COE Mission Statement & Major Goals

The St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment’s mission is to: promote environmental awareness by research, by information gathering, and by public meetings; involve citizens through a variety of means to effect improved community understanding; serve as county government's official representation in matters related to the environment; maintain liaison with federal, state, and other local governments and with civic organizations and the general public; and, to investigate, to analyze, and to make recommendations on environmental matters as required by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Commission interprets the word “environment” in its broadest terms, encompassing our lifestyle, quality of life and how our actions influence, for good or for bad, the habitat in which we live. The major goals of the Commission are shown below. Subordinate objectives and priorities for accomplishment will vary over time.

1. Become the County’s focal point for environmental matters.
2. Inform County citizens on the environment and enhance their environmental awareness and concern.
3. Publicize and advertise environmental issues throughout the county.
4. Establish an active, effective network of environmental, economic, land use, enforcement and social organizations & groups.
5. Undertake environmental studies of important issues and make recommendations to the County Commissioners.
6. Study & take positions on the County’s potable water quality & quantity.
7. Study and take positions on the health and cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and the people & wildlife these bodies of water support.
8. Study and recommend actions the County and its citizens can take to be better stewards of the environment.