Chesapeake Stormwater Network Inc

Overview

The Chesapeake Stormwater Network Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on advancing sustainable and effective stormwater management practices across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Founded with a mission to promote more sustainable, resilient, and equitable stormwater management, the network serves as a hub for professionals, policymakers, and communities to collaborate and share innovative practices.

Mission and Activities

The organization works to align and integrate efforts in stormwater management across the region, serving thousands of individuals and organizations. Its primary activities include:

• Advancing the Science of Watershed Restoration: As the Stormwater Technical Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Program, CSN facilitates expert panels to establish pollutant removal rates for urban Best Management Practices (BMPs). These panels integrate data from scientific research, lifecycle concerns, and implementation issues to ensure realistic pollutant removal rates.

• Building Capacity Through Training and Events: CSN offers a free annual webcast series featuring speakers from across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, sharing innovations, lessons learned, and new research. The organization also provides free training events for local governments, focusing on personalized learning experiences. Additionally, it has launched the Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professionals (CUSP) training program, designed for college students and early career professionals. This program covers essentials in watershed science, permit management, and Chesapeake Bay restoration.

• Fostering the Next Generation of Professionals: The CUSP program emphasizes practical knowledge and skill development over 11 courses, preparing participants for careers in stormwater management.

• Sharing Successes and Innovations: CSN hosts the Best Urban BMP in the Bay Awards (BUBBAs), a contest recognizing innovative urban stormwater practices and programs within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. BUBBAs aim to identify and disseminate effective techniques among communities and engage the network of stormwater professionals.

• Connecting Professionals: CSN provides ongoing resources, including fact sheets, technical reports, and the "Stormwater Scoop" newsletter, to keep professionals informed about new developments, training opportunities, and policy updates.

Financials and Structure

As a registered nonprofit, Chesapeake Stormwater Network Inc. files annual Form 990s with the IRS, disclosing its financial activities. The organization's revenue and expenses have varied over the years, managing to maintain its operational activities.

Impact and Recognition

Through its extensive network and collaborative efforts, CSN contributes significantly to improving stormwater management practices, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering community engagement throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. The BUBBAs contest, in particular, has highlighted innovative projects that serve as models for effective stormwater management and community engagement.

[1] https://chesapeakestormwater.net/about/ [2] https://chesapeakestormwater.net/about-the-bubbas/ [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/264054856/201530099349300043/full [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/264054856 [5] https://chesapeakestormwater.net/mission/