History

Pollution of the Baltimore Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay through their tributaries and stormwater discharge systems pose serious risks to a healthy environment. Degradation of the Harbor and its tributaries also adversely impacts the quality of life and economic health of the surrounding communities. The Mission of the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association’s (BHWA) is to protect and improve the environmental quality and natural beauty of the Baltimore Harbor and its tributaries. Our short-term goals are to install a trash netting/collection system at the Harris Creek drainage outfall, located at the Baltimore Harbor and to define and develop watershed outreach strategies/programs in the Harris Creek drainage area. In the long term, our goals are to install trash netting/collection system around the Baltimore Harbor, to create educational trash programs in the school systems and in the neighborhoods and to address the water quality issues in the City’s Harbor and tributaries.

In late 2002, with the assistance of State Delegate Peter Hammen, the BHWA was started by a group of concerned Canton residents and businesses, who were disgusted with the condition of the Harbor. Our concerns were brought to the Mayor’s attention in January 2003, at which time, the Mayor assigned City staff personnel to work with us. For the past year, the BHWA has organized the Canton Community, as well as bringing the entire Harbor residential and business waterfront community’s together. We have had participation from around the Harbor to include: the residents and/or businesses from the areas of Brooklyn/Curtis Bay, Locust Point, Key Highway, Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Highlandtown, and Canton, Ft. McHenry, Living Classrooms Foundation, National Aquarium, Army Corps of Engineers, Parks and People, Jones Falls Watershed Association, Herring Run Watershed Association, Center for Watershed Protection, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission, UM Center for Environmental Sciences, and City DPW and Planning; and State Delegates Peter Hammen, Brian McHale and Carolyn Krysiak, State Senator George Della and representatives from the offices of Senator Paul Sarbanes and Congressman Ben Cardin.

Since January 2003, monthly BHWA meetings have been scheduled. Over 150 individuals have attended our meetings.

In April 2003, the BHWA was informed that the City would fund the design and construction of a trash netting/collection system at Harris Creek, contingent on the BHWA to secure funds to maintain the system. The trash netting/collection system is scheduled to be constructed by early 2005.

In October 2003, the BHWA initiated the process to be incorporated and to become a 501 (c)3, non-profit organization. Boards of Director Officers and Members, as well as Advisory Members were selected. A Mission Statement was adopted. A Budget was prepared. Subsequently, the following committees were formed: Finance, Membership, Program Committee #1 - Trash netting/collection system, and Program #2 – Watershed Outreach

In June 14, 2004, the BHWA was incorporated.

In March 2006, the BHWA hired it's first part time staff person.

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Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association
2700 Lighthouse Point East 501
Baltimore, MD 21224

Ph: 410-563-7300
Fx: 410-563-4330