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Ken Hyer, Ph.D.

Serves as the USGS Chesapeake Bay Associate Coordinator.  Responsible for developing key USGS science-planning documents and helping to coordinate USGS science efforts that are used by managers to inform restoration and conservation activities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

USGS Chesapeake Bay Associate Coordinator – 2015-present

Responsibilities Include:

  • Work with USGS Chesapeake Science Team, Science Centers, and CB Program Coordinator to set science priorities and plan Chesapeake Bay science activities based on agency and partner guidance
  • Work with USGS Scientists to coordinate projects and synthesis activities to address the USGS Chesapeake Bay science goals and advance our understanding of management and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed
  • Interacts with USGS Program Coordinators, Regions, and Science Centers to identify and coordinate resources for USGS Chesapeake Bay projects 
  • Support USGS Chesapeake Bay Coordinator interaction with Partners, DOI, and Congress

USGS Hydrologist and Water-Quality Specialist – 2001-2015

Responsibilities Included:

  • Oversight of Water Science Center (WSC) water-quality program
  • Provide technical expertise to center managers, scientists, and technicians
  • Extensive program development activities
  • Lead Scientist on complex, multi-disciplinary water-resources studies

USGS Hydrologist – 2000-2001

  • Lead Scientist on several complex, multi-disciplinary water-resources studies.

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia

  • M.S.   Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia

  • B.S.    Environmental Science, Virginia Tech

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 13
link
Aerial view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand

USGS Updates Chesapeake Science Strategy

Issue: For decades the USGS has provided critical science used to understand and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. As the ecosystem is faced with new and evolving pressures from climate change, human development and changes in land use, the USGS has updated its science priorities to help address these growing threats. Tourism, fishing, boating, agricultural production, shipping...
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

USGS Updates Chesapeake Science Strategy

Issue: For decades the USGS has provided critical science used to understand and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. As the ecosystem is faced with new and evolving pressures from climate change, human development and changes in land use, the USGS has updated its science priorities to help address these growing threats. Tourism, fishing, boating, agricultural production, shipping...
Learn More
link
​​​​​​​Adam Sperry sampling water at Pine Creek

USGS Contributes to Revised Plans for Chesapeake Water-Quality and Toxic Contaminant Goal

Issue: The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), through the Strategic Review System (SRS), reviews progress toward the 10 goals and associated outcomes of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Each outcome is managed by a specific CBP Goal Implementation Team and their associated workgroups. During review of each outcome every two years, a workgroup is responsible to prepare materials for (1) summarizing...
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

USGS Contributes to Revised Plans for Chesapeake Water-Quality and Toxic Contaminant Goal

Issue: The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), through the Strategic Review System (SRS), reviews progress toward the 10 goals and associated outcomes of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Each outcome is managed by a specific CBP Goal Implementation Team and their associated workgroups. During review of each outcome every two years, a workgroup is responsible to prepare materials for (1) summarizing...
Learn More
link
Conceptual diagram illustrating some of the complex factors affecting nutrient trends in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Fact Sheet Summarizes Nutrient Trends and Drivers in the Chesapeake Watershed

Issue: Trends in nitrogen and phosphorus, and the complex factors affecting their change, provide important insights into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce nutrients from reaching the tidal waters of the Bay. The nutrient reductions are needed to improve water-quality conditions in the tidal waters for fisheries and submerged aquatic vegetation.
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Fact Sheet Summarizes Nutrient Trends and Drivers in the Chesapeake Watershed

Issue: Trends in nitrogen and phosphorus, and the complex factors affecting their change, provide important insights into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce nutrients from reaching the tidal waters of the Bay. The nutrient reductions are needed to improve water-quality conditions in the tidal waters for fisheries and submerged aquatic vegetation.
Learn More
link
Two scientists viewing data on a computer screen

USGS provides plenary and other talks at the Chesapeake Research Symposium

The Chesapeake Community Research Symposium is held every two years with a goal to “By bringing together managers, scientists, and stakeholders for a series of plenary talks, panel discussions, and special sessions, the 2020 Chesapeake Community Research Symposium will highlight recent progress, challenges and prospects for research, monitoring and modeling efforts that are used to guide...
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

USGS provides plenary and other talks at the Chesapeake Research Symposium

The Chesapeake Community Research Symposium is held every two years with a goal to “By bringing together managers, scientists, and stakeholders for a series of plenary talks, panel discussions, and special sessions, the 2020 Chesapeake Community Research Symposium will highlight recent progress, challenges and prospects for research, monitoring and modeling efforts that are used to guide...
Learn More
link
Sediment transport, storage, and lag times in Chesapeake Bay watersheds

New Findings on Toxic Contaminants in the Chesapeake Watershed

Issue:The Chesapeake Bay Program has a goal to reduce the impacts of toxic contaminants on living resources in the Bay and its watershed. USGS leads the toxic contaminant outcome on research to increase our understanding of the impacts and mitigation options for toxic contaminants.
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

New Findings on Toxic Contaminants in the Chesapeake Watershed

Issue:The Chesapeake Bay Program has a goal to reduce the impacts of toxic contaminants on living resources in the Bay and its watershed. USGS leads the toxic contaminant outcome on research to increase our understanding of the impacts and mitigation options for toxic contaminants.
Learn More
link
Sediment transport, storage, and lag times in Chesapeake Bay watersheds

Employing an Ecosystem Services Framework to Deliver Decision Ready Science

By Vivian Nolan
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Employing an Ecosystem Services Framework to Deliver Decision Ready Science

By Vivian Nolan
Learn More
link
Brook trout

USGS science informs revised water-quality restoration plans for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed

Science Summary
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

USGS science informs revised water-quality restoration plans for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed

Science Summary
Learn More
link
View of York River and Bridge, York County Virginia, July, 2017.

Freshwater Flow into Chesapeake Bay

Explore resources here describing estimates of freshwater flow entering Chesapeake Bay. The health of the Chesapeake Bay is greatly affected by freshwater flow from rivers draining its watershed. The amount of freshwater flow (also called streamflow) will: • Change salinity levels in the Bay, which affect oysters, crabs, and finfish. • Influence the amounts of nutrients, sediment, and contaminants...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Freshwater Flow into Chesapeake Bay

Explore resources here describing estimates of freshwater flow entering Chesapeake Bay. The health of the Chesapeake Bay is greatly affected by freshwater flow from rivers draining its watershed. The amount of freshwater flow (also called streamflow) will: • Change salinity levels in the Bay, which affect oysters, crabs, and finfish. • Influence the amounts of nutrients, sediment, and contaminants...
Learn More
link
A small graphic outlining the entire Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: METHODS

Methods for Estimating Streamflow to Chesapeake BayThe following is a description of how data presented on the website "Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow" are computed.Essentially, the methodology was published more than 51 years ago, and has been adapted for use in modern automated computing systems. Approaches for summarizing data and describing it using statistics follow standard practices...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: METHODS

Methods for Estimating Streamflow to Chesapeake BayThe following is a description of how data presented on the website "Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow" are computed.Essentially, the methodology was published more than 51 years ago, and has been adapted for use in modern automated computing systems. Approaches for summarizing data and describing it using statistics follow standard practices...
Learn More
link
A small graphic outlining the entire Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: WEBSITE HISTORY

by Brad Garner, Hydrologist USGSThis website originated as a dynamic web application (hereafter, simply webapp). That is, content such as data and graphs, were generated "on-the-fly" as requests were made by web-browser clients. This was made possible by automating the methods of Bue (1968), and by using dynamic web-content software technology.Beginning in 2019 the original dynamic web application...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: WEBSITE HISTORY

by Brad Garner, Hydrologist USGSThis website originated as a dynamic web application (hereafter, simply webapp). That is, content such as data and graphs, were generated "on-the-fly" as requests were made by web-browser clients. This was made possible by automating the methods of Bue (1968), and by using dynamic web-content software technology.Beginning in 2019 the original dynamic web application...
Learn More
link
Circular 1316 Figure 12.2

1940-1999 USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Bibliography

The USGS has published reports and journal articles on a large number of topics related to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. This information is used to make science-based decisions on the Bay's ecosystem conservation and restoration. Below is a list of publications from 1940 through 1999. (Note: Use your browser's Find feature to search this page.)
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

1940-1999 USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Bibliography

The USGS has published reports and journal articles on a large number of topics related to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. This information is used to make science-based decisions on the Bay's ecosystem conservation and restoration. Below is a list of publications from 1940 through 1999. (Note: Use your browser's Find feature to search this page.)
Learn More
link
Map of stream sites and temperature trends (1960-2010) in the Chesapeake Bay region

USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Highlighted in the News

USGS and various partner's findings are highlighted in articles and video reports.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Highlighted in the News

USGS and various partner's findings are highlighted in articles and video reports.
Learn More

USGS Chesapeake Science Strategy 2021-2025

The Chesapeake Bay ecosystem is a national treasure that provides almost $100 billion annually of goods and services. The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), is one of the largest federal-state restoration partnerships in the United States and is underpinned by rigorous science. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a pivotal role as a science provider for assessing ecosystem condition and response in t
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities

Nutrient trends and drivers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The Chesapeake Bay Program maintains an extensive nontidal monitoring network, measuring nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients) at more than 100 locations on rivers and streams in the watershed. Data from these locations are used by United States Geological Survey to assess the ecosystem’s response to nutrient-reduction efforts. This fact sheet summarizes recent trends in nitrogen and phosphorus in n
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey Science—Improving the value of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

IntroductionCongress directed the Federal Government to work with States to restore the Nation’s largest estuary.Chesapeake Bay restoration provides important economic and ecological benefits:18 million people live and work in the Bay watershed and enjoy its benefits.3,600 types of fish, wildlife, and plants underpin the economic value of the Bay ecosystem.Poor water quality and habitat loss threa
By
Water Resources, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Increasing precision of turbidity-based suspended sediment concentration and load estimates

Turbidity is an effective tool for estimating and monitoring suspended sediments in aquatic systems. Turbidity can be measured in situ remotely and at fine temporal scales as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration (SSC), providing opportunity for a more complete record of SSC than is possible with physical sampling approaches. However, there is variability in turbidity-based SSC estimate
By
Water Resources, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Enhancing fecal coliform total maximum daily load models through bacterial source tracking

Surface water impairment by fecal coliform bacteria is a water quality issue of national scope and importance. In Virginia, more than 400 stream and river segments are on the Commonwealth's 2002 303(d) list because of fecal coliform impairment. Total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) will be developed for most of these listed streams and rivers. Information regarding the major fecal coliform sources tha
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Comparison of seven protocols to identify fecal contamination sources using Escherichia coli

Microbial source tracking (MST) uses various approaches to classify fecal-indicator microorganisms to source hosts. Reproducibility, accuracy, and robustness of seven phenotypic and genotypic MST protocols were evaluated by use of Escherichia coli from an eight-host library of known-source isolates and a separate, blinded challenge library. In reproducibility tests, measuring each protocol's abili
By
Water Resources

Pre-USGS Publications

Phillips, S.W., Hyer, Kenneth, and Goldbaum, Elizabeth, 2017, U.S. Geological Survey Science—Improving the value of the Chesapeake Bay watershed: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2017–3031, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20173031.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)
U.S. Geological Survey, 2016, Contaminants in urban waters—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016–3024, 2 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20163024.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Contaminants in urban waters—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016-3024
Hyer, K.E., Denver, J.M., Langland, M.J., Webber, J.S., Böhlke, J.K., Hively, W.D., and Clune, J.W., 2016, Spatial
and temporal variation of stream chemistry associated with contrasting geology and land-use patterns in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed—Summary of results from Smith Creek, Virginia; Upper Chester River, Maryland;
Conewago Creek, Pennsylvania; and Difficult Run, Virginia, 2010–2013: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations
Report 2016–5093, 211 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20165093.
ISSN 2328-031X (print)
ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
ISBN 978-1-4113-4085-5
Chanat, J.G., Moyer, D.L., Blomquist, J.D., Hyer, K.E., and Langland, M.J., 2016, Application of a weighted
regression model for reporting nutrient and sediment concentrations, fluxes, and trends in concentration
and flux for the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Water-Quality Monitoring Network, results through water year 2012:
U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5133, 76 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155133.

ISSN 2328-031X (print)
ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
ISBN 978-1-4113-4005-3
Jastram, J.D., Krstolic, J.L., Moyer, D.L., and Hyer, K.E., 2015, Fluvial geomorphology and suspended-sediment transport
during construction of the Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project in Roanoke, Virginia, 2005–2012:
U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5111, 53 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155111.
ISSN 2328-031X (print)
ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
ISBN 978-1-4113-3967-5
Langland, M.J., Blomquist, J.D., Moyer, D.L., Hyer, K.E., and Chanat, J.G., 2013, Total nutrient and sediment loads, trends, yields, and nontidal water-quality indicators for selected nontidal stations, Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 1985–2011: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1052, 51 p., available only at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1052/.
Moyer, D.L., Hirsch, R.M., and Hyer, K.E., 2012, Comparison of two regression-based approaches for determining nutrient and sediment fluxes and trends in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5244, 118 p. (Available online at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5244/.)

Langland, Michael, Blomquist, Joel, Moyer, Douglas, and Hyer, Kenneth, 2012, Nutrient and suspended-sediment trends, loads, and yields and development of an indicator of streamwater quality at nontidal sites in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 1985–2010: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5093, 26 p.
Filter Total Items: 14
link

Chesapeake Bay dead zone smaller than in recent years

Chesapeake Bay Program — Press Release — October 28, 2020

Read Article
link

Groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Quarterly — Volume 19, Number 1 — June 2020

Read Article
link

Slightly smaller-than-average dead zone predicted for Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay Program — Press Release — June 16, 2020

Read Article
link

Report finds poultry farming sends more pollution to Chesapeake Bay than previously thought

StateImpact Pennsylvania — by Rachel McDevitt — May 1, 2020

Read Article
link

The Pocomoke: Exploring the Twisting Beauty of this Eastern Shore River

Chesapeake Bay Magazine — by John Page Williams — April 30, 2020

Read Article
link

Advocates press for more federal funding to help reach Bay goals

Bay Journal — by Karl Blankenship — April 13, 2020

Read Article
link

This year’s Bay Barometer sets a different type of foundation for Bay restoration

Chesapeake Bay Program — by Rachel Felver — March 25, 2020

Read Article
link

Freshwater flows to Bay highest in 82 years of monitoring

Bay Journal — by Karl Blankenship — December 02, 2019

Read Article
link

Bay health impacted by record flows

Chesapeake Bay Program — by Dylan Reynolds — November 26, 2019

Read Article
link

Executive Review: 2019 Mid-Atlantic Smallmouth Bass Health Assessment

Potomac Riverkeeper Network — October 14, 2019

Read Article
link

September Hypoxia Report

Maryland Department of Natural Resources — October 3, 2019

Read Article
link

High flows to Chesapeake Bay continued in July

Bay Journal — by Karl Blankenship — August 13, 2019

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    Filter Total Items: 13
    link
    Aerial view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand

    USGS Updates Chesapeake Science Strategy

    Issue: For decades the USGS has provided critical science used to understand and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. As the ecosystem is faced with new and evolving pressures from climate change, human development and changes in land use, the USGS has updated its science priorities to help address these growing threats. Tourism, fishing, boating, agricultural production, shipping...
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    USGS Updates Chesapeake Science Strategy

    Issue: For decades the USGS has provided critical science used to understand and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. As the ecosystem is faced with new and evolving pressures from climate change, human development and changes in land use, the USGS has updated its science priorities to help address these growing threats. Tourism, fishing, boating, agricultural production, shipping...
    Learn More
    link
    ​​​​​​​Adam Sperry sampling water at Pine Creek

    USGS Contributes to Revised Plans for Chesapeake Water-Quality and Toxic Contaminant Goal

    Issue: The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), through the Strategic Review System (SRS), reviews progress toward the 10 goals and associated outcomes of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Each outcome is managed by a specific CBP Goal Implementation Team and their associated workgroups. During review of each outcome every two years, a workgroup is responsible to prepare materials for (1) summarizing...
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    USGS Contributes to Revised Plans for Chesapeake Water-Quality and Toxic Contaminant Goal

    Issue: The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), through the Strategic Review System (SRS), reviews progress toward the 10 goals and associated outcomes of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. Each outcome is managed by a specific CBP Goal Implementation Team and their associated workgroups. During review of each outcome every two years, a workgroup is responsible to prepare materials for (1) summarizing...
    Learn More
    link
    Conceptual diagram illustrating some of the complex factors affecting nutrient trends in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

    Fact Sheet Summarizes Nutrient Trends and Drivers in the Chesapeake Watershed

    Issue: Trends in nitrogen and phosphorus, and the complex factors affecting their change, provide important insights into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce nutrients from reaching the tidal waters of the Bay. The nutrient reductions are needed to improve water-quality conditions in the tidal waters for fisheries and submerged aquatic vegetation.
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Fact Sheet Summarizes Nutrient Trends and Drivers in the Chesapeake Watershed

    Issue: Trends in nitrogen and phosphorus, and the complex factors affecting their change, provide important insights into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce nutrients from reaching the tidal waters of the Bay. The nutrient reductions are needed to improve water-quality conditions in the tidal waters for fisheries and submerged aquatic vegetation.
    Learn More
    link
    Two scientists viewing data on a computer screen

    USGS provides plenary and other talks at the Chesapeake Research Symposium

    The Chesapeake Community Research Symposium is held every two years with a goal to “By bringing together managers, scientists, and stakeholders for a series of plenary talks, panel discussions, and special sessions, the 2020 Chesapeake Community Research Symposium will highlight recent progress, challenges and prospects for research, monitoring and modeling efforts that are used to guide...
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    USGS provides plenary and other talks at the Chesapeake Research Symposium

    The Chesapeake Community Research Symposium is held every two years with a goal to “By bringing together managers, scientists, and stakeholders for a series of plenary talks, panel discussions, and special sessions, the 2020 Chesapeake Community Research Symposium will highlight recent progress, challenges and prospects for research, monitoring and modeling efforts that are used to guide...
    Learn More
    link
    Sediment transport, storage, and lag times in Chesapeake Bay watersheds

    New Findings on Toxic Contaminants in the Chesapeake Watershed

    Issue:The Chesapeake Bay Program has a goal to reduce the impacts of toxic contaminants on living resources in the Bay and its watershed. USGS leads the toxic contaminant outcome on research to increase our understanding of the impacts and mitigation options for toxic contaminants.
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    New Findings on Toxic Contaminants in the Chesapeake Watershed

    Issue:The Chesapeake Bay Program has a goal to reduce the impacts of toxic contaminants on living resources in the Bay and its watershed. USGS leads the toxic contaminant outcome on research to increase our understanding of the impacts and mitigation options for toxic contaminants.
    Learn More
    link
    Sediment transport, storage, and lag times in Chesapeake Bay watersheds

    Employing an Ecosystem Services Framework to Deliver Decision Ready Science

    By Vivian Nolan
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Employing an Ecosystem Services Framework to Deliver Decision Ready Science

    By Vivian Nolan
    Learn More
    link
    Brook trout

    USGS science informs revised water-quality restoration plans for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed

    Science Summary
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    USGS science informs revised water-quality restoration plans for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed

    Science Summary
    Learn More
    link
    View of York River and Bridge, York County Virginia, July, 2017.

    Freshwater Flow into Chesapeake Bay

    Explore resources here describing estimates of freshwater flow entering Chesapeake Bay. The health of the Chesapeake Bay is greatly affected by freshwater flow from rivers draining its watershed. The amount of freshwater flow (also called streamflow) will: • Change salinity levels in the Bay, which affect oysters, crabs, and finfish. • Influence the amounts of nutrients, sediment, and contaminants...
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Freshwater Flow into Chesapeake Bay

    Explore resources here describing estimates of freshwater flow entering Chesapeake Bay. The health of the Chesapeake Bay is greatly affected by freshwater flow from rivers draining its watershed. The amount of freshwater flow (also called streamflow) will: • Change salinity levels in the Bay, which affect oysters, crabs, and finfish. • Influence the amounts of nutrients, sediment, and contaminants...
    Learn More
    link
    A small graphic outlining the entire Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

    Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: METHODS

    Methods for Estimating Streamflow to Chesapeake BayThe following is a description of how data presented on the website "Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow" are computed.Essentially, the methodology was published more than 51 years ago, and has been adapted for use in modern automated computing systems. Approaches for summarizing data and describing it using statistics follow standard practices...
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: METHODS

    Methods for Estimating Streamflow to Chesapeake BayThe following is a description of how data presented on the website "Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow" are computed.Essentially, the methodology was published more than 51 years ago, and has been adapted for use in modern automated computing systems. Approaches for summarizing data and describing it using statistics follow standard practices...
    Learn More
    link
    A small graphic outlining the entire Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

    Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: WEBSITE HISTORY

    by Brad Garner, Hydrologist USGSThis website originated as a dynamic web application (hereafter, simply webapp). That is, content such as data and graphs, were generated "on-the-fly" as requests were made by web-browser clients. This was made possible by automating the methods of Bue (1968), and by using dynamic web-content software technology.Beginning in 2019 the original dynamic web application...
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Chesapeake Bay Estimated Streamflow: WEBSITE HISTORY

    by Brad Garner, Hydrologist USGSThis website originated as a dynamic web application (hereafter, simply webapp). That is, content such as data and graphs, were generated "on-the-fly" as requests were made by web-browser clients. This was made possible by automating the methods of Bue (1968), and by using dynamic web-content software technology.Beginning in 2019 the original dynamic web application...
    Learn More
    link
    Circular 1316 Figure 12.2

    1940-1999 USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Bibliography

    The USGS has published reports and journal articles on a large number of topics related to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. This information is used to make science-based decisions on the Bay's ecosystem conservation and restoration. Below is a list of publications from 1940 through 1999. (Note: Use your browser's Find feature to search this page.)
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    1940-1999 USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Bibliography

    The USGS has published reports and journal articles on a large number of topics related to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. This information is used to make science-based decisions on the Bay's ecosystem conservation and restoration. Below is a list of publications from 1940 through 1999. (Note: Use your browser's Find feature to search this page.)
    Learn More
    link
    Map of stream sites and temperature trends (1960-2010) in the Chesapeake Bay region

    USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Highlighted in the News

    USGS and various partner's findings are highlighted in articles and video reports.
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities Highlighted in the News

    USGS and various partner's findings are highlighted in articles and video reports.
    Learn More
  • Publications

    USGS Chesapeake Science Strategy 2021-2025

    The Chesapeake Bay ecosystem is a national treasure that provides almost $100 billion annually of goods and services. The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), is one of the largest federal-state restoration partnerships in the United States and is underpinned by rigorous science. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a pivotal role as a science provider for assessing ecosystem condition and response in t
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Nutrient trends and drivers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

    The Chesapeake Bay Program maintains an extensive nontidal monitoring network, measuring nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients) at more than 100 locations on rivers and streams in the watershed. Data from these locations are used by United States Geological Survey to assess the ecosystem’s response to nutrient-reduction efforts. This fact sheet summarizes recent trends in nitrogen and phosphorus in n
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

    U.S. Geological Survey Science—Improving the value of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

    IntroductionCongress directed the Federal Government to work with States to restore the Nation’s largest estuary.Chesapeake Bay restoration provides important economic and ecological benefits:18 million people live and work in the Bay watershed and enjoy its benefits.3,600 types of fish, wildlife, and plants underpin the economic value of the Bay ecosystem.Poor water quality and habitat loss threa
    By
    Water Resources, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

    Increasing precision of turbidity-based suspended sediment concentration and load estimates

    Turbidity is an effective tool for estimating and monitoring suspended sediments in aquatic systems. Turbidity can be measured in situ remotely and at fine temporal scales as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration (SSC), providing opportunity for a more complete record of SSC than is possible with physical sampling approaches. However, there is variability in turbidity-based SSC estimate
    By
    Water Resources, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

    Enhancing fecal coliform total maximum daily load models through bacterial source tracking

    Surface water impairment by fecal coliform bacteria is a water quality issue of national scope and importance. In Virginia, more than 400 stream and river segments are on the Commonwealth's 2002 303(d) list because of fecal coliform impairment. Total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) will be developed for most of these listed streams and rivers. Information regarding the major fecal coliform sources tha
    By
    Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

    Comparison of seven protocols to identify fecal contamination sources using Escherichia coli

    Microbial source tracking (MST) uses various approaches to classify fecal-indicator microorganisms to source hosts. Reproducibility, accuracy, and robustness of seven phenotypic and genotypic MST protocols were evaluated by use of Escherichia coli from an eight-host library of known-source isolates and a separate, blinded challenge library. In reproducibility tests, measuring each protocol's abili
    By
    Water Resources

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Phillips, S.W., Hyer, Kenneth, and Goldbaum, Elizabeth, 2017, U.S. Geological Survey Science—Improving the value of the Chesapeake Bay watershed: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2017–3031, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20173031.

    ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
    ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2016, Contaminants in urban waters—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016–3024, 2 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20163024.

    ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
    Contaminants in urban waters—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016-3024
    Hyer, K.E., Denver, J.M., Langland, M.J., Webber, J.S., Böhlke, J.K., Hively, W.D., and Clune, J.W., 2016, Spatial
    and temporal variation of stream chemistry associated with contrasting geology and land-use patterns in the
    Chesapeake Bay watershed—Summary of results from Smith Creek, Virginia; Upper Chester River, Maryland;
    Conewago Creek, Pennsylvania; and Difficult Run, Virginia, 2010–2013: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations
    Report 2016–5093, 211 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20165093.
    ISSN 2328-031X (print)
    ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
    ISBN 978-1-4113-4085-5
    Chanat, J.G., Moyer, D.L., Blomquist, J.D., Hyer, K.E., and Langland, M.J., 2016, Application of a weighted
    regression model for reporting nutrient and sediment concentrations, fluxes, and trends in concentration
    and flux for the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Water-Quality Monitoring Network, results through water year 2012:
    U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5133, 76 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155133.

    ISSN 2328-031X (print)
    ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
    ISBN 978-1-4113-4005-3
    Jastram, J.D., Krstolic, J.L., Moyer, D.L., and Hyer, K.E., 2015, Fluvial geomorphology and suspended-sediment transport
    during construction of the Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project in Roanoke, Virginia, 2005–2012:
    U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5111, 53 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155111.
    ISSN 2328-031X (print)
    ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
    ISBN 978-1-4113-3967-5
    Langland, M.J., Blomquist, J.D., Moyer, D.L., Hyer, K.E., and Chanat, J.G., 2013, Total nutrient and sediment loads, trends, yields, and nontidal water-quality indicators for selected nontidal stations, Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 1985–2011: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1052, 51 p., available only at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1052/.
    Moyer, D.L., Hirsch, R.M., and Hyer, K.E., 2012, Comparison of two regression-based approaches for determining nutrient and sediment fluxes and trends in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5244, 118 p. (Available online at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5244/.)

    Langland, Michael, Blomquist, Joel, Moyer, Douglas, and Hyer, Kenneth, 2012, Nutrient and suspended-sediment trends, loads, and yields and development of an indicator of streamwater quality at nontidal sites in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 1985–2010: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5093, 26 p.
  • News
    Filter Total Items: 14
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    Chesapeake Bay dead zone smaller than in recent years

    Chesapeake Bay Program — Press Release — October 28, 2020

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    Groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay

    Chesapeake Quarterly — Volume 19, Number 1 — June 2020

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    Slightly smaller-than-average dead zone predicted for Chesapeake Bay

    Chesapeake Bay Program — Press Release — June 16, 2020

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    Report finds poultry farming sends more pollution to Chesapeake Bay than previously thought

    StateImpact Pennsylvania — by Rachel McDevitt — May 1, 2020

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    The Pocomoke: Exploring the Twisting Beauty of this Eastern Shore River

    Chesapeake Bay Magazine — by John Page Williams — April 30, 2020

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    Advocates press for more federal funding to help reach Bay goals

    Bay Journal — by Karl Blankenship — April 13, 2020

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    This year’s Bay Barometer sets a different type of foundation for Bay restoration

    Chesapeake Bay Program — by Rachel Felver — March 25, 2020

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    Freshwater flows to Bay highest in 82 years of monitoring

    Bay Journal — by Karl Blankenship — December 02, 2019

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    Bay health impacted by record flows

    Chesapeake Bay Program — by Dylan Reynolds — November 26, 2019

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    Executive Review: 2019 Mid-Atlantic Smallmouth Bass Health Assessment

    Potomac Riverkeeper Network — October 14, 2019

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    September Hypoxia Report

    Maryland Department of Natural Resources — October 3, 2019

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    High flows to Chesapeake Bay continued in July

    Bay Journal — by Karl Blankenship — August 13, 2019

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