Foul Discharge Found in West Ocean City!
The Assateague  responded to a phone call tip on Thursday, July 3rd and discovered an illicit discharge to a wooded area of West Ocean City. Suspecting the discharge was untreated sewage, the Coastkeeper took water samples to a local lab for analysis. Click here to read more on this developing story.
Benefit the Bays Discount Day at Jolly Roger - Tickets now ON SALE!
 
Join us for ''Benefit the Bays Discount Day'' at Jolly Roger Amusement Park (30th Street Location) -- where you can play all day and help save the Coastal Bays! Buy your ticket today -- and on Sunday, August 17 enjoy half-price entry to Jolly Roger's water park, golf courses, and amusement rides!
Splash Mountain Water Park 10:00am - 7:00pm
Amusement Rides 2:00pm - 6:00pm*
Miniature Golf 10:00am - 6:00pm
Proceeds will benefit Assateague Coastal Trust and the Assateague .
Assateague Coastal Trust Receives Environmental Grant from SIMA
ALISO VIEJO, CALIF. (June 19, 2008)– The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) Environmental Fund announced today the 17 ocean-environmental organizations named as beneficiaries of the 19th Annual Waterman's Weekend, the surf industry's annual environmental fundraiser to be held August 21 – 22, 2008. The two-day event, comprised of the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament and Waterman’s Ball, will take place at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa in Dana Point, Calif.
The SIMA Environmental Fund aims to continue the record fundraising legacy and raise the amount of $500,000 at the 2008 Waterman's Weekend. All proceeds will be distributed in the form of SIMA Environmental Fund grants to the one new and 16 returning beneficiary groups. The 17 ocean-environmental organizations will dedicate those funds to programs that will address water quality and ocean pollution issues; defend beaches and surf breaks from development; or provide public education about ocean conservation.
“The SIMA Environmental Fund is extremely proud to fund and support the positive environmental impact these 17 organizations are having on our industry’s most valuable asset – the ocean,” said Paul Naude, chairman of the SIMA Environmental Fund Board and CEO of Billabong USA. “The groups we have selected to benefit from this year’s Waterman’s Weekend cover a broad spectrum, from ocean educational programming for youth, to researchers collecting pollution data in our oceans. Each one of our beneficiaries is crucial for the protection of our ocean-environment, especially now in a time when we are battling to save some of our most precious playgrounds, such as Trestles or the North Shore. Now, more than ever, we are here to show our support and make our mark on the effort to preserve the oceans.”
Coast Kids Joins No Child Left Inside Coalition
 ACT’s environmental education program, Coast Kids, has joined over 250 other organizations nationwide in support of the No Child Left Inside Coalition, organized by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The primary goal of NCLI is to build support for the No Child Left Inside Act, sponsored by Maryland U.S. Representative John Sarbanes to create federal funding and environmental curricula for schools. For more information about the NCLI coalition, go to www.nclicoalition.org
CONGRATULATIONS to ACT President Jim Rapp, and DLITE for Delaware Tourism Award!
 Jim Rapp, ACT President and Executive Director of DLITE, attended the Delaware Tourism Summit on April 17, representing DLITE's Delmarva Birding Weekend, which received the Delaware Governor's Tourism Award for "Best Itinerary". The 2008 Delmarva Birding Weekend began Wednesday, April 23, and ran through Sunday, April 27.
| "Tourism in Delaware bolsters local economies and communities and enhances the quality of life not only for our visitors but for all Delawareans.” |
Critical Area Reform Bill - A Big Victory!
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The 1984 Critical Area Act urgently needed updating to better protect the most fragile lands around the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays and make the program more predictable and easier to administer. In January, the Administration introduced a bill drafted with input from the home builders, local governments, environmentalists, industry representatives and others. The Assateague was an active participant in this process, on behalf of ACT’s members.
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The bill revises the Critical Area Act to - Provide full regulatory authority for the Critical Areas Commission so they don’t have to come back to the General Assembly
- Provide more robust and equitable enforcement of the Act
- Create consistent standards for development
- Require updated and accurate maps of the Critical Area
- Strengthen penalties for violations
- Expand the buffer that protects waterways from development
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SHOP WITH US!!
 Spring is HERE, and it is time to get out on the hiking trails, into the kayak, or in to the garden ... you will need an ACT cap, T-shirt or sweatshirt to look your best.
With a few magic clicks of your mouse, we will personally process your orders safely and securely on line with Pay Pal or your credit card.
Before you know it ... POOF! your shopping will be completed. A portion of your proceeds will be contributed to help us to keep our coastal bays healthy and clean. And, you don't even have to leave the comfort of your computer.
Just click on the STORE tab above to see our many selections. Happy shopping!!!
Environmental Groups Challenge MDA for Withholding Waste Management Plans
NEW YORK – Nine environmental groups filed a lawsuit today against Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), charging the state agency with denying public access to documents detailing how waste and excess nutrients are disposed of by Maryland’s farms and agricultural facilities. Waterkeeper Alliance and eight of its Maryland member programs, Assateaugue Coastkeeper, Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, Patuxent Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper, Severn Riverkeeper, South Riverkeeper, and West/Rhode Riverkeeper are appealing the agency’s denial of Waterkeeper Alliance’s FOIA requests ...
Your Support Is Needed Today
This is an important time for Assateague Coastal Trust. With increasing environmental challenges in the coastal bays area, we are redoubling our efforts to fight for clean water, open space, and controlled growth. But we can only do this with your help.
Please consider joining Assateague Coastal Trust as a member or a volunteer and help preserve our magnificent coastal resources.
ACT's 2008 Volunteer of the Year!
 Assateague Coastal Trust awarded its 2008 Volunteer of the Year award to Kim Quillin, in recognition of the hundreds of volunteer hours Kim contributes to the highly successful COAST KIDS program. With appreciation and gratitude, ACT recognized Kim Quillin with a plaque and a special personal gift.
Coast Kids Program Introduces Critter Cards
 Coast Kids is pleased to announce the release of Critter Cards! These colorful playing cards were created by the Coast Kids program as a fun tool for learning about the feathered, squishy, crunchy, scaly critters that make the seaside and bayside so wonderful.
Critter Cards, playfully designed and illustrated by M. Scott Oatman, are perfect for kids' favorite pairing games, as well as other standard card games. Fun facts on each of the cards will help kids get to know these charismatic critters a little more. Have fun, and get outside to experience the wonder!
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Read more.