Environmental Impact

The Chesapeake Yacht Club (CYC) is concerned about the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and supports measures to protect and improve this unique resource that brings us together as boaters. Actions we have taken that reflect our commitment to protecting and improving the environment include:

Certified Maryland Clean Marina

The Club’s marina facilities and operations have met the requirements of the Maryland DNR’s Clean Marina program. Click here to learn more.

The Oyster Gardening and Reef Restoration

Oysters and their reefs are important natural resources whose restoration can improve the quality of the Bay’s water. Club members are growing oysters from spat in oyster garden cages that hang from the Club’s docks. These oysters are used to rebuild oyster reefs on the West River and in the Bay.

Water Quality Monitoring

The Club hosts an advance water quality monitoring station that is maintained by the West/Rhode Riverkeeper and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This station continuously monitors water quality with real-time data feeds to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the public. See:
Eyes on the Bay
CYC Water Monitoring Station Data

Marine Research

The Club has made provisions for researchers from George Mason University to hang cages containing oysters, clams, and other bi-valves from our docks. These researchers are investigating how other species of filter-feeders survive in the Bay. The advance water quality monitoring station on the Club’s West Dock enables this type of research.

Osprey Nesting Platforms

A nesting platform for Osprey have been installed by the Club

Honeydipper – West/Rhode River Pump Out Boat

The Club helps supports the West/Rhode Riverkeeper’s Honeydipper program by pumping out the pump-out boat. The Honeydipper is a unique program that disposes of waste from boats, keeping it out of the river by providing on the water pump-out service for local and visiting boats. Contact the Honeydipper at (410)-940-3754 or VHF Channel 71.

West/Rhode Riverkeeper

The Club has provided both financial and in-kind support to the West/Rhode Riverkeeper, a non-profit organization focused on improving and protecting the water quality of the West and Rhode Rivers.

The Club periodically hosts community meetings for the West/Rhode Riverkeeper in our club house.