Moderator: Welcome to Viewpoint. Our guest today is Will Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, to take our questions on pollution of and funding for the Bay. Let's begin!

Will Baker: Thank you for having me.

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Gloucester, Va.: You guys are crying “chicken little.” I’ve been on the Bay, and it’s gorgeous. I hear there were tons of crabs this year. Why should we believe you?

Will Baker: That's one of our biggest problems. When you look at the Bay, it looks beautiful. So what's the problem? The water below the surface often has not enough dissolved oxygen to support life, in fact the scientists reported this summer that over 40% of the Bay and its tributary rivers had such low levels of dissolved oxygen that nothing could survive.

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King George, Va.: Environmentalists are always picking on farmers; they're always blamed for polluting the Bay.

What about all the people living in cities, all the fertilizer they put on their lawns?

What about the big factories? Aren't these bigger problems?

Will Baker: Thank-you very much, it's good to be here -- and thanks to everyone for stopping by.

Literally, all sixteen million of us living in the Bay watershed are part of the problem. The acreage of farmland is larger than any other single land use. So it stands to reason that the total amount of sediment and pollutants coming off farmland is high. But on an acre-per-acre basis, developed land is more polluting. So it is in the Bay's interest to keep farmers farming.

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Springfield, Va.: You can't have everything, Mr. Baker. Why I should care more about the Bay than healthcare, traffic, the price of gas, or education, or crime?

Will Baker: I'm not going to say that saving the Bay is the most important thing on earth to work on, but it is a problem that can be solved. We have the best science providing solutions, we have vast public support, and we know how to get the job done.

All that is lacking is the political will. And let's ask ourselves, What if the richest and most progressive nation on earth can't save a national treasure like the Chesapeake Bay -- really balance economic vitality with environmental protection -- what does that say about the future of the planet as a whole?

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Tappahannock, Va.: The Rappahannock was pretty dead this summer. I'm with you on the need to do something, but it doesn't seem like state legislators want to. What kind of chance do you think you have this winter?

Will Baker: You're right about the problems on the Rappahannock and other Virginia rivers. Did you know that 80% of all the smallmouth bass were killed on the Shenandoah River this spring?

Virginia legislators are considering the most significant single action for the Bay and its rivers in the '06 session beginning in January. The funding package being considered will address primary water quality problems stemming from sewage treatment and polluted runoff. Everyone who cares about clean water should let their legislators know how important this funding is.

In Virginia, you can go right now to join a community of voters working to make sure this happens this winter. Go to www.getdedicated.org to learn about how to help this happen.

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Onancock, Va.: I followed the trip you did this summer with the kids from Shenandoah. Are you going to do another?

Will Baker: It was a great trip. Sixteen farm students traveling from the Shenandoah Valley to the Chesapeake Bay by kayak and canoe -- 350 miles. They learned the connections between land and water. Most important, the entire community got behind their trip and is now a constituency to work together to promote good farming and good water quality.

Finally, a group of commercial fisherman came up to the valley to learn about the unique challenges of farming -- including milking cows!

This type of communication and collaboration is key to saving the Bay AND its rivers and streams.

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St. Michaels, Md.: Hi Will, this is Joe Trippi - thanks for doing this chat. CBF has been doing a great job organizing the movement to Save the Bay. I would like to know what kinds of things individuals and local communities can do to aid CBF's efforts.

Will Baker: Thanks Joe -- good to hear from you. And thanks for all you do.

The most important thing individuals can do is to get engaged. Our websites -- www.cbf.org and (if you're a Virginia voter) www.getdedicated.org -- are great places to start -- to be part of this community.

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem by joining with other like-minded individuals. In our numbers, we CAN make a difference for clean air and clean water.

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Washington, D.C.: What means are there to ensure proper oxygenation of the bay and prevent bacterial/fungal blooms? Are there any means other than pollution control to aid in this, i.e. stabilization through plants/animals, or pumping systems?

Will Baker: There are two ways to help the Bay's oxygen problem. First, we have to stop putting more 'bad things' into the water and second, we need to restore nature's own filtering system. The forested buffers, wetlands, and even oysters all help to filter sediment and polluted runoff.

That's a quick and simple answer. You can learn more about the role all of this plays by going to cbf.org

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Woodbridge, Va.: Haven't we spent enough on this already? Where has all the money gone?

Will Baker: Actually no, in Virginia over the last ten years less than 1 cent of every dollar spent has gone to the broader environment. This is the lowest of any state in the union. Quite frankly, it is a disgrace. What can you do? Let your legislators know that this is unacceptable and you want them to pass legislation in January to increase Virginia's share.

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Murrells Inlet, S.C.: What are top priorities among technological steps for cleaning up the Bay?

Your old friend, Dwight Fee, formerly of Annapolis.

Will Baker: Hey Dwight! How are you? Thanks for moving out of the watershed and helping do your part. One less person!

Seriously, technology can play a big role. Tops on the list -- upgrading sewage treatment plants to the practical level of tech can reduce polluting nitrogen by over 40 million pounds a year. That's about a third of what scientists say we need to do.

There's a lot more -- available technology for power plant emissions, feed additives for agriculture, even the car I happen to drive -- a Toyota Prius. Fifty miles to a gallon feels mighty good right now.

Take care Dwight!

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Glen Allen, Va.: I read in the papers the cleanup costs for Virginia’s waters would cost $2.3 Billion. What would that money do and how does Virginia plan to pay for it?

Will Baker: Good question. First, upgrading all sewage treatment plants -- like I just said to Dwight a technological solution. Isn't it incredible that in 21st century America we are still putting partially treated sewage into our public waterways!

Second, farmers have repeatedly demonstrated that they want to incorporate practices to help reduce polluted runoff. These are practices that are proven to work. This is not a problem that needs a solution, this is just a problem that needs to be adequately funded.

The cost? Yes, it's about two billion dollars. But if you spread that over everyone in the region, we're talking pennies a day. Clean water is worth it.

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Geri Lake Jackson, Va.: Most recently when I hear about the bay on the news, it
leaves me in despair. Will you tell me any of the positive news about efforts to turn things around, especially recently? I know one big success story was the comeback of the Rock fish. and, I heard a few years ago that new oyster beds were being planted and were surviving. What else can give us hope?

Thanks for all you do.

Will Baker: I know how you feel, Geri. But, getting depressed has never helped. The great news is that scientifically-developed solutions -- even a roadmap -- are now available to an extent that exists nowhere else in the world. I've said it before, but let me say it again. All we need is the political will to implement what the scientists say needs to be done.

Check out our website for more examples of the good stuff happening. Like oysters in Virginia, where there is now real hope for their native oyster.

Here's a prediction I probably shouldn't make -- But I think we are on the verge of turning the Bay around. We need to voice our concern at every level of government and keep the pressure on, if we do, we will succeed. Failure is simply not an option.

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Nelson County, Va.: I live in the Shenandoah Valley, 200 miles away from the Chesapeake Bay. Why should I care about cleaning up the Bay?

Will Baker: You are as much a part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed as I am sitting on the shores of the mainstream. Everything that affects water quality in your backyard affects the Bay downstream. Save the streams, save the rivers, Save the Bay. It's all connected. Good luck and thank-you.

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Reston, Va.: After decades of efforts to "save the bay" the latest report giving the quality of the Bay an "F" is disheartening and very troubling.

Why is this happening? Is it a failure of political will on the part of one or more of the states surrounding the bay? Is it business interests trumping the rest of us who want to protect this vital natural resource? A Bay waterman recently was quoted as saying the Bay was ruined and cast a wide net of blame. But really, what has happened? It seems we've lost the fight and the Bay has been destroyed forever.

Will Baker: Again, don't worry. We can fix it. Everything the scientists have demonstrated is that nature is tremendously resilient. And in fact, when there were three years of drought last decade the Bay started showing immediate signs of improvement, with less runoff coming in. We can't rely on drought nor do we want drought but the scientists were very impressed by how quickly the Bay responded.

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Falls Church, Va.: Dear Mr. Baker,
I want to know for an organization that could have so much power why won't the CBF create its own PAC (Political Action Committee) and pick a side that it favors either Democrat or Republican? Wouldn't it be better for the CBF to donate to politicians that would actually get something done?

It seems that for many years now the CBF resembles one of the fish it protects; a Flounder.

Will Baker: CBF can't be everything and there are some very good PACs working on the environment. We'll let them do what they do well and we will do what we do well. We pride ourselves on being able to work with anyone who is elected, and I think history shows that sometimes those whom you least expect can do the best for the environment. Thanks for your question -- sometimes I feel more like a crab than a flounder.

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Ashland, Va.: Mr. Baker,

I'm curious why CBF has such a negative tone for all that has been accomplished in the last few years. Maryland passed the flush tax, Virginia has the toughest nutrient regulations in the county and more money in the Water Fund than ever, Pennsylvania is using both Growing Greener money and regulatory requirements to control sewage plant pollution. All the states have adopted new water quality standards. It seems to me you should be celebrating these significant accomplishments, but all we seem to hear from your foundation is that everyone has failed and doesn't care about the bay? Do you think you are sending the right message to the public?

Will Baker: To tell you the truth we do think that there have been some terrific gains in the last few years. But I personally have been doing this for 30 years at CBF and I have seen cycles of political interest before. What the Bay needs is for it to be sustained. That's why we are not going to give up until the system is vastly improved.

As to our message, look again. We are always quick to praise when it's deserved and certainly Governor Ehrlich and the Maryland legislators deserved our praise in 2004. We even took out a half page ad in the Baltimore Sun to thank them.

As to Virginia, the $50 million down payment was a HUGE victory for the Bay. Now we've got to secure the funds on a long-term basis and that's what we'll be working towards this year. I hope you will help us -- join the growing community on www.getdedicated.org

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Arlington, Va.: Does the state of VA have any plans to regulate the harvesting of menhaden? Menhaden are particularly important to the health of the bay as they are filter feeders and as forage for striped bass.

Rich V.

Will Baker: You bet! They are important -- as filter feeders -- nature's own way of helping the Bay. CBF just won a huge victory this summer when we joined with sport and commercial fishermen Bay wide in securing a cap on the menhaden harvest.

Scientists believe this will help secure a sustainable fishery.

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Philadelphia, Penn.: Mr. Baker,

I was wondering what you thought about the Bush Administration's environmental policies. They haven't just relaxed, they've weakened, regulations on pollution abatement allowing industry to emit significantly more airborne toxins including mercury. Therefore, is it any wonder that the Chesapeake Bay is now considered a mercury hotspot? Am I wrong?

Will Baker: Increasingly, more and more of the Bay have fish consumption advisories. We need to be extremely worried about just the point you make. The sad thing is the technology exists to greatly reduce mercury into the environment, especially from power plant emissions, as you say. There is absolutely no excuse for the federal government to rollback the requirements on power plants.
Because of the lack of federal guts, the states are taking this on themselves.

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Hopewell, Va.: I read in the paper that my sewer rates could double or triple because the Chesapeake Bay needs to be cleaned up. Why should I have to pay so much?

Will Baker: That's absolutely not true. In Maryland, the Governor introduced legislation and the legislature passed it to upgrade all sewage treatment plants to the level of technology -- a huge boost for clean water and human health.
The cost? 2 dollars and fifty cents per household, per month. Less than the cost of a single latte per month.

In Virginia, similar legislation will be considered in January. Please let your elected officials know how important this is. And affordable!

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Alexandria, Va.: Mr. Baker,
With all of the problems, should people stop using the Bay until it is "fixed"? I know that the tourism and recreational fishing on the Bay is very important to the whole watershed, but isn't all of this talk making people think twice about using the Bay? I heard that the fish in some of the Bay's tributaries are harmful for women to eat is that true?

Will Baker: No, I think it's important for us to keep 'using' the Bay for our enjoyment. We are the constituency for cleaning it up. I still eat fish from the Bay, but not as much as in the past. And women of childbearing age, according to the FDA, should limit their intake even more.

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Powhatan, Va.: In the past, CBF has been criticized as naive and too willing to be too cooperative with various government and corporate entities regarding the Bay's health. Sort of a "Come let us reason together" with people who simply took advantage of that approach to continue "pollution politics" as usual. In what specific ways will CBF now be tougher and more successful with these more devious adversaries?

Will Baker: Well, I reject the premise somewhat. But I am not going to be defensive. Let's look forward. CBF is more active than ever before in the general assembly, pushing for the funding necessary to solve the problems. Again, go to www.getdedicated.org and join up.

We have always used litigation as a tool. One of our lawsuits in the 1980s was finally upheld in the US Supreme Court. Currently, we have a number of lawsuits pending in Virginia, one challenging Phillip Morris to stop polluting the James River.

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Washington, D.C.: We both know Congress legislated itself powers to oversee the maintenance and overall care of our national parks, streams rivers, etc.--but they've done such a lousy job as stewards, really, or else organizations like CBF wouldn't exist. But wouldn't the best way to maintain the cleanliness and health of the Chesapeake and other natural areas be to take oversight away from the federal government and give such oversight to local NGOs, like CBF? Really, a group of well-funded, well-intentioned locals who care about the environment--dedicating their resources to preservation rather than to the pockets of Congress--will do a much better job of caring for the Chesapeake than legislators from Montana. I would more trust the CBF to care for the Chesapeake than Congress. It would be a great expense, but well worth the resources. I'd donate to that cause.

Will Baker: Thanks for the vote of confidence. But I guess the constitution might stand in our way. We'll play the cards we've been dealt until the government does what the people want. Clean air and clean water are a right that we must continue to fight for. Again, thank you for the kind words.

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Winchester, Va.: We have a small farm that is used primarily for family farming. There are no streams around it. I use to apply various chemical fertilizers to assist my efforts but started becoming concerned about the possibility of leaching and seepage into our well water. Are there any federal environmental assistance programs that you are aware of which would help to mitigate the large additional expenses of going to an all organic fertilizer program? How would this impact runoff into the bay?

Will Baker: Yes, there are absolutely state and federal programs available to help. Please feel free to contact chesapeake@cbf.org and we'll get back to you with specific information. As much detail about your farm as possible will help. And thank-you!

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Mechanicsville, Va.: What's wrong with the politicians that we elect in this great Commonwealth?? Why don't they "get it" when it comes to understanding how important the state's stewardship of natural treasures has to be. I have the impression that politicians in Maryland and even Pennsylvania are generally more concerned and receptive then those in Richmond. Can you give us as concerned Virginians a list of the worst offenders in the General Assembly so we can take this upon ourselves and run them out of office?

Bless you

Will Baker: Actually we see the tide turning. Both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate have committed to the necessary funding. But they are going to need your help. They are going to need to hear from you. Again, join us at www.getdedicated.org

We are trying to assemble an army of people to descend on Richmond -- January 16 -- to give them all the support they need this winter. The first step is to go to getdedicated.org and sign-up.

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Richmond, Va.: Will,
First I would like to say that I think our rivers and the bay are something we should take responsibility for. Would any of the complainers on the chat take a cup and drink right from the nearest stream? I have been hearing so much about this funding initiative, but what exactly will the money go to? Will farmers be given compensation for their environmentally sound improvements? Is anything being done to help the economic viability for those who make their living on the bay? This issue isn't only about the environment, but also about many people's livelihoods

Will Baker: Again, funding to upgrade all sewage treatment plants to stop human sewage from polluting Virginia's rivers and streams now! And funding to help farmers implement the practices which have proven to be so successful and which farmers have shown a willingness to do if given assistance.

You're right about people's livelihoods. This can help save the farm and save the Bay. The economy and the environment are two sides of the same coin.

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Mathews, Va.: If farmers are considered a key source of pollution, how do get them more involved?

Will Baker: Farmers ARE involved. All of us at CBF have spent hundreds of hours with farmers throughout the watershed learning what works and what doesn't. The partnerships are key to our success.

Over and over we learn that they want to do the right thing to help their own backyards and the rivers and streams that make up this great Chesapeake system.

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Lynchburg, Va.: Mr. Baker,

What can citizens of the Chesapeake Bay watershed do that would have the most positive impact on the Bay?

Will Baker: First, let your legislators know how important clean air and clean water are to you; and that you are willing to pay modestly for it.

Second, use the fewest chemicals around your house and on your lawn as possible.

Third, drive less if you can and buy the highest mileage car possible for your needs.

Finally, be evangelical for clean air and clean water. Somehow we need to let our elected officials know just how many of us care.

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Danville, Va.: I live in Danville. The closest river to me, the Dan River, flows into North Carolina, not into the Chesapeake Bay.

I don't see why I should have to pay to clean-up pollution I don't send to a Bay I don't visit. What do you have to say to that?

Will Baker: I agree to an extent. Having said that, the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and federal tax dollars ought to be available here just as they are for other national treasures like the Great Lakes or the Everglades.

As to Virginia legislation, what we are promoting will help to provide clean water in your backyard as well. I know you're for that. Thank-you.

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Washington, D.C.: When asked about the quality of the bay receiving an "F"
even after decades of restoration efforts, your response
is, "don't worry, we can fix it."

Shouldn't this be a major cause for concern? Can we really
fix it?

Will Baker: First, yes we can fix it. If we can't, we might need to step off the planet. Second, it took centuries, not decades, to degrade the Bay. The decline has been arrested, despite growing populations, and modest progress has been made. But it is not nearly enough and that is why we are going to keep fighting. Won't you join us?
And believe me; I worry 24 hours a day. Or so my wife says.

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Highland, Md.: I've heard that you guys are trying to help get more federal farm bill dollars to farmers to plant buffers and cover crops. Is that true? How important is that stuff for the Bay's health?

Will Baker: Yes, very important. And it will be our primary legislative initiative in Maryland this year. We hope you'll help.

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Moderator: Our hour is up. Thank you, Will, for joining us and taking our questions.

Will Baker: Thank you Washington Post and thanks to everyone who participated. There were many great questions we couldn't get to in the hour allotted. But we will. You'll be able to find answers on both www.cbf.org and www.getdedicated.org

Here's to cleaner rivers and streams and a better Chesapeake Bay.

Thank you all.

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