It's no secret the Chesapeake Bay and it's tributaries are in trouble from pollution.  Below are some things you can do to try to help:

Install a Rain Barrel

They reduce the amount of run-off that enter the waterways and can be used to water your plants.  You can get them from Craig’s list (http://annapolis.craigslist.org) or do a Google search.  Also, Arlington Echo (http://www.arlingtonecho.net/Restoration-Projects/Rain-Barrels.html) is a great resource for rain barrels (and other projects).  Finally, watch the Loch Haven web site for announcements, we may just have a rain barrel workshop in the near future.

Make a Donation 

There are many great organizations doing great things for the bay.  some recommendations include:

• the Chesapeake Bay Trust (http://www.cbtrust.org).  The Trust funded the living shoreline installed at the Overlook.  Also, we have submitted for a grant from the Trust to build another living shoreline on the beach in front of the swing set.  The Trust raises funds with "the Bay" license plates and a check box on the Maryland tax returns.  So consider sprucing up your car with bay plates or donating at tax season.
• The Loch Haven Homeowners Association is a member of the South River Federation (http://www.southriverfederation.net).  Make your donations go to work directly for the South River.
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Save the Bay) is very well know and does a lot of great things for the bay from community projects, education, and political activism (www.cbf.org).

Garden Oysters

 Did you know a mature oyster can clean (filter) over 60 gallons of water in one day.  Oysters are at historically low numbers and are a critical component of a clean bay and rivers.  Why not do your part.  For the hands on type, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_sub_restoration_oyster_md_gettingstarted) has a great program where you build the cages, grow the oysters over the winter, and return them in the spring.  Not the hands on type, see the Oyster King at (http://www.oysterking1.com/index.html) and get a oyster hotel.  It's easy and tax deductible!

Get a Tax Credit

On January 7, 2008, the Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill 85-07, sponsored by Councilwoman Cathy Vitale.  This legislation provides an opportunity for property owners to apply for a credit to their property taxes if they implement stormwater management techniques that reduce the overall runoff of stormwater on their property.  This property tax credit is available to owners of residential or commercial properties in the County.  The legislation as adopted provides for:

1.  A property tax credit up to 10% of the cost of the material and installation of an approved stormwater management practice.  The total amount of the credit is limited to $10,000.00 extended over a five-year period.

2.  The management practice is not to be used to meet any requirement for stormwater management by state or county law.  If you are already required by law to do something, no credit is available.

3.  The acceptable practices are approved by the County's Office of Planning and Zoning, such as: 

• The removal of 20% of the existing impervious surfaces on the property.  These could be done through the use of rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavers.
• The use of rain barrels.
• Any pre-manufactured best management practice that the Maryland Department of the Environment has approved.

50 More Bay/River Friendly Ideas

The Capital Newspaper has compiled a list of 50 actions you can take to help the bay and rivers.  Click here to see the list.