The Friends of Pleasant Bay was organized in 1985 with the mission to "preserve and enhance the natural visual and historic resources of Pleasant Bay." The organization focuses not only on the Bay itself, but on the entire watershed of the esturary. Since its founding, the group has been successful in achieving Massachusetts' designation of the Bay as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Funding by the Friends encouraged preparation of the first "Resource Management Plan" for the Bay; a regional resource which requires coordinated management by the surrounding towns. The Friends provide ongoing support for implementation of the Plan including funds for bay-wide water quality monitoring and sediment assessment. Annual School grants to teachers in Chatham, Harwich and Orleans; scientific studies; recreation and environmental activities and land preservation acquisition on the Bay have been supported by the Friends since 1985. Volunteers are needed to protect the assets of Pleasant Bay. More information about the FOPB can be found at www.fopb.org.