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Getting Local About Stormwater: Saving Streams helps the Chesapeake Bay

Shepherdstown, WV -- May 24 & 25, 2012

StormwaterPA was honored to take part in the invitation only 2012 Bay-wide Stormwater Partners Retreat just before the Holiday weekend and we came away impressed not only by the roster of speakers and attendees, but by the depth of conversation that took place whenever a spare moment allowed. If we could capture and clone the collective passion and energy of the 90-plus participants, we'd accomplish Bay cleanup goals in a flash, but until such a time, we'll continue to seek out the innovators and share what we learn.

One consistent theme that emerged from the retreat is the need to break down the perception barriers that stand in the way of change. When people "get it" is when action occurs and the combined impacts of localized actions are what will ultimately impact the health of the Bay. Whether we're talking about retrofitting streets in ways that keep runoff out of overburdened sewer systems, creating residential sub-divisions based on the principles of low impact design, or encouraging property owners to replace manicured landscapes with more natural spaces that create habitat and manage stormwater in far better ways, we know that proven and cost-effective solutions exist. We just need to continue the process of sharing successes in ways that create a mind-shift and inspire everyone to get into the act.

Saving Streams in the Cedar Run Watershed from GreenTreks Network on Vimeo.

The retreat featured a "small screen film festival" during which a variety of videos were shown. We're thrilled to say that for the second year in a row, we came away with the coveted "Stoneroller Award" for best video. Check out Saving Streams in Cedar Run, which was entered by our friends from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. It's one of the videos on our Reign in the Rain DVD. Order your copy today!

On a completely different tack, we really liked the Runner-up video, which was part of a campaign in the Washington DC area's effort to address trash in its waterways. Check it out:

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