Eastern Branch Restoration Strategy

Here is the link to the new Eastern Branch Environmental Restoration Strategy developed by the Eastern Branch Steering Committee convened by the Elizabeth River Project.   The Steering Committee had participants from citizen groups, non-profits, local businesses, and government organizations from across Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach.   The Eastern Branch Environmental Restoration Strategy is a plan to mobilize government, business, and citizens to improve the quality of the Eastern Branch ecosystem - and the quality of life for the residents of the area.   Key actions include engaging residents and giving them a stake in the river, restoring wildlife habitat, restoring clean water, and cleaning the river bottom.

Also the State of the Elizabeth River, Scorecard 2014 was released in 2014.   This scientific data set and analysis was compiled by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Elizabeth River Project.    Overall the Eastern Branch got a grade of "D".   The Indian River got a grade of "F" due to excessive Nutrient and Bacterial Contamination.   On the plus side, we did get a "B" for the amount of Dissolved Oxygen in the water, which is a good sign.   This scorecard gives us a baseline to measure future improvements.