Project Description: This project will engage the recipient, University faculty, NPS staff, student interns and park visitors with the collection, evaluation and interpretation of water resource information about current water quality conditions within and adjacent to Assateague Island. This informational is needed so that the NPS can continue to provide high quality recreational opportunities for its more than 2 million annual visitors. Increased population growth, large scale agricultural production and rapid coastal development are known stressors that are impacting the watershed. Increasing outbreaks of harmful algae blooms could also directly impact public health. This project will enhance resource stewardship by engaging partners in shared environmental stewardship and science by providing current water quality information. The project not only serves the NPS, but also many local agencies (EPA, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Worcester County) and partners (Maryland Coastal Bays National Estuary Program, Assateague Coastal Trust) throughout the region concerned about water quality. Project results will be shared with regional resource managers and conservation partners through multiple outlets to raise awareness as well as enact specific policies, guidelines and/or best-management practices aimed at reducing regional nutrient inputs. Resultant data/findings will be incorporated into the annual Coastal Bays Report Card publication and shared directly via agency resource meetings and social media platforms.
Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Judith O’Neil, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Partner Institution: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Federal Agency Technical Contact: Bill Hulslander
Start Year: 2022
End Year: 2026
Initial Funding Amount: $33,220.00
Federal Grant Number: P22AC02180-00
Amendments
- Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2024, Amount: $0.00
- Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2024, Amount: $33,220.00
Products Associated with this Project:
- No products found.