About CSN
We are a network of over 11,000 stormwater professionals from within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and around the world! Through this expansive network of individuals, we work to align and integrate the efforts of thousands of individuals working on stormwater management across the region.
What We Do
Advance the Science of Watershed Restoration
CSN serves as the Stormwater Technical Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP). As the urban stormwater technical coordinator, CSN is responsible for facilitating urban BMP review panels, or “expert panels”, which establish pollutant removal rates for urban BMPs for use in meeting the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. The panels use data from existing scientific research, lifecycle concerns (i.e., maintenance etc.) and other real world implementation issues that would have an impact on the amount of pollutant removal a BMP can realistically achieve.
Build Capacity Through Training and Events
CSN coordinates a free annual webcast series to bring speakers from across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and beyond to share innovations, lessons learned, and new research with our network. The 12-15 annual webcasts are recorded and posted for viewing at your convenience. We have over 100 already in our archives!
Looking for something more personalized? CSN also offers free training events, virtual or in-person, for local governments. Just reach out to us to learn more!
Foster the Next Generation of Stormwater Professionals
CSN recently launched the Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professionals (CUSP) training program to provide college students and early career professionals with the practical knowledge to excel. This free and flexible training program develops skills over 11 courses that cover the essentials of watershed science, municipal stormwater permit management, and Chesapeake bay Restoration.
Make Your Job Easier
Looking for the quick and dirty details, or maybe a deep dive on a new topic? Either way, CSN has you covered, with dozens of Fact Sheets to pair with longer technical reports and literature reviews on topics from toxic contaminants, to pet waste, to inspection and maintenance.
Share Successes and Innovations
Since 2014, CSN has hosted the Best Urban BMP in the Bay Awards, or BUBBAs. This first-of-its-kind contest gives stormwater practitioners across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed the opportunity to share and celebrate the work they are most proud of. This fun and exciting contest also helps us share innovations that can lead to better projects from New York to Virginia and everywhere in between.
Connecting Stormwater Professionals
Sign up for the Stormwater Scoop Newsletter to be the first to receive notification of newly developed technical resources, free training opportunities, and updates from the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Stormwater Workgroup. You can also help share your experiences with effective practices and programs, provide peer review on innovative practices, weigh in on critical stormwater legislation and regulations, participate in state and regional stormwater surveys, and help spread the sustainable stormwater message in your community. Joining is free and easy!