The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay plays a unique role in the effort to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Founded in 1971, the Alliance is the only organization in the region focused on improving the Bay watershed through collaboration and consensus-building. The Alliance is well respected as the only Chesapeake organization able to bring government, business, academic, and non-profit players to the table, serving as a neutral facilitator of Bay issues. Known as "The Voice of the Bay," the Alliance is also known for being a source of accurate, unbiased information, which clearly distinguishes us from other organizations and agencies. We make information on Bay science and policy accessible to the average citizen.

The need for this work has never been greater. The population of the Bay watershed is currently 15 million and rising rapidly -- placing increased demands on natural resources that grow more intense each day. In addition, the residents of the Chesapeake Bay watershed have very different views about how to use and how to protect those resources. To the Alliance, protecting and restoring the Bay means bringing individuals and groups together to work on common solutions. This is as true in achieving consensus on government policy as it is in restoring native species to land or aquatic habitats.

We promote this approach both at the policy table and through on-the-ground projects. We've facilitated dialogue and a greater understanding of such issues such as nutrient reduction, forest buffer restoration, toxic reduction strategies, air pollution and the Bay, and the 2000 Bay Agreement. Examples of on-the-ground projects include restoration of underwater grass beds and streamside forest buffers, citizen monitoring of water quality and habitat conditions, BayScapes (environmentally sound landscapes), and the river sojourns. We also provide training and volunteer assistance for watershed groups through RestoreCorps, publish the Bay Journal, operate the Ask the Bay Experts query service online, and work with the business and development community to promote the Businesses for the Bay and Builders for the Bay programs, two initiatives that promote sustainable development and business practices.

The Alliance is funded by grants and donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, organizations, and governments. It has an operating budget of approximately 1.5 million dollars. The majority of this funding comes from grants through the federal and state programs. The Alliance is working to diversify its funding base by increasing donations from individuals, businesses, and private foundations.