Maryland-Virginia: Chesapeake Bay
Score: 42

Local historic sites are well preserved, but shopping centers and subdivisions obliterate local character. "The bay is dying as a natural ecosystem," and "large-scale factory farming is creating a huge stress." However, one panelist notes "Maryland's excellent agricultural protection program."

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"Truly a treasured landscape with a strong cultural and natural connection, but the development pushing out from the urban areas and the collapse of traditional fishing, oystering, and crabbing have made for huge challenges. It will indeed require all hands on deck."

"The bay is in serious trouble. Population impact and large-scale factory farming, especially chicken farms, are creating huge stress on the water and environs. Additionally, the waterman way of life is fast disappearing, losing a distinct culture and society that shaped the Bay."

"One of America's iconic landscapes, but the bay is dying, both as a natural ecosystem and as a cultural landscape. Almost all indicators of the Bay's health are negative. Is it any wonder, given the rampant sprawl, agricultural runoff, and booming population growth in the watershed? Maryland has done a relatively better job than Virginia, due to its aggressive land-preservation program and smart growth policies, but both are lacking."

"The lower Chesapeake Bay (e.g., Smith Island, Crisfield) seems able to maintain its cultural integrity, with a wise balance between development of tourism and preservation of local character."