could effectively be addressed by

the CMP over the next five years. These strategies represent a comprehensive, multi-year

statement of goals to address high priority needs for improving coastal management in Maryland.

These strategies are: Enhancing Resilience to Coastal Hazards and Climate Change, Ocean and

Coastal Resources & Uses, and Enhancing Access.

ENHANCING RESILIENCE TO COASTAL HAZARDS

AND CLIMATE CHANGE

I. Issue Area(s)

The proposed strategy or implementation activities will support the following high-priority

enhancement areas (check all that apply):

☐ Aquaculture X Cumulative and Secondary Impacts

☐ Energy and Government Facility Siting X Wetlands

X Coastal Hazards ☐ Marine Debris

☐ Ocean/Great Lakes Resources ☐ Public Access

☐ Special Area Management Planning

II. Strategy Description

A. T

he proposed strategy will lead to, or implement, the following types of program changes (check all

that apply):

☐ A change to coastal zone boundaries;

X New or revised authorities, including statutes, regulations, enforceable policies,

administrative decisions, executive orders, and memoranda of agreement/understanding;

X New or revised local coastal programs and implementing ordinances;

X New or revised coastal land acquisition, management, and restoration programs;

☐ New or revised special area management plans (SAMP) or plans for areas o

articular concern (APC) including enforceable policies and other necessary implementation

mechanisms or criteria and procedures for designating and managing APCs; and,

X New or revised guidelines, procedures, and policy documents which are formally

adopted by a state or territory and provide specific interpretations of enforceable CZM

program policies to applicants, local government, and other agencies that will result in

meaningful improvements in coastal resource management.

B. Strategy Goal: Ensure that coastal hazards and community resilience are integrated in

local and state planning processes and that equity and climate considerations are

factored into decision making.

aryland’s goal for this strategy is to ensure that coastal hazards and community

resilience are addressed in local and state planning processes. In addition, it is the goal that

these policies and programs are administered in an equitable way that takes into account

the many stakeholders, communities and diverse populations across the Coastal Zone.

C. Describe the proposed strategy and how the strategy will lead to and/or implement the program

changes selected above. If the strategy will only involve implementation activities, briefly describe

the program change that has already been adopted, and how the proposed activities will further

that program change. (Note that implementation strategies are not to exceed two years.)

The Maryland Coastal Management Program (CMP) will build upon the previous work to

enhance the resilience of natural and human-based systems to the impacts of climate

change. To make these systems more resilient and protect public safety, vital coastal

habitats, and public and private infrastructure, the CMP proposes to increase community

resilience and lessen the unequal burdens of a changing climate through the development

of tools and resources, providing technical assistance and supporting long range planning

efforts. In addition, the strategies will support the resilience of coastal habitats by further

incorporating adaptation measures into our land conservation and restoration programs.

Proposed program changes will include:

● Implementing and/or adopting new or revised authorities that enhance the State’s ability to

meet coastal hazard, climate change, and sea level rise adaptation goals

● Integrating adaptation planning into local ordinances and comprehensive plans, and other

relevant planning processes.

● Enhancing land management and restoration programs to preserve and restore the protective

functions of natural infrastructure features such as beaches, dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs.

● Revising or adopting new State guidelines, coastal enforceable policies, legislation and

procedures that address sea level rise and climate change risk and adaptation strategies

III. Needs and Gaps Addressed

Identify what priority needs and gaps the strategy addresses, and explain why the proposed

program change or implementation activities are the most appropriate means to address the

priority needs and gaps. This discussion should reference the key findings of the assessment and

explain how the strategy addresses those findings.

The

Phase 1 Coastal Hazards Assessment found that the CMP is a critical nexus in a state

agency network committed to helping Maryland build capacity and resilience at the local

level, where coastal hazards are most dramatically experienced. As we move into the next five

years, the CMP expects a continuation of the recent trend of an increasing number of coastal

communities beginning to experience or wishing to address more frequent and more

significant flooding and climate impacts.

The Phase II Coastal Hazards Assessment found a major evolution that has challenged our

work is a greater focus on tidal nuisance flooding and riverine flooding, both of which require

science, data and tools to be developed that are in concert with the sea level rise tools to

visualize current and future flood risk. The CMP, the communities and the state will be

pressed to allocate more capacity and resources toward addressing these impacts and

fostering conversations. In addition, the CMP is increasingly being challenged to design and

offer technical and financial assistance in an equitable way, and will continue to push to

ensure vulnerable frontline communities are getting the resources they need to prepare,

adapt, and respond to coastal hazard and climate change impacts.

The

Phase II Coastal Hazard Assessment also found limited data are available for

understanding species shifts, habitat resilience and impacts to ecosystem services. The

proposed activities supporting targeted restoration and protection projects represents a

significant adaptation strategy for both coastal communities and ecosystems. Proposed

efforts undertaken during this strategy will ensure that state restoration, enhancement, and

protection projects promote resiliency through increased data, design and implementation,

monitoring, adaptive management, and capacity building.

IV. Benefits to Coastal Management

Discuss the anticipated effect of the strategy, including the scope and value of the strategy, in

advancing improvements in the CMP and coastal management, in general.

The following strategies will broaden efforts to build community resilience, reduce the

impacts of climate change and flood impacts, and broaden the partnerships and voices

engaged in community resilience planning in Maryland. The proposed efforts will enhance

capacity for more communities to plan for and implement measures that increase resilience,

enhance regional partnerships and strengthen local and state planning efforts to plan for

increased on the ground climate stressors. There is significant cumulative benefit as a greater

number of communities incorporate climate risk into their decision making.

In addition, these strategies enhance the resilience of our coastal ecosystems through the

design and implementation of restorative practices and the development of tools and

guidance to support community understanding and participation in resilient restoration

projects.

V. Likelihood of Success

Discuss the likelihood of attaining the strategy goal and program change (if not part of the

strategy goal) during the five-year assessment cycle or at a later date. Address the nature and

degree of support for pursuing the strategy and the proposed program change, as well as the

specific actions the state or territory will undertake to maintain or build future support for

achieving and implementing the program change, including education and outreach activities.

The likelihood of success for attaining the strategy goal and program change are high. The

significant progress in coastal hazards and climate change adaptation achieved during the

previous strategy timeframe, and outlined in section 2 of this document, provides for a

strong likelihood for success. The CMP participates in a number of stakeholder engagement

efforts related to coastal hazards, including the Maryland Resiliency Partnership

and the

Maryland Silver Jackets. Through one-on-one conversations, work group meetings, and

facilitated community workshops, CMP staff routinely hear community concerns related to

coastal hazards, such as an ever-increasing need to address these events in not only the

context of floodplain management, but also cultural and historic resources and

environmental justice. The CMP will rely on recently completed, Maryland specific social

vulnerability indexes to help inform and direct how and where we direct technical and

financial assistance. The CMP will continue to explore collaborations and approaches that

can support locally driven mechanisms for Maryland’s frontline communities. The CMP

will be addressing these concerns through long-term strategic planning, program

development, and technical assistance outlined in the following strategies.

VI. Strategy Work Plan

Strategy Goal 1: Provide financial and technical support to Local Communities and enhance

partnerships.

Total Years: 5

Total Budget: $1,220,000

Target Program Change 1: Adopt policies programs and procedures that build and enhance

community resilience and reduce the impacts of changing conditions and climate change.

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities: The Maryland Coastal Program will work with state and local

partners to build community resilience across the coastal zone through technical and

financial assistance. Work will include advancing the actions identified in the

Adaptation 2030 framework, which provides state-wide strategies that reflects regional

differences and needs. Collaborations will continue to be built to ensure the integration

of state and local policies related to floodplain management, flood risk reduction and

climate change adaptation.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Provide technical and financial assistance to up to three communities per year to

enhance the capacity of local communities to understand and effectively plan to

address flood risks associated with a changing climate. There will be a multi-faceted

approach to selecting communities; the Grants Gateway, Outcome 2 will be used for

communities to apply for assistance; in addition the CMP will use the social

vulnerability index tools and flood risk tools to identify potential communities;

target outreach to specific communities and partners; and seek ways to assist highly

vulnerable communities to ensure that assistance is provided to a diversity of

communities across the coastal zone.

2. Continue to provide a consistent platform for use throughout the coastal zone to

document flood impacts and utilize those reports to enhance flood risk reduction

measures.

3. Provide direction, training and assistance to local communities to enhance and

implement the legislatively mandated nuisance flood plans.

4. Update flood risk and sea level rise guidance and visualizations in alignment with

Maryland sea level rise projections.

5. Provide technical assistance and support to local and state partners to continue

community resilience planning through interagency and local planning efforts such

as the Maryland Sustainable Community Program and Sustainable Maryland.

6. Engage internal and external partners to better align flood risk and adaptation

actions that intersect with floodplain, critical area and wetland regulations.

Target Program Change 2: Strengthen existing and build new partnerships with Maryland's

diverse population and constituents to prepare for and adapt to climate impacts.

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities: The Maryland Coastal Program will work to establish and

support local and regional partnerships, engage new partners and build capacity for

communities to increase the strategic work of climate resilience. Work will include

building capacity through tool development, training and innovative partnerships.

Climate resiliency will be strengthened through convening local and regional

partnerships to approach resiliency strategies as well as capacity building the new and

under-represented partners in the coastal zone.

ajor Milestone(s):

● Identify and build capacity with new partners by providing technical support and

developing innovative climate resilience planning tools. This will be done through

programs such as the Partners for Action and Learning Sustainability program,

providing training and technical guidance materials.

● Establish and enhance regional and emerging partnerships. These partnerships may

include inter-jurisdictional and/or multiple stakeholders on planning projects to

enhance equity, community resilience and other climate-induced stressors such as

public health. One potential framework could be using Louisiana's LEAD the Coast

model but making it applicable to Maryland.

trategy Goal 2: Enhance ecosystem resilience in response to a changing climate

Total Years: 5

Total Budget: $607,0000

arget Program Change 1: New or revised coastal land acquisition, management, and

restoration programs.

ar(s): 1-5

Description of activities: Tools and guidance will be developed to holistically and

strategically inform conservation, restoration and management of coastal habitats to

address sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. Work will inform regional and parcel

scale activities. Staff will support implementation of conservation, restoration and

management programs to integrate climate change and coastal hazards into natural

resource decision-making.

ajor Milestone(s):

1. Update mapping for Maryland’s marsh migration areas and priority wetland

adaptation areas to incorporate the best available science, including elevation and

sea level rise data.

2. Build capacity for climate-smart conservation. Staff will develop trainings, guidance

and consistent messaging for integration of resilience and climate change into land

acquisition reviews. Staff will educate internal and external partners on the

integration of resilience and climate change into land acquisition and restoration

planning

3. Engage internal partners in the development of State Lands Assessment and

Resilience Plans, and associated restoration or resilience projects. Partners may

include Wildlife & Heritage Service, Maryland Forest Service and Maryland State

Parks.

4. Develop and implement a Resiliency through Restoration Monitoring Program to

track project progress, establish a framework for justifying site-level adaptive

management needs, and inform best management practice implementation across

the coastal zone.

5. Pilot community science monitoring to supplement the Resiliency throug

Restoration Monitoring Program.

6. Pursue recommendations outlined in the State’s Saltwater Intrusion Plan (2019)

Target Program Change 2: Preserve and restore the protective functions of natural shoreline

features such as beaches, dunes, and wetlands.

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities: The Resiliency through Restoration Initiative will be

implemented to build community resilience to climate change impacts. Staff will

support project identification, design, implementation, monitoring, adaptive

management, and capacity building.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Support design of 2-6 restoration projects per year that integrate sea level rise and

other climate change data.

2. Identify, build capacity for, and pursue equitable restoration and shoreline

enhancement projects that provide risk reduction benefits to community assets and

natural resources. Partner with Capacity Building Organizations, such as

Chesapeake Bay Trust, to broaden the number and diversity of community partners.

3. Coordinate with state and local partners to support competitive solicitations and

large-scale implementation.

4. Develop design guidance and case studies to support natural and nature-based

feature projects and best management practices across the coastal zone. Guidance

may take the form of print narrative, online story maps, or other outreach materials.

Year(s): 2-5 Years

Description of activities: Tools will be developed to quantify the protection benefits of

marshes and other natural features and evaluate changes in ecosystem services as sea

levels rise. Outreach and stakeholder engagement will support identification of

management actions to preserve ecosystem services, including coastal protection, water

quality, wildlife, and blue carbon.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Identify gaps and needs from Maryland’s Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise

(EESLR) project.

2. Integrate ecosystem services data into state decision-making tools, such as the

Maryland Coastal Resiliency Assessment and Ecosystem Services Framework.

3. Develop training, communication resources, and information exchange

opportunities for stakeholders to build capacity for strategic restoration,

conservation and management of wetlands, dunes and other natural resources.

4. Engage land managers, local governments, adjacent communities and other

stakeholders to identify appropriate adaptation actions and incentivize similar

actions throughout the coastal zone.

Strategy Goal 3: Strengthen state-level climate change adaptation planning

Total Years: 1-5

Budget: $70,000

Description of activities: Following the completion of the Adaptation and Resiliency

Work Group’s Adaptation Framework, CCS staff intend to lead development of state

adaptation plan actions. These actions will help to outline annual actions and

discussions based on the updated strategies and the work will improve coordination of

planning and regulatory responsibilities and engage partners across the coastal zone.

This work will support all eight sectors and focus areas that were developed through

the Framework effort (Water Resources: Quantity and Quality; Natural Resources and

Ecosystems; Local Government and State Service Delivery; Human Health; Protecting

Critical Infrastructure; Natural and Working Lands; Diversity and Environmental

Justice; Climate Jobs and Training) and will engage the Maryland Commission on

Climate Change.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Identify strategy goals and annual actions based on concepts identified in the

Adaptation Framework.

2. Development of the next step of the Adaptation Framework by framing a plan and

associated goals. Align partners and resources to advance these goals through

development of projects, policies and guidance to advance them.

3. Advance CCS-specific actions such as planning and restoration for wetland and

habitat adaptation areas, legal and regulatory analyses, state planning coordination.

VII. Fiscal and Technical Needs

A. Fiscal Needs: If 309 funding is not sufficient to carry out the proposed strategy, identify additional

funding needs. Provide a brief description of what efforts the CMP has made, if any, to secure

additional state funds from the legislature and/or from other sources to support this strategy.

CMP leadership on state climate adaptation and bay and habitat restoration - paired with

its support for community resilience planning and the completion of a Coastal Resiliency

Assessment - allowed the program to secure state funding to launch the ‘Resiliency

through Restoration’ initiative in 2017. With the goal of using nature-based designs to

help protect communities, economies and ecosystems from climate change impacts, CCS

is providing financial and technical assistance to local government and non-profit

partners to implement at least 16 priority restoration projects across the state over a five

year period. Projects include shoreline restoration, beneficial use of dredged material,

tidal marsh restoration, dune restoration, landscape-level green infrastructure, and other

nature-based practices that provide community and ecosystem benefits. State funds are

partially allocated for implementation activities that would not be eligible for 309 funds.

B. Technical Needs: If the state does not possess the technical knowledge, skills, or equipment to

carry out all or part of the proposed strategy, identify these needs. Provide a brief description of

what efforts the CMP has made, if any, to obtain the trained personnel or equipment needed (for

example, through agreements with other state agencies).

The CMP anticipates that the technical needs for this strategy exist either through in-house

technical abilities or through partnerships with other agencies and the CBNERR. However,

there may be additional opportunities to partner with NOAA and the Office for Coastal

Management to deliver necessary training, modeling or assessment needs.

VIII. Projects of Special Merit (Optional)

If desired, briefly state what projects of special merit the CMP may wish to pursue to augment this

strategy.

No Projects of Special Merit are identified at this time.

5-Year Budget Summary by Strategy

Strategy Title

Anticipated

Funding

Source (309

or Other)

Year 1

Funding

Year 2

Funding

Year 3

Funding

Year 4

Funding

Year 5

Funding

Total

Funding

Provide financial

and technical

support to Local

Communities and

enhance

partnerships

309

$250,000 $220,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $1,200,000

Enhance

ecosystem

resilience in

response to a

changing climate

309

$121,000 $121,000 $121,000 $126,000 $118,000 $607,000

Strengthen state

level adaptation

planning

309

20,000

25,000

$70,000

Total Funding

309

$391,000

$366,0000

$371,000

$401,000

$368,000

$1,897,000

OCEAN & COASTAL

RESOURCES & USES

I. Issue Area(s)

The proposed strategy or implementation activities will support the following high-priority

enhancement areas (check all that apply):

☐ Aquaculture ☒ Cumulative and Secondary Impacts

☒ Energy and Government Facility Siting ☐ Wetlands

☐ Coastal Hazards ☒ Marine Debris

☒ Ocean/Great Lakes Resources ☐ Public Access

☐ Special Area Management Planning

II. Strategy Description

A. The proposed strategy will lead to, or implement, the following types of program changes (check all

that apply):

☐ A change to coastal zone boundaries;

☒ New or revised authorities, including statutes, regulations, enforceable policies,

administrative decisions, executive orders, and memoranda of agreement/understanding;

☒ New or revised local coastal programs and implementing ordinances;

☐ New or revised coastal land acquisition, management, and restoration programs;

☐ New or revised special area management plans (SAMP) or plans for areas of

particular concern (APC) including enforceable policies and other necessary implementation

mechanisms or criteria and procedures for designating and managing APCs; and,

☒ New or revised guidelines, procedures, and policy documents which are formally

adopted by a state or territory and provide specific interpretations of enforceable CZM

program policies to applicants, local government, and other agencies that will result in

meaningful improvements in coastal resource management.

B. Strategy Goal: Enhance collaboration across partners to address shared resource management

challenges such as shifting marine habitats and resources; sand and sediment; offshore energy;

and marine debris. Maryland will utilize existing and support development of new data, tools

and monitoring and assessment information to contribute to policy or management guidance,

project implementation and partnership development addressing each of these coastal and

ocean resource issues.

C. Describe the proposed strategy and how the strategy will lead to and/or implement the program

changes selected above. If the strategy will only involve implementation activities, briefly describe

the program change that has already been adopted, and how the proposed activities will further

that program change. (Note that implementation strategies are not to exceed two years.)

Maryland’s Ocean and Coastal Resources and Uses strategy will primarily focus on advancing

work on shifting marine habitats and resources; sand and sediment; offshore energy; and

marine debris. Work on each of these issues will entail a combination of (1) data collection,

development, analysis and synthesis; (2) collaboration with partners; (3) and, policy and

management guidance. Each strategy and how the approach will contribute to identified

program changes is summarized below:

Shifting species and Ocean Acidification

During the previous strategy term, state climate adaptation framework discussions and work

with the Mid-Atlantic Council on the Ocean (MARCO) identified that species shifts and ocean

acidification were some of the emerging climate-related challenges for natural resources and

ecosystems. Shifts are occurring both in the aquatic environment and across the terrestrial

landscape. One of the challenges associated with addressing resource shifts on land is

monitoring and mapping the changes and anticipating where new habitat and ranges might

migrate to in the future. In the aquatic environment, a challenge is managing the species under

the current regulatory framework when species ranges are shifting. A strategy around shifting

species in Maryland will seek to outline approaches to address species and habitat shifts in the

aquatic ecosystem and on land and to incorporate potential future habitat considerations into

land conservation strategies. The CMP will work with partners such as MARCO and other

ocean networks as well as land management units and fisheries managers on this strategy

focus. The CMP will work with the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network and Maryland

Commission on Climate Change to address ocean acidification impacts. There is a close link

between this work and outcomes that will be implemented from the state Adaptation

Framework that is described in the state Hazards strategy.

Sand and Sediment

Coastal and ocean management of sand and sediment bridges multiple program focus areas

including habitat and resource needs, offshore energy and coastal resilience. The CMP

previously developed a Departmental beneficial use policy and project tool. Pending staff

capacity, the CMP intends to continue discussions about more routinely implementing these

projects and advancing the science related to habitat and resilience benefits of this practice.

Through work with the Research Reserve the program will improve the state’s data and

understanding about habitat and surface elevation and will pursue opportunities to transfer

knowledge between programs, including the Deal Island thin layer placement pilot project and

Science Collaborative transfer. One anticipated project during this strategy period will be along

the Wicomico River - it routinely requires dredging to maintain marine transport access and

the material can be used beneficially. In the ocean, the CMP will work with MARCO states to

advance mutually beneficial sand and sediment management goals in regional ocean

collaborations.

Offshore Energy

During the strategy timeframe offshore wind energy and regional coordination around several

related issues is expected to change dramatically. Maryland intends to address data and trend

analysis and synthesis work on coastal habitats and resources; contribute to the identification

and advancement of regional research priorities and projects; and, support state-specific

offshore energy goals through work on coastal policies and federal consistency. The CMP will

both work within the state and alongside regional partners such as MARCO, the Regional

Wildlife Science Entity (RWSE), Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) to advance this

strategy. The CMP expects to update its program approach for environmental study

investments based on these new science entities to expand impacts. The CMP also expects to

explore new offshore wind needs while supporting state efforts to balance environmental and

energy requirements.

Marine Debris

Reducing marine debris, including microplastic pollution, requires sustained efforts to bring

public awareness to the impacts of marine debris and support efforts to change behavior. This

strategy will support work with coastal communities and organizations to increase awareness,

support behavior change and adopt programs and policies that address this management

issue.

III. Needs and Gaps Addressed

Identify what priority needs and gaps the strategy addresses, and explain why the proposed

program change or implementation activities are the most appropriate means to address the

priority needs and gaps. This discussion should reference the key findings of the assessment and

explain how the strategy addresses those findings.

As noted in the Phase I and II Assessments:

● Marine debris is an increasing problem in coastal and marine waters;

● Offshore energy is one of the most pressing issues anticipated in the next five years in the

offshore environment;

● There has been an increasing demand for sand and sediment to replenish and renourish

shorelines that is anticipated to continue to increase as efforts to restore habitats for

resilience continue; and,

● Climate change is having an increasingly apparent impact on our ocean and coastal

resources and uses.

Continued opportunities for learning transfer and planning and project guidance and protocols will

support the practice of beneficial use and informed use of limited sand and sediment resources.

State and regional collaborations and data and research work will aid in addressing complex

interjurisdictional issues, cumulative impacts and high priority data and research needs related to

offshore energy and climate change impacts on ocean resources. Supporting local partners and

businesses in building awareness about marine debris and fostering changes in debris sources will

allow the program to continue to address the wide range of debris sources and create cross-

jurisdictional messaging and transfer opportunities.

IV. Benefits to Coastal Management

Discuss the anticipated effect of the strategy, including the scope and value of the strategy, in

advancing improvements in the CMP and coastal management, in general.

Marine debris and climate change are having an increasingly apparent impact on our ocean and

coastal resources and uses (e.g. debris entanglement and microplastic impacts, spread of invasive

species, ocean acidification, and increased demand for sediment resources to replenish eroded

shorelines). Changes in ocean temperatures and chemistry are already affecting fisheries and

noticeable changes are occurring in species ranges. The CMP is in a unique position to participate in

and influence both land-based and water-based efforts to address marine debris; enhance ocean

partnerships; advance offshore management goals, science and research; and balance sand and

sediment uses with their intrinsic habitat value and relationship to marine commerce.

100

CMP investments in partnerships, policy and protocol development, research and science, and

practice implementation will benefit resource managers, communities, project implementation

partners, and restoration professionals across the state and region.

V. Likelihood of Success

Discuss the likelihood of attaining the strategy goal and program change (if not part of the

strategy goal) during the five-year assessment cycle or at a later date. Address the nature and

degree of support for pursuing the strategy and the proposed program change, as well as the

specific actions the state or territory will undertake to maintain or build future support for

achieving and implementing the program change, including education and outreach activities.

In recent years CCS has continued to invest in and focus its work on ocean studies and coordination,

marine debris and sand and sediment to advance efforts that address hazards, ocean health and

energy, and marine debris. There is active interest in the state and Mid-Atlantic in continuing and

expanding partnerships to achieve the priorities identified in this strategy. CCS will continue to

identify ways to build and sustain sufficient staff capacity and partnerships to ensure the identified

program changes can progress. Specific to marine debris - that is a new priority in this strategy - a

number of communities and several local businesses have expressed interest in marine debris

prevention partnerships and the annual investments to support some of their efforts are

reasonable. The CMP has previously funded the successful “PlasticWatch

” pilot project led by the

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) in Solomons Island, subsequent

partnerships include Annapolis and Ocean City. Based on past experiences and ongoing community

partnerships, it is expected that the likelihood of success for marine debris projects are high.

VI. Strategy Work Plan

Strategy Goal 1: Ocean and Coastal Management: Shifting species and Ocean Acidification,

Offshore Energy

Total Years: 5

Total Budget: $43,000

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities:

The CMP anticipates work with local, state, regional, and federal partners, as well as

organizations like RWSE and ROSA, to develop or enhance mapping and data analyses

related to habitat and natural resources for the Coastal Atlas and MARCO portals that

support decision making. The program may work with partners to better understand

ocean and coastal use trends and relationships with coastal economies. Work is

expected to address species shifts analysis and policy/program guidance development

for both land and aquatic environments.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Ocean Energy: The CMP will work with state and regional partners to advance

habitat and resource data and science needs, economic analyses and support and

implement state-specific offshore energy goals through coastal policy work. This

work will largely be completed in coordination with the Maryland Energy

Administration, MARCO, ROSA and the RWSE. Primary outcomes are anticipated to

be refreshed state investment priorities for and work on environmental studies;

analyses of and recommendations for addressing species shifts; and publicly-

101

accessible data about natural resources from environmental studies. The CMP will

actively engage in any offshore wind project reviews and apply science and coastal

policies to reviews.

2. Ocean Acidification: Between Years 1-3, working with the Maryland Commission on

Climate Change, the CMP will identify state ocean acidification goals for the

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and Ocean to advance implementation steps.

The CMP will engage in Commission activities to adopt a state ocean acidification

plan. The CMP will also work with the Mid-Atlantic to align state work on this topic

with regional ocean priorities.

Strategy Goal 2: Sand and Sediment

Total Years: 5

Total Budget: $80,000

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities:

In the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays environments, the CMP will update the

BUILD tool and its datasets biennially to ensure that they are up to date and available to

help advance beneficial use projects. The CMP will collaborate with the Research

Reserve to review the thin layer beneficial use information from the Deal Island pilot

project and work to update program and project guidance. In the ocean and through the

Mid-Atlantic, the CMP intends to work with MARCO partners and other partners to

discuss and identify priorities around sand and sediment. In addition, related to sand

and sediment generally, the program anticipates working on project and practice

guidance that outline and define goals and sites for beneficial use for resilience

purposes.

Major Milestone(s):

1. BUILD tool updates and policy implementation updates. A specific milestone is

project implementation and updates to BUILD and practice updates following work

at Deal Island

2. Thin layer placement project guidance

3. Beneficial use for resilience purposes - project and practice guidance

4. Ocean sand and sediment priorities

Strategy Goal 3: Community Marine Debris Partnerships

Total Years: 5

Total Budget: $50,000

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities:

The CMP anticipates annual partnerships with local government and/or community

organizations to address projects on a variety of marine debris issues such as balloon

litter, cigarette butts, plastic waste, takeout containers and personal protective

equipment (e.g. masks and gloves). All such projects will include assessment of the

effectiveness of the activity and will seek community feedback. Marine debris projects

will be included in the NOAA DIVER mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Portal.

A one-time partnership with an education team may arise to support curriculum

development around marine debris. This work could be institutionalized into K-12 or

102

higher education education plans, potentially in partnership with Maryland’s

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and CCS education team.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Annual or semi annual marine debris reduction campaigns, policies, local guidance

that incorporate data collection and community feedback that complement (but do

not duplicate) regional work under way by MARCO work group or others. Where

able and applicable, projects will include effectiveness evaluations and/or public

feedback.

2. Marine debris curriculum incorporated into state education programs.

VII. Fiscal and Technical Needs

A. Fiscal Needs: If 309 funding is not sufficient to carry out the proposed strategy, identify additional

funding needs. Provide a brief description of what efforts the CMP has made, if any, to secure

additional state funds from the legislature and/or from other sources to support this strategy.

The CMP anticipates that there will be sufficient fiscal resources in this strategy to advance the

partnership projects and various outlined studies. A lot of the work described in this strategy

will be supported and/or led by core CMP or other CCS staff. One limitation is that vacancies

related to sand and sediment, ocean and marine debris work will somewhat constrain the

program and may require the program to support additional external partnerships that could

be costlier.

B. Technical Needs: If the state does not possess the technical knowledge, skills, or equipment to

carry out all or part of the proposed strategy, identify these needs. Provide a brief description of

what efforts the CMP has made, if any, to obtain the trained personnel or equipment needed (for

example, through agreements with other state agencies).

The CMP anticipates that the technical needs for this strategy exist either through in-house

technical abilities or through partnerships with other local/state/federal agencies, regional

organizations and the Research Reserve. However, as noted above, staff vacancies are

expected to constrain some work in the first few years of the strategy.

VIII. Projects of Special Merit (Optional)

If desired, briefly state what projects of special merit the CMP may wish to pursue to augment this

strategy.

No Projects of Special Merit are identified at this time.

5-Year Budget Summary by Strategy

Strategy Title

Anticipated

Funding

Source (309

or Other)

Year 1

Funding

Year 2

Funding

Year 3

Funding

Year 4

Funding

Year 5

Funding

Total

Funding

103

Ocean and

Coastal

Management

309

$10,000

$23,000

$43,000

Sand and

Sediment

309

$40,000

$80,000

Community

Marine Debris

Partnerships

309

$10,000

$50,000

Total Funding

309

$20,000

$50,000

$60,000

$10,000

$33,000

$173,000

ENHANCING COASTAL ACCESS

I. Issue Area(s)

The proposed strategy or implementation activities will support the following high-priority

enhancement areas (check all that apply):

☐ Aquaculture ☐ Cumulative and Secondary Impacts

☐ Energy and Government Facility Siting ☐ Wetlands

x Coastal Hazards ☐ Marine Debris

x Ocean/Great Lakes Resources x Public Access

☐ Special Area Management Planning

II. Strategy Description

A. The proposed strategy will lead to, or implement, the following types of program changes (check all

that apply):

☐ A change to coastal zone boundaries;

☐ New or revised authorities, including statutes, regulations, enforceable policies,

administrative decisions, executive orders, and memoranda of agreement/understanding;

☐ New or revised local coastal programs and implementing ordinances;

X New or revised coastal land acquisition, management, and restoration programs;

☐ New or revised special area management plans (SAMP) or plans for areas of

particular concern (APC) including enforceable policies and other necessary implementation

mechanisms or criteria and procedures for designating and managing APCs; and,

X New or revised guidelines, procedures, and policy documents which are formally

adopted by a state or territory and provide specific interpretations of enforceable CZM

program policies to applicants, local government, and other agencies that will result in

meaningful improvements in coastal resource management.

B. Strategy Goal: To enhance coastal access by incorporating resilience and ensuring equitable

inclusion in state programs, planning, and infrastructure.

104

C. Describe the proposed strategy and how the strategy will lead to and/or implement the program

changes selected above. If the strategy will only involve implementation activities, briefly describe

the program change that has already been adopted, and how the proposed activities will further

that program change. (Note that implementation strategies are not to exceed two years.)

This strategy will support the inclusion of DEIJ considerations into the technical and

financial assistance programs provided by the Chesapeake and Coastal Service, and

outreach and engagement strategies to DNR stakeholders. It will support the development

of data and GIS mapping to show areas of access disparity, and best practices to address

these disparities. This strategy will also address place-based planning opportunities to

incorporate multiple use benefits and resilient infrastructure. Lastly, the strategy will

support the implementation of the Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary management

plan, a previously accomplished program change.

III. Needs and Gaps Addressed

Identify what priority needs and gaps the strategy addresses, and explain why the proposed

program change or implementation activities are the most appropriate means to address the

priority needs and gaps. This discussion should reference the key findings of the assessment and

explain how the strategy addresses those findings.

The Public Access Phase I Assessment found there is a dual threat coastal hazards and climate

change pose to the resilience of many public access projects, especially those along the coast.

The CMP is being increasingly challenged to design waterfront public access with sea level

rise, storm surge, and other factors in mind. This strategy seeks to employ place-based

planning to further identify and coordinate resilient public access projects and work to

maintain water-dependent use access. It also addresses the implementation and support of

the Mallows-Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which has been a key federal/state/local

planning partnership identified in previous 309 strategies. In addition, the disparity in access

and engagement of our diverse stakeholders has emerged as an area of need. This strategy

seeks to develop data and plans funded through a Project of Special Merit to assist the state in

enhancing equitable access.

IV. Benefits to Coastal Management

Discuss the anticipated effect of the strategy, including the scope and value of the strategy, in

advancing improvements in the CMP and coastal management, in general.

Maryland has an estimated population of 6.08 million people, with approximately 4.25 million

living in the coastal portions of the state. Since the 2000’s, Maryland has seen a marked

increase in demand for water access. Promoting equitable and resilient public access to the

shoreline and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation is a goal of the CMP and many

of its partners. Ensuring that our historically disenfranchised communities and stakeholders

are engaged in meaningful ways, and addressing disparities in access benefits not only our

diverse communities, but also the successful management of our coastal areas.

V. Likelihood of Success

Discuss the likelihood of attaining the strategy goal and program change (if not part of the

strategy goal) during the five-year assessment cycle or at a later date. Address the nature and

105

degree of support for pursuing the strategy and the proposed program change, as well as the

specific actions the state or territory will undertake to maintain or build future support for

achieving and implementing the program change, including education and outreach activities.

The likelihood of success for attaining the strategy goal and program change are high. The

significant progress in place-based planning through the designation of the MallowsBay-

Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary and public access and equity projects achieved

during the previous strategy timeframe, and outlined in section 2 of this document, provides

for a strong likelihood for success. The multitude of federal, local, and non-profit advocacy

partnerships employed in this strategy including the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries,

Maryland Historic Trust, Charles County, Chesapeake Conservancy, National Park Service,

University of Maryland, Corazon Latino, Hispanic Access Foundation, and many others to

ensure the support and commitment necessary to implementing these strategies and their

associated program changes. The program will work to expand community engagement

efforts with new voices and strategies to increase equity and identify and adopt best practices

and policies for promoting access. Targeted efforts may include partnering with

environmental justice leaders (Ex. MDE Environmental Justice Commission, UMD Community

Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health team), and others in Maryland. In addition,

building resilience in waterway access projects expands on Waterway Improvement Fund

efforts to analyze project proposals and provide guidance on design, siting, etc that address

resilience. That, in turn, should assist local partners interested in funding to adopt more

resilient practices as standard.

VI. Strategy Work Plan

Strategy Goal 1 : Promote Equity and inclusion in access to parks, natural and recreation

areas in Maryland’s coastal zone.

Total Years: 1-5

Total Budget: $135,000

Target Program Changes: Adopt policies, programs and procedures that incorporate equity

into decision making for coastal resource allocation, and outreach/engagement.

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities: The Maryland Coastal Management Program will continue

to refine tools that identify communities that are under-invested and lack access to

coastal resources. Work will include analysis of access, historical resource allocation

and funding structures. The program will work to expand community engagement

efforts with new voices and strategies to increase equity and identify and adopt best

practices and policies for promoting access. Targeted efforts may include partnering

with environmental justice leaders (Ex. MDE Environmental Justice Commission, UMD

Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health team), LatinX community

organizations and others in Maryland. Work will include the establishment of

innovative partnerships, expanding outreach and communication efforts and

refinement to technical and funding resource allocation that promotes equity in public

access.

Major Milestone(s):

106

1. The CMP will continue to refine and promote the use of the park Park Equity

Analysis as well as develop and refine the public access and equity analysis. This

analysis will be provided as a tool to local partners as well as be used and an

internal tool for evaluation of historical and current resource allocation. Work will

include the identification, promotion and implementation of best practices to

increase equity and accessibility within state and local programs.

2. Project of Special Merit: The CMP will lead an effort to develop a multicultural

outreach and engagement plan for the Department of Natural Resources. Staff will

coordinate an Advisory Committee of internal and external partners to guide the

plan and resulting communications and outreach materials.

3. The CMP will continue work initiated by an internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Committee of the MD DNR Chesapeake and Coastal Service. Work will include an

analysis of resource allocation as well as refinement to program structure, goals and

policies that will increase equitable access to Maryland’s coastal resources.

Strategy Goal 2 : Utilize place-based planning to enhance multiple use benefits and resilient

public access

Total Years: 5

Total Budget: $50,000

Target Program Changes: Implement the previously adopted Mallows Bay-Potomac River

NMS Management Plan, and support new outreach/engagement programs.

Year(s): 1-5

Description of activities: The Maryland Coastal Program will engage with local and

regional partners to provide technical support for place-based planning. The CMP will

continue to lead planning and outreach efforts for the Mallows Bay-Potomac River

National Marine Sanctuary. CMP will work to assess opportunities for building resilient

coastal access and boating infrastructure, as well as the multi-use benefits for access

and green infrastructure.

Major Milestone(s):

1. Mallows Bay NMS: The Maryland Coastal Program will work with Federal, State,

and local partners to implement the Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Management Plan. This may include the collection of on-site ecological and water

quality data, development of citizen science and educational programs,

enhancement of interpretation and recreational opportunities, and community

outreach activities.

2. Multi-use coastal access planning: The CMP will convene and provide technical

assistance to local and regional partners to establish and promote multi-use and

equitable benefits for access, green infrastructure and resiliency planning projects

within urban/suburban settings. The CMP will establish demonstration projects

that illustrate the multi-use benefits of these planning efforts in redevelopment and

spatially limited areas. Work may include partnerships with the University of

Maryland Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health team

3. Resilient Access Infrastructure - The CMP will work to assess the vulnerability of

boating and access infrastructure to coastal hazards, and provide guidance and

technical assistance for the adoption of resilient infrastructure. This work will also

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inform project guidance for the Waterway Improvement Fund and associated local

waterway access projects.

VII. Fiscal and Technical Needs

A. Fiscal Needs: If 309 funding is not sufficient to carry out the proposed strategy, identify additional

funding needs. Provide a brief description of what efforts the CMP has made, if any, to secure

additional state funds from the legislature and/or from other sources to support this strategy.

The CMP is leveraging in-kind staff support from networked partners including the

Maryland Park Service and Waterway Improvement Program. In addition, the CMP will

leverage recently awarded Project of Special Merit Funding.

B. Technical Needs: If the state does not possess the technical knowledge, skills, or equipment to

carry out all or part of the proposed strategy, identify these needs. Provide a brief description of

what efforts the CMP has made, if any, to obtain the trained personnel or equipment needed (for

example, through agreements with other state agencies).

The CMP anticipates that the technical needs for this strategy exist either through in-house

technical abilities or through partnerships with other agencies, University of Maryland,

and the CBNERR. However, there may be additional opportunities to partner with NOAA

and the Office for Coastal Management to deliver necessary training, modeling or

assessment needs.

VIII. Projects of Special Merit (Optional)

If desired, briefly state what projects of special merit the CMP may wish to pursue to augment this

strategy. (Any activities that are necessary to achieve the program change or that the state intends

to support with baseline funding should be included in the strategy above.) The information in this

section will not be used to evaluate or rank projects of special merit and is simply meant to give

CMPs the option to provide additional information if they choose. Project descriptions should be

kept very brief (e.g., undertake benthic mapping to provide additional data for ocean management

planning). Do not provide detailed project descriptions that would be needed for the funding

competition.

There is a potential to build on the current Project of Special Merit award by implementing

outreach and engagement activities identified through the multicultural outreach plan.

5-Year Budget Summary by Strategy

Strategy Title

Anticipated

Funding

Source (309

or Other)

Year 1

Funding

Year 2

Funding

Year 3

Funding

Year 4

Funding

Year 5

Funding

Total

Funding

Promote Equity

and inclusion in

access to parks,

natural and

recreation areas in

309

$30,000 $25,000 $10,000 $30,000 $40,000 $135,000

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Maryland’s coastal

zone

Utilize place-based

planning to

enhance multiple

use benefits and

resilient public

access

309

$10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $50,000

Total Funding

309

$40,000

$35,000

$20,000

$40,000

$50,000

$185,000

5-Year Overall Budget Summary by Strategy

Strategy Title

Anticipated

Funding

Source (309

or Other)

Year 1

Funding

Year 2

Funding

Year 3

Funding

Year 4

Funding

Year 5

Funding

Total

Funding

Enhancing

Resilience to

Coastal Hazards

309

$391,000

$366,000

$371,000

$401,000

$368,000

$1,897,000

Ocean & Coastal

Uses

309

$20,000

$50,000

$60,000

$10,000

$33,000

$173,000

Enhancing Access

309

$40,000

$35,000

$20,000

$40,000

$50,000

$185,000

Total Funding

309

$451,000

$2,255,000

6. SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER AND PUBLIC COMMENT

STAK

EHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

As part of the development of this document, the CMP has worked with a variety of partners and

stakeholders to discuss enhancement areas, needs and gaps in coastal management and how the

Program could help fill some of these needs in a way that is complementary to other work

underway. Partners included:

▪ Mar

yland Department of the Environment

▪ Maryland Department of Planning

▪ Maryland Energy Administration

▪ Maryland Department of Transportation

▪ Maryland’s Emergency Management Agency

▪ The State’s Office of the Attorney General

▪ Maryland Geological Survey

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▪ Critical Area Program

▪ Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Service

▪ Maryland DNR Forestry Service

▪ Maryland DNR Land Acquisition & Planning Programs

▪ The National Aquarium

▪ The Chesapeake Conservancy

▪ The Maryland Coastal Bays Program

▪ Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean

▪ National Park Service

Feedback was collected through a variety of work groups and standing committees. Additionally,

Maryland’s 312 evaluation in July 2020 presented a timely opportunity to gather feedback about

the Program’s strengths, work and priorities. Feedback from these discussions was considered and

is reflected in the document.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The CMP coordinated public review and comment through the CCS website

(http://dnr.maryland.gov/ccs/

) and the Program’s In The Zone electronic newsletter. No formal

public comments were received. However, the CMP has recently initiated several projects in line

with those proposed in this 309 A&S, and received significant partner support and feedback.

External partners including the Maryland Department of Planning, Department of Transportation,

Department of Health, and Department of Environment have been highly supportive of the CMP’s

Climate Change Adaptation Framework, and participating in the workgroup process. Internal

partners including Maryland Park Service, Forest Service, and Wildlife and Heritage Service have

requested assistance to develop resilience plans, and many partners have stepped forward to take

part in a Stakeholder Advisory Committee. As was noted in several assessments, community and

local government requests for and participation in CMP programs like the Community Resilience

Grants and Restoration through Resiliency have been overwhelming. Each year the annual requests

for funds, technical support and project needs greatly outpace available resources and staff support

capacity. Concurrent to the development of the strategies, these partners have provided feedback to

the CMP about program opportunities and challenges and this input has been considered in the

preparation of the strategies and future direction of resource investment.