The Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) recently announced the creation of an endowment fund that will support habitat and educational projects, among other activities. The CCA MD Habitat/Education Fund is being kicked off tonight at the Greater Washington Chapter Banquet and Auction in Bethesda, MD.
“Our goal is to improve habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and educate people about the value and importance of marine resources through this fund,” said CCA MD Executive Director Tony Friedrich. “It will allow recreational anglers, conservation-minded citizens, corporations, businesses, and others to make tax deductible contributions to protect and improve our valuable resource.”
Eric Whisenhunt, a member of the Greater Washington Chapter, will chair the fund, and a board will be appointed next month. The fund has a goal of $500,000 in its first three years.
The initial intent of the fund is to support such activities as habitat restoration, creation of oyster reefs, conservation projects, studies, and scholarships for students studying fields such as marine biology, according to Friedrich. However, he emphasized that plans are still evolving and decisions will be eventually made by the fund’s board. Projects are not likely to be funded until a significant portion of the $500,000 goal is in place, Friedrich said.
Donations may be sent to CCA MD Habitat/Education Fund, P.O. Box 513, Easton, MD 21601. More information can be obtained and pledges can be made by contacting the CCA MD state office, tony@ccamd.org.