The state of Maryland recently announced several rounds of funding aimed at restoring its natural recreational activities and attractions, keeping them pristine for all Marylanders to use.

Last month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources  (DNR) announced grant funding to seven climate resilience projects . These projects are aimed at helping communities with climate related problems, such as flooding and erosion. Projects include the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, which will help restore islands offshore of Ocean City and NeighborSpace of Baltimore County, which will address flood related impacts at Powhatan Park.

Maryland also recently awarded funding to 25 restoration  projects that will improve the environment along the Chesapeake Bay watershed. More than 100 sites will be restored using stream restoration, stormwater management, and wetland creation. Grants are provided through funding with the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund  and will benefit local waterways by removing thousands of pounds of waste and harmful chemicals annually, helping to keep Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay safe and clean.

This summer also saw the announcement  of additional funding for the state’s Waterway Improvement Fund which is geared toward improving public boating waterways throughout the state, perfect for Maryland boating enthusiasts. The awarded projects will focus on easing public boating access, providing emergency equipment for local first responders, and overall improvements to the waterway. The Waterway Improvement Fund was initially created to help support the use of Maryland’s waters for public boating needs.