A bill making many of the parks, lands, and tidal waters along the Chesapeake Bay part of the National Park System has taken a huge step forward.
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously voted a bill out of committee that would create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The CNRA would designate a collection of new and existing parks and protected lands along the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal waters in Maryland and Virginia as part of the National Park System. The bill, the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act (S.2620), was introduced in July 2023 by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD.)
The effort to recognize the Chesapeake Bay with a national designation has been going on for decades. The creation of the CNRA would constitute a historic step to protect the nation’s largest estuary. It would also increase public access to the Chesapeake Bay and strengthen the protections required to ensure responsible stewardship of the bay and its wildlife.
Leaders from Chesapeake Conservancy, Choose Clean Water Coalition, National Parks Conservation Association, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation issued statements expressing gratitude to Van Hollen for his leadership and optimism about the future of the Chesapeake Bay’s beauty and health.
“Our National Park System plays an invaluable role in helping the public access and enjoy our most precious natural resources. As the epicenter of so much history, culture, and economic growth, it’s high time for the Chesapeake Bay to receive a national designation,” said Kristen Reilly, director of Choose Clean Water Coalition. “This recognition will enhance and expand public access to the Bay, helping introduce this national treasure to future generations. We’re grateful for Senator Chris Van Hollen’s leadership on the creation of a Chesapeake National Recreation Area and look forward to working with all members of the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s congressional delegation to pass this legislation.”
“The natural beauty and significant history of the Chesapeake Bay should be protected for all to know, and for many more visitors to explore. The watershed has sustained Tribal nations for centuries, is home to thousands of plant and animal species, and is rooted in some of our most consequential American history,” noted Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. “The Chesapeake National Recreation Area will better connect green spaces and waterways, improve access and help build a more sustainable future for those that live, work and adventure in the Bay. We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen for his leadership in spearheading this legislation, which is now moving us one step closer to becoming our next national park site.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure worthy of national recognition. Its natural wonders, unique maritime culture and thousands of years of fascinating history deserve the additional resources, attention, and access a national recreation area designation would bring,” said Anabelle Harvey, Federal Policy Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to see the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee acknowledge that by approving Sen. Van Hollen’s Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act. We thank the committee for moving this important bill forward and urge congressional leaders to act quickly to complete work on it.”
