The Chesapeake Bay Program's web site has a new Tributary Strategy Tools section, designed as a one-stop shop for information assisting tributary improvement strategies.  This resource includes:

• Updates on tributary strategies
• Final water quality goals and allocations
• Presentations that can be adapted for individual use
• Data spreadsheets that can be used to develop graphic information
• Technical reports
• Best management practices
• Local watershed implementation guidance

The site provides activity and contact information for each state involved in Chesapeake Bay water quality improvement efforts.  These state-level resources include tributary strategies and specific links to the state's online resources.

The Watershed Profiles section of the site provides detailed information on the Nanticoke River Watershed and the status of pollution control efforts.  This point and click profile provides a snapshot of the watershed's location and its current health in terms of nutrient and sediment load reductions.  It also includes recommended cap allocations, which are the maximum pollutant levels allowed to enter a water body, still ensuring that water quality meets state standards.  The standards used for this determination are the new Chesapeake Bay water quality criteria, combined with the refined tidal water designated uses standards to be adopted by Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC between now and 2005.

We invite you to use the linked tools to learn more about the many Chesapeake Bay improvement efforts, and gain information that you can use to help improve your own watershed, whether it enters the Chesapeake Bay or not.  The things you learn here can be applied to all water bodies.