USC Gains Seat On Bay Citizens Advisory Committee

By: Mike Lovegreen
USC Stream Team Leader

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is charged with responsibility for representing residents and stakeholders of
the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the restoration effort and advising the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership on
all aspects of Chesapeake Bay restoration. In this role, they have been strong, vocal advocates for increased
transparency and accountability, citizens engagement and education and independent evaluation of the restoration
work of the Partnership. Members communicate with their constituencies to increase understanding of the
Agreement and programs to restore and protect the Bay. The membership is broad-based with representatives
from agricultural and homebuilding industries, business, conservation, environmental foundations, law and civic
groups. Since 1984, this group has provided a non-governmental perspective on the Bay cleanup effort and on how
Bay Program policies and programs affect citizens who live and work in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The USC had formerly had a seat on this committee held by Scott Fickbohm, formerly the manager of the Otsego
SWCD. When Scott resigned from position as manager to take a position with Ag and Markets, the seat was left
vacant for a number of years. In May, however, NY regained a seat at the table with the election of Mike Lovegreen,
USC Stream Team Leader, to the Committee. Mike has served as one of the charter member of the USC and was
manager at the Bradford County Conservation District for 35 years and brings a strong background in the Bay
program and issues from both a NY and PA perspective.

The CAC meets quarterly and recently held their spring meeting in Baltimore. For input or questions, send Mike an
email at mike.lovegreen@u-s-c.org.