TRIBUTARY STRATEGIES

    In order to achieve the goals of the Tributary Strategies, we support the following: '97
       
        (A) Continued funding for integrated pest management (IPM) systems and the expansion of this program;
        (B) Additional and continued research and educational programs on minimizing nutrient runoff into the Bay tributaries from not only agricultural
        lands but also urban and suburban areas, as well as other commercial uses that use nitrogen-based compounds (I.E. deicing aircraft and parking
        lots);
        (C) The necessary and prudent use of agricultural crop protectants, based on scientific research, as they relate to profitable Best Management
        Practices (BMPs) which will ultimately result in the Chesapeake Bay improved water quality;
        (D) State and/or federal legislation to provide tax incentives or tax credits along with maximum cost sharing for the adoption of Best Management
        Practices (BMPs) and/or the purchase of equipment that would directly benefit the environment; and
        (E) Development of various methods to increase living resources in the Bay in order to increase consumption or filtration of the algae produced as
        a result of nutrients entering the Bay.

    All tributary teams should have representation from people now or formerly engaged in production agriculture. Any authority given to these teams should be advisory.

    We oppose any consideration or action taken by the Patuxent River Commission to invite the National Park Service, the Wild and Scenic Rivers
    Agency, and other federal entities to join them in conducting a study of land and water use near the River. '04