Indicator: Wetland Habitat Suitable for Black Ducks (2017-2024)

<p><strong>Access the Indicator Materials:</strong><br />- <a target="_blank" href="https://d18lev1ok5leia.cloudfront.net/chesapeakeprogress/chart-assets/gains-and-enhancements-in-black-duck-suitable-wetland-habitat/Analysis-and-Methods-2024-Black-Duck-2025-07-01.pdf">Analysis &amp; Methods</a><br />- <a target="_blank" href="https://d18lev1ok5leia.cloudfront.net/chesapeakeprogress/chart-assets/gains-and-enhancements-in-black-duck-suitable-wetland-habitat/Data-2024-Black-Duck.xlsx">Data File</a></p><p>The Chesapeake Bay Program adopted a habitat-based indicator, in addition to tracking black duck population numbers where individual states provided data. While state organizations continue to conduct the black duck mid-winter survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discontinued collecting mid-winter survey data in 2016. A baseline amount of existing black duck habitat was established using the Black Duck Decision Support Tool, and additional acreage was tracked through the Chesapeake Bay Habitat Tracker. Acres of restored, enhanced, and protected black duck habitat were counted toward Outcome progress.</p><p><strong>Note: This Indicator supported progress tracking toward the Black Duck Outcome in the original Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, adopted in 2014.</strong></p>