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CASCO BAY PLAN
 
 

Past generations may have thought that large bodies of water like Casco Bay could tolerate human impacts indefinitely. We no longer have the luxury of this naivete. In recent decades, we have witnessed the degradation of other estuaries like Chesapeake Bay, where striped bass have been devastated by pollution, and Long Island Sound, where severe oxygen depletion has impacted the ecosystem. We are beginning to understand the consequences of contaminated runoff, toxic discharges, and habitat destruction, and we have started to develop measures needed to prevent such damage. 

Ultimately, the responsibility to protect Casco Bay rests with each of us who resides in the Casco Bay watershed. This tremendous resource touches the lives of many Maine citizens, as one of every eight Maine residents lives in communities along the bay, and one of every four residents lives within its watershed. As voters who elect local, state, and federal officials, we help determine the government. Working in offices, stores, and industries around the bay, we represent the businesses. And in our homes and yards, we take actions every day that affect the health of the estuary. 

Responsible stewardship depends on residents cultivating an awareness of Casco Bay that permeates their everyday actions – making purchases, running errands, casting ballots, serving on town boards, tending gardens and lawns, maintaining cars, and building houses. Only by becoming stewards of Casco Bay, caring for it consistently and managing its resources responsibly, can we preserve it for generations to come. 

What can you do?

• As an Individual

An action that may seem minor when done by one person can have devastating environmental impacts when multiplied by the number of people in the Casco Bay watershed. 
• Become educated about Casco Bay and its watershed. 
• Visit the Friends of Casco Bay site to learn how you can become involved in the volunteer water quality monitoring or a BayScaper programs.
• Investigate other opportunities to volunteer in Casco Bay.
• Properly dispose of oil and household chemicals. 
• Get involved. 
• Volunteer Groups
• Sponsor a clean-up day. 
• Volunteer to participate in the Invasive Plant Survey of New England.
• Protect sensitive habitats through voluntary land conservation. 
• Advocate stronger environmental policies. 
• Educate the public. 
• Protect wild islands through voluntary stewardship. 
• Local Businesses and Industry
• Minimize use and carefully manage chemicals, oils, and hazardous wastes. 
• Follow “best management practices” for commercial and residential development and natural resource activities. 
• Sponsor Casco Bay events. 
• Join and contribute to Casco Bay organizations. 
• Encourage research on marine and watershed issues. 
• Municipal Officials:

FEBRUARY 2003 was WASTEWATER MONTH!  The Office of Wastewater management has assembled a collection of useful information to assist officials in conducting their own outreach campaigns.  Please visit their web site at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/wastewatermonth.cfm.
• Eliminate combined sewer overflows. 
• Reduce stormwater pollution through land-use controls. 
• Actively enforce regulations that protect the environment and adopt more stringent regulations when needed. 
• Monitor, manage, and improve shellfish flats. 
• Encourage recycling and proper waste disposal. 
• Involve schools. 
• Use geographic information system (GIS) computer-based mapping. 
• Protect open space.