Title: Land Use Decisions for Healthy Landscapes
Date/time: Thursday March 12, 2026 12pm - 1:30pm

Speakers: 

• Peter Claggett, USGS

• Jeff Lerner, EPA

• Jackie Pickford, USGS

Description: The well-being of the Chesapeake Bay depends on the health of the lands that make up its watershed. As communities within the region continue to grow or intensify their activities, the demand for land and resources can add pollutants to the system and put our waters and habitats at risk. Many of these lands support not only water quality but also provide other economic, recreational, cultural and ecological benefits we do not want to lose. That's why the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement was recently updated with a revised Healthy Landscapes goal and outcome related to land use planning. Come hear what planners should know about these changes, how your community can be involved and what new or updated data and tools are available to support your communities goals and future planning.